Short news update - June

Here is a short news update from us, about a little of our work with the refugee camps close to the border of Venezuela.

We were invited by the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base here in the city of Boa Vista. During the mornings we teach sessions for the YWAM staff right on the veranda of the ministry house. In the evenings, we give lectures in a hired classroom for people from churches, other mission organizations, and schools that are already working with refugee children and want to learn more about it.

On some afternoons and Saturday mornings we take our students on outreach to some of the refugee camps to put in practice several of the classes we have been teaching; for example: “How to organize a children program for the children of the refugees?”

There are thirteen camps in the city, eleven are under the administration of the UN. There the refugees have at least some kind of roof above their heads and three meals a day. However, the other two camps were formed informally because the UN camps were full. So, some refugees invaded a piece of empty land and some buildings to make temporary shelters. We have directed most of our activities to these two informal camps.

In these camps there is lack of just about everything: food, shelter, mattresses, dry clothing, (it is rainy season here), electricity …

But it is beautiful to see the flexibility of our students and the love they have for the children. One of these camps is called “Criança Feliz” (Happy Child). For a few afternoons we were able to transform the sad and hopeless situations into an atmosphere of love and hope in the Lord Jesus.

Here is a picture from us at the beautiful river that cuts through the city of Boa Vista. Next weekend we plan to travel to the city of Manaus for another seminar on how to work with children in need.

Thanks to all who are standing with us and we wish you God´s richest blessings!

• Please pray for the families that have fled from their country and are still passing through great difficulties. Especially for the families that live in the camps with so few facilities.
• Pray for the people who are taking the seminars. That this will result in the transformation of many children, teenagers, young people, and families.
• Pray for the last few days and classes here in Boa Vista, and for the seminar next week in Manaus. That the Lord may use us to encourage many.
• Pray for my brother-in-law who is still very sick. For grace for my sister and their family.