How Hardship Fueled a Desire for Bibles

A look back at the devastating floods of May 2024.

The floods last May were a disaster that severely impacted our state and the city of Porto Alegre. Large swaths of land and entire cities were underwater for weeks. Those who were affected stayed in emergency shelters or with relatives. When they were finally able to return to their apartments and homes, most were faced with a scene of total destruction: warped furniture, worn-out sofas, mud, dirt, and garbage everywhere. Our airport was so badly damaged that it couldn’t be reopened for a long time.

As a mission and a church of Jesus, we were able to help numerous people through generous donations. We distributed water, food, wool blankets, hygiene products, mattresses, kitchen utensils ... even furniture, refrigerators, and microwaves. We were especially glad that we were able to purchase a new piano for a woman who teaches autistic children, as well as new tables and benches for a music school that benefits children from slums.

One high point was an opportunity to purchase 8,000 Bibles and New Testaments, as well as other evangelistic tracts. We distributed them to those affected along with food. We also provided Bible commentaries, study Bibles, and other teaching materials for about 50 pastors, so that they could at least partially replace their personal collections which were destroyed by the flood.

In the initial weeks after the disaster, our church (with the help of many volunteers) was primarily occupied with preparing meals, washing laundry, and distributing relief supplies. Donations arrived in large trucks from across the country, usually with an armed police escort. At first, we stored these supplies in a hall that was provided to us in another part of the town, since our church building and the adjacent gymnasium were also flooded.

We were able to print a batch of 5,000 children’s brochures for one church. Due to high demand, they then ordered a further print run of 15,000 copies.

The flood victims’ great interest in Bibles was particularly impressive. One former staff member, who is now a pastor, reported that he had never experienced such a hunger for God’s Word in over ten years of ministry. People didn’t want a tract or any other book—they were specifically asking for Bibles.

On May 21st, we left to serve in our homeland with a divided heart. We could no longer postpone the trip, but were confident that we could be of use, even from a distance. Thanks to the internet, we were able to coordinate many relief campaigns in Germany and, above all, provide financial support. Since, as mentioned, our airport was out of service, we first had to drive to Osorio (about 100 km/60 mi.), and then take a bus to Florianópolis (about 360 km/225 mi.). The next day, we flew from there to São Paulo, then to Madrid, and finally to Zurich, where we arrived safely.

We’ve now returned to duty in Brazil. A blessed prophecy conference lies behind us, and we can say with grateful hearts that “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor 10:13).