Olinda Mission
The Olinda Mission is one of several charities that St John’s supports via the mission partnership team.
The Olinda Mission is St. John’s longest-standing partner, run by Ian and Simea Meldrum. It serves poor and disadvantaged people in Olinda, Brazil.
What does the Olinda Mission do?
The main focus of the work is with people who live in a shanty town next to the old rubbish dump in the city.
The mission runs four main projects, all financed and run by volunteers:
- My Father’s House: My Father’s House is a safe house for up to 15 boys from difficult family circumstances and abuse. The boys receive counselling for overcoming traumas and substance abuse. They receive help to complete their education, and My Father’s House works to reunite them with their families or enable them to live independently when they reach the age of 18.
- Living Water’s Church: Living Waters’ Church was founded in 2000 with people living on the rubbish dump in Olinda. It is more than a normal Anglican parish, but a pillar of hope and a resource in the midst of a fragile community. In addition to Sunday services and various outreach activities, Living Water’s Church provides counselling and care to the families living on the rubbish heap.
- Transformation Project: This latest project of the Olinda Mission is focused on violence prevention, offering activities to keep children and youths off the streets. It is centred around providing free popular courses in Jujitsu, dance, and art. A second branch has just been opened near Olinda Beach.
- Emmanuel Farm: Emmanuel Farm is a retreat centre about 40 minutes’ drive away from Olinda. It is used for away days and weekends offering an experience of nature and unencumbered play for children used to dire conditions in the city.
For more information, see serviceofhope.org