At the beginning of May, we were so blessed by the local Recife military who dropped off food packages. We were able to hand them out to our friends in the communities, woman who left prostitution and even some of our staff to help everyone get through these months. Many of our friends were struggling with basic necessities. They could not be happier to receive a little bit extra to ensure there is a meal on the table. It is amazing to be able to help out the people we have been building relationships with in these practical forms as well.
The Black Lives Matter movement has shaken up things in Brazil as well. Protests are being held and news articles have been written. The city of Recife has one of the largest black populations in Brazil as it was a major slavery port. Beyond this, Brazil is still a third-world nation which means that the economic and social injustices are visibly great for the black population in Recife. Many of those we meet during our outreaches of street church, the communities or in the red-light district are black. Our heart here at Shores of Grace is to love each and everyone who God has placed in our paths no matter the injustice or the oppression they face. We have seen how God has displaced the kingdom of the enemy by His glorious light, bringing hope to the hopeless and a voice to the voiceless. God has equipped us to love relationally and practically so that these men, women, and children are not defined by their past but know they are sons and daughters of our living God.
Recently, two of our dear friends, friends of the ministry and personal friends to some of our staff including Nic and Rachael have passed onto glory. Jan Walterscheid (photo on left below) was an intercessor and partner in ministry. She was one of the most encouraging people we have ever met. She prayed constantly for our ministry and spoke to Nic and Rachael nearly every day. She and her husband have visited our home base in Recife and Nic and Rachael have ministered at their church in Carlsbad, NM on many occasions. Her faith and her love for Jesus was so evident in every word that she declared and in every touch. Our staff and those we serve in Brazil still talk about the words that Jan gave them and the prayers she prayed. She loved so well. Lis Schmidt (Sozo team on photo on right below, Lis is on the left) was a member of the Sozo team that came annually to Recife to minister inner healing and train our staff. She and her husband have left such a beautiful mark on our hearts. Kindness overflowed from her heart. Many of our staff remember the care that she provided and the touch of God that flowed out of her. We were so grateful to know her. We were all so deeply saddened to hear of Jan and Lis’s passing. However, we are grateful for the eternal hope that we have as Christians and we know that we will see them again.
