The Streets of Belo Horizonte - Boy's Home in Brazil

By Terry and Carole Tufts

More than seven million children live on the streets of Brazil's cities because they have no other place to live, or have been rejected at home, or have intolerable living conditions. They live by stealing, begging and prostitution. Many become dependent on drugs. Generally they are dirty, dangerous and suspicious of adults.

While visiting homes in the early stages of starting the Copacabana Church in Belo Horizonte in August 1988, we met Maria, a single woman of about 30, and the 15 boys she cared for in a small rented house. Although Maria was a believer, she and the boys did not attend church. They were eager to learn about our new church, and immediately began coming since it was within walking distance. As the boys attended, it didn't take us long to fall in love with them. One by one, they were saved and baptized. Since the home is just down the street from our house, we are involved in the boys' daily lives.

Two years after we met Maria, the man who meagerly supported the home decided to close it down. Our Field Council began exploring how we could take on this work and allow Maria to continue to care for the boys. In November 1990, 27 members from four area churches met to accept a Doctrinal Statement and elect a Board of Directors for a boys' home. The goals of the Board were to establish a permanent home with as much support as possible coming from local churches and believers.

Today that Brazilian organization owns the property and is legally responsible for the boys. In 1991 they bought the little house Maria had rented. Additional gifts allowed for expansion, resulting in a spacious home for up to 12 boys who are provided a loving Christian environment for their childhood years. The Brazilian pastor of the Copacabana church where the boys attend is currently president of the organization, and actively involved in the home.

As the boys grow up, their places are taken by younger ones needing a home. Of the original boys only 14-year-old Joaquim still lives at the home. In July 1997 three new little boys arrived. The youngest, 6-year-old Lidinei arrived with an intense distrust of adults. He also had an abundant head of hair that was home to hundreds of little creatures! At first, Lidinei kept repeating that he was NOT going to stay. After six weeks, however, he began making friends, running to the door to greet visitors, and impressing everyone at his AWANA club with his memorization skills.

When brothers Mauro and Davi, 7 and 9, arrived, their shy ways made them appear backward and their small stature and dull hair spoke of malnutrition. After their shyness wore off and they started eating nutritious food, their enthusiasm and love of life could no longer be hidden.

Claver and Luci, Brazilian believers, are now the houseparents. Marcia, a qualified grade-school teacher, has accepted the challenge of starting educational programs to help each boy individually. It costs $18.00 per month to feed and clothe each boy, with total expenses running at $1,000 per month. Local Brazilian churches give what they can, but additional support is needed.

One evening we took one of the boys to a Bible study. After giving his testimony, one of the believers asked him, "Would you ever go back to the streets again?"

"No."

"Would you ever steal again?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because Jesus has transformed my life."