Stories from the Mission Field

Brazil: Finding security and shaping lives

The social center in Diadema gives new perspectives

In the middle of the Brazilian city of Diadema lies a special place: a social center that has been giving children, young people and families new perspectives for more than 20 years. Here they experience community, receive education and support - and encounter God's love in word and deed. João and Cecilia are two young people whose lives have been permanently changed by the social center.

Jesus protected me in my old home!

João laughs a lot, jokes around with friends and enjoys spending time with the other children and staff at the social center. It is nothing short of a miracle that the eight-year-old can play so freely today. Because like so many boys and girls from the favelas, he has also experienced violence and neglect. His stepfather shouted at João and his brother a lot at home. The boys had to be quiet, otherwise there would be trouble: then the food was canceled or the children had to wait outside in the cold until they were allowed back into the apartment. When things got really bad, the man would beat João with his belt or a wooden stick. The mother was overstrained by the whole situation and didn't intervene.

When João bravely confided in the staff at the social center, experts took action together with the city's child protection network: A complaint was filed and the boys were placed in the care of their maternal grandmother. João and his brother like being there and are happy that they are well looked after by their grandmother and an aunt. They can play freely, watch TV, bathe every day and go to church. João later tells a social worker: “Jesus protected me in my old home!”

Well connected and recognized

The close cooperation between staff at the social center and state authorities, such as the youth and social services, has contributed to the rapid improvement in João's living conditions. The center has long since become more than just a contact point for children and young people. All generations benefit from its services: Further education, community, pastoral care, political education, sports and much more.

The aim is to restore people's dignity and give them a new perspective on life. The motivation behind everything is to show Jesus' love in word and deed to the almost 500,000 people in the city of Diadema. That is why, from the very beginning, there have also been church services, kids' classes and pastoral care for children, young people and their families. Church congregations in Diadema and the Pioneira Baptist Union support the social diaconal work together with EBM INTERNATIONAL. A number of these programs receive public funding. The city and state have recognized that the social center is a reliable partner for improving people's living conditions and helping to reduce major problems such as violence, drugs and lack of prospects.

Faith and expertise

Through the social center, Cecilia's life also received a new direction. Even as a child, she attended the events and experienced how Christ's love encountered her and she then gave her life to Jesus as a girl. From then on, the social center was an integral part of her life - both spiritually and practically. As a teenager, Cecilia took a number of courses, including Office applications and programming. She always was interested in computers and technology. The courses paved the way for her to get a job in administration. The 20-year-old is now studying education. She continues to remain committed to the social center, now as a volunteer who passes on her love and expertise to other children and young people. Cecilia is grateful to God for her development and growth.

Christmas in Diadema

The work of the social center is focused on giving people hope throughout the year—both in everyday life and on special occasions. One highlight is Christmas, which impressively demonstrates how community, practical help, and the message of Jesus Christ come together. People in Brazil also associate the festivities with love and kindness, but often get lost in superficialities or material things. It is therefore important to the team at the social center to put Jesus at the center of the Christmas celebrations. The children and young people take part in performances and plays, often rehearsing enthusiastically for many months before Christmas.

Everyone comes together for the celebration: children, teenagers, their parents and relatives, staff, and partners from the city's network. They see, hear, and experience the community and the love of God. The children and their families then receive a small gift with something sweet and Christmas cookies. The girls and boys in the sports groups also receive a ball, and the participants in “Tocando a vida” receive a T-shirt. Severely disadvantaged families receive a larger package with clothing, hygiene items, toys, sweets, and a Christmas cake. Then there is great joy—because whether at the Christmas party or throughout the year, young and old alike realize: Here I am accepted and loved.

This article first appeared in a longer version in EBMI MAGAZINE 3/2025.