THE SUMMARY
Our time in Brasil was precious because the Lord blessed us continually! We spent time getting to know some of God’s choice servants and the Brasilian people that they love. God allowed us to endear many of the Brasilian people, and they also captured our hearts! Please pray for us as we follow God’s leading in our lives and ministry!
Saturday, 02-06-2010
According to our itinerary this is supposed to be our final full day before we fly back to the USA. it seems that the winter storm in the northeastern USA may alter our plans.
US Airlines was generous enough to re-route our flight plans to avoid the storms… we are praying that they are right!
Tonight was a blessing as we had a Youth meeting at Templo Batista Calvario. Using a cordless drill, I taught the people about the power of God and the necessity of staying close to Him to maintain His power in our lives. It was quite interesting to watch their faces as I wielded a cordless drill in one hand and then the Bible to drive home the message.
After church was a sweet time of fellowship with the people… and a time of saying… well, we couldn’t say good-bye… it was more like saying see ya later! our hearts were too full for anything else.
Sunday, 02-07-2010
With everything packed up, we gave our last hugs and greetings to the Dickens family, and we began the 3 hour drive to Recife to the airport. Along the way, we picked up Bro. Nash, and he accompanied us to lunch in Recife, which was at a tradition Brasilian restuarant. It was a great way to punctuate our final day in Brasil.
The rest of this journey sees us in the airports and airplanes from Recife to Rio de Janeiro to Charlotte, NC, to Orlando, FL… then by car to receive hugs and kisses from our children and family in Mims, FL!
Tuesday, 02-02-2010
In the morning, we rested a little, but, that evening we were able to go visit 2 different families in the Belo Jardim. One visit was to encourage one of the members and try to reach his son, who had visited Templo Batista Calvario on Sunday. The father had been praying for him, and the son is finally beginning to respond to the gospel. Our other visit was intended to be for two ladies who were guests in the Sunday service, but in the the beginning of time it was with an elderly gentleman to whom we were able to give the gospel. The openness of the hearts of the Brazilian people has been tremendous!
Wednesday, 02-03-2010
In the morning, we went out to see the reservoir for Belo Jardim. While we were there, we met some men who were making bricks, and we were able to talk to them about the Lord while they continued their work. We also saw some fishermen and a few men farming near the resevoir. It was another very good day for us!
In the evening, I had the pleaseure of preaching at Templo Batista Calvario, Belo Jardim. Diana and I have enjoyed our time of worship with this congregation of true believers.
Thursday, 02-04-2010
Shopping in Caruaru at the outdoor market was quite an experience! Even on an “off” day, it was very busy with venders and shoppers alike. We were able to find some great values to bring back a taste of Brasil’s culture. Of course, we also enjoyed more of Brasil’s foods and treats!
That evening, we enjoy great christian fellowship over a traditional Brazilian meal in Sr. Aeldo & Sra. Susineide’s home. After last night’s dinner, we have fallen in love with Brazilian food and most of all the people… the Christian spirit here is overwhelming!
Friday, 02-05-2010
Soccer practice this morning with Morgan, Missionary Pastor Joel Dicken’s son, was a joy to see! It always blesses my heart to watch children enjoying themselves, especially in a multi-cultural setting. God is blessing and also giving opportunities for ministry through these kinds of situations.
We also walked through the city to the outdoor market, and along the way we were able to enter and see a Catholic Church in the center of the city. We purchased fish for our lunch from the fresh fish market, and we were able to meet some very special people along the way. Meeting people in public has been encouraging as they accept us with open hearts.
Saturday, 01-30-2010
We went to Caruaru to the missions conference at Igreja Batista
Calvario, and Missionary Pastor James Nash gave us an
opportunity to give a testimony. Missionary Pastor Joel Dickens
preached, and the visiting Brazilian missionaries gave
presentations and testimonies. Also, some of the young men in
the church gave testimonies. It was a special time for us as we
saw God working in the hearts of the people.
Sunday, 01-31-2010
Sunday morning, we held a Bible Study in the countryside of Belo
Jardim in the home of one of the members with Missionary Pastor
Joel Dickens. We had 11 Brazilians in attendence, and we also
had chickens, baby chics, goats, dogs, horses, cows, and such
involved in our service outside. Singing Portuguese hymns and
preaching the Word of God with these sweet people was a
tremendous blessing!
Sunday evening, we had Sunday School and a worship service ay
Templo Batista Calvario,Belo Jardim, with Missionary Pastor Joel
Dickens, and I was given the opportunity to show some slides of
our family and ministry and preach the Word of God. As I spoke
to the people, I was inspired by their attention and love for
the Word of God. Diana and I both enjoyed worshipping the Lord
at TBC!
