Living Stones is the outreach and church planting ministry in progress in Northeast Brazil. Living Stones takes literally Jesus’ command to “let the little children come unto me.”
The process begins as a Community church in Brazil identifies a location without an evangelical Christian church (more than 400 towns have no church proclaiming Christ). The church begins to work with a church planter, educated at the World Renewal Brazil seminary in Carpina.
Living Stones funding helps settle the church planter in the selected town who then begins to gather the poor kids in that community and provide education, nutrition, and hygiene. Most of the kids are unable to attend a school because of overcrowding. For most of these kids the meal that is provided for them is the only hot meal that they will get all day.
Provide education, nutrition,and hygiene
Living Stones takes kids in the morning and afternoon, two groups each day. The teachers train the kids in math, reading and writing. Most schools in these towns do not have room for all the kids in the town. Living Stones is breaking the cycle of the poor through education. In the upper grades the kids are taught a trade so they can make a living for themselves and their family. Bible lessons are also given to the kids in the hope of them becoming Christians. The goal is take a poor kid and transform them into a well rounded Christian with skills to use in the work force.
The kids come to the Living Stones location (also the Church site on Sunday) five days a week. If there is family around they too can get help at the church location. Some of the mothers are hired to cook for the kids. Living Stones is trying to employ local poor families in the running of the program. As the community learns of this organization committed to helping the children, many adults become interested and involved. Just as the children learn Bible stories and respond to the Savior’s invitation, so their parents are drawn to a relationship with Christ. These families become the founding members of the “Day One” church that grows from their love for each other built upon Jesus. This is a great way to reach the lost in a community with no hope.
Today there is only one Living Stones project started in Northeast Brazil. To sponsor a project takes 60-75 people giving $30.00 each month for a total of $1800.00-$2250. This money goes to rent a building for the Living Stones/Church, food, labor, and utility. With this money a program can have 30 kids in the morning and 30 in the afternoon. The current program is running 100 + kids at the location. We are getting close to being able to open another project. Will you help us by praying and giving a donation to this project?
