Chácara Blessings

Over the last 9 weeks Paulo Renato and I have been going out to the Chácara to teach a class on sexual purity using the book "Every Man's Battle". Yesterday was our last study with the men and it was a great one! Although it was hard to say "this is our last study" it was wonderful to say "and now you are armed and prepared for the fight for purity!" The guys chewed and chewed on this study. They are hungry and are looking for ways to fight for the right life - for the Christian life (Colossians 3). I reminded them a few different times over the 2 months that we were studying with them that they can interchange the examples of sexual addiction in the book for drugs and alcohol. It is possible for us to win the battle against any temptation or addiction with the tools that we have in the Word - if we want to.

I am so blessed to have spent the time that I did at the Chácara on these Thursdays. The relationships that I formed with these men have already had an impact on me and my walk with Christ. After seeing what most of them have gone through and overcome I have no reason not to live a blameless life in Christ. I know I have been armed with the Spiritual weapons I need in the every day battle against Satan and his schemes. I will always be encouraged by the men of the Chácara - because of their smiles and hugs and most especially their powerful prayers!

All the guys are deep in the study. Even guys who are there for the first time participate in the discussion.

Paulo Renato (middle) leads the discussion. He has been a tremendous blessing as a teacher and leader.

Adão Claudio gives us a word.

Accountability Groups:

Leandro, Adão Claudio, Christian & Paulo Rogierio

Rafael, Paulo Renato & Daví

Rodrigo, Anderson & Fabio

Marcelo & Eduardo

Gabriel & Andre

Josimar & Isaías (Isaías is the selfless director of the Chácara)

These two guys are in "accountability group" pictures above, but I wanted to point out that these are the two guys that I mentioned in a previous post. This is (L to R) Daví and Anderson. On March 16th they gave their lives to Jesus through baptism! Praise God!!!

This last Sunday (Easter) there was a short program aired on a local TV station in the afternoon. It was about an up-and-coming Christian hip-hop music group. The 3 guys in the group have come from difficult backgrounds. One of the guys was actually at the Chácara a few years ago recovering from drug addiction. For the TV program they went out to the Chácara to promote freedom from addiction. This really gave the Chácara a lot of publicity that it doesn't get. From Monday until Thursday of this week there were 6 new guys at the Chácara - 4 of them saw the program on Sunday! Although this seems like a huge blessing, it isn't the best part. The best part is that there is no more room! They are out of beds! That is a great problem to have at a place that tries to free young men from addiction!!! We can see that God is working at the Chácara. Who knows, maybe we should pray for another new dormitory to be built in 2008!

Here is a picture of the hip-hop group. The guy on the far right was at the Chácara a few years ago.

Hopefully, from the pictures above you can put a name to a face and find it easier to pray for these guys. They know that many people are lifting them up to the Father. I ask you to carry them in your hearts and your prayers as we do. They are sons of God who are discovering grace and mercy and the truth - that Jesus loves them no matter what they have done. Please pray for them and their spiritual growth. Please pray for the Chácara and the blessings that continue to flow. Please pray that God would send us more and more Brazilian leaders like Paulo Renato and Isaías. Please pray!