How it all began...

To protect the identity of those we are trying to help, names have been changed. If you insist on knowing who they are and contacting them directly it can be arranged. Thank you for understanding.

Hi, my name is Jessi Christianson.

In the Fall of 2005, my husband Lane and I made a trip to Londrina Brazil to pick up our daughter from her 18 month mission she completed for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to see Iguacu Falls, bordering her mission boundaries. Of Course, she wanted to introduce us to some of her investigators and members of the church she had befriended.
On Friday September 30th I made this entry in my travel journal:

We took a duffle bag full of toys and things to a family Leslie particularly is attached to, Jose and Maria Silva and their five kids. No wonder Leslie likes them so much, Maria was so amazing. Jose was at work and the two older kids in school. The three younger boys were so cute! I felt a bond to Maria, she is so devoted to her family and doing what the Lord wants her to do.

Jose had trained to work as a chemist's assistant, but when they got here, in Maringa, from their home in Sao Paulo, he was told he need a license from the state to work as a chemist, he could not come up with the R$350 (Brasillian Reais) , so he lost the opportunity for a higher paying job. Now he works at a grocery store and they barely feed their family.

They have no car and walk to church etc. The kids had no toys except a kite, We took a big tonka truck, cabbage patch doll, 2 soccer balls, Lego sets, scriptures, CTR rings etc. Maria was speechless, she finally said "Today is my birthday, I am 28 years old and I have never received a birthday present. This is so nice, we never could give our kids these toys." I left some money for her to get something for her birthday. I feel very strongly there is something we need to do to help this special family. I won't forget them when we return home.

Even though we visited other families and everyone is very poor, I could not get them out of my mind, finally in December we talked to them through E-mails and asked them what it was we were supposed to do. Jose had applied to the local university and been accepted. They were praying and fasting for and answer how to afford going to college. Here we can work, get loans, etc, and make it through school. In Brazil they cannot. He had applied for help through the Church Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) but, he was to old to qualify.

The four years of college would cost about $5,000.00 US dollars, about $160.00 a month. We decided to sacrifice a little and provide them the tuition money they needed.

Jose has worked full time, taken classes, and studied late every night. He will get a degree in English next June to become an English teacher. Now, however he is required to teach, like student teaching, and cannot keep his job. There is no way for him to both provide for his family and finish college. We cannot afford to send the extra money they will need, especially since five of our ten kids are in college this fall! We have been quiet about our "Silva Family Project." But now the cost is too much to bear alone and I cannot see all his efforts go for nothing.

We are looking for a few Humanitarians to help us these last 10 months. The Spirit whispered to me while I was praying about them that the reason this family is getting a hand up is because of their obedience to the Gospel! They always have family scripture study, never miss church, hold many callings etc. This has been a fantastic, out of the ordinary project for us. They are always appreciative and hope to help others like they have been helped. Of course it will change their lives and that of their children forever. The Saints in Brazil are going to be leading out in everything! It is so touching to be a part of helping the Lord make changes. I know the Lord has special plans for this family in building His Kingdom in Brazil.

We are posting this message to return missionaries from Brazil, friends and family, in hope of a response from some who have the means and desire to be part of this last year of school for Jose. We urge you to prayerfully consider contributing to the effort to support the Silva family while Jose finishes college.

Love to all,

Jessi

Small house big family

Here's the floor plan of the little house the Silva family lives in. There will be more details to follow, just keep in mind that the parents and six kids live here.

Perhaps someone who has been in the house can post a comment. Thanks!