Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Brazil Spring Break 2008-Day 6

Good evening, friends.

It is now 11:30 p.m. as I begin to write this post, and the team just got back and settled in from another long day serving the Lord and the truly special people in this remote part of Brazil. For the second night in a row, the team returned to our hotel after 10:30 p.m., faced only with the prospect of the impending ring of an early alarm tomorrow morning, or in some cases, the all too timely wake-up call from the resident rooster. But falling asleep just doesn't seem to be a problem, as our group has attained first-hand knowledge of the physical and mental toll a multi-day, multi-session mission trip in a very hot environment can exact.

Other than a few bumps, bruises, and bloodletting by our resident dispenser of pain Dr. John Conway, all of our missionaries are holding up unbelievably well. The children, in particular, have been an incredible blessing. In order to pull off our ambitious plans, we needed to rely not only on the kids' good behaviour, but their assistance as well. The kids have upheld their end of the bargain, to say the least. Each of them have voluntarily pitched in hands everywhere and anywhere needed, without being asked. The incredible success of this trip can be directly attributed in part to the contributions of this intelligent, fun, enthusiastic, and reliable group of young men and young women. There is no doubt that they are instinctively following their Father's call this week in their thoughts and actions, and I'm not referring to their father on the team! They have displayed huge hearts for the village children, and it is evident that each of them has grown this week, both spiritually and emotionally. We are all ever so humbled and grateful for the blessings raining down on us this week.

Many of our supporters have been so kind in praising us for the fact that our team families are sacrificing our Spring Break to serve the children of Brazil. After experiencing the last 5 days of this opportunity, our team can definitively state that absolutely no sacrifice has taken place. This trip is nothing but a blessing that we wil forever be thankful for. Giving of oneself for a worthwhile cause brings about feelings and emotions of utter joy and contentment. There is absolutely no place that we would rather be.

But it is hot. Dehadration is a major concern, as our team is outdoors non-stop from 8:30 a.m. to at least 5:00-5:30 p.m. everyday (and much, much longer the last two days as a result of the nightly activities). Bottled water and sunsreen are in high demand, but God has protected us from any weather related difficulties, allowing us to complete the work He has sent us to do.

Today, 10 year old Megan Meadows delivered the morning prayer and asked God to help each of us transfer our new knowledge of God's truths gained this week back to Fort Worth when we return home. Her father, Jay Meadows, delivered the morning devotional and pointed out that true success in life, true wealth and riches, lie only in following Christ. Nothing else matters, and it has occurred to many of us this week that in many ways our Brazilian friends have discovered the right path to eternal riches and rewards. They do not allow their busy schedules to dictate the love they extend to their family, their friends, and God. They seem to be better stewards of the time God has given all of us to do what is truly important in life. Jay reminded us that when we get back to Fort Worth, each of us must do some sould searching and look at the way we conduct our everyday lives, to make sure we are following the right path to eternal rewards.

Much work had to be done today before the sessions, during the breaks, and prior to the Mother's Dinner. During such times, it seems every room of the compound was filled with frentetic action as teams of volunteers made no excuses, but dived in to fulfill God's plan for the week. The Snack Bag Sorority mentioned yesterday got busy stuffing the wildly popular daily goody bag. Others were busy setting up and breaking down tables and chairs for the many activities, and preparing for the just as wildly popular ballcap giveaway. Toni Meadows, Kathy Paukune, Elaine Murphy and Maura Rattikin gathered and wrapped gifts for all of our wonderful pastors, interpreters and support staff. Hilary Rattikin and Kamryn Conway learned their parts in today's skit in no time, and the Paukune family got set to participate in the daily bible story presentation.

Today's two sessions were especially important, because in each one Pastor Leciu asked if any of the children would like to receive Christ into their lives. A handful of children in the morning session broke down their cultural barriers and stepped up to receive the Free Gift of Eternity. In the afternoon, it was dozens who pledged their life to Christ. Praise Be to God! It was a very emotional time for our team to sit in the seats with the children, and watch them make the bold personal decision to stand up, get out of the chair, and change the direction of their life forever. 13 year old Austin Meadows has a special gift in communicating friendship and trust with the Brazilian kids, and it was a pleasure to watch him successfully encourage some boys his own age to be bold and accept Jesus. Bravo, Austin!!!

Wonderful stories continued to pour out today. Cameron Newberry received a blessing this morning when a young girl she had befriended this week brought Cameron a pair of earrings. This young girl, who has nothing, sacrificed something obviously of great value to her to extend a sign of love for her newfound friend. Cameron, congratulations on making such a wonderful impact on a little girl with a huge heart.

