Though it is rich in resources many Brazilians have a fatalistic worldview that keeps them in poverty and hopelessness. Lack of jobs, drug abuse, and an underage sex trade are prevalent problems. CMF Brazil and CMF USA are addressing these issues through holistic ministry in an outreach in the western side of the state of Paraiba. This region in Northeast Brazil is known as the sertao, or “countryside,” and has a population of more than three million people.
Only about two to three percent of the population is evangelical Christian. CMF missionaries partner with local pastors to train and empower church members who, in turn, empower people in the community to address these pressing issues.