Monday, June 16, 2008

Believing in the restoration of families.

The work of supporting the families of the boys who live on the farm is a great challenge. The boys are facing it with faith! They visit their families, and we we regularly invite all the families we work to the project for a family meeting, which is a time of fellowship and investing into their lives. It is great to see the boys’ families come and the boys grow in their relationships with them. Last time all the boys gave their families a present which was a miracle.

One of them, however, is facing some serious challenges. When he was at home years ago, His mother used to tell him: "Quickly, run away, your father is coming home!” Usually he would obey, and thus began his career on the streets aged 8. However, sometimes, with his heart full of fear, he would not go. Instead, he simply hid under the bed for days from where he witnessed horror after horror. This story is not complete yet, but the accompanying fears are still real, and from these fears come fears about the future which paralyze this young man.

God is a God of justice and love. He will see justice done! We pray that this family will see forgiveness and the power of forgiveness to bring restoration.

Journey with us in prayer!!

Prayer points:

  • New staff.
  • Support for staff.
  • The work of ”SHINE” that works in the community.
  • For the students of the night school (ENVIA), that they can hear God’s voice for what He has for each one of them.
  • For strength and courage for the staff.
  • For the DTS next year.
  • For the boys and their families.

Monday, June 09, 2008

”I am a thief”- the challenge of bringing identity to those in prison.

"Write down on the piece of paper we are giving you your strengths and your weaknesses". These were the instructions Fabiano, in his broad Brazilian accent, gave to the 20 some inmates of the youth prison. Imagine his shock when the vast majority, with a mixture of bravado, embarrassement, and bewilderment, showed that they don't know how to read and write. The majority of these boys are not street kids, but kids from different spheres of society. Those who express themselves with clarity need Fabiano's help to write. One of them says of his strengths: "killing", and of his weaknesses: "I steal". Another one says: "I am a thief". There were two thieves crucified with Christ- one a thief, the other hanged for stealing. Both died that day, one however, was saved.

The team in the prison prays and seeks God to know how we can expand this ministry to help the inmates discover their God-given purpose, and to be able to accompany them when they are released. We desparately need workers- it is a mammoth task!

Pray for strength and clarity for the prison team.
Pray that God would raise up more workers.