Jerry Hranka was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Canada where most of his family still resides. He moved to British Columbia 23 years ago and spent most of his time there working in restaurant management.

Jerry Hranka

Before joining Project AmaZon (PAZ), Jerry worked for three years with Journey Home Community Society (JHCS). This Christian-based ministry shares the love of Christ with refugees arriving in the Vancouver area, who come desperately searching for a new life. Jerry, along with other JHCS workers, helped refugees with their immigration process, housing, food and clothing, language instruction, and cultural adaptation.

Jerry visited Brazil and PAZ in 2005, completing a 10-week internship with PAZ. Upon his return to Canada, Jerry felt a strong calling to return to Brazil and after much contemplation and prayer made the decision to join the missionary team on a full-time basis.

Jerry moved to the mission’s main base, in Santarém, Brazil, in November, 2008. He is currently learning Portuguese and will soon take on duties in an administrative capacity. His duties will include assisting in the collection and analyzing of data on existing church plants and growth, and doing strategic planning for future plants. He will also become involved with project development in areas such as new construction projects for churches, training centers and schools. Currently he is involved with his local Brazilian church, participates in a cell group, and is engaged in one-on-one discipleship.

Jerry’s sending church is Willingdon Church, based in Burnaby B.C., where he has been a member for 18 years.