GIVE HERE.

The southernmost state of Brazil has been hit by severe flooding over the past week. As I write this, rescue operations are underway across the state, and hundreds of thousands of people find themselves without shelter and short of water. As of Monday 5/6, the death toll statewide is at 86, and is sure to climb.

There are two CREC congregations in southern Brazil. One is Igreja Reformada de Cristo, or Christ Reformed Church, in Porto Alegre. Porto Alegre is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, with a metro population of 4.4 million, and has been severely affected by the recent flooding.

The Guaíba Lake has broken its banks, causing widespread flooding in the city. The international airport has suspended all flights for an indefinite period, and the only way in or out of the city is currently by boat or helicopter. The flooding has destroyed roads and bridges, triggered landslides, and caused the partial collapse of a dam at a small hydroelectric power plant. Additionally, authorities have warned that a second dam in the city is at risk of collapsing. More rains are expected.

Porto Alegrans are currently stuck in their city, many having relocated to shelters or friends on higher ground. The saints there crave your prayers on their behalf.

Pastor Evandro da Rosa, his family, and the members of his church are experiencing water and power outages, and shortage of necessities. Missão Guanabara, a ministry of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, is raising funds as part of its quick response plan. Funds will be spent directly on the necessities of the church families and any they are aiding (who are many): food, water, mosquito repellent, cleaning supplies, medication, cooking oil, diapers, etc.

Below is an audio report from Daniel Haswell, a Presbyterian elder who lives north of Porto Alegre.

Yesterday was Sunday. With their rented space now flooded and inaccessible, the saints of Christ Reformed gathered at their pastor’s home for weekly worship. Have mercy on them, o Lord!

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In Christ,

Joffre Swait
Director, Missão Guanabara