My heart for children and missions began long before Playgrounds Around the World was ever formed. My father Leslie Dickerson & his sister Velma Dickerson went to Brazil for the very first time in 1956 to minister with music in the churches. Two years later in 1958 my father came back to the United States to marry my mother Irene Dickerson. Together they went back as missionaries to Brazil, where Agape Ministries was founded. My brothers and sisters and I were raised watching my parents serve faithfully as missionaries in Brazil for nearly fifty years. Their lives were marked by teaching, preaching, and loving people deeply. They didn’t just share the Gospel with words — they lived it through service, compassion, and sacrifice. My mother loved the Wordless Book which was often used to minister to reach young lives for Christ. A few years later my Uncle Lloyd Dickerson & Aunt Zonell Dickerson and my Aunt Velma Dickerson, joined my parents, and together they dedicated their lives to the Brazilian people where hundreds of lives were transformed by God’s love. 

A man with a visionary legacy

Missionary Leslie Dickerson was a visionary leader whose passion, faith, and determination left an enduring mark on the people of Brazil. Through countless evangelistic compaigns, tent meetings, and church-planting, he reached the hearts of thousands and helped establish hundreds of churches throughout his ministry. He had a genuine love for the Brazilian people and through his faith and commitment to God, countless lives were transformed. 

Little Lives... Lasting Impact

Missionary Irene Dickerson devoted her life to serving others, touching the hearts of countless children and families through her faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication on the mission field. Her influence extended far beyond the communities she served, leaving a lasting impact on many lives. Above all, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a source of encouragment and blessing to everyone who knew her. Her legacy of love, service, and faith continues to inspire those whose lives she touched. 

Growing up in that environment shaped who I am today. I saw firsthand how love, sacrifice, giving and faith can transform lives. I witnessed communities strengthened, children given hope, and families restored simply because someone cared enough to show up and share Christ.

Built with sweat, sacrifice, faith, and a willingness to go where God wanted them to be.

 Following that same path, I have dedicated much of my life to working with children, especially those who are underprivileged, overlooked, or living in difficult circumstances. Through soccer, games, activities, outreach projects, and personal mentorship. I’ve always sought to connect with children in ways that are joyful, meaningful, and Christ-centered. Over time, one truth became very clear. In many remote communities, children don’t have a safe place to simply be children.

No park.

No playground.

No space that belongs to them.

That realization gave birth to Playgrounds Around the World. This mission exists to bring safe, beautiful playgrounds to children in remote and underserved areas building the very first playground a community has ever had. These spaces are more than slides and swings. They are places of laughter, belonging, and hope. They are environments where the love of Christ can be shared naturally and where children feel valued and seen. A place that also gathers teenagers to play volleyball and soccer and can feel accepted. A space where they matter.

One playground at a time.

One child at a time.

One community at a time.

From Generation to Generation

The "Better Way- Jesus

Faithfully Serving since 2006

Curitiba, Parana, Brazil

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."     John 14:6

Mike & Linda blessed this ministry by donating all the funds to build Caminho Melhor- Jesus. They built more than the structure, but a lasting blessing for generations of children and families. We are eternally grateful for their heart and generosity. Thank you Mike & Linda.  🥰

Campo Mourao, Parana, Brazil

Chimoio, Mozambique