by Rev. Doug Leaman
Project Soli Deo Gloria in Aldeia, Brazil
the Missions Banner, December 2024

Recently, we were asked to provide a brief overview of our ministry here in Brazil. We’d like to share this update with you, focusing on the work, the challenges we face, and the encouraging elements we’ve experienced.

We have been serving in Brazil since 2013. During this time, Doug has been involved in ministry within two local churches and seminaries, focusing primarily on Biblical Counseling. The Soli Deo Gloria project has been a central part of our work, in recent years. The Project is located on the very land where Doug was born over 50 years ago. It has been incredible to witness God’s blessing on this project. We have had numerous opportunities for faithful Gospel proclamation through events like Christian Education seminars, apologetics outreach, the “Future Men’s” retreat, a women’s Titus 2 conference, an annual Carnival camp, and our English Camp. Additionally, we operate the SDG Institute of Technology and Theology, where 20 young men engage in year-long studies.

Leah has added a café to the project, which has grown steadily and enriched our community. Initially, it was a creative solution to help generate financial support for ongoing projects. Every penny earned contributes directly to the work, while also fostering hospitality among believers. The café offers an escape from city life, allowing families to gather, children to play, and friendships to flourish. Many of the café’s ingredients come directly from our land, as we continue developing our small farm, integrating dairy products, herbs, fruits, and vegetables into our menu.

True discipleship is at the heart of Project Soli Deo Gloria. Our goal is to train young men to be deliberately God-centered in all things, bringing every thought captive to Christ. Our small farm continues to grow, helping reduce the cost of education and discipleship. We now have more chickens, cows, pigs, ducks, sheep, rabbits, fish and even bees! The 20 students contribute by working an hour and a half each day, five days a week. Learning to work with their hands as well as their minds is an essential part of their discipleship training.

As we enter 2025, we are excited for what the Lord has in store. Please continue to pray for us in the following areas:

• Friday night evangelism: That the outreach efforts at the SDG Institute would bear eternal fruit.
• Titus 2 ministry: That women would be encouraged to live out godliness in their homes and communities.
• Annual Carnival camp: That it would be a time of spiritual renewal and growth.
• Institute of Technology and Theology: That it would continue discipling and equipping young men for service.
• Biblical Counseling course: That we would strengthen our online presence and eventually publish our course materials.
• Speaking engagements: That as opportunities increase post-COVID, we would steward them well for God’s glory.
• Seminary classes: That Doug’s teaching at the various institutions could be sustained.
• Leah’s café ministry: That it would continue to provide support for the project and serve as a hub for fellowship.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. May God continue to bless you as you labor for His glory.