Lifting Jesus Higher Than Soccer!!!!

Violent riots broke out in Rio last evening after the death of a professional dancer who was allegedly killed by police when he was mistaken for a drug trafficker.  

During this time of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Game preparations, any controversial act is causing Brazilians to protest, as they are angry about the billions of dollars that have been spent on infrastructure instead of public housing, more aid for the poor, new roads and ending crime.  

As well, many Brazilians are warning tourists "not to come to the Cup"...but come, they will...

We are planning to lift the name of Jesus higher than soccer!  We are working alongside of the Brazilian church and Exodus Cry and are thrilled to be involved---at such a time as this!

The lack of trafficking laws in Brazil, corruption and poverty has caused many children to become involved in the sex industry.  Statistics show that 250,000 to 400,000 children are trafficked in Brazil every day. Young girls, often less than 13 years of age, are sold to an average of ten men a night for as little as 10 reis each ($4.50 USD).

Our efforts to combat sex trafficking will culminate at the start of the World Cup in June of 2014 and continue throughout the 31 days of the games. 

As soccer teams from all over the world gather to play in one of the world’s largest sporting events of the year, prayer teams will unite in the tournament’s host cities to reach out to the countless victims in Brazil’s notorious red-light districts and pray for an end to sex trafficking in the nation. 

Here in Rio, we will work together in Vila Mimosa, the largest and oldest red-light district.  Exodus Cry has already rented a prayer and worship house that will be open 24/7.  We are preparing to evangelize, worship and pray together.

We have been meeting in preparation of this opportunity that we have to combat the enemy!  What the enemy wants to use for destruction, God will use for His glory!

The dates of the World Cup "coincide" with our Rio City Team's summer TREK7 program and we are thrilled to be receiving 8 youth from the United States to join us in our efforts!  I LOVE when we can see how God puts His plans together like this!  

As well, Jeff and I will welcome and receive a new ReachGlobal missionary, John Spina, who is from one of our our home churches, Johnston Evangelical Free Church in Iowa, who is coming to help us facilitate, coordinate and mentor this year and future year TREK7 college-age short-term missionaries.  

The video below was filmed by Exodus Cry in preparation for Project Liberdade, here in Brazil.

Please join us in prayer as we are in preparation to combat sex trafficking during the 2014 World Cup!

Here for such a time as this---with our new permanent visas ;)

Diane and Jeff 

Exodus 3:7, "The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering."