Dear Saints of ILC,

We greet you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ and want to thank you for your steadfast prayers and encouragement. Your support means so much to our family as we continue the work God has called us to here in Brazil. It is a privilege to be planting a church in South Brazil, in the city of Porto Alegre, home to over 1.5 million people. While this city and state are still recovering from last year’s devastating floods, we are trusting in God’s ability to heal and restore, knowing that His grace is sufficient in every situation.

Porto Alegre is a city known for having the highest concentration of devil worship in Brazil. One local news headline even described it as a place where “you cannot sleep without hearing the sound of ‘batuque’”—the drumbeats used in demonic rituals. But we are encouraged by the promise of God’s Word: “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” His light shines brightest in the darkness, and we are seeing evidence of His hand at work. His protection over our family has been undeniable, and we feel His strength as we daily pray for and reach out to the people of this city.

This past year has been filled with challenges, but it has also been a time of tremendous faith-building. We have seen the miraculous and felt the peace that only God can provide. Currently, we are holding open-air services 2-3 times a week and church services 2 days a week, lifting up the name of Jesus and sowing seeds of the gospel into the lives of those who are searching for hope. Though the ground here is difficult, we know that God can and will bring the increase in His time.

We ask for your continued prayers for this mission. Please join us in praying for an open door to minister and for a powerful revival of repentance to sweep across Brazil, especially in our state of Rio Grande do Sul. Pray that lives will be transformed, chains will be broken, and hearts will be turned toward Jesus Christ.

Your prayers and encouragement sustain us more than you know. We are so thankful for each of you who stand with us in this work. It is because of your faithfulness that we are able to press forward, trusting that God will complete what He has begun. Together, we are believing for a great harvest in Porto Alegre and beyond.

In the beautiful name of Jesus Christ,

Nelson and Kathryn Santos