Destination - Vila Feliz
Vila Feliz means "Happy Village"
Welcoming short-term missionaries
Destination – Vila Feliz. There are a few small town in the Brazilian Sertão with recent church plants. Building a community of faith in the Sertão is tough work. The Catholic church is strong opposition. Teaching people that Jesus is a savior, and not just Mary’s child, is a message that will be opposed. But God provides. Vila Feliz is not in the Sertao, but is very similar. The area is poor and few people know Jesus as their savior. For short-term American missionaries, this is easiest and likely first stop on their mission journey.
In these placess, the children easily embrace before and after school programs. This enables the children to learn about the true Jesus, sometimes enticing their parents to seek the truth. The soil is prepared and Christian faith can take root.
Pastor Rodrigo welcomes short-term American missionaries. Vila Feliz residents will be curious about visiting Americans. The children can come in great numbers to hear the message. Their parents can get the invitation to the programs as well. Maybe they hear the gospel for the first time and a new seed starts to grow. Come. See. Participate. Make a difference. To God be the Glory!
Destination - Vila Feliz
Pastoral Team:
Pastor Carlos Rodrigo
Pastor Rodrigo welcomes you to visit Vila Feliz and help share God's love with the people living there.
Views of the Town - Vila Feliz
Destination – Vila Feliz. Vila Feliz is a poor area near the state capital city of Joao Pessoa. Nearly all roads in Joao Pessoa and most roads in the towns of the Sertao are paved. But, in Vila Feliz, most roads are dirt. Poor though it is, the area is not a favela as it has a regular system of roads and basic public services. Favelas are essentially unapproved buildings, often in terrain unsuitable for development due to flooding or mudslides. The train tracks run through Vila Feliz. Unlike tent encampments in the USA, most of Brazil’s poor live in inexpensive brick houses. A typical Vila Feliz residence is shown below. Though poor, it is not the kind of destitution found in other countries.
Destination – Serra Branca. The church is simple, but serves its purpose. Actually, Fellype and Karol are hoping to be able to rent a bigger space so they can host more children. The classroom shown below is small. Many more children could be servcd in a larger space.
Inside the Church
Like in the Sertão, the people that live in Vila Feliz are not accustomed to seeking and using opportunity. Victim mentality is strong. Dependence on the government and on Non-governmental organiztions (NGOs) is strong. These organizations provde handouts and do little to provide a hand to lift the people up. That is our challenge. Teach them Biblical Worldviews where Jesus is savior AND teaching them the principles of working to build a better life. Getting people to take responsibility for themselves can break generations of poverty and dependency mentality. God has provided a church, a meeting place and loving Christians to help lift these people up. Yes, success may lead some to leave for better communities. But, successs stories can be inspirtaional for others to follow. Come and see this work. Help advance the cause. The fields of Vila Feliz are ripe. Your help is most welcome.