Thursday, July 31, 2008

Biscuits and unity- SHINE still shining.

At ”SHINE” the work continues. The last months we have seen several courses run especially for the women of the community; we have done some in the culinary field and we also recently just finished a course in making fruit soap. It is vital that the women of the community learn skills and can support their families. Many of the women have been involved in drugs and prostitution, and now need another way to get an income. Others have husbands who have turned away from drug trafficking and other illegal means of earning money, and these women can now be a part of providing for their families in an honest and dignified way.

The various team that have come to help us out in the community have been a great blessing to us! Apart from the practical help they have given, it always blesses us when people come and receive the love and heart of God for the people of Oitão Preto.

We are also seeing the Christians in the community come together. It was amazing to see one of the meetings we had where the traditional Assemblies of God brothers sat side by side with the tatooed surfers for Christ. This is part of what it’ll be like in heaven! And unity of the body of Christ is the key to anointing!

There is still a long way to go…in the recent months we’ve seen people very dear to our heart die as a consequence of the lives they have been living. But we believe that we have the answer and we know that Jesus’ heart is to see a transformation of this community! You are part of that! Keep interceding for us!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Street worship.

At times it seems the kids worship the streets. . . and often we sek strategies and solutions for the kids and discover only frustration.. . one thing is for sure - Our God is worthy of our praise! We have begun to spend time in the places where this kids most often congregate, to simply pray and worship God - to reclaim the land that Satan has stolen. The fascinating thing is that we discover that as we take our eyes off the kids themselves, more kids come and want to be a part of what we are doing. Pray that we will hear His voice and demonstarte His love as we seek HIS solutions on behalf of those He has called us to love!

Points for prayer:

  • For new staff
  • For support for staff members
  • For the work of Shine as it continues to build on the foundation of God's love
  • For the students of the night school (ENVIA) as they hear God's voice for the mission God has for each one.
  • For the boys,their families and their dreams as they seek God for their next steps in restoration
  • For strength courage and perseverence for staff
  • For the prayers and preparation beginning for next years DTS