Missão Brasil Maceió
Here are free resources about the Brazil Maceio Mission:
Aqui estão alguns recursos gratuitos sobre a Missão Brasil Maceió:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: Brazil LDS Missions.
Brazil Maceio Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Maceio Mission. We try our best to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to double check the mission address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Av. Santa Rita de Cássia,
287 Farol Maceió AL
CEP: 57051-600
Phone Number: 55-82-3336-5558
Mission President: President Mark W. Taylor
Brazil Maceio Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Brazil Maceio Mission (LDS). To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Brazil Maceio Mission, simply
Brazil Maceio Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Brazil Maceio Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
*Download free app for LDS missionaries learning Brazilian Portuguese
Brazil Maceio Mission Groups
Here are Maceio Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Maceio Mission.
- Missao Brasil Maceio Facebook Group (815 members)
- Missao Brasil Maceio Facebook Group (654 members)
- Missao Maceio Facebook Group (267 members)
- Missao Brasil Maceio/ Recife Sul Group (96 members)
- Missao Brasil Maceio Facebook Group (95 members)
- Maceio Brazil Mission Facebook Group (61 members)
- Ex-Missionarios – Missao Brasil Maceio Group (30 members)
- Missao Maceio 2007/2009 Facebook Group (8 members)
- Maceio Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group (4 members)
- Mission Brazil Maceio Facebook Group (4 members)
Brazil Maceio Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Brazil Maceio Mission!
Shirt designs include Brazil Maceio Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Brazil Maceio missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Maceio Mission gifts
*Click here to see our new shirt design for the Brazil Maceio Mission:
Brazil Maceio Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Maceio LDS Mission.
- 2017-2020, Mark W. Taylor
- 2014-2017, Henrique Gomes Jr.
- 2011-2014, Mauricio G. Gonzaga
- 2005-2008, B. Bruce Muir
- 2002-2005, Nata Tobias
- 1999,2002, Edson Jose Martins Lopes
- 1996-1999, James M. Fisher
- 1993-1996, Moreira
- 1990-1993, Don Clark
Brazil LDS Statistics (2016)
- Church Membership: 1,326,738
- Missions: 34
- Temples: 6
- Congregations: 2,038
- Family History Centers: 341
Helpful Articles about Brazil
Brazil Maceio Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Brazil Maceio RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
When did you serve?
- 2010-2012 (Kara)
- December 2009 – December 2011 (Parker)
- 2002-2004 (Leandro)
- 2001-2003 (Hanks)
- 1999-2001 (Trevor)
What areas did you serve in?
- Maceió, Aracaju. (Leandro)
- Maceio, Aracaju and Arapiraca. (Trevor)
What were some favorite foods?
- Arroz, feijão, churrasco, pão de queijo. (Kara)
- Brazilian Stroganoff with Batata Palha, Frango emapanda, Coxinhas. (Parker)
- Feijoada. (Leandro)
- Oatmeal for breakfast. Rice, beans, noodles, & meat for lunch. Pancakes for dinner (remember to bring maple extract with you). (Hanks)
- Rice and beans!!! That’s all there is! Just kidding (kind of) Some of my favorite foods were: X Tudo (Brazilian hamburger) Pastels Pave (ice cream dessert) Guarana (Brazilian soda) Coconut water All the different fruit and the Brazilian lime aides We also ate pizza every once in a while and it was always great. Also ate a lot of terrible food. My least favorite thing that we had about once every month or so was liver. (Trevor)
What was a funny experience?
- I once let go of the hand rail in the bus to put my backpack on – the bus took a sharp turn at that moment and I ended up in a young woman’s lap. I jumped up immediately and got off the bus as fast as possible. My companion almost didn’t get off the bus in time because he was laughing so hard. He then told everyone at church about it- they still laugh about it. (Parker)
- Eat in two houses on December 24th. (Leandro)
- I had fun every single day of my mission!!! If I had to pick one I’d say my companion and I were walking down a very narrow street out in the middle of the jungle. I felt a distinct prompting to move to the other side of the street. I quickly told my companion and we both crossed the street. No longer than 30-40 seconds had passed by after crossing the road a giant city bus came flying around the corner. It ran right into a giant muddy rain puddle and soaked me from head to toe! When I turned around to see how wet my companion was I was shocked to see he was as dry as can be! I blocked him from all the water and he had only a couple drops. I was so mad but he began to laughed so hard that within 20 seconds I couldn’t help but join him. To this day I’m not sure why the spirit told me to move to the other side other than he might have a sense of humor and just played a little joke on me! Or we might have been ran over! Either way I’ll never forget that day. (Trevor)
What was a crazy experience?
