Betel News   Summer 2008

Previously we have spoken of Ernesto ‘retiring’ and ‘handing-over’ responsibilities to a ‘younger leadership team’. In practice he remains at the helm and each of the team is responsible to him. This has to be the case since, as the President of ASEB, he is held responsible by the authorities for the welfare of children. At 65, he’s generally in good health; his wife, Josefina, too. His leadership team members are working hard in their respective areas.

The dominance of teenage boys is a serious challenge and major prayer request. A number have recently arrived bringing their thieving and/or drug habits with them. The food store and a staff home have been broken into. When not in school there is little for lads to do. The law states they cannot be made to work unless paid and, without an organiser & resources, recent attempts at training courses have been unsuccessful.

With the arrival of the dry season work has resumed on raising the track to the main road above the water table with drainage pipes underneath. However, 9 km is a long way and, in order to speed up progress, another secondhand truck needs to be purchased. We’ve agreed to help with raising the £20,000 required!

Food prices in Brazil are rising. At present the food store is well stocked and the walk-in freezers, provided last year, are proving invaluable. This is mainly the result of committed Christian support from a number of Brazilians. One Pastor phones to discover what particular stocks are low before informing his members of specific needs. He arranges for different congregations to visit each month to provide & cook the Sunday lunch and contribute to the teaching programme at church.

The caterer with a week’s food supply for 200!