I was just starting to write you an update. I wanted to thank you for your prayer and encouragement. It is such a huge help to us. It’s actually a thrill to think of so many praying and our hearts are thankful and full, just thinking of you.

My brother, Paul, texted me and asked how things were, and I told him things have been calmer, and we are planning, Lord willing, to be on the streets this week, with food and the Word. I sent the text and my cellphone rang.

Anderson, from Igapó was calling, collect, to say there were three more killings. One was in Igapó, another in the favela Beira-Rio; both are places we visit regularly. I’m not sure where the third was.

I heard Anderson’s voice. He’s calling because we are his connection to a God that loves and he is scared. He wants the comfort of prayer and God’s Word. I’m scared for these kids. They are lost and they are helpless to save themselves. As we go, please pray for God to go before us and prepare their hearts. One soul is worth everything.

But you will not go out in haste, Nor will you go as fugitives; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard. (Isaiah 52:12 NASB)

Last week, we did not do a street/favela feeding and this week we will not, either. But, we did make the round of stops, and will do so this week, to be on hand to pray with the kids, listen to their needs, and be alert to any that might want to go to the rehab. As we head out, we ask for your continued prayer.

The mass killings on the street have resulted in more military police brought in from all over, and the streets are scary with armed presence. This morning, local officials announced that the head of National Security would be arriving today in Natal, and bringing with her 20 specialists of some sort, from the Department of Justice.

Thanks for your prayer. Without prayer, we are unarmed on the frontline of a far more serious battle than these street wars: the spiritual war, that is waged without ceasing, for each and every soul.

I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. (John 12:46 NASB)

I sent out a Tweet, and posted on Facebook, on Friday, about six assassinations that occurred in a little over 2 hours. Here’s a little more information about that post:

One of the six killed was from Leningrado, which is a favela we frequent. He was stabbed and shot multiple times.

We went to talk to our kids, on Friday, but did not do a feeding in the favelas. The news on the street is not reliable, but there IS always a grain of truth going through all the possible exaggeration. Fact is, the kids are scared. The police are being provoked to respond to the following stimuli, and the street kids are scared about that response:

The bandidos have declared war on the Police. On Tuesday, two police officers were killed, and on Thursday one policeman’s house was assaulted and his wife and baby tied up.

A street bandido has sent the message that he’s going to kill every police officer. He’s responsible for assaults, drug trafficking and killings.

Also, I was told that government just closed the minor’s penitentiary in this state and the inmates are free. There is no jail for any minor. These kids know it and are bragging that no matter what they do, they can’t go to jail.

Again, we are not sure how these incidents fit together, but we do know that it affects the streets. It also affects us. It makes us increase our prayer for these souls. It reminds us of the urgency there is to tell them about the God that loves them and longs to rescue them and save them; each has a soul that is so precious to God. It also constrains us to beg for your prayer. Pray for the police here, for the bandidos, and for the street kids. Only God can save and free and change lives. Pray that He does.