Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world (it is about the size of the 48 contiguous states of the U.S.) Yet in an area that large, presently there are only three Calvary Chapel full-time works (two churches in São Vicente and Curitiba; and the new Calvary Chapel Conference Center and Bible College in Campo Mourãco).

Since 2003, Calvary Chapel Coastlands has been privileged to participate in missionary opportunities with a fourth work located in Rio de Janeiro known officially as the Capela do Cavário (Calvary Chapel) do Rio de Janeiro. The congregation there was originally pastored by Jason Eisenbeis. Jason, his wife, Beth and their family were forced to leave Brazil in the summer of 2004 due to visa problems.

Right around that time a layman named, Gabriel Albuquerque, returned to Rio upon his graduation from Calvary Chapel Corvallis (Oregon)’s School of Ministry. Since July, 2004, Gabriel has been the de facto pastor. Gabriel does not believe he is called to be a full-time pastor. He has asked for our prayers that a full-time pastor be raised up.

Calvary Rio is located downtown, just a short Metro (subway) ride from the famous beaches of Corcovado and Ipanema. Corcovado is also the home of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Rio is one of the earth’s paradoxical sites. It has some of the most beautiful scenery on earth, but its favelas (slums) show its other extremes. It has some of the most extravagant shoreline hotels and buildings, yet it also has (in the same neighborhoods) makeshift structures made out of thrown away bricks. It has its gated sections, but also its areas where even the police have to get the drug lord’s permission to enter. It is a city that is part of the largest nominal Roman Catholic population in the world, yet some of those same adherents practice the mystery cults of Candomblé, Umbanda, Xango and others. But in spite of this religious conundrum, the people are open to the Gospel. So much so, that Calvary Rio and its missionary visitors have been able to share the gospel message in the city’s public schools.

From the above, you can see there is a great need for those in the city. Thus, we all have a great opportunity to pray for and reach out to the Carioca community (nickname of Rio residents).

We ask that you pray especially for the children and the residents of the favelas; and that the Lord’s perfect will—regarding a full-time pastor—be made clear in the days to come.

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