Do YOU want to help us care for the poor in Brazil? We have a great idea that will involve all of CrossWay in our short-term mission trip to Brazil, and more specifically in our ministries of mercy to the poor in Brazil. Jesus said to John the Baptist's disciples,
“Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” - Luke 7:20-22The Poor in Brazil
Ministries of mercy to the poor are one of the aspects of Brazil 09 that I am looking forward to the most. Much of our ministry will be in shanty towns, large blocks of poor people who live on top of one-another, some legitimately some illegitimately. Most people who live in shanty towns are unemployed, some are unemployable, and some are involved in illegal trades involving drugs, prostitution, and robbery.
The Poor in the Bible
The poor in the Bible include not only those who are materially poor, but those who are sick, demon-possessed, and spiritual poor. Jesus selflessly served the poor, but not as an end in itself, but with an eye on proclaiming the good news of the gospel. Ultimately, he performed miracles among the poor to testify to his divinity and to proclaim the good news of the kingdom. Serving the poor is never divorced from proclamation of the gospel.
Mercy Ministry in Brazil
While in Brazil we will most likely be serving the poor in all of those categories. I believe we will primarily serve those who are part of local churches, but we will also be preaching the gospel to those who are in Christ and outside of Christ. This will include going into their homes, helping do small repairs and cleaning, praying for them, telling them of how God has loved them through Christ, and simply show them the love of Jesus.
Providing for Physical Needs
One of the ways we want to serve poor families in Brazil is by providing for their physical needs. We will be visiting 12-15 families that have already been identified. Our partners in Brazil are forwarding names, photos, and a list of their needs. The Goncalves family is pictured above. They need clothes, shoes, plates, pans, other small kitchen items, and bedding.
How YOU can be Involved
We are going to be asking 12-15 Care Groups to provide the needs identified by these families. One of our team members, Amber Handler, will be contacting all CG Leaders to see if their Care Groups want to participate. We will provide you a description of the family, a list of items they need, and a box for shipping. We will collect all the boxes and ship them with FedEx.
Your PRAYERS
But more than your practical help, we ask that you pray for these families, that you pray for us, and that you pray for our effective ministry with them while in Brazil. Thank-you CrossWay for your Christ-like generosity and desire to make Christ known through your ministry.
