Preaching Frenzy :)

Sorry it has taken so long to get back to the blog.... I am pretty sure when I started this thing, I didn't think I would actually stick with it this long. Most of the missionaries told me I would give it up after a couple of weeks - just like they did. Now, I look forward to sharing all the things God is doing with us here in the South. Friday started the weekend off with a bang. I had an opportunity to travel 80 km to a place called Castanhal. The municipal was started when a bunch of rich people decided they wanted to have their own place to live. So they packed their things and began construction. Today, Castanhal is a nice little place to go. One of the towns local churches opened their doors for us to do an evangelistic/ church training event. There was an amazing skit done by the JOCUM team that included some pretty dangerous, but muito ligal (very cool) stunts. Afterward, I preached a sermon that the Lord placed on my heart very quickly. In an earlier post I mentioned that plans in Brazil are hard to make- and even harder to keep. This trip was no different. About an hour before I was to be on stage, I found out that I was not doing what I thought I would be doing. Originally, I had planned on teaching the evangelism model to a small group from the church. Turned out, I was preaching a sermon to the church. The Lord spoke to me and I wrote as fast as I could. The sermon turned out pretty cool and extremely applicable even to my own life. I shared the excuses Moses made when God appeared to Him to deliver His people from the clutches of Pharaoh, and how when God calls us we also make excuses.

I didn't get much sleep that night. Around 1 am I heard a somewhat loud clanging noise that woke me up. I realized it was the gate to the church. I sat up and listened. I didn't hear anything, but the large fan we had on high in the room probably helped with that. Moments later, I saw a shadow slip underneath the door. Someone walked by. Moments later they returned. I figured it was just a person from the church or something, but I couldn't convince myself of that enough to go back to sleep. After all the stories you hear about missionaries getting kidnapped and held for ransom, and robbed, and who knows what else I just decided to stay awake. I have definitely developed a new respect for Psalms 91:11, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways".

Liz and I took a little break on Saturday. We slept in and just hung out together. We neglect that too much I think in our lives.

Sunday, that was a different story! I am preaching the English Service full-time now at AVA. It is really a very unique opportunity to reach some pretty influential people here in Belem for the Gospel of Christ. I will have to share some stories in the posts to come.... Anyway, the English Service went well, but Liz and I had to jet out quick afterward to make it to another church on time. We traveled with an IMB family to the church they are attending while serving here in Belem. The pastor and his family are incredible people and we had been looking forward to the opportunity to share with the believers there for a few weeks now.  We were finally able to make it and the service was great. The event reminded me of how small the world really is though. The church was actually started and built by Spartanburg First Baptist! How cool is it that the 1st Baptist Church from my parents town in SC started a church that I spoke at in Belem, Brazil!? Anyway, God continues to work through us as your prayers, support, and sacrifices allow us to move forward in His Will for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in Brazil. God Bless!

All I can do is stand here in awe....

I am not going to lie... this has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I mean Liz and I had it ALL - nice cars, a motorcycle, nice place to live, the most perfect youth group and church on earth, friends that we could visit with anytime, each other, everything. Shoot we even had non-moldy sheet rock. I imagine it doesn't matter how close you are to God - sharpening hurts. I have felt things down here I have never had to feel before and everyday, as hard as it is, I learn more and more how to praise HIM through it. I have seen things that should never happen on the mission field and caught myself joining in sometimes because it soothes the sharpening pains. I have learned missionaries are humans and do human things.

At the start of this whole venture, Liz and I were led in a direction that seemed very feasible. Three tiers: Tier One - Work with NICS to learn the culture, language, and all the "unknowns" that would be picked up along the way. While having the opportunity to get our "feet wet" when opportunities arose. Tier Two- Move to the Riberinos, minister to them, share with them the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, tend to their medical needs, teach them how to evangelize, disciple them to "Go Thee Therefore". Tier Three: touch down in the final calling, well prepared to lay the foundation necessary to share the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ. The biggest question that arose from that calling was, and I believe with most people still is, how are you going to do that? The Bible answers this question for us very clearly, the answer is radical and from a human perspective seems crazy, unorganized, and fleshly stupid. The answer is GO. GO! And when things come up that are absolutely impossible to overcome - keep GOING! And when you think that you made the wrong decision because everything around you seems wrong - keep GOING! And when you feel your body shutting down and your mind giving up and your so agitated your on-line at 3 am in the library looking for plane tickets home - keep GOING! No matter what, KEEP GOING!

