On Tuesday we slept in a little bit and then after breakfast we went into downtown Manaus to do some shopping. We went to the market and to the local stores to pick up gifts and souvenirs. It was interesting to barter and observe the culture. We went back to the church for lunch. After lunch we had some down time to nap and start packing.
After dinner we went to the impact service. Tara gave her testimony. She did a great job speaking and her testimony fit in perfectly with the message for the night. A pastor/author from Sao Paolo did the message. She spoke about accepting God as a father, and realizing and accepting how much he loves us. Many of the children here don’t have love from their fathers so it can be hard for them to understand this.
After the service we loaded up the bus, and drove out of the city into more of the jungle area of the Amazon. We were blessed to be invited to stay overnight in the home of one of the members of the church. He has a very large property, with a large house and a smaller guest house. The girls were in the guest house and the boys stayed in the big house. We didn’t arrive until midnight so we basically just set up our hammocks and crawled into bed.
This morning (Wednesday) we really got to see where we were. There is a large yard, an outdoor kitchen/grill area, an outdoor pool table, swing set and trampoline. There are plenty of things to keep us entertained! But the coolest part is that their backyard is literally the Amazon Jungle. We got to take a hike down a winding path through the dense jungle. When we got to the bottom of the hill we came to a small river. Jon told us we could swim there, or we could walk up the hill a little ways and float down the river with the current. We hiked up a bit and floated down the natural lazy river. It was quite the adventure, with all the fallen trees in the water that you crashed into randomly, and had to crawl over or swim under, the VERY large spiders, and some snakes in the tree. The second time we went down, bats flew over our head. It was a very fun and cool experience and one we will never forget. We will be hanging out here for awhile longer. After lunch we’ll head back into the city.
We will pack and shower, then we have dinner and a going away party. At 9:00pm we will head to the airport to fly back to the states. Please pray for safety and smooth sailing with our flights.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
In the jungle, the quiet jungle.....
We get to spend the night in the jungle tonight!!
I'm not sure what time we are coming home tomorrow and doubt there will be internet in the jungle. I'm not sure if I'll get a blogpost out tomorrow or not. Currently tomorrow's plans are to come back, clean up and pack.
Please pray for travel mercies, smooth on-time flights, safety, divine appointments, good health, stamina and rest for the entire team as we enter this last leg of our trip. All of us are extremely tired.
Pray especially for Jon as he has less than 24 hours in the states before he takes off for Tanzania.
I'm not sure what time we are coming home tomorrow and doubt there will be internet in the jungle. I'm not sure if I'll get a blogpost out tomorrow or not. Currently tomorrow's plans are to come back, clean up and pack.
Please pray for travel mercies, smooth on-time flights, safety, divine appointments, good health, stamina and rest for the entire team as we enter this last leg of our trip. All of us are extremely tired.
Pray especially for Jon as he has less than 24 hours in the states before he takes off for Tanzania.
Monday, June 21st
This morning was a time to experience Brazil in it's truest form.
Eleven of us set out in a combi that Jon borrowed from a person he knows and headed to the orphanage. Combis are VW microbuses.
The adventure began when we loaded the van. We loaded 4 people on each bench seat in the back. The seat directly behind the front seat faces backwards, which is actually a blessing because you can’t see what is happening and makes for a much more relaxed ride!
In Brazil many streets do not have lines on them so your side of the road is basically wherever you are driving. When there are lines, they are more like suggestions, and rules of the road are optional unless there is a camera. After the 8 people were in, Israel shut the doors on us and then took the outside handle with him, so it didn’t fall out on the road and get lost. The combi was not running well and when we got to the open road it didn’t have enough power to maintain speed up the hills. Jon made a joke about seeing a donkey pass us. When we were out in the country, about half way to the orphanage, the van started smoking and stopped running.
They thought they knew what the problem was and tried a few things but were not successful. As they were working on the van the rest of us busted up laughing when a man on a donkey came trotting up and “passed” us. (We are not so sure Jon was as amused as we were!)
Brazil is quite hilly so luckily we had stopped on a spot that was flat for about ¼ of a mile and we could push one way for a while and then the other way. We were not able to get it started but we did get a good work-out in.
