Ray of Hope reaches hundreds of children who are able to play, smile, and laugh. But there are some children who cannot play and whose smile and laughter is never seen or heard.

The lives of these children are marked with physical problems and emotional traumas associated with abandonment, poverty and the daily difficulty of running and trying to live a normal life. The difficulties they face each day take away the beauty and happiness of being children.

João Marcos lives in the village of Terra Preta. For years we had visited this village but some time ago one of our volunteers, Marta, was passing a house and heard a cry. She knew all the children and families were playing in the camp so she opened the door. There she found little João Marcos seated on the floor in the room by himself, dirty with a cup of water close by. She took him and brought him to Gloria who was amazed because she knew all the kids in the village but had never seen or heard about him before.

João Marcos has Down Syndrome and had been locked away because of his disability. We started to talk to the village about what a beautiful gift he is to them and to his family, and how much God loves him. We encouraged them to change the way they saw him and to show him love and kindness. As a result, the village changed their behaviour towards him. Now João Marcos is a bright and happy child; he is a precious treasure to the village - A gift from God!

We are currently working with the following children:

Frank lives in Iranduba and was abandoned by his mother at birth. An older couple took Frank into their home; they love him very much and take good care of him. Frank suffers from severe Cerebral Palsy and has Quadriplegia.

Alberto Lazaro lives with his parents and four siblings in Iranduba. His mother is very supportive, but the family is very poor and it is difficult for them to look after his needs. Alberto Lázaro suffers from severe special needs and is unable to speak or walk unaided. Through support we were able to provide him with a wheel chair for transportation.

Joanilson lives in Iranduba with his parents and six siblings. His family are very poor. His mother is blind and has difficulties caring for him. He is a bright boy who suffers from Cerebral Palsy and is unable to walk. We were able to supply him with a wheelchair which has made a big difference to his life.

Camila lives in the community of Iranduba. She was abandoned by her mother and father who are unknown. Camila has difficulties speaking and walking and struggles in school with her studies.

Ligia lives in a community on the Lake of Balbina. She is unable to walk and talk. She suffers from severe special needs and has severe paralysis to her body. Her parents are very poor and find it difficult to provide for Ligia and her brother.

Chirly lives with her young single mother and seven siblings. She is a twin and is paralysed. Chirly has suffered since she was born with discrimination from others. Her twin loves her very much and knows she is special. The family live in extreme poverty.

Jeisiane lives in Lago do Janauari and is a triplet. She lives with her mother, three sisters and brother. Jesiane has Cerebral Palsy, her father left after her birth, blaming the mother for the child's disability saying she was a curse.

Ismael lives along the Rio Negro with his mother and grandparents. His father left him at an early age. Ismael is paralyzed and has severe special needs and requires much support.

Deborah lives in Lago Do Janauaca with her family. She has severe special needs and suffers from Cerebral Palsy. It is very difficult for her family to care for her.

Ray of Hope seeks to bring happiness, support and love into the lives of these children and their families. For only £10 a month you can sponsor the Special Needs Program and help to provide daily needs and treatments for these special children. Physiotherapy, apparatus and wheelchairs are rarely available.

If you would like to sponsor the Special Needs program please fill out this form which will enable us to set up a direct debit on your behalf. If you are a UK Tax payer please complete a Gift Aid form which will allow us to claim back the tax on your gift.

Together we can give these beautiful children a brighter future.