Hello, my name is Marcelo Colombo, married, born in São Paulo but raised in Rio de Janeiro on the mountain of Corcovado. I had a rich and active childhood, with a lot of sport and many activities in the natural beauties that Rio de Janeiro offers.

I remember that every Friday my parents and some friends distribute soup to the homeless and many even told interesting and curious stories. I lived for 7 years in Florianópolis and in 2001 I went to live in London, England. 

I started attending the Catholic Church (Capelania Católica Brasileira) in London, in Whitechapel, where I made many friends in a prayer group. While I was an active person, in my prayers I felt that I was missing something.

I sensed a need to help and, ultimately brought clothes and I bought snacks for the homeless at Victoria Station, London. One day, I got a friendly invitation on my Facebook page from someone who lived in Africa. After researching the Internet, I discovered that this person made missions in one of the poorest and most wretched places in the world. 

I began to associate with the missionary Bita Sumaili, a refugee from the Congo who requested permission for me to see the area in which he lived, we exchanged “video calls”.

I was greatly moved by the shocking footage that I witnessed from the Marathon refugee camp, but especially in the Natit village, where no electricity is available. I cried when I saw hundreds of children sitting on the floor, their clothes were torn, and bare feet and visibly undernourished.

I thought this friendly request was an answer to my prayers to God and I had to do something differently. I started sending small weekly offers to the missionary and in return, I have always asked him to send me pictures and videos of food purchases and deliveries.

Along with a friend, we formed our first Whatsapp group, called Africa Mission, and, later, changed again to Semeadores De Maratane. It wasn’t long before we started the social project Semeadores de Maratane.

I noticed those people receiving our donations were very pleased and thankful in spite of the transparency. I think because of the culture and the state of vulnerability in which they lived. We have started the weekly food missions for over 150 people.

Children from each mission were provided with a plate of rice and beans. Our staff grew, donations grew too and today, we serve an estimated 800 people in the refugee camp and the Village of Natiti. We created a sponsorship project, where anyone has the opportunity to assist a family in both Mozambique and Brazil.

I am very grateful to God for what I am doing and for the team who have come together to help voluntarily, as I am sure we helped to change the life of a human.

Marcelo Colombo, founder of the Semeadores de Maratane.