Relationships

To us, one of the most important things that we’re doing (besides spreading the Gospel which is paramount in everything we do) is developing real relationships with the children and teenagers that we minister to. And that can’t be done by just seeing them once and then moving on to the next group of kids. So we strive to be around the same kids numerous times over the course of the year. And we’re starting to see amazing results because of this ministry philosophy. 

One of the relationships we have is with a girl named Stefany. We’ve known Stefany for almost 6 years now. She was in the orphanage that we adopted all our kids from when we adopted back in 08.’ We would see her every year when we came back to the orphanage (usually during Spring break mission trips) and it always broke our hearts to see her there year after year. Our hands were full so there was nothing we could do as a family (adoption), which was very frustrating. But we kept in contact and developed a great relationship with her nonetheless.

Me and Stefany at the orphanage back in 2009.'

MJ and Stefany back in 2011' during a visit to the orphanage in Curitiba.

When we moved to Brazil Stefany was turning 15 and was being moved out of the orphanage and into another facility for girls 15-18 yrs. old in a different part of Curitiba. We still maintained contact with her though and MJ started corresponding almost daily with her via email and Facebook. Over the past 2 years we’ve been able to have her out to the camp, at church with us on Sunday and she’s even come with us to minister at another orphanage (actually she ministered with us last weekend at a camp). She tells us that she wants to work with children when she grows up and that what we’re doing has inspired her to do it. It’s crazy... here’s a girl, that even though we couldn’t adopt her like we wanted to, we didn’t give up and we’re still able to impact her life just like she’s one of our daughters. God is so good.

MJ and Stefany at an outreach we did back in December at an orphanage in Columbo. 

Matthew and I were at an orphanage a few weeks ago (that we had just done an outreach at) talking to the director. I was trying to get some feedback about our last event at his facility. When he began talking he said. “we were different from all the other groups that came to do things there.” He said, “the kids love you guys because you’ve developed relationships with them.” When he said it, it was a huge encouragement to me. It’s one thing to have God give you a vision for ministry but it’s totally different when you see how it’s actually working and you get to see the fruit of it. 

The reason I’m mentioning these 2 stories to you is because I think it’s important that you know exactly what we’re doing here in Brazil. Because ultimately it’s because of you, our faithful supporters, that we’re able to do anything here at all. 

Me and Stefany at a camp we just had for an orphanage from Curitiba.
It's amazing to see what an amazing young lady she's grown up to be.

I know what it’s like to give an offering at a church (or to make a donation to a cause) and you always wonder where/what your money was going to do and if it was actually going to make it to what it was intended for. Well, for us the answer is, “yes!” Over two years later, here in Brazil, our goal and mission is still the same;

“To reach the children and teenagers of Brazil with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Thank you for allowing our family to be here bringing the Gospel to these kids (as well as too many more to mention). We’re excited about what 2014’ is going to bring and we’re thankful for every one of you who’ve partnered with us and who allow us to do what we do: )

Love Ya,

Jim, MJ and the Whole Dunn Gang