A Voice for the vulnerable: missionaries Support Families Finding Refuge in Brazil
BRASILIA, brazil – International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries Nick and Amber Sroka are working to bring hope and the message of Christ to families navigating immense challenges in Brazil, particularly those who have faced rejection from their tribes due to a child’s medical needs.
this past summer, Amber Sroka led a craft activity with children at a local ministry center, creating crosses adorned with colorful string. One participant was jessica, a young girl born with muscular dystrophy. Her parents made the challenging decision to leave their tribal community to ensure she received the care she needed.
The Srokas partnered with a Baptist church group from Missouri to host a Vacation Bible School-style programme, fostering connections with children like Jessica and their families. While serving in support roles to other missionaries, Nick and Amber actively share the love of Jesus with those unfamiliar with the gospel, connecting them with opportunities for spiritual growth.
They work closely with ATINI, a ministry center whose name means “voice” in a local tribal language. ATINI provides crucial medical care, assistance with acclimating to a new life, school enrollment, and tutoring for families transitioning from tribal lands. The Srokas also connect with other IMB missionaries throughout Brazil to identify and support families facing similar circumstances – tribal rejection or a lack of access to necessary medical care.
“When someone says, ‘Oh my child was born with this deficiency, I don’t know what to do,’ we can tell them about this great resource for families who face similar situations,” Amber Sroka explained.
The Srokas also encourage the ATINI staff and coordinate volunteer mission groups from the U.S. to provide support and complete service projects on the center’s 10-acre campus. These visits offer opportunities to share the gospel and build relationships.
Edgar and Elisa,who live at ATINI with their five children,including Jessica,exemplify the transformative power of faith.They support their family by selling handmade jewelry and woodcrafts at local markets. Both edgar and Elisa have made professions of faith in Christ and been baptized. Their story is a testament to the hope found in the gospel, even in difficult circumstances.
The IMB encourages readers to pray for families to recognize the inherent worth of their children and to hear the message of God’s love. They also ask for prayer for more missionaries and churches to join in bringing the hope of the gospel to those living “in darkness.”
(IMB Photo: IMB missionaries Nick and Amber sroka, with their children, Carter, Oliver, Leine and Mia. The Srokas serve in Brasilia, Brazil.)
Some names have been changed for security reasons.
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Original Story Source: http://imb.org