- I was mugged. I don’t think he was armed, but he claimed he was. We we’re walking down the street and it was dark, and there weren’t very many others on the street. We were two houses away from our apartment and he asked for my backpack. I didn’t have very much money, but I did lose our mission cell phone, my camera, and a bunch of contact information for the members. It took me a while to get over it. (Kara)
- Walking down the street and turning around to see a shooting happen. It was the most empty feeling I have ever had. (Parker)
- Dog out of the leash, and running in our direction. (Leandro)
- The shower heads have an electric element to heat the water. If you touch the shower head (usually mounted around 6′) then you were wet and grounded (but not so much to knock you off your feet). In one of the apartments I was in, the proper circuit had shorted and had wires across the ceiling. Fortunately, shortly after arriving, the Mission President did a surprise visit and ordered us to fix it. (Hanks)
- That same road that the bus splashed me with the rain water was a bus that we used every once in a while. One day we got on it to go home late at night and it took us to the wrong stop. My companion and I explained the situation and he said he’d take us the right way but first he needed to meet his friends. He did meet his friends… at a bar and they drank beer and laughed for 45 minuets. I tried to call a cab but we were so far in the jungle that there weren’t any phones. The bus driver got on the bus to take us back. We said a prayer and then drove down that narrow road going what felt like 80mph. I thought we were going to die for sure! We somehow made it down the mountain and were never more grateful to step off that bus alive! (Trevor)
What was a spiritual experience?
- The first time someone told me they we’re waiting for us. They heard about the plan of salvation and asked their friends about it, they came to church looking for us and wanting to be baptized. They are preparing for the temple now! (Kara)
- Feeling the utmost of joy when my investigator who could not be baptized, because her ‘husband’ wouldn’t legally marry her (and she couldn’t leave because she didn’t make enough money and had a son to care for) bore her testimony to me of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I have never heard a more powerful and moving testimony in my life. She got baptized a month after I left my mission :). (Parker)
- The same experience above, but the dog’s owner was close by and we made contact with him. He told us he was looking to the sky, and asking for the truth in his life. (Leandro)
- Seeing so many people grow in their testimony of Christ. (Hanks)
- Amazing spiritual experience! Healed the sick, casted out devils, baptized dozens of people and strengthened my testimony! (Trevor)
What are some interesting facts about the Maceio Mission?
- It’s a very dangerous area, convert humble. But the sweetest people in the world! The beaches are beautiful! The streets are dirty. But I’d much rather spend all my time on the streets than anywhere else! (Kara)
- Maceio is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil- it’s best admired from the boardwalk as a missionary however ;). (Parker)
- No much I can remember now, but of course we had some. (Leandro)
- The people are really diverse (southern slaves, European settlers, and indigenous). As such, they are relaxed and accepting of many people. I appreciated the openness with which they shared of what they had. (Hanks)
- Super easy to talk to people and teach them the gospel. Walked 98% of the time. No bikes and definitely no cars! We played a lot of basketball, went on hikes to cool places, and even went to a bowling alley on p-days. (Trevor)
What was the weather like?
- Hot!! Sometimes there was a little breeze, but mostly it was just hot and humid. (Kara)
- Tropical hot with lots of rain- typically American umbrellas don’t last as long. Get a good umbrella in Brazil that is big and plus it doubles as a walking stick. (Parker)
- Hot, but not bad as other missions. (Leandro)
- 88 F year round. My dad once wrote me to see if that was actually true or if the internet didn’t report it accurately. (Hanks)
- Hot!!!! All year long. The people say there is a summer and a winter season but really it was hot all year long it just rained more in the “winter”! (Trevor)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- That they understand the importance of God in their lives- not everyone may be living up to their potential, but they all know that God is real and plays an integral part in life. (Parker)
- I love how humble they are in Maceió and the hospitality, even the guys against the church- it was possible to get a good conversation. (Leandro)
- The people loved Christ and learning about Him. They were easy to talk to about spiritual matters. (Hanks)
- The people were amazing!!! I miss them every day. Humble, funny and kind. (Trevor)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Pack clothes that don’t require layers. Pack cotton garments, and very comfortable shoes! You don’t need a lot of makeup, you just sweat it off. (Kara)
- It’s hot- don’t worry too much about a coat. (Parker)
- I enjoyed wearing loose fitting, long-sleeve shirts. The sun is so strong, that a long sleeve shirt was really the best protection. (Hanks)
- Bring a great golf umbrella. One that is big and sturdy. Good shoes that will last that can handle a lot of walking. (Trevor)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- A stronger testimony. I was able to work hard and study hard. I met a wonderful man and have a beautiful family! (Kara)
- I wish I could just insert a picture of my wife and two kids- that would say it all! (Parker)
- I think all my life today was molded by that two years. (Leandro)
- A better understanding of people. (Hanks)
- A testimony of the gospel! A love for the Brazilian people! A great work ethic! Memories that will last forever! (Trevor)
What are some skills you gained?
