My name is Gabriel, and I’ve been married to Ester since 2019. Our story began in 2016 when we met on the mission field, and ever since, we have been serving in Recife with Shores of Grace.
Shores of Grace is a ministry with a heart to prevent, rescue, and restore lives through the love of God, especially people affected by prostitution and human trafficking in Brazil, as well as children and teenagers at risk. The ministry works through street outreach, discipleship, family support, and safe homes like Vila Betânia, which shelters vulnerable children. At its core, Shores of Grace believes that the church is called to live beyond four walls—bringing God’s love into the streets, homes, and communities.
In 2020, we stepped into a new season of leadership when we assumed responsibility for Ruama, a branch of Shores of Grace that works directly with men and women in prostitution. The heart of Ruama is to see the restoration of identity in those who have been deeply marked by rejection and exploitation. We do this through weekly outreaches on the streets, visits to our friends’ homes, coffee gatherings, and above all, ongoing one-on-one discipleship.
Along the way, the Lord has surrounded us with amazing people who, together with us, have been building a discipleship program for our friends in prostitution. Through this journey, we’ve learned that being the church is much more than projects or activities—it’s walking in community, living with intention, and revealing the Father’s love wherever we are. Evangelism, we’ve discovered, is not an event, but a lifestyle of listening, obedience, and daily surrender to God.
Now, in 2025, we are experiencing one of the greatest joys of our lives: the arrival of our first child! This incredible gift from the Lord has filled our hearts with gratitude, hope, and an overwhelming excitement for this new season. Even with challenges and uncertainties, we are constantly reminded of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and care that sustain us in every detail. We are full of joy and expectation for all He will continue to do in this beautiful family adventure with the Father.
If you’d like to know more about our story and what we’ve been living here in Recife through Shores of Grace, we would love to share. Feel free to send us a message or email—we’d be delighted to talk and testify about all that God has been doing in our lives.