Project Brasil began in October 2004 when Steve visited Rio with the idea of establishing a school in a favela — the Brasilian term for slum. Within six weeks, Project Brasil officially opened its doors with one student and one teacher in a borrowed classroom in a small favela called Morro Azul.

Steve also began working with the Catete Methodist Church, the oldest Methodist church in Brasil, to plant a new church. Project Brasil obtained a building and did some remodeling; February 27, 2005 marked the first Sunday for the Morro Azul Congregacâo Metodista.

Soon Project Brasil was offering English classes and computer courses 5 days a week, with three full time teachers serving dozens of students. The staff and class offerings have varied over the years as we have continued to serve this community.

BANGU. In January 2008 Project Brasil expanded to the community of Bangu, working in partnership with Primeira Igreja Batista em Vila Alianca. Bangu is a very large, very poor, often violent neighborhood located in the far west zone of Rio, about a 90 minute train ride from downtown Rio. Project Brasil made a commitment to help this church in its outreach to the community. We have provided some financial assistance and have offered English classes. Steve has also preached several times in Bangu. Our goal is to expand our connection with this ministry in the coming year.

In 2008 Project Brasil built a building on the church property in Bangu, with plans to open a medical clinic as soon as funding is available. We expect the clinic to open in late 2010.

DAMON. In July 2009 Damon Crim joined the Project Brasil team. Damon has previously served in Paraguay and has worked in Phoenix teaching English to Hispanic students. After visiting Rio and Project Brasil on several occasions, Damon officially became part of our work last year. He has assumed leadership of all ministry-related activities in Rio, including preaching, teaching, outreach and discipleship. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, the Project Brasil ministry continues to thrive.

To find about more about this ministry, visit the Project Brasil website.