Chácara Graduation

Today was a great day! Not only was it Father's Day in Brazil, but it was graduation time for 7 guys at the Chácara! These days the Chácara is always at full capacity. If someone leaves, that space become occupied almost immediately. The thing is - hardly anyone is leaving!

The rehabilitation program at the Chácara lasts for 9 months. Today we had what I think was the largest graduating class ever! The guys are welcome to stay and continue at the Chácara for more than 9 months, but leaving sooner than 9 months means they haven't met the goals and requirements of the program.

Today's graduation consisted of a uplifting worship service that included 6 of the 7 guys giving short testimonies. Let me tell you - it is something special to have one of these guys share their testimony, but to have 6 is nothing short of powerful. Listening to their stories can seriously change your perspective on things. It was all I could do to keep from being overwhelmed emotionally. I felt a lot of joy at the Chácara today.

It was a very encouraging and uplifting time for all the guys - graduates of the program and individuals who are still battling on against their addictions (By the way, Adão Claudio made it back to the Chácara and is fighting strong). The amount of love shown from family and friends was a treasure from the Lord. I am grateful that I spent part of my day celebrating with these brothers. I am sure that God is proud of the work and sacrifice that these 7 men have put into turning their lives around for His glory. What a great Father's Day present to our Father in heaven.

The Graduates (from left to right): Christian, Jefferson, Eduardo, Alexandre, Marcelo, Anderson & Rodrigo.

Alexandre shares some of his story.

Anderson has always had the support of his 5-year old son. Happy Father's Day, Anderson!

This is the Lima family (from l to r: Lucas, Lauro, Luis, Lorena & Gabrieli). Luis is a nephew/cousin of the Limas who has been at the Chácara for just one week. This was a very encouraging day for Luis.

All seven of the graduates became Christians at the Chácara. One of them announced that his mom will be baptized soon. I think it is obvious that the Lord used the transformed lives of her sons (Eduardo and Rodrigo both pictured above) to touch her heart for Jesus. Praise God!