God is good and as we were working at getting the van started a combi from Revid came by. They had their van full but ran up to the rehab center, unloaded the van, and came back for us. We tied the vans together, remember Brazil is quite hilly, and pulled our combi back to the center with their combi. The rope broke a few times and Jon tested his Brazilian driving skills ending up beside the lead van at one point to avoid rear ending it; but we made it to the center safely.
The plan was for us to take their combi to the orphanage while the man who is acting as mechanic fixed ours and then we would swap on the way back. So they removed the one back seat out of our combi, which is not a problem because they are not bolted down and put it in the rehab’s combi. We all loaded the supplies we had for the children and ourselves and thought we were ready to go, but then their van wouldn’t start. We tried rolling it down the hill to get it to turn over but that didn’t work either. So the team was still stranded but at least now it was in a spot where there was safe water to drink and bathrooms. There is also a pool there which was very tempting!
The mechanic came down and took the fuel pump off, opened it up, put some duct tape around some wires that had come loose and put it back together…Jon called him McGyver. Finally we were off in a running van. We made it to the orphanage about 12:30 instead of 10:30. We were able to get a tour, see the children who were in their siesta time, and visit with the couple that run the orphanage. We did not get to stay long but it was nice to be able to deliver the supplies and toys that were brought for them and to see the work that is being done there. In the short time we were there it was very easy to feel the loving environment this couple has created for the children who are with them. Right now they have 21 children but can house up to 35.
When we got back to the rehab center we found out the van was not fixed but the Revid people generously took us back to town.
Back in town, a group of people had the opportunity to take public transportation to go to the market with Dulce. If you think it is scary riding in a car here it is even scarier in a city bus! When they got downtown they were able to experience Dulce’s love for shopping and her negotiating skills. They were amazed watching her at work.
We all arrived back at church at about 2:30 for a late lunch. Another small group of people stayed at the church and helped plan activities and lessons for the children’s ministry and helped decorate the church.
After that most of the guys went across town to a different academy to meet the men/boys there and wrestle. The girls and remaining men worked at finishing the decorating and putting goody bags together for the children’s service which started at 5:30. There was no siesta today! The girls were very glad Glenn and Michael were there to help blow up all the balloons.
The few hours of prep time went very quickly and at 5:30 we had a church full of elementary age children.
Jamie and Natasha taught about the parable of the lost coin and had some children look for a “lost” coin. Tara talked to the kids about being careful about what goes into their ears and eyes because those things affect what is in our heart. She emphasized having Jesus in your heart and asked if there were any of the children who would like to invite Jesus into their heart. The service ended with the children receiving the goody bags.
At this point the team worked furiously to get the sanctuary swept up and chairs put back in order for the “God of the Impossible” service which began in about 45 minutes. After things were in general order, we went downstairs for a quick supper before heading back up stairs for the service. This service included a lot of praise and worship time which went on until 12:30 at which point a very tired team crawled into bed for the night.
Eleven of us set out in a combi that Jon borrowed from a person he knows and headed to the orphanage. Combis are VW microbuses.
The adventure began when we loaded the van. We loaded 4 people on each bench seat in the back. The seat directly behind the front seat faces backwards, which is actually a blessing because you can’t see what is happening and makes for a much more relaxed ride!
In Brazil many streets do not have lines on them so your side of the road is basically wherever you are driving. When there are lines, they are more like suggestions, and rules of the road are optional unless there is a camera. After the 8 people were in, Israel shut the doors on us and then took the outside handle with him, so it didn’t fall out on the road and get lost. The combi was not running well and when we got to the open road it didn’t have enough power to maintain speed up the hills. Jon made a joke about seeing a donkey pass us. When we were out in the country, about half way to the orphanage, the van started smoking and stopped running.
We all got out and Jon and Josh looked at the engine.
Jon decided to see if we could push start it.
Brazil is quite hilly so luckily we had stopped on a spot that was flat for about ¼ of a mile and we could push one way for a while and then the other way. We were not able to get it started but we did get a good work-out in.
God is good and as we were working at getting the van started a combi from Revid came by. They had their van full but ran up to the rehab center, unloaded the van, and came back for us. We tied the vans together, remember Brazil is quite hilly, and pulled our combi back to the center with their combi. The rope broke a few times and Jon tested his Brazilian driving skills ending up beside the lead van at one point to avoid rear ending it; but we made it to the center safely.
