Brazil: Ninth Grade Graduation

by AmericasBlogBrazil

#ICCMBrazil 🇧🇷 Ninth grade graduation was held in the (miracle) gymnasium at our ICCM school in Monte Santo, Brazil. Ninth grade is the conclusion of “Fundamental” education in Brazil. Although it is not a certainty yet, we plan for many of these ninth graders to be able to continue their education in the tenth grade as of February.

Almost all the pieces are in place with the Government of Bahia for the school to begin offering tenth grade in 2019. (Continued prayer appreciated on this point.)

Posted by International Child Care Ministries on Monday, December 17, 2018

 

ICCM Christmas Giving Guide 2018-2019

2018-2019 ICCM Christmas Giving Guide

by Blog

It’s our honor at ICCM to participate in God’s liberating work among His beloved poor and those sometimes referred to as His “cherished missing.” Our focus is on impoverished children.

Some of these children risk being trafficked and literally imprisoned. Our words and actions can protect them from exploitation.

Many children born into poverty have never known anything but oppression. They have no hope of an education, no sense of their own infinite worth, no idea that God could look on them with favor. These children are blind to their own value. When the good news comes with loving actions, it brings sight — their lives are brought into broad daylight, their eyes seeing new possibilities.

The Giving Guide is filled with ways for you to expand ICCM’s positive impact on children. We hope the pictures and projects will capture your imagination, giving new sight to your eyes. Maybe you’ll envision your contribution alleviating children’s medical needs, blessing them with farm animals, preventing trafficking or improving the hostel where they live. Whatever you can give will proclaim good news in all its beautiful and practical expressions.

Click here to view the guide.

 

 

Brazil News and Events

by AmericasBlogBrazil

In late October the government inspectors visited our school in Monte Santo, Bahia, Brazil. One of them is holding the more than 300 pages of documents required to make the final application.

The inspectors were satisfied that the documentation can now be submitted to the State government.  It may then be approved, or there may be physical modifications to the school or other changes required before they can begin offering 10th grade. So far as we know, 10th grade in February is still a possibility. It is urgently needed. It’s still difficult and relatively rare for children in in the Monte Santo area to complete high school. Pray for this process to be accomplished to God’s glory and for the benefit of the children.

 

 

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Light and Life Christian School

by AmericasBlogConnected CommunityParaguay

God gave school director Jonathan Da Cunha a vision for the city of EncarnaciĂłn. There was only one Christian school in town at the time. Jonathan felt led of God to start Light and Life Free Methodist School with the vision of reaching families for Christ and providing the opportunity for academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. The school opened in 2002, offering Pre-K through 1st grade. Other grades were quickly added and 2011 marked the first high school graduating class. These graduates, many of whom go on to university, are finding marvelous ways to give back to the program that gave them a good start.

  • EncarnaciĂłn is a border town, central to commerce. In recent years, a major financial crisis drove away families in search of work. God has been faithful to sustain the school through hardships and challenges.
  • The school ministers to many students from humble, single parent homes where it is difficult to make ends meet.
  • Light and Life Christian School beautifully ministers to parents as well as students. Throughout the year, parenting classes, workshops, and retreats are offered. The focus is on strengthening the parent-child bond, helping family members connect and relate well with each other, and assisting in their spiritual growth.
  • The school seeks to be a light and bring life to the children and families of EncarnaciĂłn.
  • The home began with 10 children on January 6, 2003. It quickly grew to a group of 30, including some mothers.
  • Currently, there are 17 children living at the children’s home, the maximum number allowed according to current government regulations for the size of the building.
  • Four of the 17 are orphans whose parents have died.
  • The father of 4 siblings (a different group of siblings) is in jail for murdering their mother.
  • They have begun adding a second floor for more bedrooms. They lack $8,000 to finish remodeling to government standards so more children can be added. They feel a sense of urgency, having to now turn away children.

[scp_block_quote_alt width=”70%” float=”left”]This school is eligible to be a Connected Community. This new additional sponsorship model allows a church in the U.S. to come alongside as a partner to impact the lives of ICCM children. Contact ICCM Church Relations Director, Jen Finley, 1-800-342-5531 ext. 228, for information on connecting with them.[/scp_block_quote_alt]

Gifts to help complete the expansion that would allow Light and Life Children’s Home to accommodate more children may be sent to ICCM, or give to this need on the ICCM website. (Write Light and Life PA in the comments section or memo line.)