More than 11 million people in Brazil live in the favelas, or slums, being bullied by gangs, threatened by drug wars, and scrambling just to make a living. Baptist missionaries, Eric and Ramona Reese came to Brazil 13 years ago. Eric spends his days in the poverty and violence bringing the light of Jesus to one of darkest slums of Rio de Janeiro.

He knows he might go out one day and not come back. Even Brazilian Christians “don’t want to do this kind of job.” But he has now been joined by Pedro, a Brazilian pastor who grew up in a favela. Pedro turned to Christ after being shot by the police while stealing a car.

Ramona rejoices at every person touched by their ministry, like Viviane, a single mother and former prostitute.”When that relationship has been established, and the Holy Spirit does His work, and that person receives Christ, and I can actually see them being baptized, and seeing them joining a church – that’s the greatest. That’s the biggest reward,” Ramona said.

Source: CBN News; International Mission Board

BIBLE STUDY: Matthew 20:25-28

PRAISE: God for Eric and Ramona’s readiness to put their lives at risk for these people. Pray for much fruit and transformation of lives in the favelas.