By Lora Oehlberg

Town Crier Editorial Intern

Most people agree that children who play musical instruments have more self-confidence, creativity and focus. Although providing music to children who live in poverty seems like a far-fetched thought, First Baptist Church in Los Altos has found a way to send monetary and musical support to street children in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The First Baptist Church has developed a partnership with Restoration Ministries, an organization that created a youth orchestra of 50 Sao Paulo street children. A few of the children have been accepted to the state school for musicians, but they cannot afford to go.

The First Baptist Church has helped Restoration Ministries purchase musical instruments for the children, as well as facilities and land. Two teams of local parishioners will be traveling to Sao Paulo this summer to teach and help care for the children.

The First Baptist Church is hoping to have some of the children travel to California next summer to perform. It is also looking for sponsors who would contribute to support the costs of working with a child.

Those wishing to contribute to the First Baptist Church’s efforts to help Brazilian street children may contact Mark Lauterbach at 948-5698.

On July 1, the First Baptist Church of Los Altos held two patriotic musical productions. It also took a collection for an organization called COPS, Concerns of Police Survivors. This is a national group that supports the families of policemen downed in the line of duty. The local chapter serves the police districts of the area. People responded generously to support local law enforcement personnel.