Hope from the Edges
Watch the latest stories of what God is doing in Brazil, DR Congo and the UK.
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If these stories encourage your faith today, please consider sharing this video with your church, small group or anyone who needs a fresh reminder that our loving God is at work in our world.
Find out more about the stories mentioned in this month’s Hope from the Edges:
Joyful news for prisoners in Brazil
After a long wait, a prison governor has given the go-ahead for chapel services in Florianopolis jail
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More stories you may like:
Video transcript
Hello and welcome to Hope from the Edges. I’m Andy Roberts, CEO of CMS.
In this episode, we’re sharing three remarkable stories of lives transformed at the edges, showing how God is bringing belonging, restoring dignity, and planting vibrant communities of faith in unexpected places.
First, we’ll head to Brazil, where a remarkable prison ministry has been given the go-ahead to plant a church behind bars.
Then we’ll go to Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where families living in conflict zones are finding sanctuary and hope as new local churches are planted there too.
And finally, we’ll visit a UK pioneer community where art and creativity are opening doors for people to experience church in a whole new shape.
We begin in Brazil, where hundreds of men in a local prison are experiencing life-changing transformation.
For years, CMS mission partners and local leaders have walked alongside these men, offering Bible studies, discipleship courses, and a chance to encounter the love of Jesus. The outcome has been profound. Men who felt completely written off are finding forgiveness in Jesus and choosing a brand new path. Andy Walsh, who works with CMS in the prison, reports that hundreds of men have come to faith. Yet for a long time they were not allowed to gather together for any kind of worship service.
Now, after persistent advocacy by Andy and local Christian leaders, prison authorities have officially granted approval for a church plant inside the prison. Every week a chapel time forms behind bars, giving inmates a supportive community and real hope for their future outside. Our hope is that this will become a model for other churches to be born in prisons across Brazil.
Next, let’s go to Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to see more churches growing on the edges.
For decades, the district of Kibumba has been deeply affected by armed conflict, forced displacement, and resulting trauma. Rev Innocent Kwitonda, vicar of St John’s Church in Buvira, was born in this area. And his life story reflects both the deep suffering and incredible resilience of the local people.
Where violent conflict has uprooted lives and shattered stability, Rev Innocent and St John’s Church have refused to let fear have the final word. During the most recent brutal conflict in Goma, St John’s welcomed war-displaced families, providing clean water, basic household items, and temporary shelter for over 2,000 households.
Now, at the direct request of this local community, they have also planted three new churches in the area. These churches continue to grow in size and impact. Women who suffered sexual violence and harassment are gradually rediscovering hope and dignity through biblical teaching, pastoral care and supportive fellowship. Children participate in trauma healing sessions, educational activities, and structured play times that help make their restoration possible.
Rev Innocent says, “We firmly believe that the Lord alone is the healer of broken souls, and that the Church remains his chosen instrument to bring healing, reconciliation, and lasting transformation to wounded communities.”
Finally, let’s return to the UK, to the London area, for a wonderful story from CMS pioneer training graduate, Hayley Humphreys. A story of creativity, community, and connection.
What has become known as Art for Wellbeing, or Art Church, began a few years ago with 10 people, a table, and some paint and brushes. Hayley says, “There was no grand strategy, no detailed blueprint, just a sense that creativity mattered, that people needed connection, and that God might be present in the simple act of making something together.”
People who are unlikely to feel comfortable in a traditional church setting arrive, often carrying loneliness, grief, anxiety or doubt. And they are finding a non-threatening space where everyone belongs, no matter their artistic ability or background. Each session opens with a simple spiritual reflection, followed by open time for conversations about life and faith.
The fruit has been beautiful. Participants have discovered hidden gifts. Seven new leaders have stepped up from within the group, and people have taken significant steps in faith, including baptism. This year the group was formally recognised as a fresh expression of church. It is a powerful reminder that church doesn’t always look traditional.
As Hayley puts it, “The Kingdom of God is appearing right there in brushstrokes, conversations, and cups of tea.”
What strikes me about all three of these stories is the power of belonging, whether in a prison cell, a conflict zone, or around an art table. God’s love meets people right where they are.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support that empower local leaders to bring this hope to the edges.
Please share this video with your church or small group to encourage others today.
Until next time, we are so grateful for your gifts and prayers as together we go:
With Jesus
With each other
To the edges
ENDS
Be sure to receive Hope from the Edges every time!
