A Family in Poverty
I have heard this story from several years ago in Goiana. This is why so many people in the community now help support each other.
The community of Goiana was shaken when a man died by suicide leaving behind his wife and four children. Some members from the church went to visit. They told her about Jesus and explained that he came to give hope to those who believe in him. She told them that she and her husband had never heard about Jesus. “If he had known about Jesus maybe he wouldn't have killed himself.”
The church starts asking what this family needs. They have no money and no food. They open the refrigerator to find a few dead rats. The family had been struggling financially for some time. Rats were all this family could find to eat!
The church met to discuss how they could care for this family. No one in the church had extra to give but as a group they could all share so that no one goes hungry. The church began a practice of ensuring that everyone in the church has something to eat. They became a community that truly cares for one another.
There is more to the tragedy of this story. They eventually learned the reason the man killed himself.
The man owed money to a gangster who had threatened to harm his family. He couldn't come up with the money so he decided to kill himself rather than see his family harmed. The amount he owed: BRL$100, the equivalent of $20 (US dollars).
For the lack of $20 dollars this man lost his life! This family lost a husband and father! Sadly, this happens a lot more than you would think. The median income in the state of Parnambuco Brazil is around $200 per month. If we can teach someone a skill that helps then increase their earning by simply $1 per day, that is more than a 10% pay raise. By encouraging digital literacy and education, we help increase the opportunities in these communities.
Community Projects in Goiana, Pernambuco Brazil
The church in Goiana continues to support one another. Anyone who is a part of the church will not go hungry, but the church also has a vision to help the community. Here are a few projects that they have been telling me about:
Fuel conversion for the pastor’s car to reduce the cost of travel to so many communities.
Youth and community activities at their Camp and Event Center
Housing project for the medical school
Supporting health care during the sugarcane harvest
Video projects to raise awareness of the issues this community faces and train other churches in similar communities.
Addiction recovery - many in the church want to create an addiction recovery program.
I have made a few trips to Goiana. Renato and Ingrid currently live in Goiana. I help support their ministry working directly with several families. Here is a message Renato sent recently about what they are doing
I'm preparing a video for you Chet, but the money you're sending me every month is blessing many lives, we're using it to help people move around and with food too so we can continue welcoming people.
And here is a video from their project working with the youth of the church.
Supporting Our Work
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These projects are large, and will take much planning and coordination. Once we have the needs documented, I will reach out to my international contacts to start finding resources. I have many plans in the works for these projects and have already been discussing some of these needs with the people I have met in London and Argentina.
Please contribute to our fundraiser and share anywhere you can. If you run a business, and would like to expense your support, please consider purchasing one of our products or services. These projects and services help provide jobs and training opportunities in these poor communities.