Must Read Update- Outreach in City of God

Ok, help me do the math here- These stats come from Rio Como Vamos, an organization that exists to research and produce statistics to show how Rio de Janeiro is doing in all aspects of society.

CIDADE DE DEUS - CITY OF GOD SLUM

37,202 people living in 0.75 sq. miles (1.21 sq. km) [2008]

83.17 homicides/100,000 residents [2006]

19.49 deaths by police action/100,000 residents [2006]

368.83 homicides/100,000 men ages 15-25 [2006]

115.26 deaths by police action/100,000 men ages 15-25 [2006]

Just to put it in perspective, the murder rate in all of Texas for 2008 was 5.6/100,000 residents. Jay (Director, Restore Brazil & Acts 29 Brasil) has posted on his blog a must-read update on recent outreach in the City of God slum. We are touched by their heart to reach out with the Gospel to the little ones in the community and meet the basic humane needs of the residents. RB will be assisting church-planters to start a church in this slum this year.

"The poverty in this community is unbelievable." Read more here.

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Re: Ben's Comment- "So there's only 1.28 sq. inches per person?"

Is that countdown clock my enemy?

Ok that countdown clock over there is staring at me. I mean, I know we're leaving in 14 days, but does it have to flash a constant reminder in my face? But really, apart from having a million questions and wondering if I have everything I need (this is a standard question because I assume that I can't get something I need there- silly), I am SO excited! One main reason is because Giulian and I have felt and seen God guiding our journey so providencially thus far, I mean in incredible ways. We began our official fundraising at the end of January and we are already close to our goal! The support that we have received from so many family members and friends, old and new, has been overwhelming and very humbling.

Giulian and I were discussing that term the other day, "humbling." Last night was the Oscars. Did anyone watch that? We caught a few of the speeches. One unfortunate man was cut out by his co-awardee and began speaking right as they cut the mic and began the "your time is up" music, but that's beside the point.

"Thank you Academy. You honor me and humble me with this." -Mark Boal, Best Original Screenplay

Treasure Map

Psalm 19:7-10
The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.