Introduction / History

In the early days of Portuguese colonization of Brazil, only men went to this South American colony. A high percentage of Portuguese men married either indigenous or African women. The result was that most of Brazil’s elite were not “pure” white.

The Brazilian diaspora can be any mix of ethnicity, but their heart language is Portuguese. They are usually from Brazil’s urban centers.

The Brazilian diaspora is large in Portugal, their mother country during colonial days. Larger numbers of Brazilians began to move to Portugal in the 1980s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Portugal is easy for them to adapt to, given the common language. They have left their mark in Portugal, especially in athletic events and the arts. They are more likely to be health professionals, IT specialists, journalists, psychologists, or engineers. Though early Brazilian migrants were in the service industry and construction, today they are most likely to have advanced college degrees and high paying jobs. Others come to Portugal to start businesses.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Brazilians, no matter where they live, are usually Roman Catholic, with a significant minority of Evangelicals. Brazilians have sent out Christian workers to other parts of the world. The Brazilian diaspora can take Christ to the country where they reside.

What Are Their Needs?

Brazilians need to take up their role as Christ’s ambassadors. There are workers among them, but they often lose support after a year or two. Brazilian churches need the perseverance to stay with their role as senders.

Prayer Items

Pray for Brazilians in Portugal to understand and embrace their role in God’s Kingdom.
Pray that Brazilians will put all their faith in Jesus Christ rather than anything or anyone less.
Pray for Brazilians to disciple people who will disciple still others.

Scripture Prayers for the Brazilian, general in Portugal.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_diaspora
https://compass.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/soc4.13201
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilians_in_Portugal
https://www.movingtoportugal.pt/en/daily-life/the-brazilian-community-in-portugal/