It is now being called "Brazil’s New Orleans."
Storm has followed storm, and it seems there is no end to suffering in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The unprecedented floods in November 2008 caused unimaginable damage and mayhem, leaving over 80,000 people homeless and hundreds dead.
Roberto Chenk, Haggai Institute state representative, was head of the relief operation ably assisted by his wife Maria, senior pastor Paulo Solonca, H.I national faculty, and Mauricio Cunha, international faculty who today heads Brazil’s World Vision ministry.
Just as they and their tremendous task force were completing the rehabilitation and restoration, and had gone through a thanksgiving service in April 2009, there were fresh storms and floods. Hope had to be rebuilt all over again, amid battered people who were fast losing it.
Roberto Chenk and his team only worked more tirelessly, welcoming the opportunity to provide relief - in the name of Christ - to so many lives during those crucial moments. Aid included provision of shelter, food, water, and even the rebuilding of houses, recovering schools, and commercial facilities.
In the city of Iihota, a new church has just been planted. A young and enthusiastic pastor has been installed, and the ministry is growing very fast in the region.
The relentless rains and floods recur from time to time. However, it is evident that God has used the alarming situation to bring many people to Christ in Santa Catarina.
Ironically, it is the flooding that is leading to a great harvest of souls.
