Brazilian pastor builds Christian support for Israel amid growing opposition

For Pastor Abeni Bastos of Christian Friends of Israel (CFI) Brazil, standing with Israel is more than a ministry calling. It is a deeply personal connection that he says began with his very first visit to the country.

Having visited Israel several times, Bastos describes an overwhelming sense of belonging that has continued to shape both his faith and his ministry.

“And ever since my first time in Israel, I always have the feeling that I was coming home and visiting Israel gives us much greater understanding about the God's faithfulness to the Jewish people and also to His own world.”

That connection became especially powerful in Jerusalem, where Bastos recalls hearing Hebrew spoken for the first time and experiencing an unexpected emotional response. Hearing the Hebrew name for Jerusalem prompted him to reflect on his family roots and his love for the city and Israel.

“And when I heard someone say something like Yerushalayim, my heart started to be so hot and I asked God what happened in me? And I feel like the Lord says, " It's your roots because I have a background from Portugal.”

Since becoming CFI representatives in Brazil in 2017, Bastos and his wife have worked to introduce churches throughout the country to CFI’s ministry. Their efforts include raising financial support, translating CFI materials into Portuguese, conducting Bible studies and seminars, and building a network of believers committed to praying for Israel.

“But especially we have a goal to raise an intercessory network from churches in Brazil to pray all the time for Israel, for the work of CFI.”

Bastos says that work has become increasingly important as he sees a shift in attitudes toward Israel in Brazil. While many Brazilian Christians continue to express strong support for Israel, he says opposition is growing, fueled in part by the increasing popularity of replacement theology and rising antisemitism in both churches and secular society.

He also points to anti-Israel demonstrations, hostile media coverage and what he views as a shift in the Brazilian government's traditionally friendly relationship with Israel.

For Bastos, however, standing with Israel is ultimately rooted in Scripture, prayer and a conviction that God remains faithful to the Jewish people.

That conviction has taken on a practical form along Brazil’s coast, where Bastos and his wife are building a center to receive Israelis, particularly those who have completed their IDF service and are traveling abroad.

“And we are preparing here our hiding place to receive the Jewish people, to love them, to protect them, and maybe to take some of them from Brazil or different countries around Brazil to send back to Israel to do Aliyah.”

Bastos believes biblical prophecy is unfolding in the growing hostility toward Israel, yet he remains confident that God will defend and protect His people. He also prays that Israel will encounter their Messiah, Yeshua and that Brazil will return to what he sees as its historic friendship with Israel.

His story offers a glimpse into why Christians in Brazil are choosing not merely to speak about Israel, but to pray, serve and stand alongside the Jewish people.

Click below to listen to the full interview.