Craig and Ale Weyandt: July 3, 2018

Here in Brazil we are in the middle of the World Cup. Yes, the World Cup of Soccer is being hosted in Russia, but it is a national holiday here in Brazil. The school where I was teaching took the whole month off during the World Cup! Banks and Businesses close on game day when Brazil is playing!

Though some World Cup traditions are the same this year and though Brazilians will cheer for their team come game time, the spirit and energy is not the same. Normally, besides all of these traditions, the Streets are painted with vivid colors of yellow and green and are lined with vibrant streamers!

Why not this year?

The Pain Continues… Just a few years ago many Brazilian Government officials were involved in the largest financial scandal in the history of any democratic nation throwing magnificent parties for the world (World Cup and the Olympics) at the expense of Brazil’s middle class and poor. Rio de Janeiro declared bankruptcy by the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Two years later the crises continues as Brazilians leave the country in large numbers for lack of jobs and little hope, violence continues to increase and the federal government must intercede with its military as local governments have no money for police.

And Now What do we do?

Some Brazilians have asked my wife and I this past year, “Why do you stay? You are an American….. You can get out of here!” My response is usually the same. “I am a missionary. My job here in Brazil is to offer hope to those who need it. If there was ever a time that Brazilians need hope it is now!” Hearing this Brazilians usually smile and give a gently, “Sim” (yes).

Friday night I had such an opportunity. My Brazilian friend and Colleague in the ministry, Renato, invited me to his meeting with Brazilian Young People. He has started a business that empowers the poor with the skills and knowledge they need in the hotel business to get a job and earn a salary.

This is one of his ministries. Alessandra and I love to invest in Brazilian leaders that have a passion and calling to create opportunity for the hopeless in the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

I was invited as a representative from the Union Church where I serve on the Leadership team. Renato is one of the Brazilians that we will continue to partner with working with our young adults who come to discern God’s missionary call on their life.

And the World Cup?

We still cheer for the Canaries (Brazil Team)! As I write this we are planning where we will watch the next match with our friends… and we are excited-true fans! Soccer remains a big part of Brazilian Culture and Life. Though we long for our human heroes and champions we know that in time their names and deeds will be forgotten, and we are reminded by “our difficult times” that our true and Eternal Hope is our true and Eternal Hero and Champion, the Ancient of Days, the True Eternal King (not Pelé-as the movie suggests)…. His Name is Jesus!...and we are more than fans of HIM!