Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
My name is Vanessa Viotti, I serve as the National Director for Compassion Brazil. I have also served the Latin American region as a Compassion program consultant. Our passion as a ministry is to serve children in poverty by opening holistic child development centers where children will also learn of God’s love. We praise the Lord for your vision and desire to make this dream a reality.
Brazil is a country of many contrasts. It is true that we have rich and prosperous cities, but unfortunately many people are still living on the margins of society, in extreme poverty and vulnerability. This is a reality in rural, northeastern Brazil, where we base our partnerships and relocated the Compassion office.
Compassion Brazil has sought to establish partnerships with churches in this region and lift children from poverty. We established more than 130 new partnerships in these areas, with local churches that know their community and needs. The churches in these locations are passionate and want to do more, however the structure is limited or does not even exist. Their goal is to implement a holistic development program where children and adolescents have the opportunity to hear about God’s love. They are able to get to know God’s Word, enjoy activities aimed at their development, receive medical care, and learn how to be healthy through wise choices. This is possible through Compassion child development centers.
Therefore, the partnership to plant churches and child development centers in these regions has been a blessing and enabled the local church to serve the community with a greater impact. People are open to the gospel as they see the church’s love in practical ways — as children are cared for and families are supported in their challenges. We have seen the Lord’s Church grow and establish itself as a milestone for a living and fruitful faith and God is glorified!
We are very grateful for you and your openness to join us in this mission, contributing so the gospel can reach these communities in a consistent and relevant way. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” (Isaiah 52:7, NIV).
May the Lord bless you abundantly.
In Christ’s love,
Vanessa Viotti