Day Two

Oi from Brazil!!

Since our last blog, we had the chance to experience an INTENSE night of worship!!!
Sunday night we took part in two services at the Alliance Missionary Church. We rocked the house when we performed "God of the City" and "I am Free." We were all very moved by their passion during praise & worship. They don´t hold anything back - they dance freely and praise openly. Even though we were unable to understand their language, we knew what they were speaking & singing by their actions. Remember - 70% of communication is shared through body language.

In his sermon, Pastor Francisco reminded us that even though our lives may sometimes seem like a desert, with God, even a desert can be paradise.
We were all moved when Pastor Francisco asked the congregation "Who needs God in their life tonight?"
He encouraged everyone to keep their eyes open and to not be ashamed in celebrating those who are stepping across the line of faith tonight. Over 20 people came forward-it was an AMAZING event to witness!!!!!

Today (Monday), we were again blessed with a beautiful, but hot & humid day! Jon encouraged us to relax and enjoy the moment, just like a soldier prepares to go to battle. We have an emotionally and physically exhausting week ahead of us. It is important that we take care of ourselves in order to participate in what God has called us to do here.

We enjoyed a few hours of relaxing time pool-side at Pastor Francisco's home where he shared with us his powerful testimony of how God has called upon him to build the Alliance Missionary Church. He is such an obedient servant to God. We were all very blessed to share this time with him.

This afternoon we were divided into four teams to do home visits led by Jon, Dulce, Pastor Andre, and Sam (a 16-year-old member of the church who volunteered to translate for us). We all experienced very powerful, yet different, situations during these visits. They ranged from encouraging current church members to praying over a very sick 5-month-old baby to casting out demons. It´s amazing how we can live worlds apart, yet share in the same life issues.

Please pray for Jon as he has been led to visit the family of a former small group member who, just months ago, was gunned down & killed in front of his home, as his family witnessed this horrific act. Pray that God gives Jon the words he needs to comfort and encourage the family to remember that God is faithful in every situation.

We are excited that our Wisconsin team will be arriving into Brazil tonight around midnight. Jon has invited us to join him in welcoming them but says that "this trip tonight is not for the faint of heart or the overly weary," so a few have decided to stay at the church and get a good night´s rest.

Even though it has only been two days, our team is beginning to feel like family. God has truly knit us together. We are building friendships that will last a lifetime!!

Until next time......God bless you all and thank you for your continued prayers!!!