Sunday, March 9, 2008

Brazil Spring Break 2008-Day 3

Oi, friends!
What a special day we shared today! Our team is settled in, rested and ready to serve. Today was supposed to be a day of planning and set-up, but God had other ideas. Apparently He was ready for the villagers to get to know us, and us to get to know the villagers. The connections were rapid and rewarding; and we got an unexpected taste of what this life-changing experience is all about. But more on that later.

Early risers this morning were treated to our first lesson of the day; the beauty of simplicity. As a few of us sipped our coffee on the beach around 6:30 a.m., we watched a local fisherman load an old flat skiff, no more than a foot deep, with bamboo fishing poles, a rock and twigs tied together as an anchor, and a long stick to propel himself through the water. The fisherman stood on the skiff and poled himself toward the reef, getting an early start on his daily mission to provide for his family. There is no doubt that this experienced gentlemen hauled in more fish this morning than most any American fisherman, who would typically be aided with the latest in fishing equipment, GPS systems, fish sonars and expensive modern boats. If the goal is to catch fish and provide for your family in a way pleasing to God, this Brazilian native fulfilled his purpose; a man in touch with what's important, living out the true meaning of success.

After breakfast and our morning prayer and devotional, the team had an opportunity to commune with another fascinating member of God's living family. We boarded boats with Pator Anthenor and his family for a short trip to a living coral reef, which was exposed for a short time during the daily low tide. The exposed system revealed the living organism that makes up the reef, looking more like an octopus under the hard dead surface than anything else. The reef also sheltered a fascinating array of sea urchins, fish and plant life. Our group was amazed at all the diversity God can cram into one small area; where life depends on life. Truly amazing.

After the reef visit, our group boarded vans for our first trip to the fishing village of Abreau de Una. As the entourage entered the village, children began pouring out of their homes to greet us. We arrived at the mission home of Pastor Josue, and met up again with our interpreters. Pastor Josue has built a wondrful home base for visitng missionaries, and we will utilize his home and hospitatlity this week for all our activities in the village. We were treated to a maginigicent lunch of local specialties. The village children peered through the gates of the compound as we ate. At that point, there was no holding us back. The children of our team flooded the gates and struck up conversation and laughter with the local childrten. It was no use fighting it; the team opened the gates and the children began their interaction. While a group of team members formed an impromptu assembly line and stuffed 250 bags of assorted snacks for tomorrow's guests, others joined the local villagers with a spirited game of soccer. There was no doubt that the Brazilians are fond of, and skilled at, their national pastime. The Americans and translators put on a valiant effort, but the villagers put on a show. Amazing footwork, and amazing teamwork. All in all, this unplanned interaction really broke the ice and set the stage for the beginning of a truly special bond. As advertised, the villagers were thrilled to interact with us. Their broad smiles and engaging personalities melted our hearts.

We returned to home base this evening for dinner and an early bedtime. The team cannot wait to arrive back at the village in the morning to experience what God has in store for us.

On the eve of our first Vacation Bible School, we would like to close with some verses from the Word of God:

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, Send Me!” Isaiah 6:8.

For the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11

May God's blessings be upon each of you in the days to come.

Obrigado, and Boa Noite!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know our Lord has great things in store for each of you over the next few days!! Count it your blessing and enjoy this time as He has planned it for you to do.
I look forward with GREAT anticipation for tomorrows blog post - Thank you so much Jeff!!!
Cindy B

Unknown said...

Oi Friends! Jeff, you are doing an amazing job at the blog! I so look forward to your writing each day - you literally made me feel and remember exactly what being at the fishing village was like last summer! Hug all the little Brazilian children many times over for me too, and know that you are all being bathed in prayer for continued energy, flexibility and safety for the entire group. Much Love, Julie Hatch (last year's blogger . . . and again, Jeff, you are doing a FANTASTIC job!) :>

Unknown said...

That sounds like a wonderful first day. I am so excited for you guys and am praying for you each day. May God be glorified in all that you do and say. Give Cibelle a hug. Much love, Julie M.

JonathanClum said...

Hey guys!
or as you all would say
Oi

Thanks you for spreading the Word of Christ. Thanks for making a difference for the people in the village and the world. Thanks for dedicating your spring break to teach the kids and parents the Word of Christ. All of you guys are in my prayers.

Keep up the good work! Don't give up! Great job!

Jonathan Clum