This article appears in the Fall 2024 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.

Anderson Couto knows about the trials of life. When Couto and his twin sister were 9 years old, their father left the family. He experienced additional challenges in youth soccer, where he dealt with physically and emotionally abusive coaches. Couto turned to alcohol and drugs for several years before he met a Christian coach at age 19 who showed him God’s love, prompting Couto to surrender himself completely to Jesus Christ. In 2018, a visiting FCA staff member from the U.S. introduced Couto to the ministry. The following year, Couto spent time at FCA headquarters in Kansas City before returning home to Rio de Janeiro, where he and his wife, Raquel, lead dozens of volunteers to serve and bless Brazilians through FCA. Among their many goals, the Coutos want to recruit three leaders in their region for the next fiscal year.

What are your responsibilities as an International Leader of East Brazil?

The East Brazil region has 13 states and around 130 million people. My biggest goal is to equip and empower a new generation of leaders. We are working hard on translating materials and courses, offering training and mentoring for coaches and connecting our local team with the team in Georgia so we feel like one team living the same mission even though we are in different places. We are also in the process of forming a foundation, and because of that, as we say in soccer, I have to play every position! God has worked miraculously.

What’s the Operation FCA project you’re working on?

In Brazil, we really have a great need for sports equipment. God placed this project in the heart of one of our staff in Georgia, and after months of prayer and conversations, God raised up a businessman who works in exports to make this mission to deliver sports equipment possible. We know that a large project faces great obstacles, but we are persevering and God is working in our favor. These materials will be instruments for us to bring hope, love and salvation to thousands of children and families in our country. Keep praying for this project!

How do you strive to be ready 24/7 in Christ?

This year’s theme has been very special. Being ready for me does not mean that I am capable of doing what God is asking of me. For me, it means that God wants me to be ready to trust Him more and trust myself less. It’s a great challenge but a great privilege.

How do you see the Lord moving in East Brazil?

I have seen God working powerfully in our region, but above all, He is working in me. God’s first mission is my heart. God has given us the spirit of power and authority (2 Timothy 1:7) to enter difficult places, bringing light and salvation. People and places are being transformed for the glory of God.

How do you minister in the sports environment in Brazil?

We do not have organized sports in our schools, but that is our reality. Our ministry today is focused on envisioning and empowering churches and non-governmental organizations to offer quality sports to our children and young people. These projects function as sports clubs spread throughout the community that use sports as a tool for transformation and proclamation.

What's a key verse or passage of Scripture you turn to when you need renewal and why does it minister to you?

Acts 20:24 is my life verse. It reminds me of who called and commissioned me. God has given me a new life and a new purpose. I want to be faithful to the mission He has given me.

How do you intentionally pursue being a disciple-maker for Christ?

Regardless of our rules and job descriptions, our first mission is to be disciples. All other things are a result of our quest to be like Jesus every day. This is a mission that begins at home, with my family.

What is God teaching you now?

I have many things in my hands to do. But what God has taught me is that what He desires most is my heart—an intimate relationship with me. And as a consequence, we will do great things—together.

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