Chile: state of catastrophe

In north-central Chile, floods and mudslides due to heavy rains have claimed at least five lives, and several more people are missing. An additional 99,000+ people are isolated and a state of catastrophe has been declared in the Coquimbo region and the province of Huasco. Pray for stamina for rescue teams, and for the thousands of people who are isolated to be quickly reconnected to the road network.

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A unique theology training centre is equipping a new generation of leaders to transform Latin American communities.

Today, many indigenous people in Latin America are pushed to the edges of society, facing severe poverty and neglect.

Within this landscape, the local church faces a tough challenge to mentor young leaders who can navigate the pressures of the modern world without losing their cultural roots. This is where CMS comes in: helping provide the vital training and support these communities are asking for. Investing in indigenous leaders is crucial to the future of the church and the future of mission.

A journey of faith

Iliana left her community for the first time to study at CeFA (Centro de Formación Anglicano), a CMS-supported training centre for indigenous mission leaders.

The physical distances students must travel to reach CeFA are vast. Individuals journey from different provinces across Chaco, Formosa and Salta, representing the Wichí, Toba and Chorote communities. Because public transportation is non-existent in these remote areas, the logistics are a major challenge; the centre actually hires local pickup trucks to act as taxis just to get students to class.

Geographical distance is only the first hurdle. At the centre, students face the challenge of learning alongside peers from different indigenous languages and backgrounds. But instead of geography dividing people, students unite over their shared faith and goal to help more people learn about Jesus.

“I was 19 years old when I started,” Iliana reflects. “And although it was my first time away from my family and my community, God showed me from the beginning that I was not alone.

Inspired by my father’s example of service, I clearly felt the calling to prepare myself to better serve in God’s work.”

Head, hands and heart

CeFA offers theological and pastoral training contextualised to the unique needs of indigenous communities. The goal is two-fold: to provide students with solid biblical knowledge, and to create a nurturing space where they can develop Christlike character and explore their unique gifts.

To create well-rounded leaders, the curriculum is delivered in three distinct streams:

The academic programme includes a Bible overview, church history, creation care, safeguarding, Christian living and studies on Ephesians and Isaiah.

Afternoons focus on practical subjects such as understanding the spiritual world and the life of Christ. At weekends, students put their skills to use serving in local Anglican congregations.

Each day begins with collective devotions. Character is also formed through the daily routine, with rotating work groups responsible for meals, cleaning and maintenance.

This holistic environment offered Etelvina, a young Toba woman, something far deeper than a qualification.

“Coming to CeFA was a surprise for me and a clear sign from God, because I never imagined that someone would invite me, coming from such a remote place,” Etelvina says. “I arrived with doubts and wounds, but God began to heal me and strengthen my faith. Through the classes, community life and daily service, I grew and came to understand that God uses every situation to shape us. I now desire to share what God has done in me, serving others and being an instrument of his love.”

A growing global movement

Beyond the walls of the CeFA centre, the work of indigenous mission training continues to grow as CMS partners answer the call from indigenous communities asking for theological preparation and support. Today, partners are seeing the fruit of that vital investment:

We celebrate with students who are leading in their churches, strengthening theological teaching and pastoral care as they lead a missional movement.

CeFA graduates from different ethnic groups are transforming their communities, utilising training in communication to strengthen local initiatives.

Elsewhere in the region, in the Paraguayan Chaco, we are supporting local ethnic groups with practical tools, including an electricity course that offers vital new development and employment opportunities in remote locations.

In Paraguay and Argentina more than 500 indigenous adults and youth have completed discipleship courses (many translated into the Wichí language), strengthening and growing a culturally rooted faith.

Planting seeds for the future

By the time Iliana graduated at the end of 2025, her vision had grown and her confidence to teach her faith had strengthened. This internal shift will now benefit an entire people group.

“As the only Chorote student, I am very proud to represent my people,” Iliana says. “This journey is not only mine, but an expression of the faith and hope of my whole community.”

Today, Iliana’s deepest desire is to encourage other young people to study God’s Word. With the skills she has learnt at CeFA, she will inspire the next generation of indigenous leaders to respond to God’s call to mission in Latin America.

Pray together

Thank you God for brave young people like Iliana and Etelvina who are answering your missional call to lead in their communities. We pray for the students and teachers at CeFA as they pursue your heart for mission in Latin America. Amen

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In Palhoça semi-open prison in Florianópolis, prisoners who follow Jesus or who are exploring faith can now meet together on Saturday mornings.

“It’s clear the Lord is opening doors, and it’s yet another affirmation that we are on the right path,” shares Andy Walsh, a CMS mission partner doing prison ministry in the city.

Following requests by Andy and his team, the governor of Palhoça prison gave the green light for regular church services in March 2026.

Palhoça’s church plant heralds a new phase of prison ministry in Brazil.

