Faith That Travels Far
Equipping indigenous leaders in the Amazon
As AmazonVida celebrates 75 years of sharing the hope of Christ, we are reminded that bold faith has always been at the heart of our mission. For 75 years, God has opened doors to places many could never reach, and today that same bold vision continues as we equip indigenous and riverside leaders to bring the Gospel to their own communities.
We are grateful to share the highlights from the second 2026 module of the Prof. Eglantina Lessa Leaders Training Center (CTL), held on May 1–3. Over three meaningful days, students gathered to study God's Word, encourage one another, and grow together in faith. It was a powerful reminder that investing in local leaders remains one of the boldest and most lasting ways to advance the Gospel throughout the Amazon.
Growing Together in Faith
This module welcomed 51 students from 33 different communities, along with 11 new candidates preparing to join the next class. Their commitment to biblical training continues to inspire us.
One especially encouraging testimony came from our Sateré brothers and sisters, who overcame significant travel challenges to be present for the entire gathering. Among them was Brother Aristides, an elder of the Sateré people whose faith and perseverance continue to inspire everyone at CTL. Living along the Marau River, he walks for hours through the rainforest before boarding a boat for a journey of nearly 15 hours to reach Parintins—all because of his desire to grow in God's Word and better serve his community.
Equipping Leaders in Their Heart Language
This module also marked an important milestone in our curriculum as students continued their study of Biblical Doctrines. We are especially thankful that nearly all of the course material has now been translated into the Sateré-Mawé language.
Providing theological education in a student's native language allows biblical truth to be understood more deeply while honoring the culture and identity of indigenous believers. It is another step toward equipping leaders to faithfully teach and disciple their own communities.
Caring for People and God's Creation
During the gathering, students also participated in a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) led by Rogério Nakauth, Carol Nakauth, and Anndson Brelaz, professors from the Federal Institute of Amazonas (IFAM).
The assessment helps us better understand the needs and strengths of the communities we serve while promoting food sovereignty and sustainable development. It reflects our desire to share the hope of the Gospel while also caring for God's creation and supporting healthier, more resilient communities.
Celebrating 75 Years of Bold Faith
This report is more than an update—it is a glimpse of what God continues to do through faithful partnerships. Every translated lesson, every student who travels days to attend class, and every new leader equipped to serve is the result of people who have chosen to invest boldly in God's Kingdom.
As we celebrate 75 Years Bold, we celebrate not only our history but also God's faithfulness and the future He is preparing. The next generation of indigenous and riverine leaders is being equipped today to carry the Gospel farther than ever before.
Thank you for praying, giving, and standing with us over the past 75 years. Together, we continue to boldly share Christ's love throughout the Amazon—one leader, one community, and one transformed life at a time.