Scenes of flooded cities, displaced families, and casualties, both human and animal, in Southern Brazil have touched the nation deeply. The images were broadcasted worldwide, causing a commotion.

Experiencing the situation firsthand has been “one of the most challenging experiences of my life”, explains pastor Joel Engel.

The Engel Ministry has been mobilizing intercessory teams and action groups in the city of Santa Maria, in the Southern State of Rio Grande do Sul, to distribute donations to families affected by the floods.

“We are witnessing a lot happening at the same time in Rio Grande do Sul: the tragedy of the waters, the great omission on the part of those who could do something, and the helplessness of those who want to do something but cannot,” lamented the pastor. “Our people is used to hold our emotions, but there are times when it’s too much.”

Santa Maria was recorded as the city with the highest volume of rainfall in the world on May 1st, according to Ogimet — a website that gathers meteorological data from various global centers. As a result, many houses and access roads were destroyed.

Members of the Engel Ministry are delivering packages of blankets, food baskets, and warm clothing by car and even on foot, crossing temporarily built mobile bridges.

“It’s very difficult to see everything happening and not being able to cover all the needs”, commented the pastor.

What may seem small in the face of the tragedy, however, meant a lot to families who had not received any kind of assistance. On Saturday, May 11th, Joel Engel led a team to Vila Pôr do Sol, an area affected by the floods and still without aid by the public power due to the difficulties to access.

“No help has arrived here,” said one of the Engel Ministry volunteers. “We conducted a survey with the residents, and they told us that nothing has reached them. It’s a very needy area, and they can’t get help”.

In a small village that seemed forgotten to human eyes, God used His children to remind the residents that He had not forgotten. Besides the donations, the group brought songs of praise and the message of the gospel.

“In the flood of 1941, my father only had time to get on a boat. The flood of 1941 is part of my family’s history”, said Joel Engel in a service held at a humble house in the village, where he recalled the last time the State suffered a major flood.

“Years later, God called me to preach the gospel, and the first place He led me to preach was the same city where my father lost everything in the flood”, he added.

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Joel Engel יואל אנג׳ל (@pastorjoelengel)

The pastor brought a message of hope to the residents, reminding them that the Good News of Jesus is about new beginnings: “For every day of sadness, there will be oil of joy. For every day of dishonor, there will be double honor. He is the God of new beginning, there is a new time coming for all those affected by the flood.”

While supporting the cities of Santa Maria and Faxinal do Soturno, pastor Joel Engel has been gathering efforts to help regions around the capital, Porto Alegre, where the water levels have not yet subsided.

“We have many partners working in cities also affected by the floods, like Guaíba, Canoas, São Leopoldo, Mathias Velho… We are praying for God to give us the grace to find a way to get there,” said Engel.

FLOOD EMERGENCY

Facing the tragedy with prayers and actions, Joel Engel invites churches to step up their relief efforts.

“I would like to invite the Church worldwide to unite in the same purpose. Let’s raise our voices in prayer for Rio Grande do Sul, asking not only for the rain to stop and the water levels decrease, but also for hope and comfort for those affected. Together, we can make a difference and extend our help to reach more lives amidst this situation,” he declared.

The Engel Ministry is asking for donations to purchase blankets, warm clothing, water, and food baskets.

To contribute, please contact the Ministry at this email: ministerioengel@hotmail.com | Whatsapp (55)9.9974-8874

 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Joel Engel יואל אנג׳ל (@pastorjoelengel)