Brazil Spring Break 2009-Day 7

Greetings friends and family!!

Day by day it is becoming more difficult to determine whether our team traveled all the way to a remote corner of Brazil to serve others in need, or whether this trip is actually a pre-ordained journey to sanctify our own relationship with Christ. We have truely been blessed by the beautiful Brazilian people, by Pastor Josue and his ministry, and this special group of individuals who make up this team.

Tonight 15 teammates were able to attend the second teen night, filled with music, dancing, a drama skit and inspirational words from Josue. Again, over 40 more teens accepted Christ in their lives tonight, adding to the miraculous ground-swell of new Christians in this tiny community. Watching these children take the leap and commit their lives to Christ was inspiring beyond belief.

So much has changed in the village in the last year. The young teenagers who were in the VBS program last year are now participating as assistant leaders and interpreters in this year's program, setting a great example for their fellow teens in the village. They have matured both physically and spiritually, and indeed stand as a shining example of what can result from mission trip participation. With the 80 new teens accepting Christ in their lives this week, this fledgling church will undoubtedly continue to grow into a powerhouse of transformation in the community. Thanks be to God!

On this final day of VBS, the team desired to "finish strong." Unfortunately, that lofty goal was not possible for a growing number of teammates who are becoming quite ill. It has come to our attention that a virus is spreading throughout the region, affecting Brazilians and foreigners alike. This virus has filled the local hospital, and a number of teammates and interpreters have now fallen. We pray for their health to be restored before we begin our travels on Saturday.

But the rest of the team must persevere, and we pushed on to finish strong. The programs on this year's agenda were ambitious, but oh so exciting. On this last day, it seemed we had activity all over town. Children were either in the compound singing, working on their craft or watching a skit, or otherwise on the soccer field participating in biblically based physical activities. A number of teens continued to attend an art/sewing clinic on the future church property, and other teens continued to prepare their spiritual journals in a separate building several doors down from the compound. Three such teens used their journals to publicly make their testimony over the course of the day. These stories were God-inspired, and few dry eyes survived their telling. We were also mesmerized with the testimonies of three of our interpreters today, namely Wilson, Pedro and Regis. These young men personify what it means to put your faith in Jesus and turn your life around. Again, a blessing to our team.

At the end of the teen night, a bona-fide teen mixer broke out in the courtyard. It was so heartwarming to see such a large number of teens choosing to stay in the church compound and have a great time fellowshipping with each other. What a great example they will be for the rest of the community, including adults.

Tomorrow will be our final day to enjoy the village kids. We have planned a wide variety of games and sports to play, along with some dental hygeine performed by Ron Lee and whomever he drafts to be his accomplices. We also plan a village-wide trash pick-up, a visit to local families in their homes, and perhaps even a baptism ceremony in the ocean! This is shaping up to be one great day, and we obviously will be going out with a bang.

Pray for the health of our fallen teammates, and especially for the continued growth of Father Josue's ministry in this special place we hold dear in our hearts. May God bless you and your family.

Obrigado, and Boa Noite.