Botelho Gigante

Despite the fact, referring to P Johnstone, that Brazil is the third country in sending missionaries, disputes P Wagner's claim that in 2010 Brazil will be the strongest missionary force. Attributes this to a lack of effective partnerships with Northern Churches.1 (1)
Claims that 3000 cross cultural missionaries is a negligible number considering the size of the Brazilian evangelical church.2 (3)
affirms that the divisions amongst missionary agencies weakens them, including producing decent publicity material. Particularly laments divisions between pentecostal/charismatics and historical evangelicals, the former underestimating the importance of cross cultural training and long term work, the latter underestimating prayer and spiritual warfare. (4)3
“Hoje os missionários latinos podem viver bem com cerca de um quinto do sustento requerido pelos missionários vindos do hemisfério Norte.” (5)4
lack of English language often an obstacle, especially in setting up international partnerships. (5-6)5
claims that in Brazil the average individual contribution to missions is R$ 1,30.6 (6)
complains about the resistance of Western Churches and agencies, especially in the US, of partnering with Brazilian churches.7 (7-9)
complains that Latin American innovative approaches get criticised for diverting from “traditional” Western approaches.8 (9-10)
critiques a cultural propensity of not being faithful to promises made. Points to research suggesting that only 5% of pledges are kept.9 (10)
“Há muitas igrejas interessadas em ver suas “extensões” nos países do hemisfério Norte, especialmente entre a comunidade de brasileiros que vivem como imigrantes nos países ricos.” 10(11)
complains about the way in which cross cultural missionaries are treated as less important than pastors, including their wages.11
points to the concentration of churches in Brazil in areas of greater financial prosperity and links this to a lack of interest in cross cultural mission.12
states that with the centralisation of power in Brazilian churches, president pastors tend to show little interest in supporting cross cultural mission.13

D Botelho, “Brasil: O Gigante Adormecido” Associação de Missões Transculturais Brasileiras Homepage available online at http://www.amtb.org.br/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=180&Itemid=38 [Accesses July 30 2008]