Brazil is the largest country in South America and is best known for its contrasts. Along with the splendor of the well-known Carnival of Rio lie the "favelas" (shanty towns). The country has been plagued by political corruption and has had to comply with economic measures prescribed by the international economic system. This has meant reductions in the already scarce services for the poor, such as schools, health care, and jobs. Brazil has the largest black population outside of Africa.

Pray for: The health educators' program in Brazil initiated by Barbara de Souza. It is now in transition to be entirely in the hands of Brazilian women, former students of the program.  Visit their website at www.aecsprojetobrasil.com.br

The children of the day care center "Gente Nova" in Alto da Bondade, Recife, as it provides care for children at risk.

People in Mission

DeSouza, Barbara Brazil Barbara DeSouza, a member of First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, River Falls, Wisconsin, serves the Community Health Education Project of the Instituto de Estudos da Religiao (ISER) in Rio de Janeiro. She works as a health consultant.

Stories

In Celebration! October 1, 2009 Change April 8, 2009 My Christmas Reflection February 16, 2009 Keeping the Faith June 23, 2008 The Story of Marinalva December 27, 2007 Pray for the Shanty Town Dwellers September 4, 2007 Shanty Town Lives August 2, 2007 Community Health Educator's Update March 27, 2007 10-Year Celebration Of The Association of Community Health Educators 1996 –2006 November 11, 2006 Kelly’s Story! July 24, 2006 Health and Empowerment Mission May 22, 2006 Christmas in Brazil May 22, 2006 Ears to Hear May 22, 2006 Medicine for All September 7, 2005 Determination of Health Workers August 19, 2005 A story of honesty January 1, 2005

Partners

Asociacion de Igrejas Metodistas do Brasil Association of Community Health Educators, AECS, Rio de Janeiro CEHILA-Comision de Estudios de la Iglesia en America Latina Centro Evangelico Latinoamericano de Estudios Pastorales (CELEP) Igreja Evangelica Congregacional do Brasil Igreja Presbiteriana Unida do Brasil ISER - Instituto de Estudos da Religiao

Projects --Giving Opportunities in Brazil

Shanty Town Health Clinic Family Health Program

Brazil News

Community Health Education Project October 14, 2009 Death of Itoko Maeda, former missionary in Okinawa, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil July 25, 2008 Hurricane Felix hits Central America September 5, 2007 Shanty Town Health Clinic Update May 22, 2007 Free Latin American Church News in English March 28, 2007 10-Year Celebration of the Association of Community Health Educators, Brazil October 16, 2006 World Council of Churches Assembly February 22, 2006 NCC calls for 'dialogue' over cartoons February 14, 2006