Brazil missionary boat completes first year on Black River
The Church of the Nazarene’s second missionary boat in South America — Jesus the Hope 2 — completed one year of outreach in the Amazonian forest of Brazil.
Jesus the Hope 2 set sail 29 August 2017 down the Black River. The project launched when local missionaries needed something that could help them reach some of the most remote locations in the Amazon.
In the future, the Brazil Amazônia District intends to expand the boat’s course to the Amazon River, Solimões River, and other minor rivers to provide evangelism, church planting, discipleship, and medical clinics to other remote areas.
The team worked out of the city of Manaus just off the river for this first year. They faced many unforeseen challenges and had to quickly learn about the mechanics of the boat and how to optimize the financial cost of the project.
The boat offers space for up to 50 people and features three bathrooms, one kitchen with an industrial stove, two air-conditioners, and a freezer. The boat even utilizes solar energy, which offsets some of the financial costs.
“We thank you all for your support in enabling the Church of the Nazarene to do a blessed work in the Amazon region,” said Igor de Sousa Vale, pastor and missionary leading Jesus the Hope 2.