Faith in Action: Nazarene Pastors respond to Brazil’s Worst Natural Disaster
Faith in Action: Nazarene Pastors respond to Brazil’s Worst Natural Disaster. The floods in south Brazil that made international news in early. May are already considered the largest natural disaster in Brazilian history. Over 500,000 people were forced to leave their homes as the waters rose above one-story homes from one day to the next. In the picture, you can see that the water level is almost covering the windows at the Church of the Nazarene in Canoas, where 180,000 people were affected by the flooding. That represents 60% of the total population of the city. On the night of May 3rd Pastor Felipe (young man on the left in this picture took his family to his brother’s home on the coast and began to receive messages on his phone from families requesting help because they were stranded in their homes or on the rooftops. Pr. Felipe then proceeded to attempt to secure a boat from a local fisherman so that he could go back and help rescue families that were stranded on the second floor or roof of homes. He couldn’t buy the boat, but he did convince the fisherman to drive back to the city with him and spend all day Saturday and Sunday rescuing people. Pr. Felipe, Pr. Fernando (far right in picture), the fisherman and his helper rescued more than 200 people during those two days. This picture to the right I took inside the Nazarene Church in Canoas on June 6th, a little over a month after the initial flooding. The same church that appears in the picture from May 4th at the top of this page. I was visiting the area with a group of 35 pastors from the city where I live that went to help clean homes, pray with pastors and church members and simply try to bring some hope to the hearts of a population devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Christians from many denominations have been sending teams of workers to the region to help clean-up and share the love of Christ in a region where historically the church has had a hard time growing. The gauchos, name of the local people in the region, seem more open to talking with Christians than ever before. The waters have lowered and what has been left behind is thousands of homes covered in mud and the loss of what for many families was their lifesavings. I took the picture below of a street that is representative of street after street in Mathias Velho (Old Matthew), a neighborhood that runs 7 miles long and about a mile wide. This neighborhood and two others that have Nazarene churches were affected by the flooding are now facing the challenge of providing food and shelter for their members and many others in the community. In the picture to the left we are standing in front of another Nazarene Church that was not flooded but has been serving as a distribution location for food and basic needs of members that had their homes flooded. On the far right is the District Superintendent, Pastor Romero, and next to him is the local pastor, Luiz. Pr. Felipe and Pr. Fernando foresee a long period of time before their members can go back to their homes and many may never return. The local government has informed them that the water from the city will not be drinkable until December because of the contamination that has affected all the reserves and pipelines. Many that were renting homes have chosen to give up on their deposit and simply start renting somewhere else. So, how do these pastors dream about the future of the church in their city? Their dream now is to plant a new congregation on the other side of town where flooding is less likely and maintain the current location of the church as a mission outreach. They believe that there will always be a need for the presence of the Church of the Nazarene where it is currently located but that a strong church in a new neighborhood may help grow their presence in both locations. Has this story challenged you to think about how to help? You can certainly pray for the pastors and their families in the region. A total of 31 Nazarene pastoral families serve on the Gaucho District. You can also contribute financially through H.E.AP. Ministry. We have identified three basic financial needs currently: a. Funds to help the pastors that will see significant reductions in tithes and offerings as their church members become unemployed and need to rebuild their own homes. It cost about U$1,000 per month for a pastoral family to live in this region of Brazil and probably will need some supplemental income for the next 12 months. b. Purchase of a vehicle that the district can use to transport food and other critical items that are being donated to the homes of those that have no access to a vehicle. An appropriate vehicle will cost approximately U$6,000. c. Rental of a new location for the Church of the Nazarene during a period of approximately one year while they can build a membership that can sustain the ongoing rent. The estimated cost per month is about U$4,000 so the total would be almost U$50,000. H.E.A.P. Ministry is a 501c3 organization so you can receive tax deductions for any donations. We are also a Nazarene Approved Mission Project (#136839). Here you can donate and help Rio Grande do Sul’s people. Greetings from Steve and Brenda Heap, retired missionaries serving in Brazil, South America!!!
Bringing Hope in the State of Amazon
HOPE. In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where vast stretches of waterways connect remote villages, lies a beacon of hope: the Church of the Nazarene’s boat. This vessel serves as a lifeline, reaching out to communities nestled along the Amazon River that are otherwise isolated from essential resources and support. A recent snapshot from aboard the boat captures the spirit of this mission. In the picture you will see the district superintendent, his wife, a local pastor with his family, and members of the local church. In a region that can only be reached by plane or by boat, access to education is limited. Yet the Church of the Nazarene is making a profound impact in the bustling city of Manaus, where they’ve established the a christian school. The school has been named after Brenda Heap as a tribute to the many years she dedicated teaching during her missionary career. Brenda’s legacy will live on through this school, where children are not only encouraged to learn but also to find happiness in their journey of knowledge and growth. The school’s motto, “A Place to be Happy and Then to Learn,” reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in the belief that fostering joy is fundamental to effective education. The Church of the Nazarene’s commitment to serving marginalized communities extends far beyond the walls of a classroom or the deck of a boat. It’s a testament to the transformative power of faith and compassion. Through initiatives like the christian school and the outreach efforts aboard their boat, they’re not only providing practical assistance but also nurturing a sense of belonging and hope. As we reflect on the remarkable work being done by the pastoral families along the Amazon River, let us be inspired to support efforts that bring hope and opportunity to those in need. Whether it’s through lending a helping hand, spreading awareness, or contributing resources, each of us has a role to play. Thank you for all you do to support H.E.A.P. Ministries mission of carrying for pastoral families.