The plan was for us to take their combi to the orphanage while the man who is acting as mechanic fixed ours and then we would swap on the way back. So they removed the one back seat out of our combi, which is not a problem because they are not bolted down and put it in the rehab’s combi. We all loaded the supplies we had for the children and ourselves and thought we were ready to go, but then their van wouldn’t start. We tried rolling it down the hill to get it to turn over but that didn’t work either. So the team was still stranded but at least now it was in a spot where there was safe water to drink and bathrooms. There is also a pool there which was very tempting!
The mechanic came down and took the fuel pump off, opened it up, put some duct tape around some wires that had come loose and put it back together…Jon called him McGyver. Finally we were off in a running van. We made it to the orphanage about 12:30 instead of 10:30. We were able to get a tour, see the children who were in their siesta time, and visit with the couple that run the orphanage. We did not get to stay long but it was nice to be able to deliver the supplies and toys that were brought for them and to see the work that is being done there. In the short time we were there it was very easy to feel the loving environment this couple has created for the children who are with them. Right now they have 21 children but can house up to 35.
When we got back to the rehab center we found out the van was not fixed but the Revid people generously took us back to town.
Back in town, a group of people had the opportunity to take public transportation to go to the market with Dulce. If you think it is scary riding in a car here it is even scarier in a city bus! When they got downtown they were able to experience Dulce’s love for shopping and her negotiating skills. They were amazed watching her at work.
We all arrived back at church at about 2:30 for a late lunch. Another small group of people stayed at the church and helped plan activities and lessons for the children’s ministry and helped decorate the church.
After that most of the guys went across town to a different academy to meet the men/boys there and wrestle. The girls and remaining men worked at finishing the decorating and putting goody bags together for the children’s service which started at 5:30. There was no siesta today! The girls were very glad Glenn and Michael were there to help blow up all the balloons.
The few hours of prep time went very quickly and at 5:30 we had a church full of elementary age children.
There was worship time, game time, and lesson time.
Jamie and Natasha taught about the parable of the lost coin and had some children look for a “lost” coin. Tara talked to the kids about being careful about what goes into their ears and eyes because those things affect what is in our heart. She emphasized having Jesus in your heart and asked if there were any of the children who would like to invite Jesus into their heart. The service ended with the children receiving the goody bags.
At this point the team worked furiously to get the sanctuary swept up and chairs put back in order for the “God of the Impossible” service which began in about 45 minutes. After things were in general order, we went downstairs for a quick supper before heading back up stairs for the service. This service included a lot of praise and worship time which went on until 12:30 at which point a very tired team crawled into bed for the night.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, June 20th
Today started with breakfast eaten in shifts rather than our normal group breakfast. This was because the drama team and support group were headed to the juvenile detention center while the rest of the team went to the Chinese Presbyterian church. Pastor Todd delivered the sermon, which was translated into both Portuguese and Chinese. The entire team met up together at the Chinese church for lunch. Think of an old fashion church potluck with all authentic Chinese food.
It was a great opportunity to try some new foods. They were celebrating a Chinese holiday so we had a special dish which consisted of sticky rice with meat wrapped in a bamboo leaf. It is a special treat that they only have once a year. We felt so blessed for them to share that with us. After lunch most of us went to a nearby street market to do some shopping. Most of the vendors were closing their booths because Brazil played at 2:00. Once again we witnessed that EVERYTHING shuts down and stops when Brazil plays soccer.
The people across the street from the church decorated the streets. They tied ribbons on strings and hung them up. It was a bit disturbing to see them standing on scaffolding in the middle of such a busy street. Remember if you get hit by a car here, it is not the driver’s fault. It was even more disturbing to see them grabbing the electric lines to tie their string to. They definitely live without fear here!
During the soccer match we had some rest time. It is quite difficult to sleep with all of the horns, yelling, and fireworks…lots of fireworks! Some people watched the match and others went down the street to the neighbor’s house for a swim.
