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Kensington’s own sponsorship program, NoChild, has a powerful tagline, “Because no child should live without hope.” (NoChild.org) It brings so many faces to mind: my own two kids, Eliza and Owen. I picture my nieces, nephews, my cousins’ children in the UK, the kids in my neighborhood, my coworkers’ little ones, and the smiling faces I see every Sunday at our Clinton Twp Campus.
But what about children in developing countries?
In places devastated by poverty, humanitarian crises, civil unrest, gender inequality, and even religious persecution—does hope still exist?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to love others by meeting their earthly needs:
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?’
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
-Matt 25: 37, 38, 40
It’s in that spirit that I’m thrilled to share some exciting news:
NoChild has officially launched in Brazil!
I recently visited our new NoChild program in Brazil on a short-term trip with seven others from our Kensington community.
The experience was unforgettable. I was deeply moved by the passion, energy, and zest for life that flows through the Brazilian culture. The children were open-hearted and full of dreams.
Two boys in particular left a lasting impression on me and my family has committed to sponsoring them:
Kaio is eight years old and lives with his mother and grandmother. He’s creative, curious, and has a big dream—to become an astronaut. He loves art, puzzles, and origami, and on my last day, he gave me handmade gifts and drawings he’d made just for me. I cherish them, and him.
Gustavo, an eighth grader with a huge heart, bonded with me over our mutual love of soccer. He proudly looks after his little sister, who is also in the NoChild program. Gustavo dreams of going pro someday.
When it was time to leave, he cried—and so did I. “When a Brazilian boy cries because you’re leaving, it means you’ve become important to him. It means he loves you,” I was told.
That moment broke me in the best way.
This is what NoChild is all about—not just providing resources or education, but building relationships, restoring dignity, and planting seeds of hope.
Through a beautiful partnership between NoChild, Kensington’s Brazilian Campus, and our global partner, Chácara Primavera Church, we are working alongside the Aquarela Project—a faith-based nonprofit in Campinas, Brazil. This incredible ministry, led by Rodrigo, his wife Estefanie, and a team of their lifelong friends, is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of children in their community.
In the favelas (slums) of Brazil, where children often attend school for only half a day and parents are stretched thin by long work hours, kids are vulnerable to negative influences. The Aquarela Project steps in to fill that gap—operating six days a week, offering a safe, nurturing faith-oriented space before and after school.
Here, children are not only cared for—they are empowered. In addition to their thriving soccer program, Aquarela offers ballet, jiu-jitsu, robotics, and more to build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Sponsoring a child through NoChild is a tangible way to live out Jesus’ command to love God and love others. It’s a chance to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing His hope to every corner of the world.
Let’s do it, Kensington! Let’s bring hope to the children of Brazil’s favelas and beyond!
See children in Brazil – and Kenya, India, and Nepal – waiting for the love and support of a sponsor at nochild.org.
Learn more about Kensington’s Short-Term Trips at kensingtonchurch.org/go.