Each day we receive a Daily Security Summary which is produced by the Church Security Department so we are aware if there are issues or problems in any of the areas where we have responsibility. It is always an interesting read. Today I read about Brazil. We still have a vested interest there given that half of our missionaries live there and given that we have a permanent visa we are just about Brazilian anyway.
Those of you who visited us there will remember that there was a large vavela just across and down the street from us. It is called Paraisopolis. There are 80,000 people that live there. In the past few months criminal activity has increased and the PCC (First Command of the Capital) is claiming responsibility. In September alone there were 140 murders there or nearby. On 29 October alone there were 10 murders. They are increasing spot-check points and encouraging all people in the area to have proper ID at all times. They also indicate that there is an increase in police brutality and encourage all people to respond quickly to whatever a policeman tells them to do.
It makes me sad that they are having those problems so close to our home there. The police have increased their presence and will continue to work there to solve the problems and reduce the criminal activity in the area.
We used to have a chapel in the middle of that vavela but I think with the construction of the big five-story one on the main street it is no longer being used. Makes one worry about the good saints that have to live there. Maybe they have all moved out. Wishful thinking I would guess.
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