Brazil is a giant in South America - 50% of South America is Brazilian.

Brazil had massive money problems in the '80s leaving loads of people in poverty and the country in debt. Things have got better in the '90s but many problems remain: corruption, lack of hospitals and schools and the on-going destruction of the rainforest.

A small minority of the rich in Brazil live very well and have their hands on most of the money. But while the rich are very rich the 20 million live in absolute poverty in the dirty and overcrowded favelas (slums) in Brazil's cities.

sport: 6 players in the Brazilian 1994 (soccer) World Cup squad were Christians. Goalkeeper Taffarel, who made a vital save in the penalty shoot out that lead to Brazil's win, said "My only hope and strength at that time was the Lord" During the 1998 World Cup 2 more players actually became Christians and 4 were healed of injuries.

But church is even better than football in Brazil ! . . . a survey of Brazilians found that 38% said that church was their greatest source of happiness, compared to 10% who said football.

There is a real spiritual hunger in Brazil and loads of people are becoming Christians.

As Christians have prayed their intercession has been breaking the power of spiritism, particularly in Goias state.

The number of missionaries being sent out by Brazil is growing rapidly. Nearly 5,000 Brazilian missionaries are working in Europe, USA and South America. Yippee!

There is so much injustice in much of Brazilian society, against the poor, underprivileged children and the tribal Brazilian Indian peoples. Pray for God's justice to be restored.

There are more Catholics in Brazil than anywhere else, but the majority of Brazilians are involved with spiritism too. Loads of people claim to be Christian but would visit a spiritist doctor or medium for healing or advice!

Over 50% of Brazilians are under 18. Pray that the church can communicate God's truth to this generation and effectively disciple them. Pray for the growing movement to plant new churches that are relevant to youth.

The native Amerindians have been exploited, murdered and oppressed throughout their history, sometimes even by the church. Pray that Christians can reach these people in a way that is sensitive, without robbing them of their cultural identity.

Pray that the mission movement in Brazil continues to grow and that those sent out from Brazil are well supported, protected and encouraged at home and overseas.