God blessed us with two excellent weeks of camp. A group of 14 came from West Cannon Baptist Church in Michigan. The theme was "The Rules for Life" based on the Ten Commandments. Pastor John Nixon's messages were excellent placing emphasis not only on the Ten Commandments, but also the practical implications of submitting to these commandments as God's authority and for our greater good. Many children and teens recognized areas of weakness and sought the Lord for help in specific areas. This past week, Bia repented of her sin and trusted Christ for salvation! Pray for her as she lives with her grandmother - a staunch Catholic. Many times she will not allow Bia to attend church. May Bia follow the Lord as a testimony of the grace of God.
You may know that we have a particular interest in camping ministry. These two weeks were good for me. I learned many things as program director, one of which is that I am only one person. It is really impossible to do it on your own, and to go that route is nothing short of absurd. God gave me a good group of counselors and musicians who took their role seriously. They were servants of the Lord and worked hard without complaints or issues. In fact, the look on the faces of the three girl counselors after they dealt with Bia was priceless. They were amazed with the power of God. They even offered Bia something in the canteen if she would rather not become a Christian. She refused it all and made herself clear with the desire to follow Jesus. The grace of God combined with the power of His Spirit is indescribable!
I am also extremely grateful for my wife! She has been a faithful help meet as well as mother and assistant to many of my needs at camp. She is ready and willing to give of herself and her ability an any role necessary. I am indebted to her and I thank God for 4 years of marriage as of this past Thursday.
Thank you all for praying as we have taken some follow up measures with the teens this year. They all jotted down a few things they learned during the week and placed them into an envelope and labeled it to their home address. I plan to mail those out in a few months as a reminder and encouragement to them! My prayer is that they will come to camp in January having had spiritual victory and maturity!
We currently do not have a camera, so if you would like to see some pictures and a running commentary of the two weeks, you can go to: http://stepbrazil08.blogspot.com/ This is West Cannon Baptist Church's group blog.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Current Events
We have settled down and our ministry is taking shape. The bulk of our time is spent in connection with the church we are assisting - Valentina Baptist Church. Tuesday evenings is evangelism and Wednesday evenings is prayer meeting. On Thursdays Sharon and I have tried to make visits to get to know the members and be of encouragement. On Saturday afternoon the men play soccer, and then Saturday evenings the men, women, and teens each have their own meeting. Of course there is Sunday's regular events and services.
I have an increased awareness of Communion as I have performed it twice now. Performing vs. participating has a humbling effect. Watching Dad perform it as I grew up was one thing. Stepping in as the leader in a congregation brings a great weight of responsibility! To realize that as a shepherd I am directly under the "Chief Shepherd" (I Peter 5:4) attempting to carry out His will for His church through this ordinance is no light task. Each communion my mind goes back to Christ and his disciples and I wonder why He would allow me to perform such a glorious reflection on the most incredible act of love ever! As a child, it seemed like Dad was always so joyful after communion. I understand now as this is the only possible response to such an event "as often as ye do this in remembrance of me".
Camp season is coming up and we are excited to help out there. We will host a teen camp, and a children's camp in July. A church out of Michigan will bring their youth group and the pastor will speak. The theme is "Rules for Life" based on the Ten Commandments. May the Lord use this camp to edify His church and bring souls to a saving knowledge of Himself!
I have an increased awareness of Communion as I have performed it twice now. Performing vs. participating has a humbling effect. Watching Dad perform it as I grew up was one thing. Stepping in as the leader in a congregation brings a great weight of responsibility! To realize that as a shepherd I am directly under the "Chief Shepherd" (I Peter 5:4) attempting to carry out His will for His church through this ordinance is no light task. Each communion my mind goes back to Christ and his disciples and I wonder why He would allow me to perform such a glorious reflection on the most incredible act of love ever! As a child, it seemed like Dad was always so joyful after communion. I understand now as this is the only possible response to such an event "as often as ye do this in remembrance of me".
