The Esther Project (Projeto Ester) opened its doors on November 18, 2009. As a community center, we develop women of God through teaching and discipleship, and help to provide education, work, legal assistance, aid with documentation issues, and access to health care.We are called, as Esther was, to risk ourselves and to sacrifice for these women in danger. We offer these women enduring hope- the Bread of Life. Our motto is “Christ raising up women, women exalting Christ.” Developing the Esther Project in partnership with women living in the streets, Word Made Flesh Brazil aims to effectively meet these women’s needs and preach Christ faithfully. Our work is based on the Word of God and His promises, that His victory over sin and death is the only hope for full and lasting recovery of a life marked by drug and sexual abuse, homelessness, and hopelessness.
By the power of His word and His work, God is able to raise women who not only see their own lives healed and restored, but who become radiant daughters of the King, daughters who impact the lives of His children, as well as their own families and communities.Today we have 25 women and 45 of their children enrolled in the Esther Project. It is our privilege to tell these women that God can use them for His glory. They are valuable because He says so, they have a purpose, and it is to glorify Him! It is our joy to invite women to join us in shaping the Esther Project, to serve and share our lives with others, and to hear and deliver the Word of Life.
Looking back today at the Esther Project, we see that the Lord was faithful to every woman, many of whom come here grieved, with bitter hearts and hopeless lives. But today each of them live with the hope of a better life. Many have regular, legitimate employment, and some have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Their children are able to go to school and live at home because their lives have been restored. For me, it is gratifying to see God move in each of their lives, to see their dreams fulfilled, and for them to be able to share the joy in their lives with others. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to be part of the lives of these women, whose life stories have taught, and continue to teach me every day, that this work is worthwhile. I fight for other women to have the same opportunity to change their lives – to be healed from their drug addictions, to get off the streets, and to live with the hope of having a better life. I thank God for the opportunity to be here in the Esther Project, and for you, my friends who believe in this work.
What a joy to provide a welcoming environment for these women, a place where they are valued, challenged, taught, and heard, where they can learn for the first time that healing is for all people, and that Jesus Christ provides love and life. We are inspired by what Mordecai told Esther: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
You are all part of these stories! God will bless the lives of each of you, my friends!
Thank you all,
Esdrianne Cohen, National Director WMF Brazil