August 5, 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Children: are they a blessing or a curse? How do you feel? How much trouble do you have with those in your family? There are lots of dirty clothes; they can eat you out of house and home; they are disobedient; and they know it all. Well, if you feel that way, and you have the knowledge of God's Word, can you imagine what it is like to have kids that know nothing of God's Word? We literally have a house full. Over 100 kids with that description. We have children who have been abused physically, sexually, and mentally, and whose parents really didn't want them. We firmly believe that children are a blessing from the Lord. That is why we believe that God can transform the lives of children He brings to us. We show them love as parents the same way that God has shown as our Father. We tell them that God loved them so much that He gave His only Son for their sins. As they understand this love and they accept Christ as Savior, things start to change. Well, almost everything changes!!! They still eat a lot and still have lots of dirty clothes. It is wonderful when you see them grow and want to help others.

The home in Manaus has two couples and two teenagers that are helping there. Paul and Brenda are the ones who run the home. Paul is one of the first boys that lived with us in Vera Cruz. He met his wife through a group that came on a mission trip. They do a great job. They are adopting three kids. The second couple both lived here at the home in Garca. They got married last December. The two teenagers lived here at the home in Garca also. It is easier when your workers already know how things function.

The home here in Garca has kids that range from zero to eighteen years old and the home in Manaus has children mostly under the age of twelve. The home in Manaus is much smaller than here. We are still building the houses in Manaus. The second house is just about finished.

You know what?! You are a part of this work through your prayers and giving. We want to thank you for all you have done. May God richly bless each of you.

The church is doing well. We are getting ready to start the Bible Institute again. We are trying to find a time when more of the members can take part in the classes. The pastors are planning some more mission trips for couples and some for youth. Pray that God will lead each step of the way. Pray for our missionaries as they serve God in these new cities. We have pictures of these places on our web site, www.aohome.org.

We ask that you continue to lift us up in prayer. Financial help is needed to do the work, but it would be impossible without your prayers. It is the prayers of God's people that will drive the evil forces away and give us strength to keep moving on.

Love in Christ,

Odali and Kathy Barros

Eating starts early at Alpha and Omega