We were provided a delicious snack around 4:30 which consisted of orange glazed rolls and fruit. At 5:00 we had the 1st evening service. During this service we celebrated with all of the people who had given their lives to Christ lately. Each small group took turns marching across the stage with all of the people who had recently received salvation. Wow! The groups were huge! People here really understand the concept of discipleship, and they take it to heart. This is definitely an area that we can learn from and grow in back in the United States. The celebration rivaled the noise of the soccer match in the sanctuary with cheering, horns, and music. They really know how to celebrate in Brazil! When the celebration ended, Anna gave her testimony. We were all praying for strength for her because on Saturday when she was trying to read it to some team members she only got to line 2 or 3 before she broke down and sobbed. God gave her the strength to get through the entire testimony without cracking. She had a great spirit of joy about her and a smile on her face. Todd gave the message at the 1st service and talked about giving up our problems to God and letting him have control.
During the 1st service Tara and Jamie led a children’s service. Things did not work out exactly as they had planned but all came together in a way that impacted the children. Isn’t it funny how we have plans, but God has better plans?
After the 1st service the team met downstairs for a team meeting. A few people went to bed at this point; we are all getting quite tired with all of the late nights and early mornings. The rest of the team returned to listen to the pastor give the message for the second service. He talked about financial and spiritual prosperity. He told us that spiritual prosperity is more valuable than financial prosperity. In order to receive spiritual prosperity we need to live close to God by reading his word and praying. After the message he asked the team and all of the church pastors to come up front and we prayed for people. We were able to witness some powerful and miraculous sites, like we’d never seen before. We serve a powerful and awesome God.
The majority of the team left the service at 11 even though it was not finished. We went downstairs and ate the meal that the ladies of the church so graciously kept warm for us. They are absolutely amazing! They were still here after 11 last night waiting to serve us and back at 7 starting breakfast. It is extremely humbling to be served so sacrificially.
(Anna goes through the buffet at the Chinese church)
It was a great opportunity to try some new foods. They were celebrating a Chinese holiday so we had a special dish which consisted of sticky rice with meat wrapped in a bamboo leaf. It is a special treat that they only have once a year. We felt so blessed for them to share that with us. After lunch most of us went to a nearby street market to do some shopping. Most of the vendors were closing their booths because Brazil played at 2:00. Once again we witnessed that EVERYTHING shuts down and stops when Brazil plays soccer.
The people across the street from the church decorated the streets. They tied ribbons on strings and hung them up. It was a bit disturbing to see them standing on scaffolding in the middle of such a busy street. Remember if you get hit by a car here, it is not the driver’s fault. It was even more disturbing to see them grabbing the electric lines to tie their string to. They definitely live without fear here!
During the soccer match we had some rest time. It is quite difficult to sleep with all of the horns, yelling, and fireworks…lots of fireworks! Some people watched the match and others went down the street to the neighbor’s house for a swim.
We were provided a delicious snack around 4:30 which consisted of orange glazed rolls and fruit. At 5:00 we had the 1st evening service. During this service we celebrated with all of the people who had given their lives to Christ lately. Each small group took turns marching across the stage with all of the people who had recently received salvation. Wow! The groups were huge! People here really understand the concept of discipleship, and they take it to heart. This is definitely an area that we can learn from and grow in back in the United States. The celebration rivaled the noise of the soccer match in the sanctuary with cheering, horns, and music. They really know how to celebrate in Brazil! When the celebration ended, Anna gave her testimony. We were all praying for strength for her because on Saturday when she was trying to read it to some team members she only got to line 2 or 3 before she broke down and sobbed. God gave her the strength to get through the entire testimony without cracking. She had a great spirit of joy about her and a smile on her face. Todd gave the message at the 1st service and talked about giving up our problems to God and letting him have control.
During the 1st service Tara and Jamie led a children’s service. Things did not work out exactly as they had planned but all came together in a way that impacted the children. Isn’t it funny how we have plans, but God has better plans?
(Jamie at the kids church)
(Some of the children at the kids service)
(Tara speaking to the kids and Nick translating)
The majority of the team left the service at 11 even though it was not finished. We went downstairs and ate the meal that the ladies of the church so graciously kept warm for us. They are absolutely amazing! They were still here after 11 last night waiting to serve us and back at 7 starting breakfast. It is extremely humbling to be served so sacrificially.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19th
After a late night celebrating Dulce’s sister’s birthday, we were up early this morning for breakfast and the youth conference.
They did a washing of feet to represent a covenant between the people and God to stay pure and holy.
The guys who were going to wrestle, grabbed a quick bite to eat then took off for their tournament. Upon arriving, the guys were honored by the Jiu Jitsu Federation in front of a crowd. Ricardo was in charge and came running to get them when they entered. Each of them had an amazing experience and since they were in small weight/age brackets they all received medals.
