Working in Brazil - 2022

 Working in Brazil

In the spring and summer of 2022 we received requests to work in prisons and schools in the far another of Brazil, as far as Recife, Salvador and to the Amazon. The need is just overwhelming. We worked in many prisons that are at triple capacity where the men and women are dealing with immense suffering and just horrific conditions. 

The increase in homelessness after the pandemic was great both across the US and in Brazil. We found ways to get certain things donated and other things at a low cost and we were able to make large quantities of food and fee up to 1000 people a few times a week. The gratitude was overwhelming. 

Our food line in a city in Brazil

A very kind, generous man donated kits of hygiene care to us and we were able to make up gift packages for the homeless. Helped hundreds of people in the El Paso area and on Skid Row in LA.

When we returned from Brazil in the late summer, we worked in many correctional facilities, homes for children, centers for veterans and homeless shelters from Florida, all the way across the US. We took trips up to Canada and down to Mexico. 

Spent a while in the border city of El Paso, working on both sides with migrants, homeless, orphans and the incarcerated. We performed a number of times in the largest prison in Juarez, Mexico. It was so scary to see that just recently there was an attack on this exact prison where we just were and a number of people lost their lives. So sad and tragic and I pray for comfort and hope to their families. I thank God that we were able to visit them before this, and maybe leave them a seed of God’s unconditional love so that they come to Him. 

Along with so much joy and beautiful unforgettable moments, we dealt with a lot of issues, suffering and difficult situations as well this year. My youngest brother tore his achilles in Brazil and had to spend over 7 days in a terrible third world hospital awaiting surgery. The hospital flooded in severe storms and the situation was intense.

Catastrophic storms flooded cities and entire villages in northern Brazil.  Many lost their lives and mudslides wiped out many houses. We worked with many victims helping them with food and practice needs. The photo above was the main road out and we had to go for it when there was a break in the rain to leave the city.

The storms brought flooding and mudslides to the city where we were and we were trapped in a tough spot. We only barely made it in a break by driving through a section of road that was like a lake. 

We got severely ill with the Brazilian flu even after being vaccinated for that and covid.  My parents got the sickness real bad and I thank God Almighty for bringing them through.  We dealt with road hazards, break downs, blow outs and damage to our living vehicle. But in all these things, our precious Father was there to carry us through. And I share these things with you my friend, so that you know you are not alone in all you deal with. Jesus said IN this world we will have trouble! BUT In Him, we have peace..Jn.16:33.