The Brazilian "Sertão"
The Brazilian Sertão
Brazil is often thought of as either the beaches of Rio de Janeiro or the jungles of the Amazon. However, Brazil is as geographically diverse as the United States. The Brazilian Sertão is a large arid region in the Northeast of Brazil noted for its lack of regular rainfall. However, it is not a desert in the usual sense. Years may pass between occurrences of rain, which then leads to destructive flooding. The Sertão is a very harsh land. Read more on Wikipedia.
A Place of Refuge
In the early years of Brazil, various people groups found themselves living in the Sertão. Escaped slaves known as Quilombolas ran to the Sertão and were able to form communities, fending off those who hunted them. The Cigano peoples also found refuge in the Sertão, which was relatively more welcoming than the cities that had hated them. Of course, the Indiginas peoples had lived in the Sertão long before anyone else arrived.
A Place Ignored
The residents of the Sertão had found a home hostile enough to deter visitors; unfortunately it also dissuaded evangelical Christian missionaries. However, the concept of Christianity is not altogether foreign, as the Catholic church visited the region and constructed many physical church buildings. Many Sertão residents visit these physical church buildings for weddings, funerals, and christenings, but take no part in church activities otherwise. Or, the Catholic church is fully compromised in a syncretic blend of animism, Christianity, and whatever. It becomes a social club, not a place to get to know Jesus. People remain locked in their sin, poverty and despair.
The Brazilian Sertão Needs Jesus
The desperate hearts in the people of the Sertão are greatly in need of the good news of Jesus. Social problems are widespread, loving and compassionate families are a rarity, and most in the Sertão live in abject poverty. Governmental assistance forms the bulk of many families’ income. Few jobs exist, and even less hope. A few escape to the “outside” world and may send money back – for a while.
Jesus can always bring hope to people’s lives. The knowledge of the concept of Jesus is enough to open the door for a conversation about salvation. The good news of Jesus can be discussed, and these people can be finally given hope.
We are Called
God said, “go and make disciples of all nations… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19-20 NIV). The peoples of the Sertão are people we should help.
Images from the Sertão
