Paraguay: gathering for meetings

Pray for CMS staff and partners from around the world currently gathered in Paraguay for meetings and an exchange of learning. Pray for relationships to be strengthened as people eat together, worship alongside each other and learn from each other.

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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

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Argentina: women leaders

Please pray for the indigenous women leaders God is raising up across the Diocese of Northern Argentina – for them to be empowered to serve across the diocese’s five language groups and help meet local needs as God is calling them. Lift up CMS partner Mirna Paulo as she travels, teaches, pastors and encourages women of all ages, alongside supporting the ongoing work of AMARE (a local movement affiliated with Mothers’ Union).

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Paraguay: gathering for meetings

Pray for CMS staff and partners from around the world who are gathering in Asunción over the next couple of weeks for a mission network meeting followed by a leaders’ gathering and learning exchange. Pray for safety for all those travelling and for a good time of networking and learning from each other.

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Rt Rev Abelino Apeleo, the first indigenous Anglican bishop in Chile and an inspiration to CMS staff and partners, died suddenly on Monday 24 August 2026.

Bishop Abelino was a longstanding partner, both as bishop and as rector of the Instituto Bíblico Rural (IBR), playing a hugely significant role in training indigenous church leaders. His life and ministry laid foundations that would eventually shape Misión Indígena, a CMS-facilitated group supporting indigenous mission across Latin America.

Paul Tester, mission director at Church Mission Society, commented:

“Our relationship and partnership with Bishop Abelino spans so many years – as a partner, friend, advisor and a wonderful example of Christian leadership. He has been an inspiration to so many, including myself, and has always been an incredible witness.”

Joel Millanguir, a CMS partner and current Bishop of Araucanía, shared this moving tribute to his friend and colleague with CMS manager in Latin America Alonso Silva:

Bishop Abelino was very important in the life of the church here in Chile and for the development of mission in the Araucanía region. He was a man who preached the gospel, not just with his words, but with the testimony of his life. His humility, simplicity and deep commitment to Jesus made him respected and beloved pastor among the communities he served.

Personally, Bishop Abelino profoundly marked my pastoral ministry. He was a spiritual father whose closeness and accompaniment were constant over the years. I had the privilege of being ordained by him as both deacon and priest, and then he preached at my consecration as bishop in 2023, moments that remain unforgettable for me.

We worked together for many years, especially in the rural ministry of our region and the ministry with the Mapuche people. In that walk I learned from him genuine love for the people from his land, his respect for indigenous culture and his tireless concern for the spiritual and human well-being of each person. For Bishop Abelino, mission wasn’t a programme, but a particular expression of the love of Jesus towards the most remote communities.

One of the qualities that most stood out was his extraordinary closeness to the people he ministered among. He knew how to listen with patience, tackle difficulties with calm and offer advice full of biblical wisdom and pastoral discernment. His leadership wasn’t instilled by authority, but born from service, compassion and by example.

Bishop Abelino had a fundamental role in Misión Indígena as a mentor in biblical training and pastoral ministry. His experience, leadership and deep knowledge of indigenous experiences have contributed significantly to the growth of discipleship initiatives, leadership training and the growth of a mission contextualised and faithful to the Scriptures.

This collaborative work seeks to strengthen the links between indigenous people in South America – Mapuche, Wichí, Toba, Chorote, Enxet and Angaité, among others – encouraging the exchange of experiences, cooperation between dioceses and building a mission that values the cultural identity of each people while proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord.

I give thanks to God for his life and ministry. His legacy continues inspiring those who had the privilege of walking alongside him, and his testimony lives on in the churches, the leaders he trained and the indigenous communities, to which he faithfully dedicated much of his life.

We pray for Bishop Abelino’s family and friends as they grieve, and give thanks to God for his life and witness.

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Honduras: mourning a loss

CMS partners Lindsey and Steve Poulson have had several groups of visitors over the summer from churches in the US, supporting Proyecto Alas’s work among children at risk. They recently received news that the leader of one of the groups, who had visited several times and become a dear friend of the project over the years, passed away following an accident. Please pray for comfort for the woman’s family and friends as well as Lindsey and Steve and others mourning her loss.

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Colombia: earthquake

An earthquake in western Colombia on Monday has killed at least 265 people, and another 500 are still missing. Pray for comfort for all those who have lost loved ones and homes, and for the country as a whole as they rebuild following this tragedy.

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Colombia: female genital mutilation

Praise God that Colombia recently made female genital mutilation (FGM) illegal – the first country in Latin America to do so. Mission partner Ann-Marie Wilson works with Orchid Project to end the harmful and needless practice in every country where it is still practised. Pray for the efforts of Ann-Marie and others to continue to impact leaders and decision-makers so that the practice can be eradicated in more countries around the world and for more girls to be spared. 

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Ecuador: new place to meet

Mission partner Beverley Cannon de Pinos supports the congregation at Cuenca Christian Church (CCC), where her husband, mission associate Johnny Pinos, is pastor. CCC moved premises only a few months ago, but is once again looking for a new location, as the current landlord has other plans for the building where they currently meet. Pray for God to provide a new building for CCC in the centre of Cuenca that they can move into by the end of August. Please also pray for Bev and Johnny as Bev retires from service with CMS and they enter the next phase of their lives.

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Guatemala: Casa de Gracia

Mission partners Azaria and David Pocasangre, who support young people and families through the local church, have recently been connecting with a new ministry called Casa de Gracia (House of Grace). This ministry seeks to provide a safe, supportive home for young adults who have no family to support them as they transition into independent adulthood. Pray for the Casa de Gracia team as they prepare to welcome their first young women later this year, and for God’s guidance for Azaria and David as they consider how to best support this ministry.

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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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