Hey Jack...... Jesus turned water into wine........

I am traveling back to Belem, which typically means a layover in Miami. This time, my layover was longer than normal - all in reason I am sure. Since the New Year was rolling  in I decided to make my way four blocks down the road to a Sports Bar/ Grill to see who would win the LSU/Clemson game (congrats to all who support Clemson) and watch the ball drop. When I walked in, there was no hostess and typically in a restaurant like this, someone is there to greet and seat you. This time NO one was there, so, I decided to seat myself at the bar. I am not going to lie, it was an awkward feeling sitting there alone. As I watched the game, I noticed myself tuning into a conversation being held by the three people sitting to the left of me. A comment was made by a guy we will call Bob that made me laugh indicating my presence to them. But before we get into too many details, the events that led up to me meeting these people are worth a mention. Bob (in his mid 40's), Jackson (in his mid 20's), and Jane (has to be early 20's) are successful restaurant owners. Bob did not want to make the business trip, but for some unknown reason (God) he decided to come anyway. On my end, I was checking into the hotel I was planning on staying at and due to uncleanliness I decided to try some where else. I ended up at the Runway Inn a couple blocks from where Bob, Jackson, and Jane were staying, which was a couple blocks from the only open food joint in the area on New Years eve. As I drowned out the Clemson game I chuckled to a comment made by Bob. Shortly after, I piped up and got into the convo myself. The conversation went from hunting, to what do you do in life, to "you REALLY live in Brazil?", to 5!,4!,3!,2!,1!, to Jack and Jane asking me to officiate their wedding in Savannah, to Bob asking about Jesus. Here is what was so cool about the whole thing. It was very apparent that God was reaching out to Bob - God wants to use Bob! The Philly Cheese Steak got cold as we discussed fulfilling our purposes in life. About 2 am or so the four of us stood next to the bar holding hands in a circle as Bob asked Jesus into his life. I just want to point one thing out..... no matter where you are, what you are doing, where you have been, where you are heading, no matter what.... you are not too far from Jesus. Bob went into the bathroom in a bar in Miami and came out different..... He knew Jesus was missing and if his purpose was to be fulfilled he had to get to know Him...... For Bob's lot in life, he was a humble man, he has 65 employees who work for him....... Now, we get to see God do some awesome things through Bob! 

Huge Update

First off, I would like to apologize for being a huge slacker when it comes to updating the blog. I know that for many people the only way to know what is going on here is through this blog. Honestly, I get so tied up in all that is going on here I forget the importance of keeping everyone up-to-date back home. I just wanted to post a few photos of what is going on now, clear the air on a couple of things and alleviate any misunderstandings that have arisen due to my lack of communication. These next couple of posts should clarify everything for everyone, but of course if you have any questions or concerns please let us know, and we will address them promptly.

Secondly, I would like to thank everyone for all of the love, support, and prayers throughout the past couple of years while Liz and I have set-up for this ministry here in Brazil. Trust me, the past couple of years would not have been remotely possible without your support (financially, physically, and materially), prayers (cause Lord knows they are what keeps me grounded here most days) and love (because without that - all of this is worthless). We pray the next couple of posts will encourage you to continue giving, praying, and standing behind the work God is doing here.

The Mission Base

*****Please refer to the updates made on the "Mission and Ministry" page before reading this post!***** Thanks!


God is pretty awesome, well, to say the least! I have always heard that God will not call you into something without providing everything you need to get the job done. When we were first given the vision to embark on creating a self-sustaining mission organization we were slightly overwhelmed. I mean after all that is a big task to take on! Good thing we serve a big God! Liz and I started praying about it, seeking godly council, counting the cost, and drawing up the blueprints to make it all work. We felt like the English school was first on the list. Certainly not because it is more important or even more effective at leading people to Christ, solely, it would provide a foundation to build all facets of the organization on (physically). God quickly lined up the people needed to make this happen. Basically, financial investors, willing to lay it on the line to see a missions organization focused on increasing worldwide efforts for Christ. Thus, the home base needed in order to plant the first international English speaking church in a city of 4 million people, build a financially, self-sustaining missions organization, and a Christian, English educational facility was granted to us. 

Here are some pictures of the new mission base:

Apartments behind the school for missionaries/teachers to use short-term

Andy - an IMB missionary who has played a key role in helping us get things going here!

Hallway

Kitchen before

Trying to figure out how to network ;) - Got it figured out now :)

Back hallway with bathrooms, closet and 1 classroom

Classroom (where Liz and I currently live)

Classroom

Computer Lab 1

Computer Lab 2

Classroom

Classroom

Missionary/Teacher workroom (the light is fixed now)

Admin Office

Classroom with A/C

Reception Area

Front of Building before remodel

Junior helping me remodel

Front after remodel

NOT our car.... watching it for a mission couple who are Stateside raising money for a new project they are working on with Amazon Reach

Reception Area with new paint job!

Reception Area bathroom

Classroom with new table and chairs

 

 

Kitchen with stuff :)

Because of the fact the school provides the only native, English speaking teachers in the city we have an opportunity to witness to people who influence the entire culture on a large scale. The building will also offer accommodations for a new Bible school plant in the city. The details for the new Bible school are still up in the air. Currently the school is being remodeled, chairs and tables are being manufactured, walls are being painted, things are getting fixed, etc. to be able to cater to a wide range of mission efforts. Sadly, the difficult process of getting the permits and licenses to operate as a legal entity here has been quite daunting. Everyday we chip away one more piece of the process and get closer and closer to being able to impact the world for the cause of Christ! We pray that you will continue to support us while these final preparations are being completed. As we have always said, we are big believers in missionaries becoming self-supported as quickly as possible. None of this is possible without your love, prayers, and support! Once the English school gets its permits to operate the doors will be opened and Liz and I will be supported financially (along with the other 48 missionaries the mission will hire) and we will no longer require financial support. As soon as this occurs, we will be sure to post the good news! Although, we do ask that you never quit praying for us!   

Baptism

Before returning to the States, we had an opportunity to baptize one of the Word of Life MK's (missionary kids). These are the photos from the baptism service which took place on the Amazon River....

Gathering at the banks of the Amazon River.

Her brother led a praise and worship service before the baptism.

Unplugged sound check

Her father prayed for her

Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Matt 3:15

Dirty water

Washed soul

New life...