We have been blessed again this year to have campers attend camp who live in a community called Bella Vista. To help us better understand some of the challenges they face, we drove through their community after camp. It was an eye-opening experience for many of us. The living conditions are much different from anything many of our team members had ever seen. There is no indoor plumbing, no heat or air condition, very simple constructed houses, no glass in the windows, no grass in the yards – just dirt yards and dirt roads. The community suffers from high crime rates and alcohol and drug abuse.
Despite these challenges, the children show up at camp everyday (early) with smiles on their faces ready to have fun and learn about Jesus. They have certainly taught us more than we could have every taught them in 4 short days. Their hugs, smiles, laughter, and kisses (sometimes) have showed us that true happiness truly is not found in the possessions we have – but in a true relationship with Jesus Christ.
Tonight we are excited to celebrate with the campers and their families at the evening worship celebration. Please pray that the message of Christ will penetrate the hearts of moms and dads as they hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
Thanks for your continued prayers for our team as we wrap up our mission here this week but please continue to pray for this awesome church as they follow-up with campers and their families – that is where the real work and battle will take place.
5 comments:
Hey Guys- Praying for you as you are all either on your way to meet up with the parents or are gearing up for that. I pray that God shows you just how big of an impact that you've all made on those kid's lives!
Time Dois!!..Como vai???? Tudo Bem??? Eu sou Tia Trudy :)....can you believe the week is about over? My how I have prayed for you guys - we have such a passion for the people you are with, especially our friends all over Sao Sebastiao - it's where our sons kicked smashed cans for a soccer ball on the dirt streets with their Brazilian friends on Sunday afternoon...it's where our daughters loved to stopped at the store for "picole" (popcycle)...it's where "Pastor John" and I went door to door visiting...and it's where we worshiped with people who could truly say "you can have all this world, just give me Jesus!" The area we served resembled Bella Vista so much. Once a Brazilian finds the Lord - he/she considers themselves richer than the richest. What you have done this week is plant seeds that will bear much fruit!! Seed planting is awesome, huh? Thank you so much for being Jesus to so many children this week -many of them will come to know Jesus and eventually influence their whole family for Christ...PTL for you! (Brent-hurry home-we've almost taught Michael to say "Pai Brenche") - With deepest Gratitude for your service, te amo - Pr. John e Trudy!!
Stephanie,
Thank you for thinking outside of the box and doing something meaningful and life changing on your spring break! You are a special, beautiful and wonderful young lady and we are so proud and blessed to call you our daughter!
We Love You!
Mom and Dad
Hey sweet girl! Looks like you are having an amazing trip!! We love you and are very proud of you. I can't wait to hear all of your animated stories and see pictures! Miss you!
xoxo Titi Maite, Uncle Jody, Nolan & Gabby girl!
Team 2,
Faithful. That is what He is and that is what you have been this week! I have been spending time in Deuteronomy this week and something stuck out to me... in Chapter 11 the subtitle (not sure we can claim those as Holy Spirit inspired - smile!), but it is LOVE and OBEY God. Regardless of whether the subtitle is inspired or not, the text says consistently to #1) LOVE God, #2) Obey God. For myself and in my prayers for you I have asked that we are LOVING Him wholeheartedly (with all our heart, soul, mind and strength) FIRST. Then, out of the overflow of forgiven hearts we are compelled by His love for us and our reverence of the One and only... Jesus. That at His name, lives can come from death to life. From His name darkness flees because Light has consumed it! At the name of Jesus we are overwhelmed by His love and His ultimate display of it... we are compelled to do as He has done. To serve and not to be served. To take up our cross and follow (obey)! I want to write a message to each of you, but last time I think I had too many characters and it deleted it. On that note, I will let you know I have lifted you each up by name to Name above all names! I cannot wait to hear how mountains have been moved. I suppose there are remnants of mustardseeds everywhere in Brazil? Amor, Ruby
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