Salt of the Earth Youth Centre in Retiro, Rio de Janeiro, is run by Pastors Adilson and Roberta Malaquias. Adilson is a "black belt" in Judo and after his encounter with the Lord Jesus he began to see the need of the shanty town children round about him. He and Roberta began in a little room with a judo class for 6 children in 1997, giving them a lesson in judo, a Bible Story and a snack. 11 years later this has now grown to the hiring of the whole top floor of a disused factory, many voluntary staff and over 130 children on their books. They have several different classes running, including Wednesday Bible Club, computers; sewing; singing; English conversation; hairdressing; bakery; sports and etc. Every day a main meal is provided for the children from the ample kitchens recently refurbished and snack. All this is done by voluntary contributions and Latin American Ministries has been a major contributor for many years. LAM's main project last year was the raising of funds for the streamlining of antiquated dentistry equipment obtained by the Centre. A total of almost £4,500 was raised and with this amount and the gift of a dentist's chair from a local dentist, the new surgery was opened in December 2009 and local children from the shanty town are being attended freely. As well as run the Youth Centre, both Adilson and Roberta have graduated from Bible College and lead their own church. Many of the children attend and take part and have brought their families along as well. |