- Study skills. Able to talk to strangers. Teaching skills. (Kara)
- New language, confidence, leadership, empathy, understanding, endurance, compassion, love, and many others. (Parker)
- Learn how to respect other points of view and build on that. (Leandro)
- Speak Portuguese. Make feijoada. (Hanks)
- How to talk/communicate to people. How to cook, how to live with companions/roommates, how to study. (Trevor)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- Learn about brick construction, sugar cane farming, and coconut trees. Learn more about soccer league teams. (These don’t relate to a mission but do relate to people you are talking to). (Hanks)
- To have fun. You need to work hard. You will pray hard. You will do the hardest things you’ve ever done in your life. But, enjoy it. You only serve once and you’ll make some of the best friends of your life. (Kara)
- I wish I knew that as much as getting people to the waters of baptism is important, it is about the end goal of bringing them entirely to Christ (which if done right will then lead to the waters of baptism). While numbers are an important indicator of your work and efforts, don’t let anyone tell you that your lack of baptisms is an indicator of your effectiveness of your missionary work. Robots can be programmed to baptize people, but missionaries do more than that. (Parker)
- I would like to knew if I listened more to the spirit everything was going to easier and the Lords way. (Leandro)
- I think if there is one thing that I wished I did sooner it would be to not be afraid to open up and try new things. I learned Portuguese faster when I learned it was ok to say things wrong. By saying things wrong you learn how to say it right. I was shy and didn’t love talking to people I didn’t know. I got over that one fast but it was hard at first. Just do what you are prompted to do. Without hesitation and the lord will help you. (Trevor)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Maceio?
- There will never be a substitute for serving a full-time mission – there is nothing you can experience in this world that will measure up to a mission. (Parker)
- Serve as today was your last day in the field. (Leandro)
- Congratulations it is a great mission! Be humble and understanding. Help people retain the testimonies they have. Their friends will enable you to teach others. (Hanks)
- Work hard! Do your best every day and always be ready to follow the promptings that come into your heart and mind by the spirit. (Trevor)
What was a funny language mistake?
- I once asked for poop water instead of coconut water (they are both spelled the same, excluding accents. co-CO is how you say poop, CO-co is how you say coconut). (Parker)
- I am Brazilian. So no much in here. (Leandro)
- One time my companion who was fairly new and I were tracting. It was his turn to introduce us and ask if we could come in and teach them about Jesus Christ. When a women answers the door we always asked to speak with the man of the house. So when a lady answered the door my companion asked if her husband was home. She said that he was dead and buried in the cemetery behind her house. My companion thought she said he’s in the back yard so he said to her, “that’s great, we’ll wait here while you go get him!” Needless to say she didn’t like that answer and I had to quickly explain he didn’t speak Portuguese very well. It was funny when he realized what he said. (Trevor)
Spencer (Brazil Maceio Mission)
–Paraphrased from Spencer’s mission interview–
Mission Life
Maceio is in the northeast. It’s considered kind of the backwoods because it’s very poor. It’s the most violent city in Brazil. Every area has these very poor areas. It covers two states. Currently there are no sisters in the city of Maceio because it is too dangerous for them. The nearest temple is a three to four hour drive. There are caravans of members that go all the time, but we weren’t allowed to go. I only served in three areas in Brazil. When I arrived in my area we had attendance of 60 people per week and it went up to 100. We worked on baptizing men to help the church grow. We tried to work with part member families as well. In my next area it wasn’t nearly as poor, but it was a much older ward compared to the others. We had a bunch of good members that helped us out. While I was there I messed up my knee so I was sent to the mission office for three months. I was in another really old ward and the church had been there since the 60’s or 70’s. I met a family who was one of the first baptized there in Maceio.
Religious Backgrounds
There are a lot of Evangelical churches where they sing really loudly. Everyone says they love to hear the word of God, but they don’t want to do anything. Most people will accept hearing a lesson, but then they don’t do anything.
Getting Married
Getting married is a lot of money for the people down there so they don’t do it very often. In some places you had to wait 45 days for the marriage license to process before you could get married. I knew people who were ready to be baptized, but then while they were waiting to be married they fell off the wagon.