The rest of us stayed behind for rest and fellowship. When the wrestlers returned, we had a team meeting with prayer for us as a team and for the youth of Manaus. We prayed for them to stay strong in their faith and to be bold enough to witness to their neighbors, friends, schoolmates, and families. We then had supper and headed to the final session of the Conference. The Pastor spoke briefly about honoring God and the blessings that God gives us when we honor him. The pastor’s wife then spoke about how to develop lasting relationships with God in the center.
There was an anointing ceremony to give our hearts to God and have him bless our marriages or future marriages.
The conference ended with worship and dancing before God.
After the conference the team met for fellowship and to say goodbye to Dulce’s sisters who have been here all week blessing us in so many ways. They have been doing everything from laundry to cooking. Their servant’s hearts have humbled us all. They have been amazing.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Friday, June 18th
Friday was a nice day. After breakfast the men went to the Academy to wrestle. There is a regional jiu-jitzu tournament on Saturday the guys are wrestling in. They are the first non-Brazilians to do so. They were in Manaus paper but we haven’t been able to get a copy of it yet.
The rest of us gathered up all of the school supplies and toys.
(sorting school supplies and toys) We then divided up the stuff to share with the church for their children’s ministry, the open clinic on Wednesdays, the orphanage and for the men at Revid (the rehab center).
We had most of the afternoon free to relax and reflect, rest and talk.
After dinner we had the first session of the youth conference at the church.
(Praying over the kids)
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17th
Thursday we had the opportunity to take a boat trip down the Amazon River. The whole trip was very relaxing and very fun! We set up our hammocks and chairs, stretched out on the boat to chat and take in the scenery. Some of the ladies even had the opportunity to get manicures and pedicures.
First we went to the point where the Rio Negra and the Rio Solomon, which are both large tributaries to the Amazon, merge. Because of the large volume of water coming from both rivers there is a distinct line where the two rivers are different colors and are coming together.
When we got back to the big boat we cruised back towards the city, on the way we stopped so we could all have the opportunity to swim in the Amazon if we wanted to. Pastors Josh, Todd, and Jon baptized Eric and one of interpreters, Nick. When it came time to submerge, all 5 of them jumped off the very top of the second story of our boat into the river. Most of us soon followed them into the river.
When we got back we had a little downtime and then dinner....they brought us pizza and burgers!!! We were super excited to have some American food!
After dinner the group piled on the bus and went into downtown Manaus where we went to a new garden where Pastor Francisco used to do open air services on Friday nights. After walking around the garden we went to the Opera house and a very large catholic church across the street just to take in the sites. From there we proceeded to Point Negra, which is basically a large boardwalk along the river. They have soccer fields, volleyball courts, a skate park, a small amusement park, and many different vendors. We were able to walk around and get some ice cream. Part of the group went to the amusement park where they had one of those giant slides with all the bumps. We had some really good laughs as we watched each other slide down. After that we headed back to the church for bed . Another full day!
First we went to the point where the Rio Negra and the Rio Solomon, which are both large tributaries to the Amazon, merge. Because of the large volume of water coming from both rivers there is a distinct line where the two rivers are different colors and are coming together.
(The meeting of the waters)
From there we cruised to a floating restaurant where we had a large buffet lunch of many different Brazilian foods. After the meal, there was a major downpour (man can it rain here!!). Because of the rain we had a brief opportunity to do a little shopping, and then we went on a short nature walk through the jungle. We saw lots of cool plants and a few birds. From there we loaded onto three small boats and went on a boat tour through a part of the jungle. 
(Our fearless leader, Jon, shows us the way :) )
We saw many cool birds and plants...luckily no snakes!! 
(Lily pads in the Amazon rain forest grow very large!)
When we got back to the big boat we cruised back towards the city, on the way we stopped so we could all have the opportunity to swim in the Amazon if we wanted to. Pastors Josh, Todd, and Jon baptized Eric and one of interpreters, Nick. When it came time to submerge, all 5 of them jumped off the very top of the second story of our boat into the river. Most of us soon followed them into the river.
When we got back we had a little downtime and then dinner....they brought us pizza and burgers!!! We were super excited to have some American food!
