A Place for a Family to Belong

Portugal

If you’ve ever moved anywhere — a new neighborhood, a different dorm when you were in college, another state — you know it’s not always easy. But moving to a different country? Without people and prayer to rely on, it can be an incredible challenge; the Moreira family can testify to that firsthand.

When the Moreiras relocated to Portugal from Brazil, although the language may have been the same, they struggled to feel like anything other than strangers and newcomers, all alone. Longing to fill the void and find some sense of community, Mr. and Mrs. Moreira kept a constant eye out and ear open, hoping they would learn about chances to meet people. That’s when Mr. Moreira heard that the local Awana club was a popular place. At the first opportunity, he loaded the kids in the car and brought them to church.

The people at the Awana club came through in huge ways. From their first visit, they welcomed the Moreiras with open arms, gave them a place to belong and even helped the parents find jobs during the transition. The leaders, parents and children at the Awana club treated the Moreiras like family and helped make their new country a home.

And the best news? Through the Awana club, the Moreira kids encountered Christ’s love in a way they never had before; they’ve both accepted Jesus as their Savior. This is the impact you make when you give to Awana. We’re grateful for you, and so are the Moreiras.