PastorCraig Weyandt
We Stand With Him in Prayer and Support
For more than 19 years, Pastor Craig Weyandt has faithfully served as Senior Pastor of Union Church Rio de Janeiro — preaching the Gospel, making disciples, and supporting missions across Brazil. Today, as he faces a challenging season, we stand with him in prayer.
The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.– James 5:15
Jesus,
Hold Your
Servant Close.
Standing Together in Prayer, Faith, and Support
For more than 19 years, Pastor Craig Weyandt has faithfully served as Senior Pastor of Union Church Rio de Janeiro, shepherding God's people, preaching the Gospel, making disciples, and strengthening believers in their walk with Christ.
Beyond his pastoral ministry, Pastor Craig has dedicated his life to supporting churches, missionaries, church planters, and Gospel-centered missions throughout Brazil — helping bring hope, transformation, and the love of Jesus to communities across the nation.
Today, as Pastor Craig faces a challenging season, we invite our church family, friends, ministry partners, and believers around the world to stand with him and his family through prayer, encouragement, and financial support.
Together, we trust in the promises of God and believe that Jesus Christ — our Great Shepherd, Healer, and Sustainer — will continue to strengthen and uphold His faithful servant.
"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up."
Pray for a Miracle of Healing
Pastor Craig has been diagnosed with a tumor on his kidney — a form of cancer. He is currently undergoing medical procedures, surgery, and ongoing treatment. We earnestly ask the global Body of Christ to lift him up, believing that God still works miracles and that Jesus, our Great Physician, will bring complete healing and restoration.
"I am the Lord who heals you."
A Legacy of Faithful Service
Pastor Craig's ministry has extended far beyond the walls of the church.
Through partnerships with local churches, missionaries, church planters, and community outreach ministries, he has helped advance Gospel work throughout Brazil — particularly among underserved communities and areas where the message of Christ is greatly needed.
His passion remains unchanged:
Preaching God's Word
Making disciples of Jesus Christ
Strengthening local churches
Mentoring future leaders
Supporting missionaries and church planters
Serving communities throughout Brazil
Glorifying Christ in all things
"A faithful shepherd, a devoted missionary, a loving husband and father, and a servant of Jesus Christ."
A Life Dedicated to Jesus
Pastor Craig Weyandt is originally from the United States, growing up in a variety of small towns and big cities, mostly in the North East. He came to know Jesus in a Chicago suburb and graduated from Taylor University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Communications.
He completed his theological studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating in 1990. Pastor Craig is ordained by the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) and has served with EFCA Reach Global in Rio de Janeiro for the past 19 years.
His passion for the local church, making disciples, and pastoral ministry began in adolescence — fueled by the legacy of his parents' faith, deep friendships in the local church, and gifted pastors teaching God's Word. More recently, his spiritual and cultural journey has been shaped by walking alongside brave disciples, church-planters, and missionaries serving in the poor and dangerous neighborhoods of Rio.
Working in partnership toward Gospel endeavors that lead to transformed lives among the humble and meek has been his greatest privilege as a cross-cultural missionary.
His Passion
- Making disciples
- Strengthening local churches
- Teaching God's Word
- Reaching the lost with the Gospel
- Serving the poor and vulnerable
A Loving Husband and Father
Craig, Alessandra & Alyssia — Rio de Janeiro
Pastor Craig is married to Alessandra and is the proud father of Alyssia. Beyond ministry, he treasures the simple, beautiful moments God has given his family.
Sports, fishing, and the outdoors were his hobbies for many years, but what he enjoys most today is a date-night in Zona Sul with Alessandra and drawing pictures of mermaids and princesses — and sometimes tigers — with his daughter Alyssia.
- Date nights in Zona Sul with Alessandra
- Drawing mermaids, princesses (and tigers) with Alyssia
- Sports, fishing & the outdoors
- Quiet, ordinary moments together
Today, as he faces health challenges, we ask the Body of Christ to surround Craig, Alessandra, and Alyssia with prayer, encouragement, and love.
Jesus Is Our Healer
"The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up."
We believe in the power of prayer.
We believe Jesus still heals.
We believe God is faithful.
Leave a Prayer for Pastor Craig
Share your encouragement, testimony, Scripture, or prayer. Every word lifts him up.
Help During This Difficult Season
As Pastor Craig focuses on his health and recovery, your generosity can help ease practical burdens and provide support for his family. Every gift is appreciated. Every prayer is valued.
Watch & Listen to God's Word
Sunday services, sermons, and teachings from Pastor Craig and Union Church Rio de Janeiro — available anytime on our YouTube channel.
Subscribe and watch the latest sermons, worship, and teaching from our church family in Rio.
Watch on YouTubeHis Work and Mission in Pictures
Moments from nearly two decades of ministry — preaching, discipling, serving, and walking with the Body of Christ across Brazil.
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."
Reach Out to Pastor Craig & Our Church
Whether you'd like to share a word of encouragement, ask for prayer, or visit us in Rio, we'd love to hear from you.