Since the decision was made to end the connection between Living Stones and PETI (the government program), some of the children have continued to meet under the PETI program. The leaders, Patricia and Cacau, were employed by PETI, and so they were still able to implement the Bible/character program, and be there for the children. But there have been many difficulties and neither Patricia nor Cacau are able to work with the children anymore, and their section of PETI has closed down. It is unknown when it will reopen. All of these factors made it even more important to have a special time with the children for Easter.
For the past three years, Living Stones Paudalho has had an Easter Celebration with fresh grapes, bread, and grape soda in commemoration of the first passover, as well as the meal shared with the disciples. For many of the children, this is the only time they have ever had (or ever get) to eat grapes, as they are a more expensive fruit in Brazil. This year, more than ever, we wanted them to know that they are loved, cared for, and celebrated--by us, and by our heavenly Father.
Cacau was amazing in making sure we had all of the supplies we needed!
A very special thank you to the Feldmans, Dong Hui, and John Winzeler who contributed extra for the children to also receive a goody bag of chocolate to take home
Raissa, Cacau, Rachel, and Gabi (Frank also helped--and did a great job taking pictures for us!)
It had been raining hard all week, but thankfully stopped in time for the children to be able to come. We had everything read by 10am to begin--but no children!
By 10:10, Zilma came.
By 10:40, we had a full house and began. A little late--Brazilian style--but by the time everything started we had about 90 children and mothers. (This is Pastor Celso and Frank)
Pastor Celso told of the first passover: Easter in Portuguese is "Pascoa," which is "Passover," rather than "Easter" when translated literally. The word has its roots in the meaning "Freedom" and "Liberation," and he shared about finding true freedom in Christ.
Rachel, Raissa, and Frank sang songs with the children
And then the fun part--passing out the food
And the goody bags (with the mad rush to find out what was inside them)
This is Frank with one of the families involved in Living Stones (the mother, middle, has eight children, and then the cousins are also involved with the Living Stones program, with their grandmother, on the right). It has been a blessing to see God work and move in this family during the time they have been a part of the program!
Thank you for your prayers and support for this special Easter party!
Happy Easter and God bless!
