Arnoldo - House 3
Arnoldo is named after his biological father. His birthday falls on March 8, 1997. He came with 3 older brothers and sisters and 1 younger sister. They came out of the half way house in our city where they had been for the last 1 and a half years. Both parents suffer mental derangement and did not take adequate measures to take care of the children. The home that Arnoldo and his siblings came from is a hovel. The social workers commented that not even a rat would stay there. Human dung and food were everywhere (inside the shack). The father got the idea that he was a pastor and after reading the passage that Jesus’ followers would leave everything, including their family, he abandoned them to live on the streets where he walked all day long preaching to no one in particular. At night he would steal bricks from construction sites to “build” his own church.
The mother lost her wits and was institutionalized with mental problems. From time to time she was back with the kids but was so desperate that she threatened the neighbors with a knife so as to get food from them for her children. At present she is so deranged that she can no longer take care of the children. In spite off all this Arnoldo is very strong and short. He likes to be underfoot in the midst of the other boys.
Arnoldo’s house parents are José and Alzira. They are doing a wonderful job in getting his confidence. The other siblings are with them as well. Arnoldo is 8 years old and in second grade. He is also participating in a praise and worship class offered at our technical center where he enjoys singing and doing actions to worship songs. He is quiet and likes to play with cars. He loves to smile and is a loveable little boy.
Update: Arnoldo confesses that he wants to be a singer. He led in singing some songs for the film crew that was here and did not falter or go off key before the camera.
January 2007 Update: Arnoldo is 10, and in 4rth grade. Has made his decision for Christ and will be baptized Dec. 31st. At COL he did crafts, in the Community he did gymnastics, chess, drawing and martial arts. In church he participated in the Christmas cantata and loves to sing! He is in Sunday School and Boys’ Brigade. He is always up-to-date with everything. He is super responsible and precise. He is the house perfectionist. He loves to study, and is very obedient. He does like to tease his younger sister Maria do Carmo.
Main Prayer Request: That Arnoldo would continue striving to do his best and always aim for the right goals.
2008 Update: Arnoldo is ten years old and in grade five. He loves to study and hopes to be a doctor. His work at home is to clean the yard and patio. In his spare time he likes to play soccer and do gymnastics. Arnoldo is growing well spiritually. He enjoys going to Boys’ club and has won medals for his contributions. He is saved and baptized. Please pray that he will be able to realize his ambitions.
2009 Update: Arnoldo is in Grade 6 at school and achieving very well. He is often uncomfortable in front of people, tending to be shy and nervous. Please pray that he will be able to overcome his timidity and work hard to achieve his goals of becoming a chiropractor or doctor and traveling to Canada some day.
Birthday: March 8, 1997
Sister: Maria
Brothers: Abraao, Jeremias