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. Vanusa (pictured) was our original teacher hired in 2006. 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, son Andre and daughter Caroline.
Sandra Ramos sings with the children at the school!
Pastor
Fernando
Ramos leads worship
at the mission church!
Paulo creatively teaches and minsters to hundreds of children and teens, as well as training many children and youth ministry leaders in the Joao Pessoa area.
Ministry in Teresina, Piaui, Brazil-----Pastor Fernando Ramos
Ministry in Joao Pessoa, Brazil-----Pastor Paulo de Sousa
GRACE for the CHILDREN...
HOPE for the WORLD!
GFTC, INC is a non profit organization committed to sharing the
message of GRACE with the children of Brazil and beyond!
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them,
for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14
Fernando befriends the children in the Cidade-Leste area.
MINISTERING IN BRAZIL
Vanusa shares with the first group of students at Cidade-Leste.
Our Partnership with PRECEPT MINISTRIES
From the beginning of GFTC, Precept Ministries International has been a source of help and encouragement as we sought how to best organize and partner with our brothers & sisters in Brazil. Precept Ministries, particularly the Portuguese director, continues to assist with training and materials for the purpose of reaching out to the communities with the message of God’s grace and helping others learn to discover the truths of God’s Word for themselves. GFTC representatives attend training at the Precept campus in Chattanooga and the Portuguese director provides training in both Teresina and Joao Pessoa for our partners there as needed. Materials can easily be shipped from the Precept office located in Brazil.
Children are taught the love and grace of Jesus Christ at the Cidade Leste school in Teresina, just one avenue of ministry with GFTC, INC
