Stoa Solomontos

Alex and Sarah Castelli, missionaries supported by Walk on the Water Faith Church (and children of Harry & Linda Miller), continue to advance the vision God placed in their hearts: providing safe, stable living spaces for vulnerable teenage girls aging out of the system in Brazil, while demonstrating what healthy family looks like. Their ministry, Stoa Solomontos (Greek for Solomon’s Porch - Acts 5:12–14) is steadily growing as they welcome their first resident.

Ministry Progress

Over the past several months, Alex and Sarah have worked diligently to finish their property, which includes their own 650‑sq‑ft home and the first residential unit for the girls, adapted from a 40‑foot shipping container. Electrical and plumbing installation is underway, and they have continued building relationships with local teens preparing to transition out of orphanages.

One of these teens, Maria Gabriella, has now officially moved in. Recently, they celebrated her 18th birthday at the orphanage, and now she begins a brand‑new chapter —  living in a safe, loving home. Alex and Sarah wrote, “Now comes the real life part haha.” Their joy is evident, and so is their readiness to walk with her through the challenges ahead.

Maria’s younger sister, Samira (age 15), has already formed a close bond with Sarah, and the Castelli family continues to invest in both girls with patience, prayer, and practical support.

The Castelli family recently moved into their own home on the property, allowing them to work more consistently and be fully present for the ministry. They also connected with Action House, a similar ministry in the capital city that has successfully helped 25 teens over the past five years. This fellowship has been a great encouragement and confirmation of their calling.

A New Challenge: Maria’s Cognitive Diagnosis

A few weeks ago, Maria received an official diagnosis of a slight cognitive deficit. Alex and Sarah had suspected this but were unsure until now.

The diagnosis brings both challenges and opportunities:

• Challenges: Maria is semi‑illiterate, struggles to tell time, and often has difficulty understanding basic concepts. Academically, she will be “lucky” to finish the next 1.5 years and earn her GED.
• Opportunities: Because of the diagnosis, she now qualifies for government‑based assistance for life, including access to job openings reserved for individuals with disabilities — a requirement for all companies with 100+ employees in Brazil.

Alex and Sarah are navigating this with faith and wisdom. They wrote: “We do believe in complete healing. Now it’s just reconciling the difference to make ‘His will on earth as it is in heaven.’”

Maria’s move‑in marks the beginning of real, daily discipleship — the kind that requires patience, consistency, and the love of Christ lived out in practical ways. She is now part of their home, and they are committed to walking with her through every step of growth, healing, and maturity.

Sarah’s Health Update

In March, Sarah experienced a hemorrhagic stroke, which doctors believe occurred nearly two weeks before it was diagnosed. She wrote:

“Numbness and lack of sensation on the left side of my body, and altered sense of taste.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Sarah has shown remarkable improvement. Over the following weeks she regained much of her feeling and her sense of taste — “thank God I can enjoy chocolate again!” she shared joyfully.

Doctors initially suspected a tumor behind the bleed, but imaging was inconclusive due to the presence of blood. After multiple MRIs and consultations, specialists now believe no immediate intervention is needed. She recently returned for follow‑up imaging. 

Through it all, Sarah remains strong in faith: “Nothing else changes! Ministry continues and God is always good.”

Their Heart for the Girls

Even in the midst of medical challenges and the complexities of welcoming their first resident, Sarah continues to pour into the teens God has placed in their path.

“God needs me to take care of His babies.”

Her resilience, compassion, and unwavering devotion have deeply inspired everyone who follows their journey.

How to Follow Their Ministry

The Castelli family shares updates, photos, and ministry progress on their Facebook page:

Stoa Solomontos (Solomon’s Porch) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586270456104

Their website also provides information and updates: https://alexandsarahcastelli.wixsite.com/stoa-solomontos-us

How Our Church Is Helping

Walk on the Water Faith Church continues to support Alex and Sarah financially and prayerfully. You are welcome to make donations to support their projects. Send a text to 73256 and type WOW in the message line. Choose the fund “Missions-Brazil.” Or give from our website: www.walkonthewater.org and choose the Missions Fund (type Brazil in the memo line).

Funds collected through the church help cover construction costs, ministry expenses, and ongoing needs as they welcome their first residents and continue building a safe, Christ‑centered environment for vulnerable young women.