After dinner the group piled on the bus and went into downtown Manaus where we went to a new garden where Pastor Francisco used to do open air services on Friday nights. After walking around the garden we went to the Opera house and a very large catholic church across the street just to take in the sites. From there we proceeded to Point Negra, which is basically a large boardwalk along the river. They have soccer fields, volleyball courts, a skate park, a small amusement park, and many different vendors. We were able to walk around and get some ice cream. Part of the group went to the amusement park where they had one of those giant slides with all the bumps. We had some really good laughs as we watched each other slide down. After that we headed back to the church for bed . Another full day!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday, June 16th
Today was a busy day. After breakfast we split up into groups, each with a pastor and an interpreter, and hit the streets to invite people to come to the free health clinic that was being offered at the church this afternoon.
After about an hour and a half we met back at the church. Most of the guys went to the academy to wrestle while the women stayed back at the church to rest.
By the time lunch ended, the lines were already forming at the church doors for the clinic and the local Pastors were getting people registered. The team busied ourselves getting chairs set up for make-shift waiting rooms, and Sunday School rooms set up with the materials needed for the activity happening in each room. The clinic offered medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, lawyer, and salon services. Dr. Eric worked as the pediatrician, Natasha used her nursing degree, Anna was the dental hygienist, and Tara put her new certificate as a dental assistant to work. At 2:30 we started seeing people.
As people finished, Misty put her magical fingers to work giving people massages.
It is amazing how God has put this team together with a variety of talents that compliment each other to accomplish his will.
This evening was an evening of free time and rest.
(walking the street in the morning inviting people to the free clinic at the church)
By the time lunch ended, the lines were already forming at the church doors for the clinic and the local Pastors were getting people registered. The team busied ourselves getting chairs set up for make-shift waiting rooms, and Sunday School rooms set up with the materials needed for the activity happening in each room. The clinic offered medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, lawyer, and salon services. Dr. Eric worked as the pediatrician, Natasha used her nursing degree, Anna was the dental hygienist, and Tara put her new certificate as a dental assistant to work. At 2:30 we started seeing people.
(Dr. Eric checking out a patient at the clinic...Jon & Dulce are interpreting.)
(Anna & Tara are cleaning teeth)
Eric and Anna were amazing, working straight through until between 6:30 and 7 both seeing around 30 patients in that time. The rest of the team assisted in other ways. Jon and Dulce worked as interpreters, pastors Josh and Eric prayed over people, 
(Sam working/playing at the child care area during the clinic)
several of us got notebooks and crayons and played with the children that were waiting to be seen by Eric, and the rest of us helped in a variety of other ways.As people finished, Misty put her magical fingers to work giving people massages.
This evening was an evening of free time and rest.
Tuesday, June 15th
Tuesday was a day of rest. After we finished eating and our debriefing meeting the sun was too hot for our street evangelizing so we decided to hold off and do the evangelism on Wed. morning. During our down time, we took advantage of the time to fellowship and rest. We have been pulling some late nights and early mornings, and many of the team are feeling physically strained in different ways. Please continue to pray for health and physical strength for our team.
We are continually amazed at the generosity of the women who have been preparing our meals for us. It seems as though they are always at work in the kitchen making our next meal or doing the dishes from the one we just completed. They have been feeding us well.
After lunch we were able to experience a Brazilian soccer game.
Many of the Brazilian streets have canopies of streamers to celebrate with their nation’s soccer team.For those of you who are unaware, Brazil played North Korea in the World Cup Game. When Brazil plays soccer, the entire country pretty much shuts down. Schools let out, businesses close, and everyone finds themselves in front of a television set. We were able to watch the game and cheer on their team.
After the game we took part in the Impact Service at the church.
Misty shared her testimony 
and the drama team performed. It was neat how all of the different parts seemed to work together even though it was not planned that way. After the drama Pastor Francisco shared with the congregation that a couple in the church had unexpectedly lost their 4 year old son. The mother got up on stage and talked to the congregation about how her faith would not be shaken by this tragedy. Everyone was deeply moved and we prayed for the couple. After this we were unsure how the service would move forward but God intervened. We spent some time in worship, and then Pastor Jon got up to deliver a word. As he stood up to go the pulpit, he leaned over and told Pastors Todd and Josh, “I got nothing.’” They prayed, and God spoke.
Jon delivered an incredible message from the Lord on evangelism and leaving a life of comfort to do the work of God.
