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