Background
Joe and Mony Moniz have been in ministry together since their marriage in 1989. They lived and ministered in the London, Ontario area for ten years before coming to Arnprior, Ontario, where Joe was on staff at River Stone Christian Fellowship. Joe and Mony currently reside in North Bay, Ontario.
The Azores are a group of nine islands located in the Atlantic Ocean about 900 km. west of Portugal. The largest island – Sao Miguel – is the birth place of Pastor Joe.
After taking a few mission’s trips to Sao Miguel Island, Azores and helping the church there, Joe and Mony felt a call to do a work in the town where Joe was born. His hometown, Rabo de Peixe, has a population of about 9000 and means ‘tail of the fish’ in Portuguese.
Vision
Our vision is to bring the Good News of Jesus to the people of Rabo de Peixe, offering them new life in both spiritual and practical ways.
Scriptures:
Matt 10:7-8 (NLT) Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
Matt. 11:28-30 (NLT) Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.
Mission
We are ministering to the needs of several families with discipleship and relationship building. Because Joe was born in Rabo de Peixe, and knows Portuguese, he is warmly received, and it is easy to minister and demonstrate the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We have been able to provide the following practical needs: propane for cooking; food; paying utility bills; eye glasses; dental work.
Our desire is to continue to see this kind of work increase as we return to Rabo de Peixe, taking teams with us.
Ministry
Our time here is a lot about making connections and developing relationships. We pray and reach out to people on the streets of Rabo de Peixe, as well as visit people in their homes.
The Portuguese people are family people. Sometimes many generations live in one house! When we visit, the children want to be part of the visit. Because of this, we believe that whole families can be impacted by Jesus’ Love!!
We love ministering to new believers! We are so excited to be able to give them Bibles in Portuguese and also copies of “The Father’s Love Letter”. Rather than studies at this point, we just listen to them tell their stories, pray for them, speak Words the Lord gives us, and love on them.
Photo Gallery
