Tag: South America

Going to “The Mall” aka The Garbage Dump

In the dump, hills of garbage are the landscape. People hidden behind these hills share this landfill with vultures and fight them for the food.

A Day in the Life of Jeyson

Jeyson is a 15-year-old living in Ecuador. He’d like to share what a day in his life looks like.

Living in Colombia: A Day in the Life of Ingrid

What is life like for a school-age girl like Ingrid living in Colombia?

From Sponsored Child to Public Prosecutor

Although Jessica had always been among the top students in her class, she had no option but to become a street vendor after finishing high school. Today, she is a Public Prosecutor.

Let the Child Sponsorship Journey Begin…

Sami Cone’s children wanted to be a part of a sponsored child’s life, but not just any child, a child their age that they could start to relate to on at least some level. They wanted to feel like they were making a difference. They wanted to learn how to put feet to their faith.

Cook With Compassion: Cachorro Quente (Brazilian Hot Dogs)

If you have a sponsored child in Brazil, or even if you don’t, Cachorro Quente aka Brazilian Hot Dogs is a fun recipe to try.

Cook with Compassion: Beijinho de Coco (Coconut Kisses)

Despite a tumultuous history with candy-making, Amber decided to give making Beijinho de Coco (coconut kisses) a try.

Teaching the True Meaning of Easter

There is a lot of commercialism that comes this time of year and few people talk about Jesus, His sacrifice on the cross, and His resurrection.

The Picture of a Fisherman’s Life in Brazil

Adriano is 30 years old and began his career as a third-generation fisherman when he was 15. The way he holds the net, and the way he moves along the beach toward his jangada (a kind of fishing boat), shows he is a man who knows the ocean intimately.

Never Give Up! Keep Praying!

I am happy to serve our Lord through the ministry in Brazil for more than five years. During this time, we have faced and overcome many challenges and obstacles.

I have had the opportunity to witness God’s action in each situation faced. I confess there were times when the adversity seemed that it would stop me, or it would make me give up.

One of the most recent experiences we had was in April 2011. We faced a situation so adverse that we didn’t know what to do.

The preoccupation and fear were real, and they occupied our emotions. We joined in prayer — not only in our daily devotional, but also in our department — crying out to the Lord for a solution. The more we prayed, the more we were challenged to keep praying and persevering. We didn’t give up.

Even before contrary circumstances and with our human limitations, there was deeply inside of us the hope that the Lord would give us victory. How faithful is our God! He heard our prayers, our cries, and He gave us the solution. Once again His name was glorified among us. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

So never give up! Persist, presenting your causes to the Lord through prayer, even if they seem impossible for you. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and not on circumstances, people, or yourself. God always listens to and answers all your prayers, but in His time and in His way. He has reserved the best for each one of us.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. —Luke 18:1, NIV

Prayer: Dear Lord, in Jesus’ name we ask You to strengthen us each day and help us to be persistent in our prayers, that we’ll never give up the fight for the Lord’s cause. We trust that You will act in due time and according to Your will. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Regina Silva is an accountant in our Brazilian office.

Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.