At lunch today, Pastor Josue and his wonderful wife Cesa shared their faith journey and their reasons for providing a ministry to this tiny fishing village. We were told that there are two chruches in town, but neither bother with the spiritual training of children. As a result, the local children have no knowledge of what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and consequently do not seek spritual guidance as they grow older. Even in this little town, drugs, prostitution and despair have crept in, and until Pastor Josue came to town, the village had no hope for a better future. Pastor Josue hopes to build a church and community center that teaches the children and their families alike that joy, happiness, riches and eternal life are readily available to each of them, regardless of their circumstances, regardless of who they are, and regardless of what they have done in the past. VFC would love an opportunity to support Pastor Josue's vision, and VFC would welcome any interest in the project.

After the two sessions, the team was mentally and physically drained by the intensity of the activities, the emotion and the heat. But one of the week's highlights was set to begin in a few short hours, so the team rushed back to the hotel for a shower and quick bite to eat. After returning to the compound, we completed the setup for this evening's Mother's Dinner. A wonderul showing of 100 lovely guests arrived at the compound at 7:30 p.m. Each American family served three tables of four mothers each, and shared stories with the mothers of our families and the wonderful events of the week. The mothers were so appreciative, and could not get over the fact that we came all this way to show love to their children, to provide their entire family with hope, and feed them as well!

After dinner, Lindsey Rattikin premiered the wonderul slide show she put together of the week's activities, set to Christian music. The faces of the beautiful, smiling children lept off the screen to an adoring audience. It is probable that none of the mothers ever have or ever will again see images of their children in such a fashion. The show was a huge success, and touched the hearts of all in the audience. The team really enjoyed having a chance to sit back and look at what God has accomplished this week.

Pastor Anthenor gave a moving sermon to the mothers about the love of Christ for each of them, and the opportunity to secure eternal salvaton through Him. Several mothers took the opportunity to give their life to Christ, a moving experience for all.

At the end of the evening, the mothers filed out with smiles on their faces, tears in their eyes and a bag containing a month's worth of food, much to their delight and surprise.

Tomorrow is our last day to be with the children, and we plan to make the most of it. We ask again for your prayers that our team can make a life-changing difference in the lives of each one of these special children of God.

Obrigado, and Boa Noite!

5 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I'm truly overwhelmed and delighted. I couldn't wait to get in hear and see how the Mother's dinner went. I'm so thankful to hear that the lives of the children and adults in the village are being transformed, as well as our team. Thank you all for choosing to go and for doing God's work to His glory. It always amazes me how God is so generous and gracious to allow us to see the spiritual fruit of our labor while we are still there. Hang on to that when you are hot and miserable and He will quench your thirst! We can't wait to see all of your sun-kissed, smiling faces when you get home. Thank you again for all your doing and keep up the good work! Hugs and kisses to all,
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

There must have been a great amount of anxiety about how the dinner would go; would it all be ready in time, who would actually show up, would they enjoy the program…..it sounds as though God again provided. I can only imagine the sheer JOY Pastor José must be feeling as this team of missionaries walks along side he & his family to begin a revival in this village!!!
I know the conditions are less than perfect – but I am grateful you have been able to use what is there & make the best of it. I heard of the decorations from last night…..birds of paradise for centerpieces – WOW!!!
I am praying today – that God will give you strength to endure one more day of the heat and courage as you say good bye to these children & their families….. knowing this will be the toughest day yet - you are covered in prayer!!!!!
Hug Brandon for me today – I am sure he needs one!!!
Blessings,
Cindy

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I have to say that I checked my email several times last night as I waited to read the update from the trip, and I was so happy to read that Day 6 was so incredibly rewarding for all. I know that this is the part of the trip where everyone can start feeling fatigue and exhaustion from the heat and being in close quarters with each other, but from what I have read, God has blessed all of you with good health and good relationships, and that is an amazing blessing to be had. It is so apparent that God is at work as shown through the childrens' acceptance of Christ to the mothers' delighted expressions at the dinner. I was also moved when I read the part about the way in which Brazilians have seemed to discover the way to enjoy their lives without the hindrance of unnecessary activities. I myself had just spent a month in Brazil working at Pastor Josue's and Lecio's camp, and it is SO true how the Brazilians lead their lives by appreciating its beautiful simplicity. I am continuing to pray for all of you, and I will be awaiting more updates!
~Alma Marie

Anonymous said...

God bless all of you for the awesome work you are doing to expand Gods Kingdom!!! Our family is blessed to get to hear all of the wonderful things you are doing and to get the opportunity to pray for all of you each day. We are amazed to hear all that is going on there.
Grandmary-All your Warren grandkids miss you so much and can't wait to see you!! We are so glad you got to go back and love on all those precious little ones.

Thank you all and keep up the great work!!!

The Warrens-
Brian, Emily, Parker, Pace, Reece and Ryan