Ministry Update: The Way (Brazil)

The ministry operates in 13 different locations around the city through five main pillars: sports, culture, education, sustainability, and faith. The ministry is so named because Jesus is the Way.

The favelas of São Paulo are dark places full of poverty, drugs, violence, and hopelessness. Families struggle to meet basic needs. Cartel violence threatens children’s safety. Drug trafficking creates constant danger. Educational opportunities are severely limited. In this context, The Way provides hope, safety, structure, and gospel proclamation that offers genuine transformation through Christ.

The Way continues navigating complex relationships with cartel leaders who control favela territories. The ministry has experienced both opposition and breakthrough. Despite threats and challenges, The Way maintains a gospel presence, trusting God’s protection while faithfully serving vulnerable children and families.

The Way started a garden club at Panorama’s kindergarten school in June, creating educational opportunities for the youngest children while establishing a ministry presence in an additional community institution. The children created handmade books from the garden club activities.

In June, The Way mobilized with the IBGV church to give every child from Mandelhina a new blanket during particularly cold winter weather, since favela homes are not insulated. The team organized a special winter holidays program in June. In March, IBGV church’s youth camp hosted 12 kids from Mandelhina for a transformative weekend. The ministry conducted harvest distributions, botanical experiences, after-school activities, garden activities, and special Christmas programs. IBGV church is retrofitting Mandelhina’s community center (inspired by CEC Panorama success) to make it a safe zone at the territory with activities and a small church group.