For hundreds of years, some people have found the hardscrabble land of the arid Sertao to be more inviting for life than the more hospitable coastal regions.  These neglected people were clearly not welcome elsewhere.  Or, more correctly, they were seen as potential slaves.  Eeking out a living in the harsh Brazilian Sertao was preferable to slavery.  Clearly, these people are tough.  They are still subject to discrimination.

Missionaries shy away from these regions,  Why?  The areas are hot, dry and very poor.  If there is a pastor job in the city, why subject the family to the travails of the Sertao?  People in the Sertao often have a syncretic religion which  includes elements of of animism and Catholicism.  The saving power of Jesus is little known.  Consequently, social problems are commonplace.  Jesus is needed!