“The poor you always have with you.”

God blesses some so that through them He can bless others. In the passage above, Jesus affirms that the Father is always presenting us with an opportunity to bear fruit to His glory. How we respond depends upon how aware we are of His abundant generosity to us.

In 2020, a church member brought back word of the dire need of a small rural community in the backlands of our state, Pernambuco. The village of Buíque is only one of hundreds spread across Brazil’s vast outback region (the “sertão” in Portuguese), but this one was providentially brought to our attention. We decided to help as God enabled.

Buíque is a rural community of a hundred or so families. For whatever reason, these communities are beyond the reach of the responsible government authorities.

We call this ongoing ministry “SOS Sertão.” Each year we go four times, taking food, donations, clothes, bicycles, and especially the Word of God. The whole church is involved as they are able.

We take hygiene and personal care kits to all the women, as the need in this area is very great due to a lack of information. We also take clothes and shoes for them. We try to provide a day of happiness with respect and dignity.

In 2023, SOS Sertão created a sewing and handicraft cooperative with the women of the community for the purpose of teaching them a trade that provides a financial income. Today they have ten sewing machines, and they sell the goods they produce in nearby cities.

October 12th is a national holiday in Brazil called “Children’s Day.” Every Children’s Day we put on a special program for the children of the hundred families. We organize a party with many toys, drums, and snacks.

This Children’s Day, sixty-four church members made the six-hour drive in a caravan of cars and trucks. Eighteen bicycles were given to young adults and children. Used furniture was given away, as were many toys. And of course, we always hold Bible classes for children, young people, and adults.

The community organized a lunch for all the participants. Even in their financial difficulties, they were generous.

We ask our beloved brothers and sisters for prayers for this ministry, SOS Sertão.