Welcome to the Family!

Luis, Aninha, and Natalia welcomed four new children to Turvo this past week! Geovane is 5 years old and is a very active, playful little boy. Immediately after his arrival, a sibling group of three came: Ana Paula (8), Zelia (6), and Natanael (2). Their mother died and their alcoholic father was unable to care for them. They were living in filth and have a skin condition common to dogs "bixo-de-pe" (bugs that get under the skin of the foot)that has caused much discomfort because of itching. During our visit on Saturday, all of them were a little wary of us at first but quickly warmed up and were soon wrestling with Mike, sitting on my lap, or holding our hands. We have had the privilege of watching over the past three years as children who have come to CLM filled with fear and distrust have been transformed through the Holy Spirit's love. Join with us as we pray for these four to experience the awesome power of God's love and restoration in their lives. Check out our flickr page to see more photos of these precious children.

Blessed by YOU!

Hope you enjoy our latest video featuring our beautiful children! Please leave us a comment or send us an email to let us know what you think. (If you are unable to view the video, you can access it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9sznpPr8Wk. Please be aware that there could be related videos on the page that are not ours.)
"Every morning when I rise, with each breath I realize...that I AM BLESSED BY YOU!"

A Unique Perspective

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (Jn. 10:10)

As I post pictures to our blog, you are able to see a snapshot of what we experience everyday at CLM. But, unfortunately, you miss out on what happens before and after the shutter closes. Sometimes, it's a smile, a laugh, or a hug that melts your heart...and other times you are breaking up an all out brawl, comforting the victims, and chasing down the offender. Life at CLM is both--we are learning to embrace the extremes. Every day we see God working in their lives...as well as Satan. It's a battle for the very hearts of these precious children.

John Eldredge talks about the scripture above in the book, Waking the Dead. "God intends life for you. But right now that life is opposed. It doesn't just roll in on a tray. There is a thief. He comes to steal and kill and destroy. In other words, yes, the offer is life, but you're going to have to fight for it because there's an Enemy in your life with a different agenda. We are at war."

As you look at each beautiful face, remember the battle that rages beneath each smile...and that your prayers are powerful weapons.

Making Memories

Romulo, Geovane, and Willian spent the afternoon with us last Friday to celebrate their birthdays. Romulo had a very abusive mother who he threatened to kill before he was removed from the home. He has violent tendencies and is having a difficult time controlling his anger. Geovane has spent most of his life taking care of his drug-addicted mother. After being placed at CLM several weeks ago, he ran away twice and was brought back by the police or a social worker. He has one younger sister, Patricia and two younger brothers, Diogo and Lucas, also at CLM. Willian recently terminated visits with his mother who is a prositute, in hopes that his father will pursue obtaining custody of him. It breaks our hearts to see how quickly they have had to grow up and the many disappointments they have already faced. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will penetrate their hearts and they will feel their Heavenly Father's unconditional love.

Mike had a wonderful bonding time with them playing video games (he finally found a way that he could beat them at soccer!) while I prepared popcorn, pizza, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and peanut butter bars. In the evening, we returned together to CLM and within minutes of entering the doors, the boys had literally shared with everyone how much fun they had with us! :) We look forward to creating more special memories with the children in order to gain their trust and share Christ's love with them.