Since 2012, IMB missionaries Mitchell and Liz Heinz have served a Northeastern Brazilian tribe spread across 14 villages on a 30,000-acre reservation. Using Chronological Bible Storying, they shared the gospel while building deep relationships.
For years, tribal leadership posed a major obstacle—threatening those who considered following Christ. But hope emerged through Mara, the tribe’s only evangelical Christian. She introduced the Heinzes to her sister Mor and brother-in-law Osvaldo, who helped form the tribe’s first indigenous church.
Persecution followed. One couple lost their jobs for their faith. Yet when a tribal leader named Sue—once a strong opponent—faced a crisis, the church prayed. Her missing son was found safe, and her heart softened.
“There’s more openness now than when Liz and I first started,” Mitchell said.
The Heinzes have now entrusted the ministry to national partners and are moving on to reach other unreached groups.
Through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists help bring the gospel to unreached people groups in Brazil.
Pray for the new church to thrive and for continued openness among the tribe.