Mission guide
Brazil Joao Pessoa Mission
The Brazil João Pessoa Mission serves northeastern Brazil from the state capital of Paraíba.
- Portuguese
Brazil Joao Pessoa Mission shirts & apparel
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Brazil Joao Pessoa Mission T-Shirt
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Brazil Joao Pessoa Mission Heart Map Shirt
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Brazil Joao Pessoa Mission Flag Map Shirt
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Brazil Joao Pessoa Mission Flag Map Shirt (Dark)
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Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission and English
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the languages of this mission and English
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
More shirts in the language of this mission
Press Forward, in the languages of this mission and English
"Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" (2 Nephi 31:20) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
Portuguese is the main language for missionary work, worship, and daily life in the mission.
At a glance
- Country
- Brazil
- Main city
- João Pessoa, Paraíba
- Mission area
- About 6 million people
- Language
- Portuguese
- Time zone
- Brasília Time (UTC−3)
- Church in Brazil
- 1,573,360 members, 289 stakes, 2,008 congregations
A short history of the area
The name João Pessoa can refer to several places in Brazil, as well as the politician. João Pessoa Airport, also called Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport, serves the city and surrounding area.
The Church here
- 1928Missionaries began preaching in southern Brazil after German members requested missionary help.
- 1930sAnti-German sentiment led to a government ban on German in public. Church services soon shifted to Portuguese, and some German-language materials were destroyed.
- 1940The Portuguese translation of the Book of Mormon was first published.
- After 1940Missionaries began preaching in Portuguese, and branches, districts, and missions were established throughout Brazil.
- 1966The São Paulo Stake, the first stake in South America, was created.
- 1978 onwardHundreds of thousands of people were baptized in Brazil, and wards and stakes became established throughout the country.
- 1998The Brazil João Pessoa Mission was created from divisions of the Brazil Recife and Brazil Recife South Missions.
- 2017The Brasília Brazil Temple was announced on April 2 as Brazil’s 10th temple.
Temples nearby
João Pessoa Brazil Temple
Under construction · Near Joao Pessoa
Recife Brazil Temple
Dedicated December 15, 2000 · About 65 miles from Joao Pessoa
Natal Brazil Temple
Under construction · About 95 miles from Joao Pessoa
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Phrases to learn
- OláHello
- Bom diaGood morning
- Como você está?How are you?
- Obrigado or obrigadaThank you
Foods to try
- Tapioca (a thin flatbread made from cassava starch, often filled with cheese or coconut)
- Carne de sol (salt-cured, dried beef common in northeastern Brazil)
- Baião de dois (rice and beans cooked with regional ingredients)
- Cuscuz nordestino (steamed cornmeal, often served with savory or sweet toppings)
Fun facts
- João Pessoa Airport is also called Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport.
- Coronel João Pessoa is a town in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
- Vila João Pessoa is a neighborhood in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.
Hoodies & shorts for this mission
The same mission, made for cooler days and the court.
