Officials in Brazil are struggling to deliver food, water and other aid to residents stranded after more than a week of heavy rain, flooding and mudslides.

The death toll has climbed to more than 700 as the military is helping local authorities search for more victims.

Meanwhile, many of Brazil's churches are reaching out to survivors in an effort coordinated by the National Bible Society.

Erni Seibert, with the Brazil Bible Society, said the churches hope to help many Brazilians find faith in God even in the midst of the tragedy.

"The churches are helping us, offering clothes, offering medicine, so that people can maintain their lives," he said. "We put together Bibles or New Testaments and especially biblical material for children."

"God is with them if they look for God," Seibert continued. "They will have hope and will have direction for their lives."