Monday, 02-01-2010
We visited some of the local stores and shops in Belo Jardim,
where we were warmly recieved. The Brazilian people are very
warm hearted, loving people. We also have enjoyed the fresh
fruits and vegetables.
Monday evening, we held a special missions emphasis service and
Pastor Domingos, a Brazilian national, shared his burden for His
people and his church planting ministry. It was an amazing
blessing to see not only the tremendous burden that his family
has for the Brazilian people but also his work for the Lord that
showed that burden. Our hearts were melted as the Lord used this
service to continue to guide and direct us in our own Christian
lives!
Thursday, 01-21-2010
Time to fly! The Lord began to bless from the beginning of our trip! At the Orlando, FL airport check-in, our itinerary was altered to fly us
directly to Charlotte, NC, instead of first travelling through Washington DC. However, we did have an extra 2 hour delay in Orlando because
of the storms in FL. In spite of the delays, we were able to make our connection in Charlotte, NC, for Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, with about 5
miniutes to spare!
Friday, 01-22-2010
Our flight landed safely in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, but only after a night of rough rides through turbulence. Our captain had to continually
adjust our altitude to find a smoother ride. Even so, we were able to stay on schedule and arrive safely in Rio. Our connecting flight to Sao
Paulo was relatively smooth, and we made a timely arrival. Missionary Jon Crews met us at the airport, and we experienced our first trip
through the big city traffic rush hour. Lots of cars and wild riding motorcycles provided plenty of excitement as we drove to Jon’s home in
Calcaia do Alto.
Saturday, 01-23-2010
On Saturday, we were able to go to a couple’s meeting at missionary Sean Lunday’s home. Seeing a dozen Brasilian couples gather together to
fellowship and study the Bible blessed our hearts! The food was very good, too!
Sunday, 01-24-2010
On Sunday morning, we worshipped the Lord at Igreja Batista Nova Vida (New Life Baptist Church). In Sunday School, we were able to spend part
of our time speaking to the teens, and then I was given the opportunity to teach the Adult S/S class. It was a blessing to worship the Lord
with over 100 Brasilians in attendence!
On Sunday evening, we again had the opportunity to worship aand praise the Lord with over 100 brasilians in attendence at Igreja Batista Nova
Vida (New Life Baptist Church). Seeing firsthand the open hearts of the Brasilian people to the gospel was overwhelming!
Monday, 01-25-2010
BBQ time! Jon’s team at Igreja Batista Nova Vida (New Life Baptist Church) had won an evangelistic challenge, and the reward was a BBQ
Brasilian style for the whole team. Food, folks, and fellowship centered around Jesus Christ… my kind of BBQ!
Tuesday, 01-26-2010
Heading into the center of Sao Paulo, we battled some rain and big city traffic to arrive at the Italian Building, which is the tallest in
Sao Paulo. What an awesome view from the 41st floor! It was amazing to see the tremendous size of Sao Paulo from such a high point of view.
Apartment building after apartment building surrounded by sky scrapers that continue into the extreme distance beyond what the eye can see…
with millions and millions and millions of souls!
Wednesday, 01-27-2010
During the day, we went “window shopping” in Sao Paulo at the mall, a furniture store, and a sporting goods store. All big cities resemble
each other from afar, but there are many differences in style, quality, and price of the products.
Wednesday evening, we were able to worship with Igreja Batista Nova Vida (New Life Baptist Church). It was very well attended with over 75 in
attendence. Afterwards, we spent time talking to some of the people, and they were sad that we were leaving them. With great sincerity they
let us know that they would be praying for our trip and our return to Brasil. The Brasilians have a trendous passion for their people to come
to Christ and be saved. We have been overwhelmed with their compassion for one another and for us.
Thursday, 01-28-2010
Today, Jon and I drove through Caucaia do Alto and the surrounding area to look at homes and buildings. The area is rustic and beautiful, and
it is situated on the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo. In comparison, it is much more tranquil and slower paced then the big city. One
would easily fall in love with the countryside and the people.
Friday, 01-29-2010
We enjoyed our last morning with the Crews family, and they took us to the airport in Sao Paulo for our flight to Recife. We were blessed by
the friendship and hospitality shown to us during our stay.
Upon our arrival at the Recife airport, we were met by missionary Joel Dickens, who greeted us warmly and drove us to his home in Belo
Jardim. Even with our late arrival, the Lord gave us an opportunity to fellowship with the Dickens before getting some much needed rest
before the busy weekend. We have great expectations for what the Lord will do in our hearts as we continue our visit in Brasil!