Camp season is coming up and we are excited to help out there. We will host a teen camp, and a children's camp in July. A church out of Michigan will bring their youth group and the pastor will speak. The theme is "Rules for Life" based on the Ten Commandments. May the Lord use this camp to edify His church and bring souls to a saving knowledge of Himself!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
What Gabriel Has Been Up To
Gabriel is adjusting to life in Brazil quite well. The Brazilians love him, especially because he's very chubby and white, "branquinho". I often have to stop when I'm out with him so that people can talk to him and ooh and aah over him. He usually gives a big smile and tries to talk back to them. Everyone at church loves to hold him and sometimes the younger girls even fight over whose turn it is!
It didn't take long for the mosquitoes to discover his sweet American blood! We quickly learned that he has to sleep under a mosquito net over his crib every night.
His johnny-jump-up is one of his favorite toys. We like it too, since it keeps him occupied for a bit while David studies and I do housework. He jumps all the time, even if he's not in it. If we hold him in a standing position, he uses our legs as a trampoline and continues jumping.
We splurged and bought him a walker. At first, he wasn't quite sure what to do with it and would just play with the toys on the "dashboard." Very soon though, he discovered it could take him just about anywhere he wants to go and he zips around the house getting into all kinds of trouble. His favorite place to be in the kitchen if I'm in there is right at my feet. That or by the trash can, trying to pull the bag out.
Once in a while, Gabriel enjoys some cartoons on TV. It keeps him occupied for a few minutes but then he's ready for the next adventure.
His latest new adventure was going to the beach for the first time. At first, he wasn't too excited about being there. Everything was so different for his little mind to process! But he soon began to enjoy himself, playing in the sand, splashing in the water and even eating some sand before I could catch him! Oh well, it's good for the immune system, right?
It's not all fun and games though. Gabriel goes with us everywhere since we don't have anyone to watch him at home while we go out visiting. He is a good sport though and only gets a little grumpy if it's way past his bedtime. Here he is visiting a one-day-old baby at the hospital three weeks ago whose family goes to our church. He wanted to hold the little baby boy (Andre) and he stopped long enough to pose for a picture with Andre's big brothers, Mateus and Davi.
Bath time has become a favorite activity for Gabriel. He's very glad that we put in an electric shower head so he can take a bath with warm water. Even though it's hot here, taking a bath with cold water isn't the most pleasant thing and I was having to heat up a pot of water to mix with his bath water.
Sometimes he does take a break in his busy day to settle down and relax a little. Here he is enjoying my new hammock.
At last he's asleep! But then I'm tired too and take advantage to catch a little shut-eye with him.
It didn't take long for the mosquitoes to discover his sweet American blood! We quickly learned that he has to sleep under a mosquito net over his crib every night.
His johnny-jump-up is one of his favorite toys. We like it too, since it keeps him occupied for a bit while David studies and I do housework. He jumps all the time, even if he's not in it. If we hold him in a standing position, he uses our legs as a trampoline and continues jumping.
We splurged and bought him a walker. At first, he wasn't quite sure what to do with it and would just play with the toys on the "dashboard." Very soon though, he discovered it could take him just about anywhere he wants to go and he zips around the house getting into all kinds of trouble. His favorite place to be in the kitchen if I'm in there is right at my feet. That or by the trash can, trying to pull the bag out.
Once in a while, Gabriel enjoys some cartoons on TV. It keeps him occupied for a few minutes but then he's ready for the next adventure.
His latest new adventure was going to the beach for the first time. At first, he wasn't too excited about being there. Everything was so different for his little mind to process! But he soon began to enjoy himself, playing in the sand, splashing in the water and even eating some sand before I could catch him! Oh well, it's good for the immune system, right?
