Ministry Partner Visit (São Paulo, Brazil)

Earlier this summer, John Crosley, Missions Director at Oakseed , had the opportunity to travel to São Paulo, Brazil to visit five of Oakseed’s ministry partners.

During my visit to Ruama , I was struck by the profound impact this ministry has on the children and women living in one of the nearby favela communities. While we couldn’t enter the favela itself for safety reasons, I caught a glimpse of the makeshift homes where families live in tight quarters. Ruama provides a safe space for children to learn, play, and enjoy meals, complete with a small library and access to computers and musical instruments. The children were a joy to spend time with. They really seem to love their time at Ruama.

I also attended a women’s support group, where I heard powerful testimonies. One woman shared how Ruama helped her secure a humble but stable home—the first real house she’d ever lived in. Another woman credited the ministry with changing her life and for saving her unborn child from abortion. The love and transformation happening at Ruama were truly inspiring.

My time with The Way was eye-opening. The Way has deep roots inside the favelas, and Diego’s presence alone opened doors and hearts. Walking through the favelas with him, I was welcomed warmly by residents, all of whom knew him by name. We visited areas recently devastated by fire, where Diego was using funds from Oakseed to help rebuild homes.

One of the most surprising aspects of The Way’s work was its approach to freeing people from debt slavery. By paying off loans from predatory lenders and structuring repayments through fair wages, it offers a lifeline to those trapped in cycles of exploitation. Diego’s energy and passion were contagious, and his family’s involvement—especially his wife’s ministry to women—showed a deep commitment to the community.