Saturday, July 29, 2006
Projeto ‘Fora das Ruas’
One of the best things about being in São Luis was being able to see Mez and Miriam McConnell and the work they are doing. They joined UFM on the same day as we did, back in 1998, and we have been good friends ever since those frightening interviews!
Mez and Miriam’s project has a base in the bairro J Lima, an “invaded” neighbourhood where people have been living for fifteen years without the area being recognised by the local government. Roads are poor; there are no “normal” facilities, and very little work. At night, the area is dangerous. Mez and Miriam’s involvement started with a burden for street kids, but the work is now really a church plant, with regular meetings, and a wide-ranging ministry including adult-literacy and training in basic ways to make a living. Work is underway to build a home for children with the gravest problems.
For those who are interested, please see something of the history and vision for this work on Mez and Miriam´s blog, here.
Mez and Miriam McConnell, Keziah and Lydia
A tree in the grounds of the project whose name escapes me but whose flowers are unforgettable.
Flowers on the roof of the building that may one day be the library. (I think.)
The excellent site that Mez and Miriam have as a base for the project: in estate agentese, it "has possibilities".
Junior, the leader of the street kids work, and his daughter.
Roads and buildings in the immediate area around the project. The wattle and daub style thatched mud huts are more common in Maranhão than in any other state.
The heart of the work: Miriam leads a Bible Study for women.
British team led by Pete Nye (UFM Worldwide) helping build the new home block.
Women's jewelry class: note the time of prayer before the class begins. Not all who come are believers
Neighbouring family. The day we visited, a film crew had come over to make up a video about the work. As well as filming activies on the site, Mez took them around the local streets, and did a short interview with this lady, about the effect of the project in her life and in the life of her family. Three of her children are seen here.
Lads from the project: volleyball in and immediately after the rain.
One of the best things about being in São Luis was being able to see Mez and Miriam McConnell and the work they are doing. They joined UFM on the same day as we did, back in 1998, and we have been good friends ever since those frightening interviews!
Mez and Miriam’s project has a base in the bairro J Lima, an “invaded” neighbourhood where people have been living for fifteen years without the area being recognised by the local government. Roads are poor; there are no “normal” facilities, and very little work. At night, the area is dangerous. Mez and Miriam’s involvement started with a burden for street kids, but the work is now really a church plant, with regular meetings, and a wide-ranging ministry including adult-literacy and training in basic ways to make a living. Work is underway to build a home for children with the gravest problems.
For those who are interested, please see something of the history and vision for this work on Mez and Miriam´s blog, here.
Mez and Miriam McConnell, Keziah and Lydia
A tree in the grounds of the project whose name escapes me but whose flowers are unforgettable.
Flowers on the roof of the building that may one day be the library. (I think.)
The excellent site that Mez and Miriam have as a base for the project: in estate agentese, it "has possibilities".
Junior, the leader of the street kids work, and his daughter.
Roads and buildings in the immediate area around the project. The wattle and daub style thatched mud huts are more common in Maranhão than in any other state.
The heart of the work: Miriam leads a Bible Study for women.
British team led by Pete Nye (UFM Worldwide) helping build the new home block.
Women's jewelry class: note the time of prayer before the class begins. Not all who come are believers
Neighbouring family. The day we visited, a film crew had come over to make up a video about the work. As well as filming activies on the site, Mez took them around the local streets, and did a short interview with this lady, about the effect of the project in her life and in the life of her family. Three of her children are seen here.
Lads from the project: volleyball in and immediately after the rain.
# posted by Andrew and Cora @ 12:10:00 am 
