Ami

The Ami Training Center was started in 1995 and is located in Chapada dos Guimaraes, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.  There are hundreds of Indian tribes that still live and practice their own religion and cultures in Brazil today.  The government has put protection over these tribes, and no outsiders are allowed into tribal villages.  The Ami Training Center was established  for the purpose of reaching out to these native american tribes that have not yet heard about Jesus Christ.   

The word "Ami" is of hebrew origin, meaning "My People".  

Students from protected tribes all over Brazil attend Ami.  Along with teaching the students the Bible, the center also teaches basics such as the Portuguese language, reading, writing, gardening, cooking, mechanics, woodworking, and community health.  The students are also taught how to help prepare other tribal members be prepared for when they are exposed to the modern world and how to avoid alcoholism and drug addiction, a common problem occurring among the indigenous people when they are thrust into modern society. Helping them to learn new skills or use old skills to financially support themselves is a big part of what is done at Ami. Without these skills, young men often turn to drugs, young girls, to prostitution. 

A really unique thing about Ami is that it teaches students the Bible in a story-telling manner.  Latin American and Native American history and culture are passed down orally from generation to generation.  Using that same technique is how the staff at Ami teach the story of Jesus.  That way they can return to their villages and spread the story of Jesus in a way that is custom to their tribes.  Since the students live on campus, relationships grow and true discipleship takes place.  The students will learn with us, eat with us, worship with us, and spend free time with us.