When Jon sat down, he told the guys that the didn’t even know what he said, which is exactly what they prayed for him, that his message would be so full of God’s spirit that when he was finished, Jon wouldn’t even be aware of what he spoke about.
We once again fed our bellies after the service and shared our experiences from the service and throughout the day. We spent some time in prayer, and headed to bed.
We are continually amazed at the generosity of the women who have been preparing our meals for us. It seems as though they are always at work in the kitchen making our next meal or doing the dishes from the one we just completed. They have been feeding us well.
After lunch we were able to experience a Brazilian soccer game.
Many of the Brazilian streets have canopies of streamers to celebrate with their nation’s soccer team.After the game we took part in the Impact Service at the church.
Misty shared her testimony 
and the drama team performed. 
Jon delivered an incredible message from the Lord on evangelism and leaving a life of comfort to do the work of God. When Jon sat down, he told the guys that the didn’t even know what he said, which is exactly what they prayed for him, that his message would be so full of God’s spirit that when he was finished, Jon wouldn’t even be aware of what he spoke about.
We once again fed our bellies after the service and shared our experiences from the service and throughout the day. We spent some time in prayer, and headed to bed.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14th
Yesterday was the second day of our trip. We had a yummy breakfast with Pastor Francisco, the pastor of the church we are staying in, and some of the other leaders and pastors in the church. After breakfast pastor spoke to us about the story of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof to get to Jesus. He explained how that man could not have gotten to Jesus if it had not been for the team of men that brought him, and how each one of those men had a special gift, perseverance, love, goodness, and faith. If all four don't work together then that man would never have made it to Jesus. After that the pastor blessed the team with oil, and presented us with gifts. We were given team t-shirts that read "Team Solidarity, You can count on me" that we will be wearing as we go out and evangelize in the streets today.
After that we had a break and had some rest time as well as lunch. After lunch we went out to REVID, which is a rehab center out on the edge of the jungle.
On our way back from REVID we stopped at Ricardo's Academy, and watched some of his youngest students practice Jiu-Jitsu. They were so cute!! Then Ricardo presented Eric, Russ, and Israel with their blue belts. As part of that they each were body slammed into the mat several times, and they had to wrestle with Ricardo, and one of the students. Then several of our guys wrestled some of the students for fun. It is amazing to see God work through that place and impact those children in such positive ways!
When we got back we had very quick dinner and shower before we went to church. The service was titled "God of the Impossible." Pastor Francisco shared the story about Abraham's test to sacrifice his son Isaac. He talked about being faithful and generous in giving your best to God, because He is good all the time. Pastor Francisco annointed the hands of the pastors in the church, and we laid hands on people and prayed for them.
Once again, the presence of God was mighty and moving. Incredible things happened, and many lives were transformed.
After that we had a break and had some rest time as well as lunch. After lunch we went out to REVID, which is a rehab center out on the edge of the jungle.
Praying for the people of Brazil during the "God of the Impossible" serviceWhen we got there we met several of the men, and got to hear their stories. Some of the men were getting ready to graduate, and move on to seminary, or go back to their families. There were some that had just gotten there within the last few days. After that we got a tour of the facility. They showed us the dormatories that our group's donation last year helped to build, the new kitchen they are building, and the garden where they grow their own food. These men work, and exercise during the day, and listen to God's word the whole time. After our tour we had time to play volleyball, soccer, and swim in the pool with the men.
The team at REVID
On our way back from REVID we stopped at Ricardo's Academy, and watched some of his youngest students practice Jiu-Jitsu. They were so cute!! Then Ricardo presented Eric, Russ, and Israel with their blue belts. As part of that they each were body slammed into the mat several times, and they had to wrestle with Ricardo, and one of the students. Then several of our guys wrestled some of the students for fun. It is amazing to see God work through that place and impact those children in such positive ways!
When we got back we had very quick dinner and shower before we went to church. The service was titled "God of the Impossible." Pastor Francisco shared the story about Abraham's test to sacrifice his son Isaac. He talked about being faithful and generous in giving your best to God, because He is good all the time. Pastor Francisco annointed the hands of the pastors in the church, and we laid hands on people and prayed for them.
The Men at Revid
Once again, the presence of God was mighty and moving. Incredible things happened, and many lives were transformed.
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