Day 17

5.2.10

Christen writing once again here to officially close out this year’s series of emails. While we can’t believe it’s already ending, we sure managed to cram a lot into our last full day here! We started out with a baptism service at the river where twenty-two believers boldly entered the cold waters, professing their desire to die to themselves and follow after the resurrected Christ. Many of these people don’t know how to swim, so thankfully the boat passed before we began, leaving the river slightly calmer. Sammy and I were hit with the reality of how quickly the Body is growing when we realized just how many faces were unknown to the both of us. (Our last baptism was in December, with just as many people!) How thrilling it is to see the powerful move of the Lord that is taking place in Bom Retiro!After drying out ever so slightly, we headed to the shack on the undeveloped property for a yummy lunch and some good fellowship.
Jason enjoyed building relationships with budding young leaders, Maninho and Camila, while Christen heard testimonies of how the Lord had specifically changed the lives of several youth. Gustavo, who was baptized just minutes before, shared how he had come to the Lord about two months ago. With tears in his eyes, this seventeen-year-old described his passionate desire to preach the gospel around the world! In the midst of the good conversations, Jason somehow managed to find some time to sip the chimarrão as well!While we were all pretty sleepy, we pushed on through with evening preparations. Risa headed to the church for rehearsal with the band, while Jason and Sammy worked on translation of the message and Christen prepared power-point materials. (I also headed to the prayer tower to take in the glorious sunset one more time!)

The evening service provided an opportunity for each of us to be involved. After a bilingual rendition of “God of this City,” Risa sang “How deep the Father’s love for us.” Sammy then called me up to give a “farewell speech”, as I’ll be traveling state-side for at least the next month and praying about future direction concerning ministry here in Brazil. Although I didn’t require translation, I definitely noticed my shaking hands when handing the mic back to Sammy. He and Jason then continued their tag-team preaching efforts with a piercing message on the life of John and his revelation on the island of Patmos. This was especially engaging as it integrated the testimonies of two of Maui’s Brazilians via video (Thanks to Whitney Branscome`s tech skills).After celebrating communion, the three of us were mobbed with people bearing gifts, giving hugs, and saying some tearful goodbyes – which was such a testimony to the ways the Lord has used us in this city! While it was difficult to share this evening with each individual, I found myself increasingly grateful for the opportunity Sammy provided for me to pray over the youth last night. In the intimate setting, I asked the Lord to send out these young people into the harvest of the nations (just as He has done in my life). While we’re leaving, we trust that He will indeed use them in this city and beyond.

With some strong coffee in our systems, we’re preparing for tomorrow’s travels, burning CD’s of photos, checking-in for flights online, and reflecting on the many blessings (and laughs) of our time here in Southern Brazil.

Thank you for accompanying us on the journey with your prayers and support and for your continued intercession as we travel tomorrow!

"For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike." 1 Samuel 30:24

Christen,

For the team

Day 16

5.1.10

Hello All!

This afternoon was our last to see Vini. He came from Lajaedo to visit the girls at Christen's and then headed to rendezvous with Jake to the top tourist spot in Bom Retiro.... the dam! While Jake and Vini were out, Risa had a good chat with Mariana (Sammy's 24yr old daughter) about God's sovereignty in our lives.

Afterward, Risa went on a quick trip to see the top half of their new undeveloped property to take some pictures. Their property is a soccer field wide and 3 acres long, The vision for it eventually is to build a boarding school, and God willing, an orphanage. This city is full of dysfunctional families and so the goal is to have the kids there all day, to be able to keep them off the streets at night. Sammy and Marcia would also like to be able to grow food on the property to help feed the children too. It is such an amazing vision that would bear unimaginable amounts of fruit! Perhaps this vision resonates with you. If you have a heart for young lives, would like to learn Portuguese, willing to teach English, and/ or exercise your special God -given talents..then this is a wonderful place for you to serve.At youth group, Risa enjoyed talking with Paola and Monik in both English and Portuguese. Both of those girls have a heart for missions so it is so exciting to encourage them in that area! Risa shared a message on the 6 Keys to Activate the Power of God In Your Life. Sammy did such a great job translating and the message really seemed to hit home with a lot of the young adults there. Then, about 15 people stuck around afterward to play the game Psychiatrist. It was a blast!And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
--Acts 2:47

From the Team
Risa (with Jason's final editing of content approval)

Day 15

4.30.10

Hello Everyone!

