Mr. Chaves

Here I will tell you about the oldest member (age 66) of our congregation, Mr. Chaves (means "keys" in Portuguese). Chaves was once a successful real estate agent here in town, quite well-to-do by all accounts. Unfortunately, he let drinking get the best of him, and his family asked him to leave. Chaves recoved from his addiction at the chacara at the same time that Paulo Renato was there. Paulo and Chaves are great friends. Here they are in this photo:

Chaves lives in a very simple house in a not-so-nice neighborhood in Alvorada. I was not present to witness the following story, but it testifies to his character. Kevin and Paulo Renato tell me that once, when they were visiting Chaves, two young girls came to Chaves' door asking for food. This is a common occurrence. All Chaves had to eat in his house were two bananas. So what did he do? He took his two bananas and gave them to the girls. I tell you, that is a great example of faith acting in compassion. Chaves receives a monthly retirement pension, and with that money he takes care of himself, his dogs, and ends up being salt & light to a desperate community around him. We praise God that Chaves is our brother and pray that God will continue to give him many more years of life and health!