Through the ebb and flow of a worldwide pandemic, churches continue to explore what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ in their communities.

Serlir Silva is a church planter in Caruaru, Brazil, and is supported by a grant through Mennonite Mission Network. Throughout the pandemic, she and other church leaders have continued their ministry of supporting both the material and spiritual needs of their community.

"We can't help but serve people," Silva wrote. "Helping the needy is our obligation."

Vitoria prays along with the rest of the class during vacation Bible school in Caruaru, Brazil. Photo by Gloria Maria Dos Santos Silva.

The start of the year heralded vacation Bible school classes for children in the community. The theme of the event, 'Obeying God,' was based off of the story of Gideon in the book of Judges. While attendance varied from day-to-day, Silva and the other organizers were surprised how much the children, ranging from age 3 to 14, recalled of the previous day's lessons.

"We ended [the classes] with great joy and gratitude to God for the children who participated in this blessed event," Silva wrote.