“The waters have risen again, causing a lot more damage, a lot of harm and taking what was left in many places,” said Daniel, a church leader in Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil, when he spoke to Barnabas Aid on Wednesday.
As the water levels started to return to normal after the recent record-breaking floods, there was some reprieve, allowing people to return to their property to assess the damage and salvage what was left. But this respite didn’t last long.
More rains hit the region last week, nearly matching the record levels experienced a few short weeks ago. The Taquari River rose to nearly 28 metres above normal.
Daniel’s church was quick to help in the rain, moving any aid already received before the water levels rose again
“People are tired and exhausted, because many of them had already managed to set right their property. They had started organising their lives again,” continued Daniel.
This is now the third flood Brazilian Christians have endured since September 2023. They must start again, in many cases without even the simplest of needs met.
So, how can you help? Daniel has earnestly asked for prayer above all else, saying, “We really need the prayers of all the brothers and sisters … that God can keep us encouraged so that the Church can be firm in doing what only it can do – to provide spiritual assistance to all these people.”
Barnabas is providing aid to Christians who have lost much in the recent floods. Food parcels are being distributed already - can you help us do more?
Barnabas Aid is already on the ground, providing food parcels for affected Christians and working with our church partners to distribute aid where needed. We are continuing to provide assistance, but can you help us do more?
How you can help
£4 ($5; €4.50) could provide 12 x 500ml of bottled mineral water for a Christian family
£5.50 ($6.50; €6) could provide a hygiene kit containing soap, shampoo, toothpaste and a toothbrush for an individual
£31 ($37; €34) could provide a single mattress
£40 ($48; €44) could provide a food parcel containing rice, beans, sugar, salt, cooking oil, pasta, tomato extract, wheat flour, corn meal and milk – enough to feed a Christian family of up to four for a month
£45 ($55; €50) could provide a single bed for a shelter
£60 ($72; €66) could provide a double bed
