Huge Floods in South of Brazil

From the end of April to the end of May this year, severe floods hit the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul.

Around 2.4 million people were affected across 478 cities (out of a total 497).

In some of these cities, over 90% of the area was submerged. In one city, the river rose more than 30 meters, tearing roofs and walls off hundreds of houses.

About 636,000 people were displaced, and over 100,000 had to seek refuge in more than 720 shelters.

Some are still there because their homes were completely destroyed.

Near the capital, Porto Alegre, the city of Eldorado do Sul was 95% underwater

One of the YWAM bases was completely submerged for over 30 days, resulting in the loss of almost everything.

YWAM has four bases in the whole state and two additional operation locations.

Tones of volunteers came from all over Brazil and from other countries to assist.
People not affected in the state were intensively helping. Even people affected choose to take care of others first instead of themselves.

People and resources poured in from everywhere.
This response represented an unprecedented effort, with a spirit of unity in the state.

YWAM volunteers were involved in rescue operations and quickly began providing first aid, drinking water, food, clothing, and medicine.

Once the rains finally ceased and the waters receded, the mud and devastation left behind were overwhelming. Each household had to throw away all its belongings, forming huge piles of debris in front of each home.

The suffering and despair were heartbreaking. Our teams encountered individuals who were at their breaking point, considering ending their lives. But Jesus guided our teams to be there at just the right moment, allowing them to minister and help people accept Christ.

The Body of Christ stepped in boldly, demonstrating God’s love in an extraordinary way. Rio Grande do Sul is historically the Brazilian state where the Gospel has spread the least. However, the combination of the disaster and the compassionate response of Christians has shaken the region, opening hearts. The Holy Spirit has poured out, touching people who are now eager and thirsty for the Gospel.

The number of people turning to Jesus is unprecedented and astonishing.

One pastor said, “We are seeing revival here!”

In mid-August, a team was praying in a square when a man approached them, saying: “I saw you, and I wanted to ask for help. I feel my spirit is heavy and broken. I know I need prayer. Could you pray for me?”

In another instance, a woman came to a distribution center, where water, food, and clothing were being given to those in need. She said, “I’m not here to ask for donations. I just came to ask for a hug.”

However, the local YWAM teams now face a new challenge: as time passes, despite the ongoing devastation and the openness of people’s hearts, the resources and the number of volunteers are rapidly diminishing.

This is a critical moment for the Body of Christ to remain present, continuing to demonstrate resilience by serving and loving the affected people, and helping them rebuild their lives.

It is also a special time for discipleship, to strengthen local churches and small groups.

This state needs your help.

We need more teams and ministries to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process. Ministries for children, teens, youth, and families are particularly needed. Support for physical and psychological health, education, and church strengthening is urgently required. The economy has collapsed for many, so any form of recovery assistance is more than welcome. Arts and entertainment have provided much-needed relief whenever a team visited. Local governments need help planning and implementing measures to address the challenges, as well as in developing strategies to prevent future problems.

All spheres of society needs help and are open for that.
As University of the Nations we can make a huge impact and transform entire cities.

Your help and your teams can make a difference and will be greatly appreciated! You are needed here.

YWAM has four bases in the state, and there is room for more: bases, schools and ministries.