"We provide assistance to worthwhile projects in Brazil in an effort to answer our Lord’s call to ‘Go into all the world and make disciples…'”
- Dr. Bill Thompson, Executive Director, BMS
Our Mission
Our History
The Brazil Mission Society was founded in 1987 by Dr. Bill Thompson and Mr. Norbert Koschmann. Their interest in the ministry of the IELB, especially its programs for Christian education for the children, led Thompson and Koschmann to create an organization through which support could be garnered in the United States to assist this South American ministry. BMS has also established a reputation of confidence that allows individuals, churches, schools, and other interested groups to send help, knowing that their donations will be handled in a responsible manner. Over $1 million has been given to help share Christ with children and families in Brazil. Over 97% of the income goes directly to support mission projects.
Affiliations
Brazil Mission Society (BMS) is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS). The Brazil Mission Society is also officially recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (IELB). All projects supported by BMS are first approved by the administration of IELB. Additionally, BMS is a founding member of the Brazil Summit, an informational coalition of US Lutheran agencies active in Brazil.
Structure
BMS is incorporated in the State of Texas as a charitable, not-for-profit corporation. It is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501-3c corporation and, therefore, can receive tax-deductible contributions in support of its ministry.
About Brazil
Area: 3,286,470 square miles
Capital: Brasilia
Population: 150,000,000
Main Language: Portuguese
Main Religion: Roman Catholic
Currency: Real
Government: Federal Republic
Brazil's Flag
Brazil's national flag displays the motto, "Order and Progress."
The green background and yellow diamond represent agricultural and mineral resources.
The blue globe and white stars represent Brazil's ties to Portugal.
The stars represent the states.
Brazilian Economics
An estimated 53 million Brazilians live on less than $1.00 per day.
Poverty-driven migration to large cities has resulted in overcrowding, slum-conditions and homelessness.
Many Brazilians are unemployed, lack education, and have limited access to health systems.
The Brazilian Mission Field
In the 1500's, Portuguese colonists introduced Roman Catholicism to the
Brazilian natives. Today, Roman Catholics comprise roughly 74% of the Brazilian popluation. About 16% of the population is Protestant with significan but smaller percentages of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and African Cultists.
Because of the influence of tribal religions, many Brazilians who claim to be Christian mix aspects of voodoo or spiritualism with their Christianity. Many still need to learn of the salvation won for them by Jesus Christ alone.
Ministry Efforts in Brazil
Lutheran ministry in Brazil is organized under the Igreja Evangelica Luterana do Brasil (IELB). While these Lutheran efforts began in 1900, the IELB became a partner of the The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in 1980. The IELB has 184,000 members in 1,150 congregations and 570 preaching stations. There are 496 pastors; 47 teachers; and a seminary in Sao Leopoldo.
The IELB ministry includes integrated mission centers (schools, medical, dental, etc); parochial schools; mass media programs; orphanages; senior centers; shelters for the needy; health care centers; day care centers; and a school for the deaf. The IELB has 14 missionaries who work in Potugal, Paraguay, the Azores and Venezuela.
Brazil Mission Society (BMS) joins aponsors in the United States with the IELB to reach children and families in Brazil with the message of Jesus Christ.
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