"GO into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature... (
Mark 16:15) "How shall they preach unless they are SENT? (
Rom 10:15)
A little about the vast land of our calling:
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world; in terms of population (186 million in 2005) as well as land area, covering an area of 8.5 million sq. km. More than half of Brazil s children live in families below the poverty line (earning less than half the minimum wage per capita). Over 7 million children aged between 10-17 years old (nearly one third of this
age group) have to work for a living, many working more than 40 hours per week. Street children are a common and frequently distressing sight in every major city in Brazil . The vast majority of street children maintain some contact with their families, but poverty and violence at home often force them onto the streets. However, life on the streets rarely escapes poverty or violence. In 1998 alone, 600 children are estimated to have been killed on the streets of Rio de Janeiro .
I am reminded what George Bernard Shaw said: The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that is the essence of inhumanity.
The call of God to go to the ends of the earth is to every believer. I have spent most of my life in the world of missions. I know that God provides but the race is not for wimps, nor for heroes, but for committed servants prepared to endure no matter what. I am more on fire for world missions that ever before and most people have no idea what ensues. My vision is clear. I know the facts, the odds we must face. The number of street children in Sao Paulo infected with the AIDS virus is growing by 30 percent a year, according to a physician at a major hospital there. About 4,500 children are homeless on the streets of Sao Paulo , South America 's largest city.
In our city robberies and killings take place everyday. Poverty drives even the honest people to the streets. What gives me hope in the face of all of this is the fact that we are able to truly make a difference in the lives of many of the people. We are seeing God open doors and make ways and fill people with His spirit. New Bible training centers are being built, new churches are going up. People are getting healed and their lives have made a complete turnaround. We could not do what we are doing if it were not for our precious noble homeland supporters(C.T. Studd)said: There is only one life which will perish soon. Whatever you accomplish for the Lord, that alone will remain.
Through what you have done we have been able to make a difference in many lives. Through your burden we have reached many who would have otherwise been only a statistic. Now they are in turn reaching others.
Keep us in your prayers as we reach out for another lost soul.
Love and Prayers
The Alvears
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