Ministry Update: Israel Shalom (Brazil)

Israel Shalom combines gospel preaching, discipleship, children’s programs, music and arts education, and sports ministry to reach families in the favelas of São Paulo, Brazil.

Led by Pastor Israel Lemos, Israel Shalom has a proven track record of rescuing children from lives of crime and addiction and setting them on a new path towards a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Through its holistic approach, it is not only sharing the good news, but also developing the students’ sense of responsibility, social skills, and hope for the future.

Pastor Lemos shared an update from the first half of the year:

“The Jiu-Jitsu Project is an activity to bring in new people and involve them in the Word, and that’s what has been happening. More than 80 people have already been reached, including children, young people, and adults. An average of 40 people attend the weekly training sessions. Instructors Willian and Peterson are dedicated and knowledgeable about the scriptures, using a few final minutes to share the gospel and testify about their experiences. Most students are under 16 years old.

Due to the increase in people participating in this activity, we have had to reschedule training days and alternate them to avoid overcrowding the space, with a maximum of 15 people per training session. The teachers are volunteers and can only be present at night, as they need to work during the day. Peterson is also an excellent musician and is starting to teach those who want to play the violin.

The ballet has resumed activities, and it was necessary to close the classes, as they reached the limit of 45 girls. Two groups train only on Saturdays, because teachers Amanda and Jéssica are also volunteers and each can only be there two Saturday mornings. They are training for a presentation at the local theater, and it’s a big challenge for the girls. The Israel Shalom Ministry is organizing this event, which will take place outside our institution, so we have been preparing since last year. It requires financial resources and people to help with logistics: transportation, food, etc.”

How to Pray for Israel Shalom

• Pray for the Lord to continue to sustain Pastor Lemos and the staff and volunteers of Israel Shalom as they plan for and participate in this multifaceted ministry.
• Pray for the gospel to change the hearts and lives of those who attend.
• Prayer for Willian, one of the Jiu-jitsu instructors, whose means of transportation was stolen in downtown São Paulo. It was the vehicle that facilitated his presence during training hours.
• Pray for instructors Peterson, Amanda, Jessica, and Rafael, for the Lord to make them glad with the joy of His presence as they serve and seek to share the gospel with their students.
• Pray for the Lord to work out all the details for the ballet recital, scheduled for August 1.