Your gifts to the COVID-19 Emergency Appeal are making a difference...in Brazil

Your gifts for Outreach’s COVID-19 Emergency Appeal have made it possible for us to send $4000 to the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPIB).

These weeks and months have affected churches around the world, but GOD’S MISSION IS GOING FORWARD. On March 20, Executive Commission of the General Assembly of the IPIB decided to suspend the face to face activities of all local churches. Under the guidance from the Ministry Health of Brazil and the World Health Organization, all people should stay at home, especially during the period of increased contamination. Following those directives, many of the almost 800 congregations provide spiritual support by way of the internet, which included guidance to celebrate communion at home.

The IPIB is making their facilities available for the care for the sick and the support of victims. Through their national Diaconal Ministries Department, they help the elderly and people with special needs, purchasing food and medicines to them and providing support to people victimized by the economic crisis in the country. Unfortunately, there are leaders in key positions that have tested positive with the Coronavirus and some of the members in the congregations have perished.

The Executive Committee of the General Assembly and the Board of Directors of the General Assembly created a special Task Force to respond to the Coronavirus crisis that launched a project called “All Together in Mission.” Some of the responsibilities of the Task Force is to “care and serve pastors, missionaries, and seminarians of IPIB churches who come to face financial crises and supporting the families of pastors. The $4000 that Outreach sent will be used to provide food baskets to 150 pastors and their families in the poorest regions of Brazil. Our Coordinator for Portuguese Language Ministries is serving as Liaison with the Task Force.

Rev. Joao Luiz Furtado, who serves as President of the General Assembly of the IPIB, instituted a National Prayer Movement for the entire denomination and called for a Week of Fasting from the 12 to April 18. He also sent us a video clip emphasizing the importance of praying for one another during these difficult times.

Click here to learn more about Outreach’s COVID-19 Emergency Appeal and click here to learn about the use of funds already sent to Kenya and Iraq because of your generosity.