"From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." - Ephesians 4:16

Today was not as hectic and busy as the past few days.

We had some extra free time and spent a large amount of it talking with the staff and playing with the kids.

There are so many people here with so many unique talents. Instead of being a hindrance to each other's skills, they provide encouragement to each other in many ways.

This is the lady who has been helping to cook our meals. She has done a fantastic job of keeping us fed and satisfied. She also refuses to even try to speak a lick of English to us. She is very good at cooking and we have thoroughly enjoyed the product of her skill.

This is Tati. She is a great translator and a fantastic host. She loves the Lord very much has been very kind to us.

We had quite a bit of free time today. We didn't really know what our schedule was going to look like, so we just rolled with whatever was thrown at us.

In the late morning, we took the bus to one of the favelas. We were there until lunch time, talking and playing with the kids who live there.

This favela has a massive problem with drugs. Many of the children get involved with them at early ages. Many start using drugs when they are only ten years old.

This drug use is something that Restoration Ministries is trying to prevent. Many people here have formed close relationships and trust with these children. These kids are being shown that there is more to life than the sin that has always surrounded them. They are being shown that there is hope through Jesus.

We came back for lunch after visiting the favela. Mealtimes here are always very delightful. We spend them having fellowship and eating amazing food. We have probably all gained weight.

After lunch we were shown a presentation about the ministry through music they do here. Music is a great way to minister to the kids. The music that is frequently played in the favelas is called Funk. It is very inappropriate music, usually rap or techno, which is often played at parties.

This music ministry is very important because the kids are taught many different kinds of music that have a better impact on them. With every song that the kids bring to learn, they are asked to look at the words of the song and find out what God thinks about its concepts.

At about two in the afternoon, Marlee and Ronaldo left for Camp California with pastor William. Later we had our last Agita program of our trip. It went very well and the kids were well behaved.

We each have made many friendships with many different children.

We have all learned many things about these children. They all have a story and they are all dearly loved by God.

For our English class tonight, we had an English worship service. Elizabeth told her testimony, Alex gave the sermon, and we had some great music.

Afterward, Bruno attempted to show us how to use an instrument used in Capoeira.

Later in the night some of us joined a Muay Thai class and learned some sweet moves. Courtney impressed everyone with her fighting skills and I am pretty sure the whole building heard Alex exclaim "Whoa Courtney!!!"

They use this class to teach the children how to defend themselves, but more importantly, how much God loves them.

There are many different people here at Restoration Ministries with many different talents and skills. Some are good with music, some with kids, some with translating, some with church planting, and some with Muay Thai.

These individuals may not be the same and they may have different schedules and opinions, but that does not stop them from working together. They are all united by one goal: To spread God's message of grace and forgiveness to every single person, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

Each and every child is dearly loved by God and the people here. Even though they may not have a nice home or clean clothes, they are welcomed by God with open arms.

Each person here is a unique creation formed by God. Each one, with their own special talent, works together to further His cause. This is incredibly evident here at Restoration Ministries.