Children are the future - the living stones that build what tomorrow’s foundation will be. Many children in Northeast Brazil have little or no hope for a future. They are considered to be “at-risk” as they must live and/or work on the streets begging for enough money just to have an occasional meal. They cannot attend school because they must beg daily just to survive. Poverty abounds and the only answers seem to be drugs, crime and prostitution as a way to cope with their immense hopelessness and despair. Brazilian society considers these children trash, treating them as disposable - depriving them of opportunity, education, and basic necessity. They are vulnerable and all alone.
But World Renewal Brazil seeks to change all of that. Our Living Stones Ministry takes literally Jesus’ command to “let the little children come to me,” striving to foster change in the lives of these young kids, ages 6-16, through education and the hope of Jesus Christ. Living Stones, an extension of our church planting efforts, is a child outreach program that provides the poorest, most at-risk children in the community with education, nutrition, hygiene, character development and most importantly, the love of Jesus. By focusing on the whole child’s well being - mental, physical, spiritual and emotional - healing and restoration can occur. The program serves two groups of children each day - a morning group and an afternoon group, with an midday meal provided for all of the children. Often, this is the only meal the children receive that day.
The government has looked with favor on our program because it provides an alternative lifestyle to the challenges and hardships the children face every day. In the last 13 years, the Living Stones Program has served over 700 children in Northeast Brazil and has been an integral catalyst for extensive church growth. Where Living Stones Programs exist, there is remarkable community transformation - less crime, less drugs, less prostitution. Our goal is to implement a total of ten Living Stones Programs in ten cities in ten years. By serving the children with the love of Christ, we will reach their families as well - transforming a culture and a nation. But we can not do it alone.
We depend on your faithful support and our staff’s faithful efforts. “Patricia has worked with Living Stones from the very beginning and eventually, she became a full time employee. She is so passionate about serving children through Living Stones and teaching them about Jesus. When asked what she would share if she could speak in America, Patricia offered these words,
‘It is not just the kids that are here, needy and needing. It is the whole family. And even if you don’t help us, do something. Anything. God is always showing us something we can do for someone else. Take the step in front of you, and see where it takes you...But don’t stand still. We are working with those who are considered and treated as the trash of the world. The unwanted. The child that is dirty and strikes his hand in your face and asks for money, making you feel uncomfortable...those everyone else has thrown out - of mind and heart. It is not about money, it is about action. Doing what you can where you are. Do whatever comes to your mind when you ask God honestly, What would you have me do?’” (Winzeler 2010)
Would you prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to take action so that the children the world considers trash can realize their worth in their Creator, Jesus Christ? If 60 people pledged $30 each month to sponsor a child, it would enable us to start and continue other Living Stones Programs throughout our region - sharing the love of Christ with those who have never heard the good news. We are grateful for your ongoing prayers and support.
In Christ,
Tele Moraes
World Renewal Brazil
P.S. Your gift of $30, $300, or even $3000 will enable us to reach more at-risk children and their families through our Living Stones Program with the love and hope of Christ. Thank you for your partnership.
Winzeler, Rachel. Steps to Nowhere. Blurb Inc., 2010.
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