Today we dropped off our mission team member Jessie Denham at Porto Alegre Airport. We were sad to see her go, but Maui will stoked to have her back! A band was playing when we arrived and Sammy told us that he hired them for Jessie's departure but they were really there to celebrate 3 million customers on the airline.After our airport run, Jason, Sammy, Christen, and Risa went to the giant supermarket in Porto Alegre. Soon though, Jason and Sammy took a capphuino break while the girls finished their business.

This evening, at 8:40pm Sammy and Jason picked us up and we took the dirt/back road to Estrella, a town about 10 minutes away to go to Vini Guzzo's home church called Cristo Vive (Christ Lives). Jason taught a mesage from Roman 1-6. Technically, it is the fourth time he has given the same message, but Risa is convinced that he has changed it up, even though Jason is just as adamant that Risa simply "has her spiritual antennaes up." The crowd was so receptive and by the end of the message the Pastor shared that he was extremely impacted by the word tonight. After a stirring altar call by Sammy and some long goodbyes to Vini`s parents and Marla, a friend of Christen, we were finally out to the car by midnight!

Driving home was a real adventure due to the "neblina" ( fog in Portuguese) on the hightway. We had very little visibility! But, we trusted in Sammy's excellent driving skills and he got us home safe!

Driving to the big city on Brazilian highways in the day and through fogging conditions at night...we praise God that the Lord is our Protector.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
--Psalm 18:2

From the Team
Risa (with editorial comments by Jake)

Day 14

4.29.10

Happy Thursday!

Today was definitely a favorite day for the team! We got to see the Holy Spirit move in BIG ways today. The first thing on our agenda was to meet at the church for a quick run through of the dance Jessie taught during the worship workshops the past two weeks. Then Sammy and Jason picked us all up in the church´s 1960s style VW Van and we headed to Iraja School nearby the church. This is the school which former Hope Mission teams have shared Christ through week long workshops and presentations.

Once at the school, we set up and got ready for the kids to come out! With Sammy translating, Jessie was able to share some Hawaiian words like Aloha, Keiki, and Ohana with all 140 kids listening intently and replying back to her questions! Then we demonstrated some basic hula steps and they LOVED. Next, Risa played and sang Jesus Loves Me on the guitar while Jessie did actions and they soaked that up too! Then we were able to turn it over to the dancers to worship to the song Lord I Lift Your Name On High, and they did a fantastic job! Through it all, we were simply able to share with them that Jesus loves them and they are special and chosen by God to be HIS children.

Christen, Risa, and Jessie made a quick stop at Christen´s place to regroup and drop off some things, then we went to visit Monik, a young woman here who expressed she wanted to talk with us. On our first day in Bom Retiro, the girls went to meet Monik in her home, and prayed over her because she has severe back problems and is in constant pain. She shared her story with us, and the fingerprint of God is all over her life! It was so encouraging to hear her heart for missions, and how she felt like God placed her in Bom Retiro to meet with us. So we told her we were meant to visit Bom Retiro to meet with her! We laid hands on her and prayed for healing, perseverance, and a continued excitement to know the Lord more deeply. We made another stop after Monik, and visited a family in the community. Things were pretty hectic at their home, and with 3 daughters under 8 and one son that is 10, it´s no wonder it was crazy! We felt very welcome in their home and were reminded of the contrast of America to other countries, and how rare it is to go over to someone´s house unannounced and share the gospel with them. It was such a blessing to spend time with them, talking about Jesus!

