More than just soccer magic and carnival in Rio
“Carnival in Rio” and the “ball magicians from the Sugar Loaf” are the most famous hallmarks of Brazil. Real life for the majority of the population, however, is far removed from samba, sports and fun.
Helping people help themselves
Brazil, the fifth largest country on earth, stretches across almost half the area of South America. For decades now, AVC has been helping people help themselves. Those who benefit from this are society’s weakest – thousands of destitute, neglected children. The Brazilian manager of the projects, Pastor Neemias, gave up his well-paid managerial position at Mercedes years ago in order to be able to be completely committed to this task, financially kept afloat by AVC. In the meantime, he has planted more than 40 free churches with significant social involvement. AVC helps to financially support the projects listed below.
Focus on children
Orphanages
- First orphanage
- Now they are firmly established in life
In 1988 in Santa Cruz, the first orphanage was founded in humble housing. Later, additional orphanages were set up in Passo Fundo and Ijuí. Currently, 90 children are being lovingly cared for in the three orphanages.
Today many of the children who have, in the meantime, left the homes are firmly established in life. Some of them have graduated from university, others have learnt a trade. Many have married, started families and continue to stay in touch with “their” home.
Soup kitchens
On weekdays in the cities of Santa Cruz and Sao Borja, more than 1200 children are given a meal in five soup kitchens – for many of them it is their only meal of the day.
- Crowds come
- For many children it is the only...
- ...proper meal of the day
- Free church with Brazilian passion
The first soup kitchen was set up on a waste disposal site. Resulting from this initiative, a lively, typically Brazilian free church soon began. The love for others, lived out practically, combined with the good news of Jesus Christ, triggered far-reaching changes in the surrounding area.
New children’s and social centre planned
In Santa Cruz, a new children’s and social centre is currently in the planning stage. In addition to distributing food, homework support is to be provided and social skills developed. Leisure activities are provided for. This brings children “from the streets” into a protected care environment. For adults, a range of courses are planned in which they can be trained and educated in a variety of fields: in basic school knowledge and questions of upbringing and health, through to ways of protecting the environment.
