In December, Daniel Magagnin, Relay Trust’s Chief Relationship Officer, travelled to Brazil to meet with key partners involved in the Estímulo project. It was a visit that marked another really encouraging step in a growing collaboration between church and community development.
The Estímulo model is simple yet powerful. Across Brazil, it has supported thousands of entrepreneurs through bite-sized, practical lessons known as “knowledge pills”, which are then followed by micro-grants and micro-loans. These short, mobile-based messages equip individuals with tools for financial resilience and business growth. Their success is well recognised, and Estímulo has become a trusted name in community-driven enterprise support.
What makes this partnership unique is the addition of a church-led strand within the training. Relay Trust is working closely with the Anglican Church of Brazil to ensure that biblical teaching on stewardship and faith is integrated alongside Estímulo’s financial expertise. Training will come from both streams, with Estímulo delivering practical content, and the church contributing weekly input rooted in Christian discipleship.
Daniel’s visit focused on laying the foundations for this dual approach. He met with Estímulo’s leadership team in São Paulo, as well as Luka, the newly appointed project lead from the Anglican Church. Luka brings both clarity and energy to the role, exactly what’s needed as the church prepares its own material and deepens its involvement in the project.
Recruitment is already underway for entrepreneurs to do the training. Following recent church-based efforts, the number of participants is rising steadily, with Luka leading a strong January push. The target is to equip a growing network of entrepreneurs with both practical tools and a vision of business shaped by the Gospel.
This partnership reflects our core mission to help churches flourish. Not just in numbers, but in impacting the world for Christ; seeing God’s Kingdom come. By supporting a training model where sound business practice meets Gospel truth, we hope to see churches become centres of wisdom and service in their communities. And beyond that, we pray for the emergence of a Christ-centred voices in the business world; ones marked by integrity, generosity, and care for others.
Though still early, the signs are hopeful. The model being tested in Brazil has the potential to grow. Estímulo has shown what is possible in South America. With the right support, that vision could expand to other places. Angola being a likely next step.
Please pray for Luka and the church team as they prepare their teaching. Pray for Daniel and Estímulo’s leadership as they build a framework for lasting partnership. And pray that through this project, Christian witness will not only be strengthened within the church, but also carried confidently into the wider world.
