February 2026 Ministry Update
Our team preparing to travel and serve communities along the Andirá River during February ministry visits in the Amazon.
Introduction
February was a month of care, partnership, and new beginnings in the Amazon.
Across the Manaus, Murutinga, and Andirá hubs, Casa Nutri continued serving children and families through evaluations, follow-up visits, encouragement of local volunteers, and new steps toward long-term ministry. Again and again, we were reminded that God is building something deeper than programs. He is strengthening relationships, raising up local leadership, and opening doors for lasting gospel-centered ministry.
A Story That Stayed With Us
One testimony especially stayed with us this month. The mother of the very first child enrolled in Casa Nutri in the Amazon watched her son complete the program last year. Since then, she has become a volunteer herself. What began as a mother seeking help for her child has become a story of someone now helping care for other children and families in her own community and beyond. That kind of fruit means a great deal to us. We long not only to see children strengthened, but lives changed, families engaged, and local people raised up to serve their own communities and beyond.
Casa Nutri in the Communities
This month, we also visited several Casa Nutri sites across the Murutinga and Andirá hubs to evaluate children, monitor growth, follow up with families, and continue the work of Casa Nutri in personal and practical ways. One mother traveled for hours by boat so her child could be seen and followed through the program. We also visited Sateré-Mawé communities such as Castanhal, where we carried out child evaluations and distributed eggs and nutritional supplements after sharing the gospel with families. These visits are opportunities to walk alongside families, build trust, and remind them that they are not forgotten.
One of the most meaningful moments during these visits came when Tuxaua Josué prayed with our team before we began evaluating children in the communities. Before any measurements were taken or conversations began, we were reminded that true transformation starts not with our plans or efforts, but with prayer.
Sharing the Vision
In Manaus, we had the joy of participating in the Mobilize Conference, where we shared about Casa Nutri Amazônia and testified to what God is doing in the Amazon. Through opportunities like this, God has also helped us connect with and recruit new volunteers to join the work.
Rio Andirá + The Missionary House
In the final days of February, we traveled to the Andirá hub to continue Casa Nutri activities and begin an important new phase of ministry. We passed through Barreirinha to purchase construction materials for the Missionary House, organize transportation, and meet with key partners. From there, we continued on to Bom Samaritano, where we met with indigenous leaders and health agents from the 15 villages we serve together in the region. These were days of prayer, shared purpose, and practical work as we talked about the future of Casa Nutri, encouraged local leadership, and began the early stages of construction on the Missionary House. We believe this home will serve as a base for ministry, discipleship, hospitality, and leadership gatherings for years to come.
God also encouraged us through the people he brought alongside us. Pastor Issan Almada, from Rio de Janeiro and Igreja Projeto de Deus, joined us on the Andirá trip and was a great help in the early work of the Missionary House. We were also joined by Kay, Rob, and DeeDee from Send Relief, who traveled with us to document the trip through photos and video and help tell the story of the Casa Nutri project they are supporting.
February reminded us that this mission moves forward one faithful step at a time. Across Manaus, Murutinga, and Andirá, children were evaluated and followed closely, local volunteers were encouraged and strengthened, leaders gathered in unity, and the first steps were taken toward building a home that will serve ministry along the Andirá River. Even the hard parts — long journeys, heavy logistics, rain on the river, and physical tiredness — became reminders that Jesus is present in every step. We are not serving in comfort. We are serving in faith.
Pray With Us
Please keep praying with us.
Pray for the children and families cared for by Casa Nutri to grow strong, healthy, and full of Christ’s hope. Pray for the local volunteers serving in their own communities, for the construction of the Missionary House in Bom Samaritano, for safety in river travel, for local leaders and health agents, and for the Russell family’s monthly support to be fully provided so we can serve with stability and endurance for the long haul.
We are also grateful to share that Nourishing Lives With Grace has now received 501(c)(3) status and is officially a registered nonprofit organization. Gifts can now be made directly through NLWG. Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers and partnership are helping bring hope, healing, and the good news of Jesus to the heart of the Amazon.
