While the wind tried to tear the roof off,
God was already preparing the next destination
A story of faith, storm and the next step toward Chile
That night, the sound of metal sheets being lifted by the wind was terrifying. There we were — our family, our two young kids, our restless border collie pacing back and forth, our anxious yorkshire — trying to stay calm while everything shook around us.
Outside, neighbors were running to help. In the middle of the rain, we tied ropes, secured cables and held the roof so it wouldn’t be swept away by the storm. While we held on, we prayed out loud. Because honestly — for a few moments, we were genuinely scared.
Some churches in the area lost their roofs completely that night. But that little church stayed standing. Then came days without power, without internet, without communication. And when the electricity came back, we spent a whole day without water. There are moments when simple things carry an enormous weight when you’re far from home, taking care of your family in the middle of so much uncertainty.
But it was right in the middle of that chaotic week that the message arrived — the one that would change our next steps.
To tell this story right, we need to go back a little.
A few years ago we left Brazil to follow what we believed was God’s calling for our family. We moved to the border region between Paraguay and Argentina. There, while working remotely to support our household, we started developing prayer meetings, worship gatherings and times of fellowship. It was beautiful to see Brazilians, Paraguayans and — well, as the locals like to call them — ‘gringos’, all walking together, seeking God’s presence.
During that season, something began growing quietly inside us: Chile. It felt distant. Almost unlikely. But there was a deep longing to one day serve in that region.
Before that, though, we understood we needed a time of preparation. We went to Uruguay, completed missionary training and had the opportunity to serve for several months in a church in the heart of the country. We fell in love with that place. We loved the simplicity, the people, and watching a hunger for prayer and God’s presence come alive. We truly believe God is beginning something precious in that nation.
But there was a reality we couldn’t ignore. As a family, we needed to find balance between serving and caring for those who depend on us. After much prayer, we understood we would need to leave the Uruguayan countryside and return to the border to reorganize our lives, find remote work and stabilize things. It was a hard decision, and everything happened so fast we didn’t even get to properly say goodbye to many dear people.
The following days were intense. We looked for places to stay, tried to find internet wherever possible. And we kept doing what we’d learned throughout this journey: pray and keep moving forward.
· · ·
It was then that a pastor friend invited us to temporarily help a small congregation that was practically on the verge of closing its doors. At first, there were only 3 people showing up to services. Today, just a few weeks later, we have between 12 and 14 people gathered, with other families interested in joining. It may seem like a small thing — but for us, seeing life born again in that place was a powerful reminder that God works in the most unlikely scenarios.
During that same period, we had a car accident. Thank God no one was hurt, but the car had to go to the shop right when we needed it most. And then the storm came. And the days without power, without water, without communication.
It was in the middle of all that when the letter arrived.
An official letter from a missionary base in southern Chile, inviting us to join the work they are doing in that region.
When we read it, we went silent. Because about a year and a half earlier, we had prayed specifically for that region. Back then it felt like just a distant dream. But while the wind was trying to tear the roof off, God was already preparing the next destination.
We were invited to:
- Lead missionary training programs;
- Equip young people and adults for ministry;
- Support local churches in the region;
- Participate in the development of a House of Prayer in partnership with the base;
- Bring life, hope and the love of Jesus .
After online meetings and a lot of prayer, we understood this was truly the next step. And even tired, even without all the answers, even after everything we had been through in the last few weeks — we said “yes” one more time.
Because we believe there are moments when faith has to be bigger than fear.
We now have just a few weeks to move to Chile and begin this new chapter.
That’s why we’re writing to you. Not just to share our story, but because we believe no one builds something like this alone. And maybe you are some of the people God wants to use to help us get there.
If you feel that in your heart, we’re asking for two kinds of support: your prayers, and if possible, financial help for this move.
The funds will be used for:
- Travel and transportation for our family to Chile
- Initial setup and documentation
- Support during the first months of this new work
We believe that those who help sustain a mission also leave their mark on every life reached through it.
Every person trained.
Every young life awakened.
Every church strengthened.
Every prayer meeting raised up.
All of that carries a little of the hands of those who chose to walk with us.
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Thank you for reading this far. Thank you for every prayer and every act of kindness throughout our journey.
We keep moving forward. Because if God sustained us through the storm, we believe with all our hearts that He will also open the way to the next destination. And maybe, somehow, you are part of that path.
With love and gratitude,
The Monteiros
QUESTIONS?
If you would like to support this mission in another way or need an alternative option for international giving, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp or Email: junioreliz@duck.com
Together we are stronger.