The Amazon River flows through the rainforests of seven South American countries, including Brazil. Here many small communities are found, living in shelters constructed on stilts under the canopy of the rainforest. Living in poor conditions, they rely heavily on the Amazon River not only for travel, but for washing, drinking, cooking and cleaning. However, with the lack of sewage systems and waste collection, the river is also used to dump waste; so the main resource for these communities, is also their main source of disease. With infection and disease levels high, and little or no access to healthcare, the levels of sickness and mortality are extreme.

It is with these communities that the Bible Society of Brazil (BSB) has been working with since 1962…

The ‘Light of the Amazon’ project was set up to reach the people of the Amazon with spiritual, medical and social care. Using a hospital-boat called "Luz na Amazônia III", many volunteers travel along the Amazon River bringing the love of God to the people through his Word and practical service.

The hospital boat is specially designed with medical consultation rooms, a laboratory, and a pharmacy; bringing assistance in areas that would otherwise be unavailable – medical check-ups and tests, dental assistance, clinical lab services, physical therapy, teaching in health, dental and nutrition, haircuts, recreational activities for children, meals and spiritual teaching.

The communities are very welcoming of the spiritual teaching and the distribution of Bibles. The majority of people visited have not previously owned a BIble, and to hear the words of Jesus brings them purpose and faith. Volunteers also provide recreational activities for children, such as puppet theater performances. The hoards of children that flock to the boat are given snacks, toys, toothbrushes and Bibles.

A host of volunteers give up their time to serve God and meet the needs of the River communities. From doctors to dentists to hairdressers and cooks, the team comes together to bring these essential services to the people.

32 year old Rosiete of the Furo do Benedito community spoke of her experience, “My first contact with the Bible was ten years ago through the Light in Amazon Programme; before the boat, there were no Bibles in my community. The Word of God is very important in our lives; it helps me to raise my children and improves family relations in general. By reading the Bible my faith grew, because it made me believe even more in God.”

Please pray for the work that the BSB is doing through ‘Light of the Amazon’. Ask that God would protect the missions of the boat, and that people living along the river would come to know him through reading His Word and the assistance given by the volunteers.