WHO WE ARE
Our Story
We have been riding the currents of the Amazon to offer hope since 1952, starting with the dedicated ministry of Pastor Eduardo Lessa. After serving Amazon River communities as a translator, he felt a profound calling to become a full-time missionary on the river.
Pastor Eduardo's heart for the Amazon people and his vision for ministry eventually became the life passion of his son, Pastor Elmer Lessa.
Pastor Eduardo began the work in Parintins, hoping his efforts would ride the currents of the Amazon to offer hope to the surrounding jungle areas and eventually reach people around the world.
Over the past seventy-plus years, the First Baptist Church of Parintins has been planted and has become a missionary force, reproducing itself by starting second- and third-generation churches in nearby villages.
The ministry of Amazon Vida has grown to become a disciple-making, leadership development, and church planting support system, making healthy churches available to more communities far from Parintins.
Our six seminary locations serve Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, offering training in theology, community development, and vocational skills that transform individuals and communities across three countries.
Our Mission
Making disciples, developing leaders and transforming communities in the Amazon.
Our Vision
A healthy & multiplying church accessible to every community in the Amazon.
Our Leadership
Elmer Lessa
Pastor, Director
Elmer's parents founded the ministry in 1952 and he continues to lead the mission movement in the Amazon River region to this day.
Elmer has served as the pastor of the Primeira Igreja Batista de Parintins (First Baptist Church of Parintins).
His wife, Elisângela, have two boys, David and Daniel.
Our Approach
Relational Evangelism:
Reaching villages through personal relationships and the Word of God.
Indigenous Leadership:
Training pastors and leaders from within the communities we serve.
Holistic Ministry:
Meeting physical, educational, and spiritual needs together.
Our Beliefs
We believe in the authority of Scripture, the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the call of every believer to make disciples of all nations.
Our ministry flows from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39).