About IPM

Igreja Presbiteriana de Manaus (IPM) translates to First Presbyterian Church of Manaus. IPM is a large church whose vision for outreach includes medical care, church planting and leadership training in the rural outlying villages throughout the Amazon state in Brazil.. IPM’s ministry includes 35 locations throughout the city of Manaus and more than 100 others along the rivers and tributaries in the Amazon basin.

The church is very active in reaching out to people who live in remote areas along the Amazon River and its different tributaries. It maintains and staffs an outreach boat, which takes regular trips up the river. Each boat includes doctor and dental offices, and a pharmacy well stocked with medicine and equipment. Through offering medical care, volunteers are able to minister the gospel.

Staff and leaders of IPM have a great vision to reach the Amazon River basin and all of Brazil with the gospel. They have a vision of planting 100 new churches by 2030! We are excited to join them in this vision as we continue to impact the Intepeceau area of the Amazon.

Purpose of Trip

There are a variety of ways adults and families can serve on this trip.

• Medical Ministry – Are you a physician, dentist or other type of medical professional? We would love to have you share your gifts alongside the Brazilian church as we travel on the medical boat.
• Relational Ministry – IPM loves to use the medical ministry as an opportunity to do outreach within the villages. This could involve helping with a VBS/children’s program, ministry specifically to men or women, assisting in a church service or simply praying for folks waiting for their time with the doctor.
• Anything else – IPM is a large church with significant influence along the Amazon River. Our number one priority is to come alongside and help this church reach its goals. There may be additional projects or requests along the way, and we will be ready and willing to serve wherever there may be need.

Expenses

We believe some are called to go, and others are called to send. At our first team meeting we will talk through fundraising and invite the church and others to be a part of sending this team. 

Requirements

Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years old. Exceptions to age are given when minors are accompanied by a parent.

There will be 5 mandatory pre-trip meetings in preparation for this trip.

IPM is a faith-based organization. We ask that everyone who attends would be respectful of the beliefs and values of Faith Church and IPM. Participation in daily devotions and Bible studies is required of each person.

Volunteering in a third world country requires flexibility. We will be living on a boat for 5 of the days we are gone. There might be times we will be without electricity or water. You may be asked to do jobs for which you weren’t prepared. Remember, we are going to serve and not to be served.