Heart for the Amazon Fund

Supporting JMI’s Mission Across the Amazon

Since 2013, JMI has been working in the heart of the Amazon, equipping pastors, strengthening churches, and spreading the Gospel to some of the most remote and unreached regions of the world. The Heart for the Amazon Fund is dedicated to supporting all of JMI’s work in this vast, beautiful, and often forgotten part of the world.

Through the generous contributions to this fund, JMI is able to provide essential resources to pastors, support the Jungle Pastors’ Conferences, and fund critical projects such as building schools and libraries, offering medical assistance, providing care for vulnerable children and adults, and supporting families in crisis. This fund also allows us to continue our mission to bring the love of Christ to the 80% of the Amazon region that still lacks a Gospel presence.

A Legacy of Faith and Service: Mike Minter’s Heart for the Amazon

Year after year, Mike Minter has trekked deep into the heart of the Amazon for JMI’s Jungle Pastors’ Conferences. A mission-focused pastor, Mike founded Reston Bible Church in 1974 and quickly emphasized the importance of spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. From the start of his ministry, supporting missions was a primary focus of Mike’s. At Reston Bible Church, a large part of Mike’s legacy is the passion he has for missions and making the name and love of Jesus known globally.

He’s been all over the world, taking his heart for people and knowledge of the Bible with him. But something seemed to click when Mike arrived in the Amazon for the first time. His heart was captured by what he saw there. Friends describe Mike standing on the bow of riverboats wide-eyed and full of wonder at the beauty that is found in the Amazon. Even before JMI formally started working in the Amazon, Mike Minter linked arms with John Paculabo and his already existing UK-based ministry, Ray of Hope. Mike bought into the vision that John had for the Amazon and on the decks of the Discovery, a friendship was formed.

It didn’t take long for Mike to become a staple at our annual Jungle Pastors’ Conferences, bounding up and down the steep wooden stairs that lead people from their boats to the John Pac Center. Jungle Pastors hear about Mike and are immediately drawn to him. During these pastors’ conferences, you can usually find Mike teaching or surrounded by a group of Jungle Pastors laughing and using his few words of Portuguese to try to connect.

The Amazon is a family affair for the Minters! Mike’s daughter, Kelly Minter, is a popular author, Bible teacher and speaker. She is also a Program Advisor and Advocate for Justice & Mercy International. For Mike and Kelly, the Jungle Pastors’ Conference is a yearly highlight. You can read more about Kelly’s involvement in the Amazon in her book Wherever the River Runs.

Mike is a teacher, knowing the Bible backward and forwards. He’s adamant, though, that when he is in the Amazon, the Jungle Pastors are teaching him. Mike is often quoted saying, “I teach them the Bible, but they (the Jungle Pastors) teach me about Jesus.”

The wonder that Mike has for the jungle, river, and nature that is a part of the Amazon is inspiring, but it pales in comparison to the way Mike cherishes the people in the state of Amazonas.

We hope you’ll stand on the boat with Mike and JMI as we look out at all the Lord has planned for the Amazon.