Liz and I arrived here January 5th, 2011 at 3 o'clock in the morning. We brought with us 4 suitcases and 4 footlockers with things we figured we would need to survive in this new place. We had our jobs lined up, our housing lined up, and our direction squared away. The biggest thing we missed out on was the time to go on a huge "fundraising tour" that all of the other missionaries go on every year. Faith told us to not worry about the money though, because the God we serve owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Plus, should money cause us to not do what the Lord has so obviously called us to do? I guess the answer you give to that question depends on the level of faith you operate on. None the less, Liz and I have survived so far on what little we were able to raise before we left. It is more difficult for us than some of the other missionaries, but that is ok - we are not here to get rich, or retire...

Week one opened my eyes to things that should never happen on the mission field; at least not on the side of the field God's people operate on. Liz and I became aware of some things that were slightly less than good, and without going into much detail over the world wide web, have been used for His glory to show us His plan for our lives. With that, things have changed a little, but flexibility on the mission field hangs sharp on the "missionaries weapons wall".

Liz and I have been through a lot down here. We found out that the Campus Chaplain position was already filled at AVA, and that some of the information we were given concerning the position did not go "as planned". I did not feel like "overthrowing" another missionary's position was my place. I struggled with that for a little while, actually. I mean, I was so excited about getting here and working with the youth of AVA and preaching the English service and doing whatever it takes to fulfill my calling here while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I realized after going behind the "woodshed" with God that although the context of the mission has changed the purpose HASN'T. It took me back to the "drawing wall" and in God's handwriting the new catalyst was revealed. Liz and I sacrificed to come to Brazil to minister, to God's people, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

You know, as hard as we try, we will never fully understand why God does things the way He does sometimes. I cannot tell you why we were put in this position here, but what I can tell you is that we have grown in it. A pastor once told me that God calls us in a broad direction in the beginning and over the course of time narrows it down to the specific purpose for His Glory. In the beginning we accept, then we prepare, then we work, then we praise, then we meet Him face to face.

We have been down here long enough now to understand and grasp what God wants us here for. We have traveled out to the Riberinos and saw the Lord work, people were saved, we were better equipped to understand, and none of those things would have happened until we got there. After all, the Red Sea didn't part till Moses got there with the Israelites. So what are we doing in Belem, Brazil? We are preparing - we have to - you cannot work effectively in ministry if you can't talk to the person you are sitting next to on the bus. You cannot teach pastors in remote areas Discipleship and Evangelism if you cannot speak to them and your translator can't make it. You cannot visit a person's home and encourage them if you do not understand their culture. And you definitely, definitely, definitely cannot be American in Brazil. Paul told us this in First Corinthians 9: 

¹⁹ Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. ²⁰ To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. ²¹To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. ²³ I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." 

It is sort of neat actually, God has given us the opportunity to learn all the things that we have to learn in order to be prepared to effectively minister to those He has called Liz and I to. In the process, we get to minister and be ministered to everyone God puts in our path. Weekend mission trips to the Riberinos and others allows us to work with our Portuguese and learn the culture more effectively and quickly than Rosetta Stone could teach us. All of my sermons are translated, so I get to hear what I say and compare it to what the translator says. Is it crazy frustrating for an American who wants it now? Yes. It is. But great things take time when you are a human... I mean God created the world in seven days... it took Noah a 120 years to build a boat... The ingredients to successful ministry here is Patience, Portuguese, Brazilian Culture, Flexibility, and Annointing - I am working on most of those things now. 

Currently, Liz is teaching at AVA filling in for another teacher as she is Stateside being treated for cancer. I am still preaching the English service on Sundays at AVA - but during the week and on Saturdays I will be working with our new ministry, Amazon Reach, learning Portuguese, and learning the culture of Northern Brazil. This summer Liz and I will begin our training course which takes 5 months. The course is designed to better equip us to work in overseas ministry, specifically in Brazil. After the course is completed, we will return to start tier 2 of the ministry. By this time, we should know the language and culture well enough to begin ministering effectively. We need you to help us in prayer and support. Together, we will be able to effectively minister to a people group that have been casted aside by the world, for the growth of the Kingdom of God!

Ministry Update

We just received our monthly statement of support. We would like to thank those of you who have remembered to send in their investment towards Liz and I's ministry in Belem, Brazil. This investment has not returned void. We understand these investments are with great sacrifice, but are extremely necessary to continue the work God is doing here in Brazil. If you want to become a part of this ministry here, you can do it two ways:


By mailing a check to:
3790 Goodman Rd E Southaven, MS 38672
Important Note:
Do not put our name on the check. Instead, put our project number,003448, in the "for" section

Or invest online at:
https://nics.org/Donate.aspx
 Under "destination" click missionary support and put our project number in the space provided.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration in becoming a part of HIS ministry here in Belem, Brazil.

If you feel led....

