Global Media Outreach

stories

From Vision to Impact: How Volunteers Launched GMO’s Portuguese Ministry

What started as a simple question ignited a movement reaching millions. Discover how you can join the legacy today.

Brad, Victoria, Berenice and Pastor Marcos—the original GMO Portuguese team whose faith launched a movement reaching millions with the Gospel.

When Brad and Victoria attended church in California with Global Media Outreach (GMO) founder Walt Wilson, they never imagined their passion for Brazil would spark a ministry that has shared the Gospel over two billion times and touched millions of lives.

What began as an invitation to attend a Chinese-language ministry presentation soon turned into an inspiring question: “Why isn’t this ministry available in Portuguese?”

At that moment, Walt revealed a providential opportunity—120 unanswered emails from Portuguese-speaking seekers desperately needing guidance. Brad and Victoria saw clearly how God was opening a door, and they stepped through it.

With their years of missionary experience in Brazil, Brad and Victoria immediately reached out to Pastor Marcos and his wife Berenice, leaders from their previous church community in Brazil. Recognizing the potential for evangelism through the internet, Marcos eagerly rallied local pastors around Campinas, Brazil. What started as an informational gathering quickly grew into an energized group of about 100 pastors and online volunteers meeting in local conference rooms.

Incredibly, the initial 100 quickly multiplied to 400 volunteers—and eventually expanded to over 1,000 across Brazil. Within the first six months alone, more than 500 seekers connected with local churches, experiencing real-life discipleship and community. These humble beginnings set the stage for a ministry that has continued to grow and bless countless lives over nearly two decades.

Today, Marcelo, who joined as Portuguese Language Director in 2017, leads a passionate team of native Portuguese speakers. Marcelo explains, “Since the beginning, we’ve developed culturally relevant strategies, dramatically increasing the number of people reached. The opportunities God has provided through digital technology are limitless and inspiring.”

Looking ahead, Marcelo and his team see incredible opportunities to further leverage technology for evangelism. Yet they recognize the challenge of responding effectively as online seekers continue to multiply. Marcelo reflects, “We rely on the Lord to guide us in using technology wisely, integrating it with compassionate, personalized support from our Online Missionaries. Ultimately, we know it’s the Holy Spirit working through us.”

As the team moves forward, Marcelo encourages anyone considering volunteering as an Online Missionary: “After serving online, sharing the Gospel becomes second nature. You’ll find yourself equipped and ready to share your faith naturally in everyday situations. Nothing brings greater joy than being used by God in this way.”

Are you feeling called to be part of this incredible journey? If you have an ongoing relationship with Christ, actively attend a local church, and love sharing your faith story, then becoming an Online Missionary might be a great fit for you. You just need to dedicate a few hours each week, have a teachable spirit, and be willing to learn as you go!

Your decision today could have eternal significance for countless people seeking hope online.

Your faith can spark a legacy. Become a GMO Online Missionary today and share the hope of Christ with seekers worldwide!

Volunteer Now

 

Would you like to help others find eternal hope through a personal relationship with Christ? You can donate to Global Media Outreach to support online Gospel outreach!

More Stories

Get inspiration from more stories of lives transformed by Christ.