We came back to a very full house at Sammy´s! A lot of Sammy´s family was over, so we were able to get to know them better. Deco (the girls visited his mother on Day 8) treated us to an amazing dinner of 4 different types of fish! He cooked some of the fish fresh from the river here in bamboo in the wood oven! There were about 16 of us that gathered to enjoy dinner together. After dinner, we showed some of the Brazilians our favorite American dessert: S`MORES!! And they loved it! It was so much fun melting the marsh mellows and watching them take messy bites and laughing.With today being Jessie´s last day here in Brazil, today was such an incredible day to leave on! Jessie has been an integral part of our team and we will miss her greatly this last weekend we are here! Please be praying for her safe travels back to Maui!

And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
--Mark 10:16

From the Team-
Risa (with editorial comments by Jake)

Day 13

4.28.10

Today, Jason and Sammy had a full afternoon. First, Jason got a "top of the line" hair cut by Carlos Andre, a brother in the Lord who attends Hope Chapel Bom Retiro. Second, they went to the church where they took photos of the 2nd story expansion project which will provide four ministry classrooms and three rooms for housing mission teams. Third, they prayed over Kiko, a church member who is starting a snack shop on the side of the home in which he and his wife Jaque live. They finished the afternoon drinking chimarrão while having a pastoral visit with Dema and his family. (His daughter Francine, whom many of you know, was also around). A rare moment was Jason petting the family dog!

Meanwhile, Christen, Risa, and Jessie took advantage of the wonderful sunny weather and, after some spectacular complications with the workings of the Brazilian lock on Christen´s front door, they set out to take care of some errands down town. The Lord set up a divine encounter for Christen to meet Joel´s sister, whom she has been hearing about since last year but never met until today! We met up with Jason and Sammy back home and grabbed dinner before the girls headed to cell group at Angelica´s home. Angelica shared an amazing message on Colossians 3, with the emphasis on emptying yourself of everything and filling it back up with Christ.

After cell group, we met up with Jason, Sammy, and Marianna at the local radio station. It is a two hour show that newly ordained Pastor Edderson was running. All four of us had the opportunity to share Christ. Christen encouraged all the listners that God has a special plan for their city, Jessie presented the gospel message and Risa shared from Matthew 13 about the different types of responses to the Word of God (indifferent, impulsive, distracted & receptive) from the Parable of the Sower. It was an incredible opportunity! Again, how cool it is to see Mariana (Sammy/Marcia/s daughter) step out of the boat and co-partner with us by being the interpreter at the live radio broadcast.As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
--Isaiah 55:10-11

From the Team
Risa (with editorial comments from Jason)

Day 12

4.27.10

Last night we went to bed early (4:30am) and woke up to be picked up by Vini at 7;00am! Jason, Risa, Jessie, and Christen embarked on a two and a half hour trek to Gramado, an affluent tourist town nestled in the mountains of southern Brazil. The trip there was stunning. Seeing the sun rise over the mountains was such an incredible way to start the day!
We met up with Jonatas Rocha (whose spiritual life was impacted from the 2004 mission team), who lives Nova Petropolis, a town close by to Gramado and had espresso and a late breakfast at a cafe in this quaint German city. Vini took us to his favorite place in Nova Petropolis which was a maze made out of bushes in a park. Unlike Kihei, the weather was cool, crisp, and sunny...perfect weather for our day of exploring!Next, we headed to the city of Gramado to stroll around the Lago Negroe, a beautiful lake. Jessie and Risa took a Swan boat out on the lake to paddle around while Jason and the others drank expressos.. We took lots of pictures and spent time walking around on a path that circled the lake. We walked around downtown for awhile, soaking up the sights and sounds of a different cultural life.
Our final visit in the Gramado area was to the Parque do Caracol. We were stunned by the enormous waterfall that greeted us when we entered the park. Vini, Jessie, Jonatas, and Risa decided to walk down the 730 degraus (stairs) to the bottom of the waterfall. It was a breeze on the way down, but quite strenuous on the way back up!! We decided that it was "vale a pena" or "worth it" for the view looking up on the 130 meter tall waterfall!!Once back to Bom Retiro, Jessie and Risa got to teach worship workshop #3 and Christen had English classes. We relied on God´s strength and were able to finish our day strong.

Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!
--Psalm 66:5

From the Team
Risa, Jessie, Jason

Day 11

4.26.10

Hello!

Traveling to a new city to proclaim the word of God makes me feel like we are truly living out the book of Acts! Tonight, we went to Lajeado to share our Romans 6 message with a crowd who are cell leaders from Sammy´s church, along with fellow church leadership colleagues who Sammy served with prior to starting his church. What was particularly great about this group was how attentive they were during the message! A BIG highlight for Jason is seeing the spriritual growth and leadership development in Jaime & Jociele Weiand. They are presently cell group leaders in Lajeado who are members in Bom Retiro. They are high capacity leaders who will be impacting their city for a long time, bearing fruit some 100, 60, 30 fold (Matthew 13.23)
Jason changed up his message on Romans 6 a little bit. And it was powerful! The girls had the challenge of sharing their same testimony, but each had faith that God would use what He wanted for each person that was there tonight.

After Sammy concluded with prayer and a challenge to live as the new person that Paul talks about in Romans 6, a time of fellowship followed. Tonight was tricky because we did not have anyone but Sammy to translate for us. Jessie and Risa were able to talk to a man in a mix of Spanish, English, German, AND Portuguese. Out of it we learned that this man´s office was the purpose of our meeting location (we met in a business center). It was quite the conversation!

The spiritual hunger and attentiveness to the Word tonight, reminded me of the Thessalonian Christians--

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
-- 1 Thess 2:13

From Risa for the team (with editorial comments by Jason and Jessie)

Day 10

4.25.10

Oi everyone!

The church building expansion roof is not sealed. The 2nd floor is only a slab. Although we prayed for the weather to be dry and sunny today so that the church roof doesn´t leak, God had other plans. It rained all day long! However, God was merciful and the water leaks were very minimal and not a distraction.
Jason, Jessie, and Risa spent the afternoon drinking coffee and preparing for the Sunday evening service message. Tonight was a very special service. After worship, Sammy made the announcements and then him and Jason presented diplomas to 29 School of Leaders graduates. These graduates went through a nine month ministry course equipping them in Bible knowledge and ministry skills. These folks will produce at least 10 cell groups in the Hope Chapel church family this year.
After many photos and congratulations, there was also a special comissioning of 6 new pastors in the church. Sammy and Jason prayed over them to release them into ministry. Two will be serving here in the local body and two will be serving with their wives in other communities nearby. Here, husband & wives is a joint comission, and they send them out together. It was a treat for Jason to see them grow into this position after all of his years coming here.

The message tonight was a continuation of his Romans series out of Romans 7. It was about the law´s purpose to bring us to total defeat so that we will turn to Christ for our proivison. Risa shared a short testimony from her life about her realization that God´s love can´t be earned. And Jessie shared a bit about the key to living the Christian life is Christ in you, not in different circumstances. Jason ended the message with a reminder that Jesus didn´t come only to give his life for you, but to give His life to you, so He can live His life through you. The service ended with the 29 graduates receiving personal prayer from all of the pastors that were there.

After the service which ended around 10:30pm, all of us were very hungry, so a large group met up at Danilo´s restaurant (where the younger crowd ate the night before) to eat pizza and pastels. With full and happy stomachs, we returned home to process and discuss the exciting events of the day, and plans for the new week ahead!Just as Jethro observed Moses, who was burning out due to ministry overload, and told him to select leaders to partner with him, so likewise, a highlight tonight was seeing this same principle happening in the church here in Bom Retiro among leaders whom God is raising up.

"Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain, and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens...if you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure"
Exodus 18:21,23

From the Team
-Risa, Jessie, and Jason