Who We Are
Our Story
The Amazon Mission, Inc. (TAMI) is a Christ-centered, faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving underprivileged communities in the Amazon Region of South America. Our story began in 2013 when a group of eight believers from the United States traveled to Tabatinga, Brazil, a remote jungle town where the borders of Brazil, Peru, and Colombia meet. This area is known as “The Three Frontier”.
What started as a single trip to explore the needs of the region quickly grew into an enduring mission. Through meaningful partnerships with local pastors and American missionaries, we laid the foundation for long-term ministry in one of the most spiritually and physically underserved regions in the world.
Today, TAMI is led by a dedicated team of pastors, doctors, teachers, and business professionals from Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. While COVID-19 temporarily paused our travel efforts, the passion for ministry only grew stronger. In 2025, we formally established The Amazon Mission, Inc. as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to ensure sustainability and long-term impact for future generations of leaders.
Why We Serve
We are compelled by the love of Jesus Christ to reach and uplift the people of the Amazon. Our mission is to minister to the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, educationally, and physically. Whether through Bible training, medical care, or humanitarian relief, we serve with the conviction that “Life is better with Jesus”.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission: To glorify God by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting the physical and spiritual needs of Amazon communities in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia.
Vision: To see thriving local churches led by well-trained, indigenous leaders who are equipped to disciple others and transform their communities.
Values: Faithfulness to Scripture, servant leadership, financial integrity, compassion, long-term partnership, and cultural respect.
Our Team
TAMI is composed of volunteers who bring a wide range of skills, pastoral leadership, medical expertise, education, and organizational support. Our annual trips consist of 5–10 team members who travel to the field, while our year-round efforts include stateside support, fundraising, and logistical coordination.
We also work closely with approximately 20 pastors and teachers in the Amazon region, primarily in Iquitos, Peru, and Tabatinga, Brazil.
Leadership and Structure
Jim Meulemans | Executive Director
Jim is the founding Executive Director of The Amazon Mission, Inc., bringing decades of leadership experience in both ministry and professional circles. With a strong background in telecommunications, network security, and service delivery platforms, Jim previously co-founded and led technology firms focused on cloud connectivity and mission critical infrastructure. His faith-driven vision and strategic acumen provide the foundation for TAMI’s governance, donor relationships, and mission expansion. Under his guidance, Jim spearheaded the journey to formalize TAMI as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and continues to oversee operations, strategy, and financial stewardship.
Jim is the founding Executive Director of The Amazon Mission, Inc., bringing decades of leadership experience in both ministry and professional circles. With a strong background in telecommunications, network security, and service delivery platforms, Jim previously co-founded and led technology firms focused on cloud connectivity and mission critical infrastructure. His faith-driven vision and strategic acumen provide the foundation for TAMI’s governance, donor relationships, and mission expansion. Under his guidance, Jim spearheaded the journey to formalize TAMI as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and continues to oversee operations, strategy, and financial stewardship.
Jose Columna | Director
Jose serves as a Director of TAMI, drawing on his deep passion for missions, cross-cultural engagement, and community development. With experience in volunteer leadership and grassroots coordination, he helps bridge partnerships between local Amazon pastors and our U.S.-based support teams. Jose’s gift for fostering relationships enables mission trip planning, logistics coordination, and effective communication between stakeholders in South America and North America. His commitment to discipleship and practical service reflects our core belief that meaningful transformation happens at every level.
Jose serves as a Director of TAMI, drawing on his deep passion for missions, cross-cultural engagement, and community development. With experience in volunteer leadership and grassroots coordination, he helps bridge partnerships between local Amazon pastors and our U.S.-based support teams. Jose’s gift for fostering relationships enables mission trip planning, logistics coordination, and effective communication between stakeholders in South America and North America. His commitment to discipleship and practical service reflects our core belief that meaningful transformation happens at every level.
Ricardo Vielmas | Director
Ricardo brings invaluable perspectives as a Director working alongside local church leaders in the Amazon region. With roots in Latin American ministry and extensive experience collaborating with indigenous pastors, Ricardo guides TAMI’s approach to cultural sensitivity, theological training, and community partnership. He coordinates field reporting, ensures the integrity of mission disbursements, and contributes to educational and leadership development programming. Ricardo’s leadership ensures that our efforts are aligned with local needs and led by Amazonian voices.
Leadership Highlights
Collective Experience: Together, Jim, Jose, and Ricardo combine U.S. and Amazon based leadership perspectives, ensuring balanced oversight and cultural relevance.
Unified Vision: They share passion for TAMI’s vision: equipping local leaders, planting churches, providing medical and educational aid, and living out the truth that Life Is Better with Jesus.
Commitment to Integrity: Every financial and operational decision is reviewed collaboratively, promoting transparency, accountability, and faithful stewardship.
Looking Ahead
With the official recognition by the I.R.S. as a 501(c)(3) public charity, TAMI is entering a new chapter of growth. This status allows us to:
Expand our donor base and project funding
Strengthen our field operations and support
Equip future leaders to carry the mission forward
Strengthen our field operations and support
Equip future leaders to carry the mission forward
Operate with full transparency, accountability, and legal compliance
We are committed to stewarding every dollar and every opportunity to make an eternal difference in the Amazon.