Calvary Chapel Corvallis

Claudio and Jessica Caze
Florianopolis, Brazil

Address:
SC 405 no. 69, casa 11
Campeche, SC
CEP 88063-700

Email:
cj.caze@gmail.com

Biography:
In the summer of 1999 an outreach team from Calvary Chapel Corvallis, Oregon, traveled to Brazil beginning what would become a great adventure for Calvary Chapel in Brazil. In Sao Paulo they connected with an evangelistically gifted young Brazilian named Claudio who assisted the team in ministry. A friendship was born and Claudio came to the states to visit Corvallis in 2001.

During his three years in the USA Claudio completed two years of School of Ministry, worked in several businesses, but never lost his passion to return to Brazil. He met Jessica, at the time a university student, and they were married on November 9, 2002. Jessica graduated in March 2004 and in April Claudio and his new bride eagerly at his side moved to Brazil. After assisting Pastor John Hwang for a year with the growing Church in Curitiba, they moved to Florianopolis to establish a Calvary Chapel fellowship among the University students and other youth.

The city:
Florianopolis (aka: Floripa) is an island located on the southern coast of Brasil in the state of Santa Catarina. It is the smallest capital city in Brasil with a population of approximately 380,000. The island is a growing worldwide tourist destination and the population swells up to 2 million people during the summer months of December -February. One of the main attractions is the surfing; with 42 beaches you can always find a wave. Its natural beauty is also an attraction for backpackers and outdoor sports gurus. Combined with these attractions are two major universities, Floripa is full of youth and beauty. It is also a place of great spiritual challenge known as the “Island of Magic”. Witchcraft is ingrained in the culture, giving momentum to new age religious strongholds.

The church:
The Caze’s started a home fellowship in November of 2005 and held Bible Studies during the week, including one at the Federal University. They have now established a church which meets in a local hotel lobby for Sunday services while continuing Bible studies and other outreaches during the week. God has brought in some very faithful disciples to this young church and Caze’s are excited as they watch God’s plan unfold.

The country:
Brazil, the 5th largest country, is a “melting pot” of nations. 53% European (Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and German), 34% Mixed race (Mestizo and Mulatto), 11% African, and 1% Asian. A nation of tremendous natural resources and significance in the world economically and culturally. However, the people of Brazil themselves are without question the most valuable resource this nation holds. Brazil is rapidly becoming one of the world’s leading missionary sending nations.