SERTÃO PROJECT
NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

In 1998, The Outreach Foundation and the Presbyterian Church (USA) joined with the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPIB) to launch an ambitious program of church planting in the semi-arid part of northeastern Brazil known as the Sertão. Phase I of the Sertão project focused on work in Patos, São Mamede, Malta, Caicó and Cruzeta. In six years, the IPIB has established six new congregations and begun social ministries in each community where a church has been planted.

The Presbytery of the Northeast has identified three other cities near Patos as they pursue this dream. Phase II of the Sertão Project will establish missionary fields in Sousa, Pombal and Cajazeiras. Patos will continue to serve as the headquarters for this innovative program of holistic evangelism.

There are still many locations in the Sertão where there is no Protestant witness. Life in the Sertão is hard, and this mission effort addresses both the spiritual and physical needs of people living in the region. Preschools, clean water projects and other development efforts are helping to transform and liberate men, women and children.