Marcio and Damaris Garcia - Brazil

When Marcio was a young boy, the Lord placed a love for the sea in his heart. Later in life he would learn why. Marcio became a Christian during his teenage years. He and his future wife, Damaris, attended a Bible institute where they both became burdened for the approximately one millon fishermen that live in isolated villages along the coastal waterways of Brazil. He first dreamed of a ministry to the primitive fishermen when he was 24.

He has pursued that dream non-stop ever since, even living with his wife for three years on a boat with a tiny cabin. He has been described as "half Tarzan and half Mother Teresa" -- very caring with people, but willing to take boats up channels in heavy fog or in complete darkness of night without compass or radar.

God led Marcio and Damaris to establish the Evangelical Mission for Assistance to Fishermen (EMAF). Today, Marcio directs the work of EMAF, supervising the workers, starting churches in unreached villages, and researching new areas for outreach. Marcio's deep interest in the sea, and his love for the people whose lives depend on it, opens the hearts of the people to his messages.

EMAF currently has 54 full-time Brazilian missionary workers, which it provides with living quarters and the resources needed (such as boats and related equipment) to perform their work. Funds are required for the workers' personal support.

The ministry has reached all the unreached villages in several states of Brazil. The future need is to start bases in the two additional coastal states already surveyed.

Approximately 85% of EMAF's support comes from within Brazil. PIONEERS, here in the US, serves in partnership with EMAF to help with additional support to reach out to 400 remaining unreached fishing villages with the gospel.

 

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To learn more about Brazil, where it is located, and additional information about the country, click on the web site below:

CIA - The World Factbook -- Brazil

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." --Matthew 28: 19,20 NIV