Over the past couple of years, Andy and a small team connected with the local Baptist church have been working among people in prison in and around Florianópolis, running a 12-week discipleship course in several prisons and supporting prisoners to explore faith in Jesus. Hundreds of men have chosen to follow Jesus, but more follow-up and pastoral care are needed, and in most cases, prisoners aren’t allowed to meet together for church services, despite this right being outlined in Brazilian law.

Andy and his team hope the church in Palhoça will become a model that can be replicated in other prisons.

Next, they are hoping for progress with decision-makers at San Pedro de Alcântara Penitentiary, a maximum-security prison housing over 1,500 men.

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Brazil: church services behind bars

Give thanks with mission partner Andy Walsh that Christians serving time at Palhoça penitentiary, a men’s open-air prison outside Florianópolis, are now allowed to gather for church services once a week. Andy and a team have faithfully served in prison ministry in the city for several years, and while hundreds of male inmates across Florianópolis have accepted Jesus into their lives, it has taken a long time to see church services allowed to start in even one of the city’s prisons. Pray for continued progress with other prisons in the area so that more men in prisons across the city can meet together to worship God and grow in their faith.

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Paraguay: the gospel moving among Southern Énxet and Northern Enlhet speakers

After over 40 years of service in Bible translation for the Southern Énxet and Northern Enlhet languages, Tim Curtis has returned to the UK permanently and is finishing as a CMS mission partner. He may however return to Paraguay for short-term spells in the future. Tim asks for prayer for Asunción Rojas, who continues to offer his skills to The Diocese of Paraguay and has shared their work on the Southern Énxet dictionary with the Ministry of Education. Pray for Christians as they continue to proclaim the gospel, provide Bible teaching and upskill the indigenous members of the Anglican Church of Paraguay. Pray also for Tim as he looks for a place to live in the UK. 

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Venezuela: earthquake aftermath

Recent earthquakes have caused more than 1,450 deaths and left a further 3,000 people injured, in addition to colossal damage to people’s homes and public infrastructure. Pray for people as they grieve huge losses and look to recover and make a way forward. Ask God to strengthen Christians to be able to support and offer hope to their friends, families and neighbours.  

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Venezuela: earthquakes

In Caracas, earthquakes on Wednesday 24 June caused catastrophic damage, and the US Geological Survey has estimated that the death toll could be between 10,000 and 100,000. Rescue teams are searching through the rubble for signs of life as thousands of people remain unaccounted for. Pray for the Holy Spirit to lead rescuers to people who need their help. Pray for the country as they deal with the immense loss and destruction and look to rebuild.

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Brazil: leaving ministry in local hands

We were excited to have mission partners Rosie and Stu Bayford in the CMS office this week and to hear them reflect on their mission journey over the past seven years. We praise God for the energy and love they have invested in people in Olinda, Recife, supporting girls at risk through their work with safe house ReVive and pioneering a community market that repurposes surplus food for families in need. Pray for girls at ReVive to continue to grow and flourish. Pray for the community market, now in local hands, to go from strength to strength and continue to find local suppliers to work with. Pray for Rosie and Stu and their daughter as they re-establish themselves in the UK.

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Peru: encountering God through art workshops

CMS partner Anna Sims works alongside the local church in urban Lima to build community and share Jesus with people in creative ways.

Anna writes that a community centre recently opened in Pamplona, on the outskirts of the city, and she and others run weekly art workshops on Saturday mornings and a midweek afternoon workshop for older children. Pray for people to encounter God through Anna and the team and through being creative.

Anna also asks for prayer for her visa to be approved so she can travel to Honduras in July.

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Bold. Broad. Boundless: God’s mission – always full of surprise!

An in person gathering to celebrate, learn and pray together for CMS’s mission around the world.

• Date: Saturday 10 October 2026
• Time: 10am to 3pm
• Venue: St John’s Walton, Chesterfield S42 7LT

Guest speakers:

• Andy Roberts (CEO, CMS)
• Jason and Tracy Day (Thailand)
• Andrew and Lisa Peart (Bolivia)

The church will provide a sandwich and cake lunch.

Take part

To book your place contact Bob Lunt robert.lunt539@hotmail.com

• See all events

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Peru: encountering God through art

Anna Sims, based in Lima, is part of a team leading iCafe, a church and cultural initiative with a heart to reach people who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional church setting, particularly artists. Pray for good relationships with children and families participating in art workshops and for people to encounter Jesus’ love through Anna and the team.

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Ecuador: new pastor needed at Cuenca Christian Church

Mission associate Johnny Pinos is pastor of Cuenca Christian Church’s bilingual congregation. His wife, mission partner Beverley Cannon de Pinos, supports him in his role and helps meet a variety of practical and spiritual needs within the church. Johnny is now over 70 and wants to hand over some leadership responsibilities, but is struggling to find a successor. Pray for God to bring the right person at the right time who can take over from Johnny and lead the congregation.

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