Paul and Jill van Opstal originally worked with YWAM Amsterdam, until November 1998 when they began their mission in Brazil. The founders of Lar Feliz, a shelter for children ages 0-17 coming out of dangerous at risk situations, they continue to manage and run the home with workers from their region of Brazil. Over the years, Lar Feliz has helped over 2000 children who lived there either short or long term. Lar Feliz is a rehabilitation center where each child receives help physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Many educational activities are planned throughout the year to help improve the child’s self-esteem, and to broaden their interests and to train them in their talents. Creativity and the arts are encouraged, as well as sports, fishing and hiking, Bible study and worship. All the children receive help with the school, and some can jump grades in order to catch up from where they have fallen behind. Lar Feliz also has a high success rate with children going for adoptions to new families, as well, many of the children who have come through Lar Feliz now have their own families and professional lives. In Brazil, after the pandemic Lar Feliz saw an increase in the number of children needing help.
Motivated by the love of Jesus Christ and His Grace, the van Opstals want to proclaim the good news in all they do. Apart from running the shelter Lar Feliz, they also pastor a small church and run a community center that is located nearby. Most of the children and teens are active members in their church. Jill is the pastor of the women, and she also manages a Brazilian community in connection with women from the Netherlands and South Africa with conferences and prayer times using social media.
Paul and Jill are legally not allowed to receive a salary from the shelter and that is why for over 33 years the Lord has provided for them through churches and individuals helping them fulfil the calling the Lord has given them in Brazil. Your gift towards Lar Feliz will do just that!
If you want to know more, please feel free to get in touch with us.
FGC # F1323
Program Countries: Brazil
Website: https://larfeliz.org.br/
Email: paulvanopstal@hotmail.com
Team Lead: Paul & Jill Van Opstal
