Words of wisdom

Living on the land

Something to read

Do not remove an ancient landmark or encroach on the fields of orphans, for their redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you.
Proverbs 23:10-11 (NRSV)

Something to think about

Brazil is a wealthy country, but only a minority enjoy its riches. Three quarters of the population of rural Brazil have no land at all and most cannot feed their children adequately. Zaires Morais de Moura was like that ten years ago until he came into contact with the Movimento Sem Terra (Landless Rural Workers' Movement, a partner of Christian Aid). It is an organisation which helps Brazilian people claim what is legally theirs - the right to settle on the 40% of rural land which is idle.

Powerful landowners are not happy to see groups get the official title of disused land. They don't let it happen without a fight - often a violent one. But in the eyes of God the Defender ownership should not depend on strength, but on justice. When poor people face aggressors God stands alongside them now just as he did in the days when poor Hebrews found the landmarks which indicated the extent of their land had been interfered with by powerful opponents.

Movimento Sem Terra helped Zaires and his neighbours establish their rights on a piece of land by an airport, form an agricultural cooperative, learn good farming practices (they grow tea and cashew nuts), and develop a business. Ten years on he is building a house for his family which will have proper sanitation for the first time.

Something to do

Go to a shop and buy some cashew nuts and tea (fairly traded if possible). Drink a toast to those in Brazil who seek justice.

Something to pray

'When we first arrived there were just a few little huts. Then we were able to build new ones, and now [secure houses]. Each year people organise themselves better and improve their working methods. It has been a slow process, but we've got there ... Please keep praying because Brazil needs your prayers. And please pray for our leaders, that they may be guided to adopt policies that will help us.'

Zaires Morais de Moura