Update on the Floods in Rio Grande do Sul (RS):
The recent storms in Rio Grande do Sul have left a trail of devastation, with a tragic death toll of 32 and 74 people missing so far. Unlike the previous year, when the rains were localized, this time, the phenomenon affected the entire state, directly impacting 235 of the 496 cities in Rio Grande do Sul. More than 24,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, with 7,165 of them seeking lodging in designated shelters and another 17,087 temporarily housed with relatives or friends. The state government declared a state of emergency, allowing access to federal resources for humanitarian assistance and rebuilding of the affected areas. As rescue teams continue their operations, concern about the safety of dams and hillsides remains high, highlighting the urgency of support and rebuilding efforts.
Pastor Armando and Family’s Story (Encantado-RS)
In the midst of the devastation caused by the heavy rains that raised the Taquari River to a record of 31.8 meters (104’4”), Pastor Armando P. Castoldi (member of the Global Board) and his wife Simone S. Castoldi, residents of Encantado, face a critical situation. In the past eight months, the city has been ravaged by flooding twice, making it even more challenging for the community to recover. With roads temporarily blocked, access to Encantado is only possible by air, thus communications are impaired. In addition to this, the city faces a total lack of electricity and the water supply has been completely cut off, leaving much of the region isolated and vulnerable.
Faced with this challenging scenario, the safety of Pastor Armando and his family was confirmed by his son, Ticiano Castoldi, who works in Church Relations at TeachBeyond. The situation continues to demand urgent relief and rebuilding efforts to ensure the well-being of the Encantado community and other affected areas.
Kimberly's Story (GRAMADO-RS)
Tragically, in Rio Grande do Sul a landslide took the lives of three members of the same family: Kaique Andriel Ludvig Santos, only 13 years old, Nitiele Ludvig, 36-year-old mother, and Silvio Antonio Pellicioli, 47-year-old stepfather. The pain of this loss is immense. But in the midst of the tragedy, there is one survivor, Kimberly (15), who participated in the Projeto Águia (Eagle Project), a TeachBeyond initiative that offers hope to young people like her. Kimberly and her brother were impacted by the gospel of Jesus through MPC (Escola da Vida/School of Life) a month ago, a TeachBeyond partner ministry led by missionary Gleidson G. Praia.
The TeachBeyond missionaries who had contact with the young woman during Projeto Águia, are mobilizing to offer support as soon as possible, sharing words of comfort and showing solidarity in an extremely difficult time.
Source: Pioneiro
The Story of God's deliverance (Caxias do Sul-RS)
The National Director of TeachBeyond Brazil, Juçara Tonet Dini, together with her husband Silvio, son-in-law and daughter, faced moments of great anguish after returning from the Conference in Albania. As they climbed the Serra Gaúcha on Tuesday morning, the 30th, they were surprised by a chaotic state of affairs, with roads closed due to landslides and flooding.
Trapped in the middle of a landslide in the São Vandelino region, the family was quickly evacuated to a safer location, a nearby gas station. A few minutes after their relocation, the landslide unfortunately affected some of the other parked vehicles. They spent the night at the gas station, braving the storm and sleeping in the car.
The next morning, Juca led a prayer meeting with other women present at the gas station, seeking comfort and protection in the midst of adversity. Thanks to the crucial help of a local farming couple who showed up to help with an ideal vehicle and knowledge of the roads, they managed to escape before the road collapsed.
The family's vehicle remains parked at the gas station. Now, safely at home, they express deep gratitude for the divine protection that delivered them from the impending tragedy, while remaining in solidarity with the families still trapped in the city of São Vandelino and the other areas in the state. According to Juçara, there was no open access to Caxias do Sul, only the small road in the middle of Morro da Canastra that the couple knew of, which was also closed after their journey up the mountain.
Other Teachbeyond missionaries have also received deliverance in small ways, and directions, and some are still on the way home. At the moment, the cities of Rio Grande do Sul are mostly isolated from each other, and airport in the capital city, Porto Alegre, is closed. The decrease in rainfall and the appearance of the sun could mean the return of rebuilding work, which will take years to complete.
Prayer Requests:
We have cried out to the Lord and we invite you to pray with us:
- We praise God that the rains have stopped and raise our prayers for the sun to shine upon us, paving the way for the roads to be cleared and rescue to arrive more effectively and quickly.
- Our hearts go out to the grieving families, who face not only the loss of loved ones but also their possessions. We pray that God will bring comfort to their wounded hearts, surrounding them in His infinite grace and love.
- We pray for the presence of the body of Christ in this time of affliction, so that, through words of hope and effective actions, we can bring God's love to those who are suffering. May He guide us with wisdom and enable us to act with compassion and generosity.
- We intercede for leaders facing delicate decisions in this challenging time. May God grant his divine wisdom and the resources needed to lead with discernment and effectiveness.
- We pray that generosity overflows in people's hearts and that donations reach those most in need in an abundant and timely manner.
- We pray that in this time of difficulty, people may glimpse God's grace at work, experiencing a transforming encounter with Christ and finding the salvation He offers. May their lives be renewed and restored by His infinite love and mercy.
What If the water keeps falling, where should we look? If you are being hit by the waters that cover the state of Rio Grande do Sul right now, or if you are being flooded by fear and confusion in the face of this crisis, keep looking up to heaven.
The psalmist asked the mountains, the safest and most glorious place he saw at the moment, raising his eyes, a gesture of hope and help... But it wasn't a physical frotress that made him feel safe. It was in deep awareness of God's presence in a time of need that the psalmist says:
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2).
Donations:
The TeachBeyond Brazil Headquarters in Gramado has been mobilizing to collect and allocate donations to families affected by the heavy rains.