Our Founder
The Visionary
Just for the record, Carr didn’t want this on the site. However, since his name has become synonymous with “Ubaúna” (try goggling it), it is important to at least give a brief introduction to him.
Joe speaking in Fortaleza, Brazil. Summer 2011.
Joe Carr is the quixotic founder of Gospel for Brazil. He refers to himself as “a nobody,” and is honestly awed that people think he is doing something amazing. He knows that he is just a participant and that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is the One who is in control. He is overwhelmed by the vision God has for the northeast of Brazil and is just enough of a dreamer to believe that God really means to carry it out.
On his blog he states: “My kids call me ‘dad;’ my grandkids call me ‘vovô’ (Portuguese for ‘granddaddy’); my parents call me because they love me; my wife calls me whenever (and whatever) she wants and I’m happy when she does. My wife is my queen and I’m ecstatic that she is!” Carr is married to his “queen,” Arimar. He lovingly refers to her as his Brazilian souvenir.
Originally trained as a pastor, Joe is also trained as a traditional naturopath and is in full-time clinical practice in Wilmington, NC. Holding a M.A. and Ph.D. in pastoral counseling, and a M.Th. in Old Testament, he worked as a pastor in three different states for nineteen years before serving as a full-time missionary in Brazil for almost seven years. In 2010 he planted a church in Leland, N.C. and serves as the senior pastor. Holding a M.A. in integrative medicine, a doctorate in naturopathy as well as certification in medical microscopy through the Bradford Research Institute, he has been in natural health care as a practicing naturopath and integrative medical consultant since 1997.
He often comments that if all the “wallpaper (certificates/diplomas) plastering his wall” could be combined with $5, it would get you a one-shot cappuccino at the local coffee house.
Joe and Pastor Audrey in Ubauna, summer 2011.
The proud dad of three remarkable kids – Tabitha, married to Rod Pelogi, with six (grand)kids; Jessica, married to Charlie Gann, with two (grand)kids; and Jeremy, married to Celia with one (grand)kid and an army vet who served two tours of duty in Iraq – Carr is ready to tell you about his “grandyoungins” at the drop of a hat.
Carr makes multiple trips annually to Brazil’s northeast. Since 2004 he has logged over 50,000 miles sitting on airplanes going back and forth from the U.S. to Brazil. Much of his effort is dedicated working with the Gospel for Brazil Apostolic Network raising up and mentoring Brazilian leaders, raising funds, arranging strategic trips and hugging on little kids with no hope except what he helps to bring.