Eliane’s Story
Eliane Aparecida de Melo Ribeiro began attending church as a child. At the age of 11, she had a life-changing encounter with God when her family lost their home in a fire. Although they lost everything, she witnessed God’s care and love in a powerful way. Not only were they spared from the fire, but by the end of that same day, all their needs had been provided for. This moment marked her heart and revealed the depth of God’s love for her family.
Even though her siblings were always involved with the Open Arms mission, Eliane spent many years away. Five years ago, she received an invitation to attend the Open Arms mission school and serve as a volunteer in the Coraly School mission. At that time, she was struggling with depression and had difficulty speaking and connecting with others. The opportunity to serve children became a turning point in her life. Through this calling, she once again experienced God’s love in a real and transformative way.
Current Ministry
Eliane currently serves in multiple areas throughout the week:
- Coordinates the Colinas Neighborhood Kids Club
- Serves in the BASE ministry
- Leads a discussion group for 45 girls at the neighborhood public school
- Facilitates arts and literacy workshops in the school club
- Serves at the Children’s Shelter ministry
- Leads weekly Bible study for volunteers in her home
With the help of her husband Cleuber, she serves children, teenagers, families, and fellow volunteers—bringing care, discipleship, and hope to each group.
Impact
At the BASE Project, Eliane has been walking alongside some teenagers for about three years. One of them used to say she did not believe in God. Last year, during a very difficult time in Eliane’s family, this same girl sent her a message of encouragement, speaking about God’s love.
After Eliane’s mother spent three months in the hospital and was finally discharged, Eliane returned to the school. As usual, the girls asked how things were. When she shared the news, this teenager began to cry and said she now truly believed God exists. She had prayed and asked that if God were real, He would heal Eliane’s mother—and He did.
Eliane has also seen transformation in other girls. Some who once could not even write their own names have now passed entrance exams to attend a prestigious technical school. Among the children, she witnesses a powerful exchange of love: they come to be blessed, but end up blessing those who serve them. For Eliane, it is impossible to fully express how rewarding it is to serve children.