Bruno lives with his grandparents on a lot that borders our property.

He used to be one of the most eager young people in our church. He is

struggling now through some tough teen-age years. Here is a photo of

him playing soccer on our church soccer field. He rarely comes to our

services these days. He was one of the first people to welcome us to

Marabá four years ago, and helped us unpack our furniture when we moved

here. His parents gave him to his grandparents when he was a baby. He

shared a bedroom with his great-grandmother until she died a few months

ago. He dreams of going to Belem to live with his dad someday. I

remember one December how excited he was to spend the Christmas

holidays with his brother in another part of Marabá. He would practice

in the Christmas play but always with the understanding that he would

not be here for the final production. He was going to his brother’s

home. Finally the big day came. We wished him well, and off he went,

about 12 or 13 years old. Early the next morning he was back. His eyes

were wild. “My brother threw a big party, and during this party he

stabbed someone. Then fled with his girlfriend to another city.” I

walked cross country for most of the night to get back here.” Then

Bruno burst out crying. We became like his family, and he was in the

Christmas play that year. Now his heart seems to be hardened. I feel so

sorry for him. He struggles with things we know nothing about. Maybe

you could pray for him?