![Children received face paintings and a lot of play [Photo Courtesy of the South American Division]](https://images.hopesoftware.org/resize/L3c6MTkyMCxxOjc1L2hvcGUtaW1hZ2VzLzY1ZTcxMzAxZjY1NTI4MWE1MzhlZDM3My9OVjMxNzEzODgxOTEwNzA3LmpwZWc/w:1920,q:75/hope-images/65e71301f655281a538ed373/NV31713881910707.jpeg)
In the last two years, 7,980 Venezuelans have received shelter in Manaus, Amazonas, according to the Municipal Secretariat for Social Assistance and Human Rights (Semasdh). The last caravan disembarked on November 27 of last year, with 89 people who brought dreams and lives in their luggage to begin rebuilding.
“I want to start a new life. We suffer a lot in our country. We went to Pacaraima on foot, slept on the street, it seemed that we were still in Venezuela. It's only here in Manaus that things are getting better after we arrived at the shelter,” details one of the beneficiaries.
They live in a state of vulnerability and arrive in Brazil with a high rate of malnutrition, especially children. Out of every 30 children, 26 have stunted growth, in addition to skin diseases and low immunity. Another newly arrived Venezuelan came with her three children, an uncle, and a cousin. “We believe in God and pray a lot to get out of that life we were having there. Now, here, we are dreaming again,” says the refugee.
Solidarity
The refugees board with the solidarity of the Amazonians, who have already welcomed so many immigrants. And that's where the volunteer work of Seventh-day Adventists comes in. They have dedicated themselves to making the new home for these families more beautiful and joyful. For Meiryanne Rezzuto, director of the Women's Ministry for Eastern Amazonas, “It is a joy to see the joy of children, families receiving gifts, eyes shining. We exercise the love that Jesus taught us.”
The shelter where many of them go has five large quarters. Two in the outdoor area are intended for traditional families who don't give up sleeping in their hammocks. The sites also received painting that was done by the pastors of the Adventist Church's administrative headquarters.
According to Pastor Mark Wallace, president of the denomination for Eastern Amazonas and the State of Roraima, “Big events like the 10 Days of Prayer give us this kind of attitude. That’s when pastors can live the main act that Jesus taught us: that of serving.”
All shelter residents received Bibles, Bible studies, personal hygiene kits, cleaning kits, and basic food baskets. “They need more than the products: they need to know God to dream again, to have a reason to live again, and to seek a new life,” declares Janete Oliveira, coordinator of the shelter.
This article was originally published on the South American Division’s news site
