In Brazil, poor youth often choose life on the streets to escape the poverty of the slums and, more often, to escape abusive families. Corenne and Philip minister to children who are part of a residential program that rescues homeless street children and youth ranging in age from 8 to 18. The program provides guidance, education, and training for future employment. Phil is the president and CEO of the residential program, Hope Unlimited for Children, which was founded in 1991.

Phil writes:  A couple weeks ago, we invited the entire pre-school staff (45 in all) to spend the day at the City of Youth for a special time of fellowship with the City of Youth staff. During this time, we encouraged exchanging stories involving personal experiences with the children

 

Teacher Marcia told of Pablo, a sweet child of 4. His mother and brother were killed in an automobile accident, and his father so severely incapacitated that he is unable to care for Pablo, who now lives with an impoverished aunt. Paulo was also in the car, trapped in the wreckage for several hours until they freed him. When Pablo first arrived, he cried all day, and would stand by the window looking up at the sky and repeating “Mama, Mama.” He would not hug anyone, fought with the teachers, and was always the last one to nap. 

 

Marcia took it upon herself to break through with him. She told herself “God put me here to help this child.” Over the coming weeks, Pablo did develop a special relationship with Marcia. He stopped crying, and began to play with the other children. Soon it was Christmas. Santa Claus dropped by and Marcia was thrilled to see Pablo so excited that he could hardly contain himself. (One of the teachers used to be a circus performer, and came in on a bicycle dressed as Santa). 

 

In February, teacher Marcia had a birthday. Pablo brought her a little present. When the other children saw it, they laughed: it was a half a bottle of perfume. He told Marcia it had belonged to his mother, and he wanted her to have it. The perfume now counts among Marcia’s most precious possessions. 

• Pray for Phil and Corenne as they reach out for Jesus to the needy children of Brazil.
• Pray for their family, including their children Marc (6) and Suzanna Isabella (2 years)