Tuesday, November 2, 2010

All Souls Day Update


Today we set up a tent and table at the cemetery. You can read about the holiday "All Souls Day" here. We were able to hand out at least 500 gospel tracts. While several were willing to stop and hear the good news, at least triple that number had no desire whatsoever. The extremes today were interesting.


One response came back: "I don't like Jesus." To which I said "well He loved you." To which he replied: "I sure hope not!" That must be the definition of total depravity- right?

On the other hand, Maria talked to me for at least 30 minutes. She recognizes her sinfulness before God and that something has to change. She said she has a lot of resentment in her heart. So we read through James 4 and she realized that resentment is a result of a sinful heart. Maria said she had never come to the cemetery on this holiday - but felt like she should today and that she was glad we met. Praise God. May God work in her heart.



Before we left I took some tracts and walked through the cemetery. The hopelessness is overwhelming. Hundreds of people burning candles for their loved ones in hopes of speeding up their life in purgatory, or that they might please those who have gone on that they might be looking down on them in favor - in hopes that their loved one might guide them in this life.

I asked a man named Baurilho why he was burning candles. He said: "I don't know why we do this. It's just what I've always done." I asked if he would stop if he found out that it was in vain, to which he said he wouldn't.

This country needs Christ to save them from false tradition. You've heard me say this before, but it is unbelievable what is assumed and believed about God and the afterlife here. May God grant Brazilians eyes to see his glory.

5 comments:

Rena said...

I got teary-eyed reading this...for different reasons, but one is that I'm so proud of you for doing this! May there be eternal results from today's ministry.

The Tiffinian said...

We're behind you guys and praying that the gospel will prosper in Brazil!

Anonymous said...

David,

Great job my friend!!! That was such a great idea and a bold step....Heather and I will be praying for fruit from your efforts..keep on bro!!!

Jonathan

Anonymous said...

500+ people received the gospel!! Praise the Lord. Ya'all are a light there..keep up the good work brothers and sisters. It's all for His glory!!

Anonymous said...

Awesome stories.
--Jonna