In southern Brazil, last year from May to July, relentless rains unleashed a catastrophe like nothing seen in over 80 years. Entire towns were swallowed as rivers became deadly torrents, turning highways into rivers of mud and washing away everything in their path—homes, trees, livestock, even whole villages.
The destruction was staggeringly similar to the devastation in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina from Hurricane Milton. “Meandering rivers became whitewater, sweeping up everything in their path,” said Bryan Harms, a Communitas worker. “Whole villages were wiped out, and floodwaters settled roof-high in greater Porto Alegre.”
Amongst the chaos, families banded together, showing unshakable resilience as they fought to rebuild. Communitas staff, Bryan and Terry have been on the ground, witnessing the rise above the wreckage. They stood shoulder to shoulder with their neighbors delivering supplies, sorting donations, and doing whatever it took to help those hit hardest by the floods. Together, they faced the devastation head-on, determined not to let the disaster have the final word.
By July, with over 400 towns and villages submerged, Bryan and Terry knew they had to step into the catastrophe. “We joined the local effort, making sandwiches for front-line volunteers and flood victims, sorting mountains of clothing, and providing transportation to families who had been displaced or severely hit by the floods.”
But even amid the destruction, something powerful was happening—hope was beginning to take root.
In August, they helped organize workshops for young flood victims. Despite the wreckage around them, more than 2,700 kids, along with some of their parents, came to the events. “We helped scout out and define three towns and areas to host the one-week events—all places suffering real devastation and depression.” These children were living through unimaginable loss but still showed up with courage and resilience.
Through the love and care of strangers, communities are facing catastrophe together, proving that even in the dark, hope can shine through. As believers, we are called to step into the heartache and be the hands and feet of Jesus in times of crisis. This light transforms a local town, village, or neighborhood—just as Bryan, Terry, and so many others have done in Brazil.
You can be part of this movement of hope. Together, we are making a difference.
