The "Christ the Redeemer" statue is a popular tourist attraction in Brazil. The view from the statue is breathtaking. The statue of Christ is quite remarkable as well. His arms are open wide to welcome all who come into the harbor in Rio de Janeiro.

Our team saw a much more impressive way that Christ is welcoming "the least" of His. We saw how Christ is transforming the lives of former street children through the ministries of Hope Unlimited. As impressive as the statue of Christ is, what Christ is doing in the lives of these children is much more impressive and eternal. I want to share a few photos with you so you can share in the blessing.

Our team visited two of Hope's orphanages: the City of Youth in Campinas and Hope Mountain in Vitoria. The children are educated, fed and housed. They are taught vocational skills in baking, auto repair, cosmetology, music, graphic arts, office skills and more. But the most important thing that the children are taught is how much God loves them.

Our team painted and decorated one of the boys houses at Campinas. We bought new furniture and mattresses for the boys in house six. One of the highlights was being able to lay our hands on each bed and pray for the boy who would sleep there. We prayed for sixteen boys to be fully aware of how much God loved them and that they were created to worship God and serve others. We cried and prayed and cried and cried...it was a good cry.