13. Juli 2022 – 13:40
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Instagrammers in Brazil
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Some Brazilian street kids have seen how creative work can open up new perspectives in life. Stefan Kunz, who became known with “Bible Lettering” on his Instagram channel, managed the whole thing and looks back with Livenet.
The 30-year-old creative finger and the aid organization “Compassion” were able to write a pretty story that is not only pleasing to the eye – the heart also sees it. The lasting formative project was captured on video and received over 100,000 views.
Gained confidence in yourself and God
The country office Compassion Brazil started its work in 1976. They now work with 206 local partner churches and support over 65,000 children and young people in the country. Compassion Brazil fights against social injustice and is committed to child protection, health and education.
Stefan Kunz was able to integrate and encourage around 40 kids into the creative work over a period of five days. The 30-year-old lives in Zurich and has over half a million people who follow him online and watch as he artistically processes Bible verses.
Livenet was in contact with Stefan Kunz from Compassion.
How and why have these kids become a matter close to your heart?
Stefan Kunz: What impressed me the most was that I thought I would create an artwork with the children, but in the end the children pretty much made it themselves. The children, their needs and their abilities are at the center of the cooperation. They are not recipients of aid, but are strengthened and encouraged.
How did faith flow into the project?
The art project took place in the children’s center “Crianças para Jesus” in Maranhão, Brazil. 492 children are currently being cared for holistically here. The children’s center has been run by the “Igreja Evangélica Assembléia de Deus” church since 2011. The sponsored children have the opportunity to get to know Jesus Christ in the children’s centers. We often hear from former sponsored children that, apart from the educational, medical and nutritional support, the most important thing they have learned is this belief that they have discovered for themselves. He gives them a strong hope. The two biggest challenges at the moment are:
Drug trafficking, addiction and crime – In the last month alone, two children from the center have died as a result (12 and 14 years old). It was impressive to see how the local employees work for every single child. Specifically, we heard that an employee drove 2000km (!) by bus and brought a boy to a rehabilitation center.
Teenage Pregnancy –
Many girls and boys have become parents during the pandemic. However, they continue to receive support in the children’s center so that they can complete school and an apprenticeship. They can now bring the babies to class or hand them over to specially organized childcare.
Please tell us one or two special experiences of kids within the project…
A 17-year-old boy inspired me a lot. His name is Redlen. His dream is to set up an art center himself. He wants to enable other people to make art and to develop themselves in the process. He was very active in designing the wall, helping others and even freely designing other shapes himself. Now that we’re gone, they’re going to create another wall where he’ll take the lead and guide the other kids. He’s already a few steps closer to his dream. I believe that hope has reached deep into the hearts of these children. Namely: No dream is ever too big and everything is possible with God!
And finally this story by José F.: The 16-year-old slipped into drug addiction (cocaine) during the pandemic. The staff at the children’s center did everything they could to get him out of there. He was personally taken to a rehabilitation center 2000km away and has been back and clean in his hometown for a few weeks. He continues to attend the Compassion Children’s Center and is now training to be a bricklayer. When we met him, he proudly showed us the first stones he had made himself. We prayed with him – that he would be strengthened in the long term and that he could trust in God.
More impressions of the art project on Instagram.
On the subject:
Through Jesus’ Eyes and Heart: A British Actress in Brazil’s Juvenile Prisons
In Brazil: Worship songs from passers-by prevented him from committing suicide
Special experience of God: When a seven-year-old hears and obeys God’s voice
Datum:
14.07.2022
Author: Roland dispute
Those: Livenet
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