BRAZIL PARTNERSHIP

In 1958, IM sent their first missionaries to Brazil. Over five and a half decades, many missionaries were sent and a large investment was made in evangelism, discipleship, church-planting, and leadership training. Dozens of churches were started along with several Bible Institutes and Bible Colleges in different places at different times. As Brazilian leaders for our churches were developed, the number of missionaries from North America began to diminish. IM no longer has resident missionaries since 2023.

Currently, Free Will Baptists have churches in the two most populous states, São Paulo and Minas Gerais, a new church-plant in the northeastern state of Alagoas, and a church in the nation’s capital – Brasília. All are led by Brazilian pastors. The Alliance of FWB Churches serves as the associational link, seeking to bring fellowship and cooperation among churches. Some have chosen to remain independent.

Throughout the history of the work in Brazil, national missionaries have been active in working among indigenous peoples (Native Americans) in the Amazon area as well as in the neighboring countries of Bolivia and Uruguay. Missionaries were also sent overseas to the Republic of Ireland, Ivory Coast, South Africa, China, and Turkey. They have a family currently serving as missionaries in Ireland.

IM currently has a partnership with Free Will Baptists in Brazil with two ongoing projects. The first is leadership training through the Bible College located in Campinas.

The second project is assisting the Alliance in church planting.