Teresina, (Piaui) Brazil is one of the poorest regions in the country of Brazil, with a large population of unemployed and impoverished people living in the "favelas"or slums. Combining our faith with the TALITA Association in Teresina, GFTC began in early 2004 supporting the building of a facility, hiring a teacher, and impacting a community for Christ.
In partnership with the TALITA Association, whose objective is to contribute to the spiritual, social, and educational growth at-risk children and adolescents in impoverished areas, we have seen God work and move among these people to bring hope to families as the facility has been put to use since 2006. The Talita Association is comprised of local evangelical leadership, led by Pastor Fernando Ramos, who administrates the effort of community leaders and volunteers to reach the community of "Cidade-Leste", as well as serving as overseer of the construction, and pastor of the new church that meets in the school. Vanussa, the first teacher in the school, has now moved on to further her education in seminary training in Sao Paulo. A new teacher has been hired for the 2009-2010 school year and beyond, and the ministry continues to grow!
In addition to the ministry in Teresina, GFTC, Inc. supports Pastor Paulo de Souza, who ministers on the coast in Joao Passoa. Located on the easternmost point of the country, Joao Passoa is a resort community where Paulo serves as a missionary with APEC (or Child Evangelism Fellowship). We have joined him in his outreach efforts by helping to supplement his income from the mission organization, providing him a laptop computer, and "Theo" a ventriloquist doll which his uses as he ministers to young children. Additionally, Paulo trains hundreds of youth and children's workers in the area, and is accompanied in ministry by his wife Lucia.