“You feel like you are home.”: New Project In Brazil
This dedicated team of volunteers bring their passion and enthusiasm to serve the community through the Compassion Project. In the new community center, the project will be able to almost double the number of people served.
“When you get to the church, you feel like you are home. The cathedral performs a very significant role in the local community, and not just for those who attend the services at the church building. [The church] has a lot of social initiatives (such as the distribution of food to the homeless, free health services etc.), which make it possible for the church to serve those who are vulnerable.” - Anna Beatriz Leite Henriques de Lucena, Professor of International Relations
The Anglican Diocese of João Pessoa - Brazil
In Brazil, the Diocese of João Pessoa is doing incredible things to serve their community. Many people have few options to meet basic needs such as education or health services, so the Diocese is providing an alternative space for children and families to receive care and attention - all fueled by the love of Christ!
In the greater João Pessoa area, many parents work long hours and children are often left alone in unsafe conditions. The Diocese currently operates a ministry called the Compassion Project, providing classes and safe spaces for children to be during the day. Right now they are renting space, but this project will help the Diocese build a larger facility which can permanently support their growing ministries. This community center will include a sports area, cafeteria, and gathering rooms for small and large groups. Increasing their capacity by almost 50%, the space will be used to host various activities offered by the Diocese of João Pessoa, including free meals, academic support, counseling services, various classes, soccer, teen and motherhood programs, wellbeing care, and spiritual nurturing.
One volunteer explains the Compassion Project’s influence in his own life:
“I am a volunteer here at the Compassion Project. I started coming to the Compassion Project when I was 5 years old. Throughout this process, I could see that the Compassion Project is not only a social project, but it is actually something impactful, something that can change a person’s life. Today, I am a jiu-jitsu teacher here at the Compassion Project, and now I can give back to my students what was once planted in my heart – love, attention, care, and the value of community.” – Paulo Ricard, volunteer jiu-jitsu teacher
The church and its committed group of volunteers are doing amazing work in their community. Kids are taking classes instead of participating in harmful activities in the streets, families are receiving healthcare and academic support, and parents are empowered to improve their circumstances. ARDF is honored to support this project!
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