Update from Isabel Fernandes
Portugal
At Easter, I brought my mother from the small village where she lives, a peaceful and lovely place. However, when I got home, I heard news that shocked me. A quiet and easygoing couple took their own lives. Suicide in Portugal has been on the rise. Currently, it is the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults. Fleeing from suffering is one of the main reasons for many people to take such destructive and irreversible decision. However, death without Christ does not set one free, but chains him or her eternally. The Bible says life and death are always before us. Because of this, we must fight daily, so that more and more people choose to live their lives through Jesus Christ.
We fight for children and teens. Our work at the schools is very challenging and wearing. However, it has been an excellent opportunity to bring other hope, Christian values and friendly embraces. Most of these children and teens are children of immigrants and come from unstructured families. I have individually talked with many students, and seeing their watchful and thirsty eyes is a consolation and motivates me to proceed. Among the many students I have contact with, I would like to share four names with you: Joana (13 years old), David (10 years old), Júlia (12 years old) and Diego (7 years old). Much can the prayer of the righteous accomplish.