Revive Israel
Yad Hashmonah, Israel
In August 2023, my young family, along with a group of young disciples and other members of the Revive Israel community embarked on an extraordinary adventure to Rio de Janeiro. Our mission: to spend ten days serving in the favelas. Favelas are slums – stark reminders of the extreme poverty that exists in Brazil, sometimes just a stone's throw away from luxurious homes in the heart of the city. Our activities, in collaboration with local ministries, were centered around sharing the hope found in Jesus.
Sadly, alongside poverty, favelas also grapple with high levels of crime and drug-related issues. Many residents find themselves trapped, unable to pursue education due to poverty and low societal status. This leaves them with two stark choices: to work tirelessly just to survive and provide for their families, or to turn to a life of crime as a means of advancement. This grim setting was our home for ten days, and it left a profound impact on us.
As we did our best to serve the Brazilians, they, in turn, served us generously with food and love. From the very first moment in the favela, we developed a deep affection for the children living there. In our initial meetings, some of our students were moved to tears witnessing the sheer joy of these children in response to foreign visitors who had chosen to come and be with them.
We continued our daily interactions with residents, engaging in activities to support their needs. One striking aspect was encountering young mothers, some as young as 12-15 years old, who lacked the knowledge and resources to care for their children. The ministries we worked with provide these women with education, employment opportunities, and spiritual support. It was life-changing to witness God work. We became vessels of change in a dark place – all because of the light of Jesus.
In the final favela we visited, we ventured up a hill to a water tower riddled with bullet holes, a testament to the frequent violence in the area. Nearby was a place known for gang executions by burning – called "the microwave!"
That moment my children started playing happily with a butterfly while we prayed. And the sun suddenly illuminated the area – a prophetic sign for us. It symbolized that even in the darkest corners, the light of Jesus shines – in this case as Jews, Arabs, and Brazilians came together to serve and pray as one united body.
God touched our hearts unexpectedly. We embarked on this journey with a simple desire to serve and yes, gain a unique experience. God impacted even the hearts of my 3 and 2-year-old children in ways that defy explanation. What we learned in Brazil, we want to apply in Israel – a love ready to sacrifice everything, even our comfort and lives, to shine the light of Jesus brightly.
