We had our Annual Conference with Dr Ian Burness from Echoes giving a Report on the work in Brazil. In the evening he gave a short word of Ministry from I Thessalonians chapter 1. You can listen to the reports by clicking on the links or download them by right-clicking and selecting ‘Save Target As’.
The afternoon report is summarised in tweets below:
We’ll be live tweeting from this afternoon’s report from Ian about a recent visit to Brazil.
Ian mentioned various DVD’s and literature that he has available.
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. Main language is Portuguese but several other languages spoken too.
Population of 180 million people. Also fifth highest population behind China, India, Russia and USA.
Brazil is becoming a ‘missionary-sending’ country rather than just receiving them.
Government have a huge project to replace the shanty-towns and replace them with modern housing.
Coffee is very important in the rural economy. Sugar cane being grown for ethanol to use as a fuel in cars.
Visited Foz on border of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina where there is a large Muslim population.
Lots of Brazilian workers in Rio. Developed a campsite with conferencing facilities.
Also visited Conceciao where there is another campsite with dormitories and other facilities available.
Carangola has an Emmaus school as well as a school running evening classes and other training.
Vitoria – looking to develop a large facility for use of 300-500 people.
Lots of work involving reaching out with the local community showing practical concern for the poor and those in need.
Encouraging work in the mountains near Vitoria. Established a church nine years ago in area with high suicide rate. Now fewer suicides.
Uberlandia – Work running for 14 years on drug rehabilitation which has seen 3000 people pass through. Also educated during programme.
Also developed a radio station broadcasting to half a million in local neighbourhood.
Church-planters from Brazil are taking the work forward.
Afternoon conference ends with singing of ‘God is working His purpose out’ followed by prayer and refreshments.
You can see more details on our website here.