Great Need Equals Great Opportunity

Serving in Brazil, South America

by Ed Johnson

Everyone knows Brazil is a country deeply rooted and steeped in Catholicism and idolatry. What many might not know is that Catholicism is slowly but steadily losing its grip on the Brazilian people. When my parents, Dan and Gerri Johnson, came to Brazil in 1974, Brazil was over 90 percent Catholic. Today less than 65 percent of the population is Catholic. Many are turning away from a superstitious dry Catholicism to a superstitious lively Pentecostalism, while others are turning to other religions. However, in most cases they are just changing from one false hope of a works-based salvation to another. Because of this, there is a great need and a great opportunity for the Gospel in Brazil.

Aparecida is a neighboring city 40 minutes from us known primarily for being the site of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. The shrine sits in the largest Catholic church in Brazil (second largest in the world after the Basilica in the Vatican). The city, with a population of around 35,000, attracts millions of visitors year-round, particularly during the feast day of its patron saint on October 12.

Aparecida’s history dates to the early 18th century when three fishermen supposedly discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in the Paraíba River. The statue, carved from clay, was unremarkable, but many started to believe it had miraculous qualities as local rumors of healings and blessings began to spread. The statue, dubbed Aparecida, meaning “the one who appeared,” quickly became the object of a false hope, faith, and devotion for the Brazilian people. This led to the establishment of the sanctuary and the town’s growth around it.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida stands as a testament to the idolatry in Brazil. Completed in 1980, the basilica can accommodate up to 45,000 people. On October 12, millions of pilgrims converge to honor the Virgin Mary. This pilgrimage, rooted in a false hope and gospel, draws devotees from across the nation and beyond.

The annual celebration of Our Lady of Aparecida attracts approximately 1.5 to 3 million pilgrims. The pilgrimage peaks in the days leading up to October 12 with many individuals and families choosing to travel on foot, by bike, bus, or in cars, sometimes covering extensive distances to reach the sanctuary. Many come from nearby cities, while others embark on journeys of hundreds or even thousands of kilometers.

Every October I am reminded and saddened by the reality of Brazil´s extreme idolatry and misplaced faith. We see thousands of people walking down the highway at any given moment on their way to the Basilica. It is sad to think of their devotion and faith in something that cannot do anything for them, while the true and living God sent His Son to die for them and paid for all their sins on the cross. If only they would listen to the Gospel and turn to Christ!

Of course, many of the Brazilians are like many of the Jews in the time of Jesus—their hearts are hardened to the truth. However, I find that many Brazilians are searching for something more. There is a great opportunity! The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Will you pray with us that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers to and in Brazil? Will you consider coming to help us reach this great harvest?

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