CLM Brazil Youth Bring Aid and Hope to Families Affected by Rain in Rio Grande do Sul
From October 4th to 12th, a group of 12th young people from the Christian Life Movement (CLM) of Mission Brazil carried out aid work in the cities of Nova Hamburgo, Igrejinha, and Estância Velha in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This service to the Church, led by our brothers Dante Aragón and Deacon Cankin Ma, received support from Father Lucas Peres, parish priest of Imaculada Conceição Parish in Igrejinha, and Father Alex Boardman of Sagrado Coração Parish in Estância Velha.
Youth from Mission Brazil.
One of the primary objectives was to deliver furniture to around 60 families in the Santo Afonso neighborhood of Nova Hamburgo, affected by recent floods. Items delivered included tables, sink and kitchen furniture, beds, and both double and single mattresses, providing relief and comfort to those rebuilding their homes.
The mission was not only an opportunity for experience-sharing but also a time to strengthen faith. Clésia Melfior, a parishioner at Imaculada Conceição, expressed her gratitude for the CLM missionaries’ arrival and highlighted the moments of community and socialization they promoted. “It was an exchange of experiences with the arrival of the missionaries at our parish, from which we all learned,” she said.
Missionaries of Mission Brazil.
On the other hand, Giovana Garioli, one of the young missionaries, shared that this experience was transformative, allowing her to hear inspiring stories of resilience. “By visiting their homes, we were able to understand more about how the rains affected their lives and how faith and mutual help allowed each person to recover”.
“It was an unforgettable and very special mission that greatly served my personal and spiritual growth”, added Giovana.
Another participant, Matheus Larry, noted the deep faith and joy of the people they met, despite the adversities. “The mission in Estância Velha and Nova Hamburgo was extraordinary. Being in the most affected neighborhoods, helping to distribute furniture, and visiting homes was encouraging and had a strong impact on my life”.
Missionaries in a moment of prayer.
“It was an extraordinary mission where God can speak to all of us, showing that even if we are just a small spark, together we can form a great torch to bring Christ’s light to the world”, said Matheus.
In addition to distributing supplies and furniture, the missionaries conducted evangelizing visits to around 50 families in Igrejinha and Estância Velha, offering moments of prayer and training activities at local parishes.
The mission also included group activities, theater, and led moments of prayer, strengthening the friendship between the missionaries and the local families. Finally, it is worth noting that the missionaries were warmly and generously welcomed.