The work in Oitão Preto has really had a great boost since Andrew and Claudia started up a full-time work there in April. "SHINE" is the very appropriate name of the project, as that is what our heart is to do there: Shine the love, truth, and life of Jesus into every single life in the community, and see it transformed for the glory of God.
Even if it is still early days, we are seeing the community respond to us in an amazing way. The main focus as we start is to form discipleship groups with the young people in the community. We already have several groups for children and teenagers, and one women's group. It's great to see God move in these young people's lives and see them receive the truth and life of God which strengthens them to stand up against the strong influence of drugs and violence which they have to face every single day.
During Carneval this year we took 10 of the children in the community to a camp for 5 days at a Christian children's home which is about an hour's drive outside the city. It was amazing to see them respond to the positive environment and really be changed. One boy told us the last day that he'd felt joy for the first time in his life. Powerful words from a 12 year old. As we drove back to the community most of them were crying because they wanted to stay longer. On arrival some of the parents were very welcoming, whereas others were too busy doing drugs or too drunk to really welcome their excited sons home. This month we are taking another group, and we are praying that God would really impact them in a great way again, and that the temporary change from their home environment, can cause permanent, positive change in their lives. Please pray for them!
