We are so excited to share that we had our first Monday-night service at the new Shores Base! It was an incredible night where we invited local leaders, pastors, longtime friends and  new friends. Unfortunately, the fun was for one night only because the Coronavirus arrived here as well. The world seems to have stopped for a moment. But it’s a time we recognize what a part of the world seems to live without daily. Three meals a day, a family, a home: these are basic necessities but to those we serve, these are a luxury. It’s a great time to reflect. But also know that in the midst of it all, God is still working. Even though these might be uncertain times, we stay hopeful and full of expectation of what God wants to do during these next couple of weeks. We have already seen so many creative solutions for us to continue to minister to people in need of guidance. Since Vila Betania and Hadassah House will keep running, we have plenty to do.

Just two weeks ago, we received a very special little boy of just 5 years of age. He had cerebral palsy and spent his entire life in the hospital. He was neglected and went unloved all his life. With the virus abound, the boy was brought to his first home with us at Vila Betania. Unfortunately, we discovered that he was fighting a few infections himself. With great sadness, we report that his body could no longer fight off the infections and went home to be with Jesus. We are so grateful that we had the time to serve him and love him for the time we had him. We are grateful that while only for a few days, he had experienced the love of God upon this earth through us. 

With the community boys who come to our soccer/discipleship on Saturdays, we were focusing on three of our core values; Intimacy with God, dependency on the Father and joy in the journey. This year, we were planning to talk about choices. The choices that we make and how this decides where we are and where we are going. We wanted them to know the importance of making choices in their lives. We have been noticing a change in that they now come for the Word. Sometimes, we have snacks but they come for the something we offer that they can not find anywhere else, the presence and Word of the Lord. We can see their behavior and attitude changing: the way they speak, the way they act, the way they respond to things that are shared with them. We see them  living in a way where they stop and think about consequences of the choices that they make. So it has been great to see them coming to talk to us and respond to what we are discussing. One of the boys used to ask for money every time he came, but now he hugs us and spends quality time with us. Quite a few come now but it’s not about numbers; we are blessed to be a part of their growth and their journey! Sometimes, it may seem like they are not listening, but they are absorbing everything we tell them. Even though our Communities Team is not able to gather with the kids right now, we are still able to call and check in on how they are doing.

Most of the people in the communities do not have a fixed job. Many have small short-term jobs to earn enough money for just that day. With everything shutting down, this has been really hard on some of these families. We are asking God for wisdom in this time to find creative ways to keep in touch and do what we can to help. Please continue to pray with us for these children and the families in the communities.