Liz and I have compiled a list of some things that would help us run more efficiently here in the ministry. If you feel the Lord leading you to help us acquire some of these items please send us an email at amazonimpact@gmail.com. Information on how to give will be posted at the end of this blog page. Remember that things in Brazil are much more expensive and a lot harder to get a hold of than in the States. We have shopped around and found that these items would best serve us for the money. The cost of these items are listed in Reais and Dollars.

Needs:
Microwave R$ 349 = US$ 210.00
Washing Machine R$ 899 = US$ 539
Money for Food R$ 1 = US$ .59

Cooking here is very difficult, well more different than difficult, but Liz is getting really good at it!
Washing clothes is just basically annoying right now : ) There are no laundry mats in Brazil. Currently, Liz and I have to go door to door and beg people to use their washing machine (the other missionaries doors). There are also no dryers here, so, we have to hang our clothes up in their back yards. I just finished our hanging section behind our apartment where we will be able to dry our clothes from now on, but a washing machine would help out tremendously! We know these items are a lot more expensive than they would be back home, but would be a huge blessing to our ministry. Thank you for all of the love, support and prayers we have received so far - they have certainly added to the Kingdom Growth!

You can give two ways: online or by check through the Network of International Christian Schools

To give by check:
Send to 3790 Goodman Rd E Southaven, MS 38672 U.S.A
Please put our project number (003448) in the "for" section of the check.

To give online please visit https://nics.org/Donate.aspx and follow the on screen instructions!

Thank you so much for your support in prayer, giving, and sacrificing - God is truly blessing the ministry here in Brazil!

Murinin - Outreach to the River People

This past weekend was an awesome opportunity for Liz and I to participate in the Evangelism of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Saturday morning started out with a typical "Brazilian Trip", the plans were to leave at 9:30am - By 10:00am we received a phone call letting us know that the driver had just left to come get us, 40 Kilometers away. As most of you, who know me, understand, I am not the most patient person in the world, that is changing by the moment in this culture.... When we finally arrived in the town, we were met with another opportunity to grow in patience - no one knew where we were supposed to go, what we were supposed to do, nothing - so we waited some more. I think the pastor of the local church just drove up and down the streets till he noticed a group of people that stood out in this small town. He eventually found us and our weekend of evangelism and training began.

Saturday night we hosted an Evangelistic Outreach Program that attracted many people from the village and included: interpretive movement, praise and worship, dramas, acrobatic stunts, and a message from yours truly. We had a couple of youth accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and were able to get contact information for future followup from the local congregation.

Sunday morning started out with an evangelism training program for the youth and young adults of the local evangelical church. By the way, Brazilians traditionally don't go to church on Sunday Mornings. Their main service is on Sunday Night. Basically, the roles of the service are switched from the American Model. Liz and I have officially adopted the "Pastor Jimmy Hanf" or PJF, for short, model for Street Evangelism Outreach. We were able to teach the class through a translator from Brasilia. This was the first time the local congregation was introduced to an evangelism class. Just some basic information on the PJF model for evangelism:
-Teams are composed of 3 different members each with a specific purpose: the evangelist (presents the gospel presentation), the prayer warrior (prays for the surrounding situations), and the distractionist (who facilitates the distractions that would distract from the Gospel presentation). We had one salvation experience in our "application time" during the evangelism training.

Sunday evening continued our evangelism outreach program with singing, interpretive movement, dramas, and a message from the director of Amazon Reach. All in all, the local church was able to see new converts to Christ, establish contact with locals for future followup and discipleship, and receive a fresh model for Evangelizing locals for the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. For me, patience was added to my "usable tools" box in my brain.

Some photos of the Weekend Outreach:

Saturday Night Service

Nap Time!

Marinaldo shared his amazing testimony!!!

Director of Amazon Reach - Sunday Night

Thought I was gonna kidnap this little girl.... Her name is Esther and she lives with her mom and dad near the river.

AVA English Service

Just thought we would share some photos of the English Service at AVA!

February Update!

Be in prayer for the opportunities this month for Kingdom Growth:

Liz and I will be in Murinim this weekend training some of the local church members for evangelism and outreach. We will also be in Marituba 4 days this month, at Baptist Belem 4 days, and Castanhal 6 days. Pray that the Holy Spirit goes before us and prepares the hearts and minds of the individuals who we will come in contact with. Pray that the Lord speaks through us in a way that will be clear and evident of Christ despite the language barrier. Pray that all of the resources will come together in order we may reach them and meet their physical needs to better meet their spiritual needs!

Pray for AVA:
As the school is in desperate need of teachers and other staff members
For the interpersonal relationships on campus
For health of the faculty and staff of the school

Pray for Liz and I as we have a lot of things to still learn ( Portuguese is the big one! ), as we are still settling down (although we haven't been too "settled" since we got married), and as we seek God's direction for us in Belem.

