Brazil is the largest country in South America, and the fifth largest country in the world with a population of 212 million people.  It is roughly the same size as continental United States.  Unlike the other countries in South America, Brazil’s main language is Portuguese which our family speaks fluently.  It is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world due to over a century of immigration from all over the world.

We work in the twin cities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande which are in west central Brazil, in the state of Mato Grosso.   Almost one million people live in these cities which is about one fourth of the total population of Mato Grosso.  With a tropical climate, we experience hot and humid days which can reach well over 100 degrees most of the year.   The majority of the people in Cuiabá and Varzea Grande claim to be Roman Catholic although most of them rarely attend mass. About 17% say they are Evangelical, but most of these churches do not preach Biblical salvation and teach many false doctrines.  There is also a fair amount of Spiritualism which is rooted in the culture.  Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses are also growing in numbers. There are few Bible-believing, Independent Baptist churches in our area, so many souls need to be reached.  We currently work alongside ten other churches, and our desire is to plant more Independent Baptist churches in the Cuiabá and Várzea Grande area.