Pray for Brazil

Brazil is a joyful and vibrant country, centered on community and family. At parties, goodbyes can easily take two hours. Brazilians place a high value on relationships, seeking out community, inviting friends and family into their homes, and hosting barbecues that last for hours, where everyone is welcome. Even in the midst of grief and fear, people have learned to find joy and live life to the fullest. Family is at the heart of Brazilian culture. Young adults typically attend university in their hometowns and live with their parents until marriage. Brazil is one of the largest nations in the world and also has one of the largest Christian populations. Its land encompasses beaches, deserts, the Amazon Rainforest, swamps, red dirt, mountains, and waterfalls.

Over a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. Brazil’s rich elite earn nearly half the nation’s income, leaving the poorest 10 percent to survive on less than 1 percent. Crime and theft rates are high, and theft and armed robbery occur frequently across Brazilian cities, including in wealthy neighborhoods. It is not uncommon for houses in good neighborhoods to get broken into. Public street harassment is also common, with most women reporting instances of catcalling or forced physical contact. In Rio de Janeiro, 20–25 percent of the city lives in slums called favelas. Heavy gang activity makes these areas dangerous, and civilians are often caught in the crossfire. Children in favelas are particularly vulnerable and are often forced into child labor because their parents struggle to provide for them. Excessive drinking and drug use are common, especially among young adults. Additionally, politics have become divisive, and government corruption is a major concern.

Brazil has the second-largest number of Christians in the world, and over 90 percent of the country identifies as Christian. The Brazilian Church has a large number of denominations across varying levels of biblical doctrine. Twenty-five percent of people are evangelical believers, and there are many evangelical churches and missionaries sent from Brazil. Most Christians in Brazil are Roman Catholic, yet many are nominal. The Brazilian festival Carnival, a week before Ash Wednesday, allows people to engage in immoral behaviors before Lent begins. It is also common for Catholics to also practice African religions, particularly Candomblé. The rising Neo-Pentecostal movement is also dangerous to Brazil, where pastors take advantage of the impoverished and spread the prosperity Gospel. Because Brazilians are naturally open and hospitable, believers have strong opportunities to build deep relationships quickly, opening doors for evangelism and discipleship.