Riding the Current of Hope Since 1952
Our Story - A Bold Legacy on the Water
Our story began in 1952 with Pastor Eduardo Lessa. While serving as a translator along the winding waterways of the Amazon, he felt a relentless calling: to become a full-time missionary to the isolated river communities.
Boldly setting out from Parintins, he envisioned a ministry that would ride the massive currents of the river to reach the deep jungle and, eventually, inspire partners worldwide.
Today, that flame is carried forward by his son, Pastor Elmer Lessa. What started as a single local church plant has surged into a regional movement.
Over the past 75 years, the First Baptist Church of Parintins has transformed into a powerful missionary force, reproducing itself through second and third generation local churches that are entirely indigenous and self-sustaining.
Our Bold Mission
Making disciples, developing leaders and transforming communities in the Amazon.
Our Bold Vision
A healthy & multiplying church accessible to every community in the Amazon.
Our Approach
How We Navigate the Mission
Reaching the unreached requires more than just showing up. It demands a relational, respectful, and holistic approach that empowers the people of the Amazon to lead their own spiritual future.
Relational Evangelism:
We don't just visit; we stay. We reach isolated villages by building deep, personal relationships and sharing the foundational Word of God.
Indigenous Leadership:
True impact must be local. Through our six seminary locations across Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, we train pastors and leaders from within the very communities they serve.
Holistic Ministry:
A community cannot thrive spiritually if it is suffering physically. We meet physical, educational, and spiritual needs together to bring complete community restoration.
The Impact
The Current is Gaining Speed
What God has done through 75 years of obedience.
500 VILLAGES REACHED
122 CURRENT SEMINARY ENROLLMENT
100 LEADERS TRAINED
55 CHURCHES PLANTED
15 NEW CHURCH PLANTS BEING NURTURED
12 INDIAN TRIBES
3 COUNTRIES
Our Leadership
Carrying the Vision Forward
Elmer Lessa
Pastor, Director
Growing up on the banks of the Amazon, Elmer watched his parents lay the foundation for this ministry. Today, he continues to guide the movement as Director of AmazonVida.
Together with his wife, Elisângela, and their sons, David and Daniel, they are dedicated to equipping the next generation of river missionaries to carry the gospel even further.
Will You Join the Current?
The Amazon is relentless, but so is our mission. Your partnership helps equip local leaders, sustain training centers, and launch boats to communities waiting for hope.