2007 has been a year of many changes for us as a project. We have seen many goings and comings of staff members. And so as we draw to the end of this year, we thought it would be nice to give you an update on what our faithful team of staff looks like so you can hold them up in your prayers:
Peter and Selma Thomas- are the faithful overall leaders of “My Father’s House”, and also leaders of “Sítio Graça” our restoration farm. They are currently on a much deserved 3-month furlough. Pray for strengthening and that they can find rest and peace in this time. They have a gorgeous son.
Andrew and Claudia Fanstone- lead “SHINE”, our community development project which reaches out to the community of Oitão Preto. Pray for wisdom as they head up this work. They are expecting their first child next year.
Karen and Vinicius Guerra- head up the 3-month “Night School”, which seeks to raise awareness in the local churches of missions and equip them to grasp God’s heart for missions, both locally, in their own city, and worldwide. They are currently in Switzerland doing a course.
Fabiano and Dayanne- they did the DTS on the farm this year and are now full-time staff at “Sítio Graça”. Fabiano also participates in the prison ministry, and Dayane has taken on responsibility for the accounts. Pray for God to really give them His heart, especially pray for extra wisdom and discernment during this time while Peter and Selma are away.
Jander and Melanie de Oliveira- Jander works on the farm and is a huge blessing both with the boys and also in helping with the many things that often need to be chased to get sorted out. Melanie works with pregnant teenagers with “SHINE” as well as with pregnant teenagers in Aquiraz where they live. They have one son who is super-cute!
Neide Ferreira Batista- works with “SHINE” and is also involved with the family work. Neide has been involved with “My Father’s House” on and off since 2000, and is now back with us as full-time staff.
Diego- works with “SHINE”. Diego spent a few years working at “Sítio Graça” and is now back full-time reaching into Oitão Preto.
Avisi Tshimalenge- works in the different parts of the project, using metalwork and jewellery workshops to teach young people skills, which can help them move forward in life. She is currently on leave in England.
John William Hunter- coordinates our work in the various youth prisons citywide. He is married to Rochelli and they have a little daughter.
Helyvane- works at “Sítio Graça” in the area of schooling and education. She has one son.
Michiel- has just arrived from Holland to work with us. His focus will be working in the city centre, and he plans to do a DTS later on this year.
In addition to these we have introduced you to, we have many short and long term volunteers from Fortaleza and beyond who play a vital part in seeing God’s Kingdom come to the poor, needy, despised, and rejected of Fortaleza, bringing HOPE and LIGHT to a dark and hopeless reality.
Please be praying for:
more full-time staff
God’s protection over those involved in the project
strength and wisdom
Christmas, as it is often a very sensitive time especially for the boys on the farm being far from their families. Pray it’ll be a good Christmas for them and the staff there with them!
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