Supporting Brazilian Nazarene Pastoral Families
Supporting Brazilian Nazarene Pastoral Families “I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10b (NASB2020) At H.E.A.P. Ministries, our dedication to the wellbeing of pastors and their families is unwavering. We believe that their prosperity not only enriches their personal lives but also enhances the overall health and vitality of the church community. With this guiding principle, our organization is committed to empowering pastors and their families throughout Brazil, ensuring their spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, and financial wellness through prayerful support, focused resources, and financial aid. Addressing the Challenges Faced by Pastoral Families Despite the significant growth of the Church of the Nazarene in Brazil, many pastoral families encounter various hardships. The demands of ministry often leave them with limited time and resources to prioritize their own wellbeing, leading to spiritual, emotional, relational, and financial strains. H.E.A.P. Ministries acknowledges these challenges and stands prepared to offer assistance to those in need. H.E.A.P. Ministries: A Church of the Nazarene Approved Project As a non-profit organization (501c3) based in the USA and recognized as a Nazarene Approved Mission Project (#136839), H.E.A.P. Ministries is deeply committed to supporting pastoral families in Brazil. Through diverse programs and initiatives, we aim to alleviate financial burdens, provide crisis relief, offer preventive care, and foster personal development. Our overarching goal is to empower pastors and their families to serve their communities wholeheartedly while maintaining their own health and wellbeing. A Decade of Dedication: Serving Pastoral Families with Compassion For over ten years, H.E.A.P. Ministries has been dedicated to serving pastoral families in various capacities. From facilitating personal development opportunities to delivering crisis relief interventions and implementing preventive care measures, we have been a steadfast source of support for those on the frontline of ministry. Each donation we receive is meticulously allocated to address the specific needs of pastoral families, ensuring they not only survive but thrive. Here are some specific examples of the types of care we have provided: COTN Events in Brazil: We actively fund events for pastors organized by the Church of the Nazarene in Brazil, for the purpose of encouraging and strengthening the church community. Medical and Health Emergencies: We offer assistance to pastoral families facing medical emergencies and healthcare needs, ensuring they receive the care and support they require during difficult times. From covering medical expenses to facilitating access to specialized treatments, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of these families. Student Scholarships: Education is a cornerstone of personal and professional development. That’s why we provide educational scholarships to support pastors and their families in pursuing higher education and skill development. By investing in their academic aspirations, we empower them to excel in their ministry and beyond. Housing Emergencies: Shelter is a fundamental human need. In times of housing emergencies, we offer support by providing temporary accommodation and financial assistance to affected families. Whether due to natural disasters, eviction, or homelessness, we ensure that pastoral families have a safe and stable place to call home. Food Allowances: Access to nutritious food is essential for physical health and overall wellbeing. We distribute food baskets to meet the needs of families facing food insecurity or financial hardship. By alleviating hunger and providing essential groceries, we help these families thrive amidst adversity. Transportation needs: We live in a country of continental proportions and so travel to medical treatments or events also requires transportation. We try to help pastoral families with transportation when it’s an impediment to accessing some other approved need. Funeral Services: Loss and grief are inevitable aspects of life. In times of bereavement, we provide funeral support to assist families with funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and memorial services. Our compassionate approach ensures that pastoral families receive dignified and respectful support during their time of mourning. Stipends for Chaplains: Chaplains play a vital role in providing spiritual care and support to pastoral families. We offer stipends and financial assistance to chaplains dedicated to serving pastoral families, enabling them to fulfill their ministry with compassion and integrity. Transparent and Accountable: The Journey of Donations through H.E.A.P. Ministries The donations we receive are handled with the utmost transparency and accountability. When a request for assistance reaches our Brazilian H.E.A.P. Ministry Committee, it undergoes rigorous evaluation. If deemed appropriate, the request is then forwarded to the H.E.A.P. Board in the USA for further consideration. If the request is approved, the pastor is promptly informed of the timeline and conditions for receiving financial support, guaranteeing that resources are distributed efficiently and responsibly. Stand with Pastoral Families: Make an Impact Today As we accompany pastoral families across Brazil, we invite you to be part of their journey and make a tangible impact. Your involvement directly impacts those who dedicate themselves to serving others. Imagine the relief for a pastor that receives crucial financial support during a crisis. Envision the joy of a family participating in tailored programs for growth and spiritual development, thanks to your generosity. Your prayers, donations, and advocacy form a safety net of support for these families. You can support pastoral families in Brazil by: One-time Donation: Make a one-time donation to provide immediate assistance to pastoral families facing urgent needs. Your contribution will help alleviate financial burdens and provide essential resources to support their wellbeing. Monthly Donation: Commit to a monthly donation to sustain ongoing support for pastoral families throughout the year. Your recurring contribution ensures that resources are available consistently to meet their evolving needs and challenges. Yearly Donation: Opt for a yearly donation to provide support on an annual basis. Your yearly contribution offers stability and continuity in our efforts to empower pastoral families and strengthen communities across Brazil. Let us stand as a community, embracing these families with open arms and compassionate hearts. Your contribution deeply impacts their lives, affirming their calling and renewing their strength for the journey ahead. Join us today in championing the wellbeing of pastoral families. In doing so, we not only strengthen the foundation of the church but also sow seeds of