“The Lord spoke deeply to my heart these words: ‘Leave your comfort zone, but do not leave my comfort zone of rest, of abundant grace, of love, of protection, of provision, of wisdom and counsel!”
Gabriel, a Brazilian mission worker, has been serving unreached people groups since 1979. He has faithfully served the Lord around the world for more than 40 years, having lived in eight countries and speaking just as many languages. In fact, his current assignment in Central Asia has him learning his ninth language.
A Heart for Central Asia
At the beginning of 2023, a few months before his 70th birthday, Gabriel was looking forward to retirement. He was invited to travel to Central Asia to direct a leadership development training with local pastors. After the training, he found himself wondering what the Lord had next for him. Was it retirement?
It was on a follow-up visit in October 2024 that the Lord led Gabriel to a small gathering of local women overcoming the trauma of forced abortions. Gabriel was asked to meet this group and speak at their gathering.
“That day, the Lord gave me a word,” Gabriel shared, “He wanted these women to know that He hears our groaning and sees our suffering, and it is He who comes down to deliver us.”
After speaking with them, each woman chose a name for her aborted child and placed it into a small basket with flowers, a way to say a proper goodbye with a silent hope to meet again in eternity. As the gathering ended, one woman embraced him tightly and whispered, “Oh, how I miss my father’s hugs.” Still clinging to his neck, she added, “Today, I know I have a Father in heaven.”
God’s Calling & Provision
That very afternoon, during a providential meeting with Faithful Witness leadership in Central Asia, Gabriel was approached by a team member who had also been at the gathering earlier that morning. They asked if he’d be open to joining their team. As the conversation unfolded, Gabriel realised he already knew the people and the organisation. This was the confirmation he needed from God to go to Central Asia.
What should have been a six-month onboarding process only took six weeks – an acceleration marked by unexpected blessings: approved visas, support for housing, and health insurance to begin life in Central Asia. At 71 years old, Gabriel was reminded once again how God’s calling will always be met with God’s provisions.
Gabriel arrived in the spring of 2025. He is now living among the community he first encountered in October 2024, learning his ninth language and leading courses on the chronological teachings of Scripture.
Easter Sunday
Just a few weeks ago, Gabriel spent his first Easter in this new community. During the gathering, these fellow believers read the scripture in which Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. “As the older one in the group, I took the basin, the towel, and soap and brought them to the feet of the youngest man.” Gabriel recalled, “His reaction was like Peter’s: ‘No, no, absolutely not!’”
Of course, culturally, this young man was right, but Gabriel persisted and led the group in the same ceremony Christ did for his disciples in John 13. “Then everyone in the room did it for one another.” Gabriel told us, “Even a husband did this for his wife, under the wide-eyed gazes of the children who asked if they could do it for one another.”
Easter concluded with a communion service—an especially meaningful moment for one woman experiencing it for the first time. She was the same sister who had embraced Gabriel back in October 2024, on the very day the Lord affirmed his call to serve in Central Asia, even beyond Gabriel’s so-called retirement.
Pray With Us
We are honoured to share some of Gabriel’s story of obedience and faith with you. Please join us in praying for him as he continues his life and service in Central Asia:
- That the Lord’s will be done regarding the kind of visa needed after August.
- For good progress in culture and language acquisition.
- For continuous dependence on God’s grace, boldness and compassion in sharing Christ with his new neighbours and friends.
