| Brazil has a rich indigenous heritage,
which is tragically marked by the genocide of an estimated
5 million Indians over the 500 years of colonial history.
Some estimated 800 indigenous languages have been lost,
as Brazil was soaked in blood. To make things worse
the historical church was at the forefront of these
atrocities.  Through
the loss of land and marginalization, similar social
injustices continue to the present day. Many Indians
have come to new life, with a new self-worth, through
faith in Jesus Christ. This has however been marred
by frictions with good meaning, but culturally insensitive
non-indigenous missionaries.
Projeto JAT is an indigenous response
to this situation. Pr Patrick has worked together with
Luiz Bittencourt (a Pastor from the Terena tribe) in
establishing an indigenous Christian project that works
amongst the tribes of Brazil. Pr Luiz is Secretary of
CONPLEI, (the national council of indigenous Pastors
and Evangelical leaders), and he has a long history
of spiritual, educational and social work amongst many
tribes in Brazil.
Projeto JAT works as a bridge between
Brazilian churches and social projects and their indigenous
brothers and sisters. Encontro com Deus has a working
relationship with Projeto JAT and offers help in the
support of believing Indians helping their own people.
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