In January 2015 during a visit to Goiania in Brazil, our hearts were broken by seeing hundreds of people affected by addiction living on the streets of the city centre. As we prayed, we were stirred by God to respond to such need and serve in one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
In August 2017 we made our big move to Goiania and, in partnership with a local church, we set up a project reaching out to the homeless and poor in the city centre. We have set up a social bank with clothes, hygiene kits and food. We have also built a team to engage with those living on the streets on a regular basis through a street beauty salon, medical and dental care, and bringing the presence of Jesus.
Debora and Levi Santana - Brazil
Call
To come alongside the most marginalised and needy in society, meeting human needs and sharing the gospel of Jesus.
Role
Partnering with local churches, providing a variety of services to help people in poverty as well as teaching and equipping the local church for mission.
More about Debora and Levi Santana
We are now exploring opening a weekly drop-in centre, so we become “the place to go to” for help – from a place in rehab to a parcel of food, from basic medical care to a haircut and shower. We believe God can change all things, and want to dream and pray for those who cannot dream or pray anymore.
We were both born in Brazil. The son of a Baptist minister involved in the rehabilitation of addicts, Levi moved to the UK as a teenager in 2002 and this is where God began to open his heart for mission. Levi worked for Youth for Christ and then began working in the Church of England. He was ordained in 2013. Debora grew up in a Christian home and was inspired by her mother who was a local evangelist.
We got married in 2007 and then worked together in ministry. Together we have worked with young people, started a missional community in High Wycombe and served marginalised young adults living in our community. Hospitality has also been a huge part of our lives and our home has always been a place of welcome and a “home away from home” to many.
We have a son and a daughter, Nicolas, born in 2010 and Olivia, born in 2017.
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