Jussania was an alcoholic who lives in Vila Safira.  After beginning a church plant there 18 months ago Pastor Jocelito started visiting her.  Jocelito has a heart for addicts as he once was one.  He was especially drawn to Jussania because she was alone.   Her addiction had lead to her estrangement from her family and neighbors.  This is one of the primary difficulties of poverty, broken relationships.

Jussania

            Imagine you are an aging widow in a majority world slum.  Your addiction has destroyed years of your life.  Your behavior has resulted in everyone turning their backs on you.  You can’t work because of the alcohol, but in reality you have no education, can’t read, and have no marketable skills; all of which contributed to your hopelessness and eventual alcohol addiction to begin with.  With no Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, etc. your situation would become progressively more drastic as you aged and were unable to even collect recyclables for income.

            As a result of the gospel witness of Pastor Jocelito and the church plant, through both word and deed, Jussania has been reconciled to God.  As a result she has received victory over her addiction.  She is now part of a kingdom community and has been reconciled with her family.  This is a huge blessing for a widow in a majority world slum.

Since she is close to retirement age and has little hope of finding employment the church has decided to pay (out of their own resources) into the Brazilian version of Social Security for her.  While this will not provide a huge income it will allow her to draw a small pension that should keep her from going hungry.  In addition, when the time comes, her children are now willing to take her in and help care for her. 

This is a great illustration of how making disciples transforms communities.  Jussania has repented of her sin and trusted in Christ.  The personal transformation resulting from being reconciled to God has led to reconciliation to her children and neighbors.  It has also lead to her entrance into a local body of believers that is being taught to obey all that Christ has commanded.  As a result of this they are reaching out to the widows among them and helping to care for them, but this is not a one sided equation.  Jussania is now faithfully serving in the church.  Every week she helps to prepare the bread they serve to the children on Sunday mornings.  She also helps care for other women and children in the church.   

Church planting in essential among all people groups especially the poor and needy.  The type of transformation we see above cannot be accomplished by government or humanitarian work alone.  It can only be done by the grace of God through the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  This is primarily the work of the local church.