Twenty-one young boys bear the marks of a painful past. Some were sexually abused in their own home. Others were beaten by their fathers. Yet, others were rejected by their mothers.

These children have experienced the pain of rejection at an early age. Imagine what it must feel like for a child to have their mother turn her back on them. Their world must collapse. Their mother, their only known safe harbor, the person they look to for confidence and protection, ceases to exist. Imagine the turmoil and trauma these human beings have undergone!

These boys have been scarred, both physically and spiritually. In an act of fury, one of the crack addict mothers poured a pot of boiling water over one of the boys. Even the doctors were amazed by such cruelty. Who would do this to their own son?

There was another situation, where two brothers were found inside a wooden box. They had several wounds throughout their bodies and showed severe symptoms of malnutrition. They were forced to stay in the box day and night. They were brought in to receive treatment.

We can see the suffering in the eyes of these needy children. A hug, a friendly smile, a kind touch is enough to make them feel better. But, how can we possibly touch their innermost being? What can we possibly say to comfort them? What can we do to help those who’ve been suffering for such a long time?

The Saturday before Easter, the Christian Women’s Association decided to do something different and visited the Youth Service Center in Carapicuiba – Sao Paulo, a rescue effort to spread seeds of hope. The children received many kinds of donations, but most importantly, they learned the first steps of faith. They learned to love, forgive and believe in themselves.

On April 17th, they were all present in the Upper Room of Osasco, praying along with Bishop Macedo, who was streaming live from Israel and they’ll be back this Sunday to receive the anointing with the holy oil. The Holy Spirit has been doing His part: transforming lives and rebuilding futures with the help of the Universal Church.

Volunteers of the Youth Service Center in Carapicuiba (SP)
Anonymous Assistant