If you have watched the 8 minute video of Amazon Reach (below) you know how valuable boat ministry can be for Kingdom Growth. We have an opportunity to purchase a boat that will work in conjunction with the "Betesda". It is a much smaller boat that would be towed to different ministry hubs and then used in order to reach people in locations that the "Betesda" cannot reach. Pray that all of the documents and resources are smoothly acquired as we move forward towards becoming more efficient and effective in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  

If you have a couple extra seconds left in your prayer life.... pray that the mosquitoes buzz off!!!! 

Amazon Reach vision for 2011 and 2010 in review

Liz and I will be working with Amazon Reach in the upcoming months. Here is a video that shows some details of the work we will be doing! We need your help with these projects! A list of needs is soon to come :)

"The Strength of a Savior"

I want to share with you a story turned in by one of the students at AVA, Doug Brown.There is a bit of edginess, but nonetheless, powerful.

Strength of a Savior:
      John awoke to a black cloud badgering his nostrils. He sniffed once, twice, and realized it smelled like a campfire. He managed to drag himself out of bed and glance at the alarm clock glinting in the corner. It was 2:00 am. He headed down the stairs and began to look for the source of the smell. He thought, "it had better be something important to get me out of the bed at this time." As he walked down the hallway, he stopped only once in order to look in the room of his six year old son, Rob. He was sleeping peacefully with his blanket wrapped around him, so John kept walking.
     Finally, arriving in the kitchen, he saw the oven explode into an all consuming blaze. Was it a power surge? He rushed to the bathroom to soak some blankets to throw over the fire. But the blankets seemed to only amplify the brilliant golden hue that covered the walls like the mural of an artisan. The kitchen was quickly consumed, leaving John in doubt of his ability to save himself, but he raced up to his room to grab his valuables: a Bible and a picture of his dead wife. Racing out, but keeping low to the ground, he used his hand to find the doorway to his son's room. Now only primal instinct affected his actions. Pain disappeared, as did rational thought. He watched his skin blister and pop, like a wave of protest, but he was separate from it, his son mattered more.
     He buried the pain in his memories and placed his hands on the knob, melting the flesh of his hand to the metal of the door. Tearing it free, he serached for the bed and found his son unconscious upon it. John reached in his pocket, all the while aware of the heat that came closer in leaps and bounds, pulled out a handkerchief and placed it over Rob's mouth so he could breath properly. He realized that the alternative to escape was death, so John abandoned all sense, stood, and sprinted for where the doorway should have been, straight through the white flame that licked at his body. But the door wasn't there. A large beam from the roof fell and blocked their only route of escape with splinters and nails. John gazed backwards, only to see the kitchen belch another wave of cinders. Trying not to let complete desperation take hold, John scrambled for a thought that could save them.
     Finally he realized that the fire would have caused the wall to weaken, allowing him to break through more easily. He went as close to the fire as he dared, then lowered his shoulder and charged at the wall and heard a crack as he broke his shoulder blade. Again, he separated himself from the pain and tried the other shoulder. This time the crack came form the wall as it came crashing down, allowing John to tumble on the snow outside. It already seemed as if the fire was a distant memory, even though he could see its dancing in the snow.
     John left his son 50 meters from the house because he had to get help and he couldn't carry anyone with the condition of his hands. As his adrenaline left him, he cried out in pain and shock, as he dropped to his knees. He forced himself up and kept going not looking at his body, or he would have felt the pain that faced him. Then another explosion came from behind him blowing him twenty five feet from where he was standing, the aftermath leaving him gasping. Nothing was left. That thought worked its way into John's severely damaged body, there was nothing left to do save sobbing until he finally succumbed to the darkness eating away at his mind.
     A light pierced the darkness of John's consciousness, but not a soft light. It ripped a hole in his eyelids and blinded him, before dying down in a healing light. Still, he struggled to open his eyes and saw a man standing beside his bed with a smile that told John, he knew all that had happened. The smile comforted him and, and the man placed his hand on John's shoulder. Surprisingly, there was no pain, only the comfort of a father. John tried to ask a question through his blistered lips, but the man only shook his head, with a tortured look as if he knew what would happen. The a rush of energy flowed from the man to John, and all of a sudden, their roles were reversed. The man lay blistered and broken on the floor. Only his smile could be recognized. Then his eyes dropped, as if he were carrying the weight of the world, and shut. His chest stopped moving and John's Savior died.
     John awoke in the snow without a mark on him, not even the scars from his youth. He made his way back to his son's limp body and searched for a pulse. Only a flutter could be felt, but that was enough to bring tears of joy to John's eyes. And holding the body of his son close to his own, John began walking towards the hospital. It wasn't until later that he remembered the holes in the hands and feet of the Stranger.