WHO WE ARE
Our Story
We have a long and rich history that began in 1952 through the dedicated ministry of Pastor Eduardo Lessa. After serving in the diverse Amazon River communities as a skilled translator, he felt a profound calling to become a missionary on the river.
Over the years, his ministry has evolved into what is now known as Amazon Vida under the thoughtful leadership of his son, Pastor Elmer Lessa.
The vision they both embraced was to initiate meaningful work in the Amazon village of Parintins, aiming to touch not only the local areas of the jungle but also eventually reach people around the world.
Over the next seventy plus years, the First Baptist Church of Parintins would be planted and now it has become a missionary force that has reproduced itself by starting second and third generation churches in nearby villages.
Amazon Vida has become a disciple making, leadership development, church planting and a support system to make new healthy churches available to make more disciples.
Our six seminary locations serve Brazil, Columbia and Peru to offer training in theology, community development, and vocational skills that transform communities and individuals.
Our Mission
Making disciples, developing leaders and transforming communities in the Amazon.
Our Vision
A healthy & multiplying church accessible to every community in the Amazon.
Our Leadership
Elmer Lessa
Pastor, Director
Elmer's parents founded the ministry in 1952 and he continues to lead the mission movement in the Amazon River region to this day.
Elmer has served as the pastor of the Primeira Igreja Batista de Parintins (First Baptist Church of Parintins).
His wife, Elisângela, have two boys, David and Daniel.
Our Approach
Relational Evangelism:
Reaching villages through personal relationships and the Word of God.
Indigenous Leadership:
Training pastors and leaders from within the communities we serve.
Holistic Ministry:
Meeting physical, educational, and spiritual needs together.
Our Beliefs
We believe in the authority of Scripture, the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the call of every believer to make disciples of all nations.
Our ministry flows from the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39).