In January 2011 many of you were made aware of the severe floods and mud slides in the neighboring towns to Rio, specifically Nova Friburgo, Teresópolis  and Petrópolis. At least 903 people were confirmed dead and over 20,000 were made homeless. For a period of time many areas were only accessible by helicopters. Just one church alone that we know of lost 40 members. This tragedy has affected and killed the poor in poverty areas and the wealthy in luxury areas.

Thanks to a gift from Joyce Meyer Ministries and from generous gifts from members of our local church here in Rio, we were able to purchase thousands of dollars worth of much needed items.

On the Monday after the disaster happened we took a team of volunteers from our Rio church to deliver the donations and to work in the relief project. We worked at the main distribution site for all homeless for the seven affected cities.

John the Baptist was preaching in Luke 3 about the signs or fruits of repentence and in verse 10-11 the Bible records the dialog between the people and John.

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:10-11