What a Year: 2014

We were sad to see the leadership leave in the middle of 2014, but he is doing a great job with his new ministry. We are also excited to see what God is doing through Lane, Misselana, and Maykon, who have continued the ministry.

Update and Partnership

A poor suberb of Paudalho (pop. 30,000), Guadalajara is located right off of the main road, and so is a more urban location. The community church of Guadalajara has a full gym (sanctuary), and in 2012, Glory sports ministry began there, reaching about 80 children weekly. But mid-2014, the leadership left to minister in another state, ending the program.

(Misselane and Maykon)

(Lane)

But three of the youth from the church (Lane, Misselana—sisters, and Maykon), between ages 16-20, have gone through training with Athletes in Action, and are running the sports ministry three times a week. We are excited to see them grow, and also see how the church leadership comes along and embraces this opportunity.
Since Living Stones is not currently running at Guadalajara, and we do not know when God will move to enable us to, we are calling Guadalajara our Living Stones Partnership, as we will continue supporting and updating the blog so that you can continue to pray.

Saturday Tournaments

Glory Sports does a wonderful job with not just meeting throughout the week for practices, but then having special tournaments for the kids to play, meet new friends, and hear the gospel. Here is from the tournament this month:

The young volunteers have done a wonderful job continuing the ministry in Guadalajara. If you would like to see the new ministry of Luizinho, go here. 

Basketball Clinic

Morning Star Friends Mission trip was able to work with Athletes in Action to provide a Basketball clinic in Guadalajara--the kids loved it!

Good bye Luizinho!

Luiz Andrade (Luizinho), who leads the program in Guadalajara, will be following his longtime dream to work in Piaui, Brazil. The pastor who led him to the Lord (Josue Oliveia) moved out to this ministry (Center of Training Leaders) a couple of years ago, training leaders and pastors on the weekend, and doing Bible clubs for kids during the week. Luizinho will join him, doing sports ministry.

We will all miss you Luizinho! Please pray for Luizinho during this time of change, as Piaui suffers from great poverty and heat (reaching 120F degrees). If you would like to financially bless Luizinho, here is the address to write:

 Word of Life IM

Ivan Correa - Recife, Brazil

P.O.Box 600 Schroon Lake, NY 12870

CHECK: RECIFE NATIONAL’S SUPPOT

Trip to Recife

Luizinho, who runs the program in Guadalajara, was able to take some of the boys to a professional basketball game--they had an amazing time, and will never forget it!

In Carpina, Leo, one of the boys from the community, came to Christ and was baptized:

We are excited to see what all God is doing through Glory Sports ministries!

Beginning and Carnaval

Glory Sports leaders had a wonderful time at church camp during Carnaval. It was a time of fun, relaxation, and spiritual encouragement.

Luizinho, pictured second from right, leads the ministry in Guadalajara. He posted about beginning the year in Guadalajara:

Luizinho's Blog

Living Stones Carpina: Summer "Break"

Living Stones Carpina: Summer "Break": Athletes in Action, headed up by Rogerio Soares, and Glory Sports, headed up by Carlos Henrique, are doing a fantastic job in Brazil. During...

Beginning Again

Athletes in Action and Glory Sports ministries are beginning the 2014 year this week. They were off for Brazilian summer break, but things are now in full swing. Sports are a powerful tool to share about Jesus, especially this year, with the focus being on Brazil and the World Cup. Please pray that these opportunities can be found and used for God's glory.

Sports Impact

Athletes in Action has special plans for Brazilian Summer break--working on training leaders and going out into different communities to impact them and make a difference. 

This year, from January 10-24, they are serving in Lagoa de Itaenga, Carpina, and Santa Cruz do Capibaribe.

They have had a great time of training and fellowship: here is the leadership team for 2014!

Please keep them in your prayers as they go out to serve, and then return to their regular ministries (Living Stones restarts in February).