Evangelical churches are thriving in Brazil, particularly in the country’s poorest communities. Brazil is a traditionally Catholic country, but evangelical churches are providing what many poor Brazilians need.
According to Christian Today, many poor Brazilians are drawn to evangelical churches because the churches are the one thing in their communities that are caring for them and providing for their physical needs, as well as their spiritual ones.
“The government doesn't help us so God is the only option for the poor,” said Pastor Antonio who grew up in a poor neighborhood in Brazil.
Antonio got into drugs growing up and felt he had nowhere to turn till he found the church.
“There are a lot of problems here in the favela,” said Pastor Antonio, referring to the Portuguese term for a slum. “Poverty, a lack of work, crime, mental health issues - the church helps with these things.”
Churches are a stable presence in these poor communities, providing education, security, and economic development, as well as spiritual help.
About 20 percent of people who live in Brazil’s major cities live in favelas, so there is a great need for these churches to help.
Additionally, about 20 percent of Brazil’s population is Protestant, with most of these people identifying as evangelicals.
Publication date: April 12, 2017
