Brazil Ministries – Evidence of Dedication and Perseverance

In early March, Carlos Duorado, Oakseed ministry Liaison to Latin America, and Norm Snyder, Oakseed Board Member, traveled to Brazil to visit Oakseed ministry partners Brazilian Baseball Association, Israel Shalom, JEAME, Lily of the Valleys, and Semear. Here are some pictures from their visit.

Carlos and Norm joined JEAME staff and volunteers on a visit to a detention unit in the Brás district of São Paulo. There were three different services in the unit they visited that evening. The service they attended had about 50 teenage boys. JEAME visits nine boys’ and three girls’ centers regularly. JEAME primarily focuses on ministering to teenagers in detention centers and building relationships with them and their families when released.

Carlos and Norm met Maria do Carmo Bezerra, a former addict, criminal, and prostitute. She is a missionary worker at JEAME, focusing on restoring drug addicts.

Lily of the Valleys ministry in Catanduva was next on their visit. While visiting the center, they enjoyed worship songs by the women in treatment. Several talked about their history and how they rely on the Lord for freedom from addiction. There was also a video presentation featuring former patients testifying to a restored life in Christ. A former addict who works at the treatment center also shared her testimony.

An informal lunch with women in treatment, former inmates, supporters, volunteers, and staff.