It's not all fun and games though. Gabriel goes with us everywhere since we don't have anyone to watch him at home while we go out visiting. He is a good sport though and only gets a little grumpy if it's way past his bedtime. Here he is visiting a one-day-old baby at the hospital three weeks ago whose family goes to our church. He wanted to hold the little baby boy (Andre) and he stopped long enough to pose for a picture with Andre's big brothers, Mateus and Davi.
Bath time has become a favorite activity for Gabriel. He's very glad that we put in an electric shower head so he can take a bath with warm water. Even though it's hot here, taking a bath with cold water isn't the most pleasant thing and I was having to heat up a pot of water to mix with his bath water.
Sometimes he does take a break in his busy day to settle down and relax a little. Here he is enjoying my new hammock.
At last he's asleep! But then I'm tired too and take advantage to catch a little shut-eye with him.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
For His Glory and For Our Good
God has been so faithful to us - I don´t know where to begin.
Monday morning was hectic trying to tie up some loose ends. We arrived at the airport a bit late, only to run in to Wendy at the Delta counter - a member from a Baptist church in town. Unfortunately my wal-mart scale did not prove accurate at home - which meant overweight. Wendy helped us to re-pack our suitcases saving us over $300. She also checked our baggage all the way to Brazil which is unheard of. God placed Wendy and her kindness in our path for His glory and our good.
In Atlanta we were warned of a 30 minute delay, which turned into 1hr 30min. The flight put us in Miami a bit late, but Gabriel took us to the front of the line. We got through security and were among the first on the plane. Upon arrival in Sao Paulo we learned of missing piece of luggage. We filled out paperwork in hopes of seeing it again. When we arrived at customs we were only asked 4 questions and sent on through - once again - unheard of. God placed that agent in our path for His glory and our good.
As we walked through the sliding doors we were welcomed by my parents and my brothers family. They hauled us to a nearby hotel where we relaxed, had a steak meal, and went swimming. What a blessing to have parents and family that love the Lord and stand behind us 100%. God placed family in our path for His glory and our good!
That evening we were back on the plane and we arrived promptly at 1 am in Joao Pessoa, greeted by Jonathan Reiner- the missionary we are serving with. He and his family have been so gracious to provide some furniture and some things for us to eat! They have also hauled us around to look at vehicles in the area. God has placed Jon, Jenny and family in our path for His glory and for our good.
Thank you all for your prayers for us. We believe that God has placed you in our path for His glory and for our good. He is teaching us dependence on Him in the process. God bless you all!
Monday morning was hectic trying to tie up some loose ends. We arrived at the airport a bit late, only to run in to Wendy at the Delta counter - a member from a Baptist church in town. Unfortunately my wal-mart scale did not prove accurate at home - which meant overweight. Wendy helped us to re-pack our suitcases saving us over $300. She also checked our baggage all the way to Brazil which is unheard of. God placed Wendy and her kindness in our path for His glory and our good.
In Atlanta we were warned of a 30 minute delay, which turned into 1hr 30min. The flight put us in Miami a bit late, but Gabriel took us to the front of the line. We got through security and were among the first on the plane. Upon arrival in Sao Paulo we learned of missing piece of luggage. We filled out paperwork in hopes of seeing it again. When we arrived at customs we were only asked 4 questions and sent on through - once again - unheard of. God placed that agent in our path for His glory and our good.
As we walked through the sliding doors we were welcomed by my parents and my brothers family. They hauled us to a nearby hotel where we relaxed, had a steak meal, and went swimming. What a blessing to have parents and family that love the Lord and stand behind us 100%. God placed family in our path for His glory and our good!
That evening we were back on the plane and we arrived promptly at 1 am in Joao Pessoa, greeted by Jonathan Reiner- the missionary we are serving with. He and his family have been so gracious to provide some furniture and some things for us to eat! They have also hauled us around to look at vehicles in the area. God has placed Jon, Jenny and family in our path for His glory and for our good.
Thank you all for your prayers for us. We believe that God has placed you in our path for His glory and for our good. He is teaching us dependence on Him in the process. God bless you all!
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