Thursday, July 17, 2008

Coming To Your Area Soon?

I can't believe it but it has almost been two years since we have been to the USA, and in September we are coming back for our deputation. This means we may be close to your area. Ou deputation schedule is being made now, so if you would like us to visit your church, talk to your mission board or pastor about us visiting you. How do you schedule a visit from us? By calling the Churches of God General Conference office, they will be able to inform you of available dates and what part of the country we will be in and when! We are looking forward to seeing you and sharing what God has been doing here in Brazil.


You can contact Dee at the CGGC office to schedule a visit to your area. Her email is dac@cggc.org

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Free Government Sex Changes In Brazil!

Yeah if you read that title you got the gist of this article. On May 16th it was announced that by the end of the year the Free Federal Health Care System (SUS for short) will begin offering free sex changes in Brazil. The operation will be covered by SUS for men wanting to change to the female sex, the other direction male to female is still considered to be experimental and will not be covered. The demand for this surgery is estimated to be at about 1000 cases.

Critics say that this will overstress an already stressed out system. I also see the injustice that this is going to cause many people, people with real health problems. The rational for including this as a valid health related illness is that those who want the surgery and are unable to pay for it have emotional distress, but if we look at the existing government run health care system, it is already unable to take care of those with serious health problems. Health stations (postos de saude) have long lines and super long waiting periods for surgeries, many die from their illness before receiving treatment or the necessary surgery. The biggest part of this problem can be blamed on government corruption, pocketing money, and poor management.

I see this as one more step backwards for a developing country, and a huge leap backwards spiritually speaking.