Dear Mission Supporter,
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
What a joy to celebrate again the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Just a few weeks ago, massive flooding occured in Santa Catarina, Brazil.
We know from the floods and hurricanes over the past few years in New Orleans, and Galveston, what devastation flooding of this magnitude can cause.
These people's lives will not be returning to "normal" for a very long time.
Please take a moment during this holiday season to pray for the people suffering from this disaster.
Please forward this newsletter to people in your life who may be interested in joining us in our efforts of the Brazil Mission Society. Together, we are making a big difference sharing the Gospel of Christ in word and deed!
Have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!
-Bill
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"Go to the people of all nations and make them My disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world."
Matthew 28:18-20
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Exciting News!
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Flood in Santa Catarina, Brazil |
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Itajai - 97% of the streets under water
Since November 21st heavy rainfall in the state of Santa Catarina in South Brazil caused flooding and affected close to 60 cities with more than 1.5 million people. "This is the worst climatic tragedy of Santa Catarina's history", Santa Catarina's governor said. The most severely affected region is the Itajai Valley, which suffered from constant rains for more than two months. Water levels have risen to nine meters above normal and the rain-soaked soil caused heavy landslides throughout the whole region. As a result, at least 118 people are reported dead and more than 78,700 people have evacuated their homes. Another 150,000 people have been left without electricity. Several towns in the region are cut off due to flood waters and landslide debris. Water rationing was introduced in some towns due to purification problems. On November 23rd, the mayor of Blumenau declared a state of emergency in the city.
According to the IELB's (Igreja Evangelica Luterana do Brasil) pastors living in the region, the homeless are being helped with food and shelter by the Civil Defense. All Lutheran Congregations in Santa Catarina are engaged and taking food and clothes for these people that live in that circuit. Pastor Martinho Sonntag, of Florianopolis reports: "When I arrived there, I was moved with the situation and the dedication of the local pastor, his family and congregational members in helping the victims of the flood. I also witnessed great joy and gratitude of those who were receiving aid." |
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Destruction in Blumenau |
Many have abandoned their houses because of the mud-slides. "One of the saddest things is to see pieces of furniture, sofas, mattresses and personal items on the streets and sidewalks." Pastor Everson Gass from the city of Blumenau reports: "This Christmas season will be very different. Families of our congregation had to abandon their houses indefinitely." According to Pastor Wanderley Lange, of Balnearia Cambouriu, 27 families of his congregation were affected by the flood, but some have returned home." Donations received by the congregations are being shared among the Lutherans of the city and of Itajai. | |
The story of the flood in Santa Catarina in this Noticia is only one of the many ways that the Brazil Mission Sociey is involved in sharing the love of Christ in Brazil. We invite you to partner with us! Your prayers, your contributions, and your spreading this story will help change lives forever! Visit the BMS website to learn more about this mission story and other exciting ways God is working in Brazil.
Bencaos de Deus, (Blessings of God)
Bill
Dr. Wm. G. Thompson
President/Executive Director
Brazil Mission Society |
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