SARA: Retreat Ministry for Pastors in Brazil
"The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told Him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, 'Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' For so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat. So they went away by themselves in a boat
to a solitary place." Mark 6:30–32
The experience of Jesus and the apostles at this point in His ministry closely resembles the daily lives of many pastors today. They simply longed for time alone, a pause from ministry responsibilities, and an opportunity to rest.
With this in mind, the SARA (Serving as Support, Refreshment and Friendship) Institute has been fulfilling its mission of providing a place of care, encouragement, and spiritual formation for hundreds of pastors throughout Brazil. Over the years, countless pastors have found renewed strength, refreshment, and a healthier rhythm for ministry after participating in a retreat.
During the first half of 2026, six retreats were held across SARA’s Regional Centers. In a recent meeting with regional coordinators, there were reports of God's abundant blessings and outstanding participation from pastors.
The impact on the lives of those who attended is clearly visible, and the meeting concluded with a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment for what God has accomplished.
As a direct result of the retreats, there has been a significant increase in the number of pastors requesting mentoring. Many were connected with SARA Institute Mentoring Groups, where they receive ongoing encouragement and accountability.
Additionally, several pastors who completed the mentoring process have begun leading their own mentoring groups, multiplying the ministry's impact and extending support to pastors in distant regions of Brazil.
A special highlight has been the Women's Pastors Mentoring Group. Following the retreats, the demand became so great that the group had to be expanded into two groups to accommodate the growing number of women pastors from various denominations seeking support and mentoring.
Expansion of New Regional Centers
SARA leaders are currently organizing SARA Connection Retreats in different regions of Brazil. Through this startup initiative, SARA Connection, they anticipate launching four new Regional Centers over the next twelve months, expanding the ministry from the southern region of the country to the northeast.
Prayer Requests
Please join us in praying for:
Our Regional Coordinators;
Our mentors and their mentoring groups;
The SARA Institute Board of Directors;
The retreats scheduled for the second half of 2026.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support our partners at SARA and their work to support clergy in Brazil. If you would like to support this partner, you may make a gift by sending a check to the address below with the SARA Retreat Ministry in the memo or you can donate on our website: www.theoutreachfoundation.org.
