I was born in Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil and raised in Pernambuco, Northwestern Brazil. My family is composed of Brazilians from five different states and early on and God used that to develop an open heart and a high curiosity towards different cultures.

My parents had intended to minister to the Amazon’s Indigenous people, however, God had different plans. Instead, I grew up supporting my family’s ministries that involved planting churches, structuring Sunday schools for children, Vacation Bible Schools, life groups, worship groups as well as family events and retreats.
When I was 12, my father dedicated me and my sister to trans-cultural missions.

After finishing my license in teaching language and literature, I started working in ministry alongside Japanese, Middle Easterners and Hispanics still in Brazil.

In 2019, God brought me to Canada to work in a summer camp where for the past five years I have grown and developed experience in youth and children’s ministry. I have had the opportunity to encourage and support teenagers to grow their love for God and equip them to be new leaders in His Kingdom.

In 2023, I joined YFC as a volunteer to love the Indigenous children of the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island with the Mobile Outreach ministry of Youth for Christ South Island. I am thrilled the opportunity to join them as a full-time staff member and commit my life to reaching these beautiful people with the Gospel of Hope.

I joined YFC South Island in 2013, taking the position as Executive Director with a vision to bring God’s message of hope to every young person in our region. Knowing that I cannot do this on my own, I have been looking for people that I can trust; people that can grow and develop ministries with youth that I can work closely with on a daily basis. Sam has moved to Canada from Brazil as a missionary and his heart for our Indigenous youth to meet and follow Jesus is evident to all.

In order for this missionary leadership role to be possible, Sam needs your support. Please hear his story and be stirred by his passion. You can become a part of Sam’s ministry by committing to pray for him daily and by becoming a monthly financial partner. It will be a blessing to you as well, as you become a part of changing lives in the Cowichan Valley and around the world!

Would you consider coming alongside Sam as a prayer and financial partner by investing in his leadership? The YFC model requires all YFC staff to raise their own salary and ministry expenses as youth missionaries, so your partnership is vital.