This coming week, August 14th -23rd, 21 members of a highly trained and specialized work team will leave the safety of our homes here in New Jersey (and New York, Florida & Oregon) to go far beyond any place we’d ever been before. Our Mission is to see how God uses people willing to step out of their comfort zones and trust in Him. We hope that you’ll share this adventure with us as we send back updates from the field, telling you what awesome things God is doing in Brazil.
Our team is heading to Campinas, Brazil, site of the City of Youth (Cidade dos Meninos—CM for short). CM is a residential, vocational school for former street children operated by Hope Unlimited for Children (http://www.hopeunlimited.org/). There are currently 120 boys residing at the main campus, another 80 girls that reside at Hope Ranch (a satellite campus 5 miles away) and another 200 children in the day program. Hope also has 150 in graduate programs and family outreach programs. Their program has received worldwide acclaim. Philip Smith, cofounder and CEO, was highlighted recently on NBC Evening News’ People That Make A Difference with Brian Williams.
We’ll be underwriting the cost of some construction and supplies which will precede our work. As a team we’ll be primarily giving the entire campus a makeover. (Due to the devaluation of the US dollar against the Brazilian Reas needed funds these past few years have gone solely to the operational needs of taking care of the children and continuing the program.) Because of this lack of funding all construction, renovations, non-needed general maintenance (such as painting) has been delayed.
We will have $8,000 worth of paint awaiting us for the Herculean task of painting nearly the entire campus! In addition to painting the buildings, our team will be refreshing several huge murals which previous Princeton Alliance Church (PAC) teams have placed around the campus. (Several of these are in the 10 foot by 20 foot size.) Please pray for our safety as we traverse ladders and scaffolding during our week down there.
The highlight though isn’t necessarily the work but the relationships we’ll be building with the children, the graduates and the staff. One of the exciting events we are looking forward to is a "Valentine Celebration" with the girls. Another day we are underwriting the cost of a "Birthday Celebration" for the girls and boys born during the month of August. You’ll see more about that later as well!
I hope that you are blessed as you share this adventure, this journey of Faith, with us ….blessings, Brazil Team 2009
Joy - great job in capturing the essence of our mission. I look forward to a full report each day. I also pray that others will read this and keep us in their prayers. When we go out in His name to minister in service to others, we take ground from the enemy- especially in the struggle for the lives of Brazil' s street kids. Thank you for your faithful service.
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