My friend Luizinho

In 2005, I (Rachel Winzeler) met a boy who was just saved and excited about Jesus. I tried to teach him and his friends English, and they tried to teach me Portuguese. He grew up and started working at his church and then began a youth ministry in Carpina. I visited, and was excited to see God working in his life: he had truely become a man of God.

He has been working with Athletes in Action full time since 2012, assisting the basketball program in Carpina, and beginning, leading, and running the program in Guadalajara for over 80 children. When my mother visited Brazil, she kept remarking about this “Professor” and his gentle manner, patience, and love for the children.

Luiz, called Luizinho by everyone who knows him, has been working on a bare budget, often lacking enough money to go to the church by bus. For the first part of the year, he received a salary from a sports grant, but that ended in July. If it were up to Luizinho, he would continue, even if he had to walk to get there, but the leadership has decided that they are going to put the program on hold, and focus on raising support to make sure Luizinho is provided for. He needs $250 a month.

I understand what Luizinho is going through: it is one thing to ask for money for the children, it is another thing to ask for yourself. He is working hard to raise support in Brazil, and I hope that we in the USA can add our part. In the beginning of August, he had to announce to the 80 children in Guadalajara that the program was on hold until finances could be met. Please help us re-open as soon as possible! We have everything in place to expand the ministry in Guadalajara as soon as Luizinho’s support is raised. If you would be interested in giving to Luizinho, you can donate at: https://www.egsnetwork.com/gift2/?giftid=12F6A5779EF947E