Brasil - Day 14, "Home - to never be the same"

I do not know how this can be so, but it is... for this year's trip to Brasil was - once again - the best mission trip we have taken to this region - EVER.  When God puts things together they are something else, and God certainly put this year's mission trip to Minas Gerais together - including the team, the city's we visited, the Brazilians with whom we worked, the funds, your prayers, and... the results, which will last into eternity.  

 We began the "long journey home" on Sunday morning (07.20.08) by way of visiting one of the city's and churches we will work with next year.  The city is named, Indihabira (pronounced as "In Die a Bira"), and there we had a brief but meaningful service and lunch, exploring nest year's possibilities.  The city sets alongside a range of mountains that slope gently up and away from the town, and are separated by verdant pastures and meadows.   Horses and other livestock graze along the hillside, and in this very clean, cozy town we plan to offer next year a VBS, Sport's Activities, a Medical Clinic and evening worship and evangelistic services - just as we did this year.

The most amazing thing about this whole operation (the P70 church planting and strengthening initiative) is what I must call, "God's timing," so evident in every way.  For everything about this region and our experience - including the people, economy, pastors, churches, the movement of God's Spirit, and even the municipal and governance structures - are ripe for a great harvest of souls and new churches.  It is the most amazing thing I have witnessed in all of my ministry life.

On Monday we spent a day of 'relaxing' at a country retreat center called, Hotel Fazenda Eldorado. There many enjoyed horseback riding, relaxing at the pool, jogging, hiking, and gorgeous scenery - either from a hammock on the porch or through a walk around the compound.  The place, which is set in what seems to be the middle of nowhere, was a far cry from our past 10 days but such a blessing.  Before loading the bus that evening we sat on a deck overlooking the river and shared about our days.  There were tears of joy as we expressed what these days had meant to us all.  

Then, the journey home!  

Through the night we bused approx. 800 kilometers to Rio de Janeiro, where we enjoyed a bit of 'sight-seeing' and shopping while waiting on our evening flight home.  From Rio to Sao Paulo to DFW, we did just that - arriving home this morning (07.23.08) at 6:00 am, exhausted but full from a 'journey' that had meant so much.  

So we thank you for your prayers and your support.  It was an amazing 14 days, and none of us - neither the team nor the people of the places we visited - will ever be the same.     

Deus te Abencoe, indeed

Pastor Sam 

Brasil - Day 10, "Friday in Mato Verde"

The town awakens slowly on Friday's as if anticipating what is soon to come, which is, "Market Time!"   This is when all the farmers and vendors from the surrounding areas arrive to market their wares, trade, and talk.  For the young, it is a 'festa' (fiesta).   For the old, a time to watch and remember.  

The weather over the last several days has been perfect.  Cool nights and mild days (sorry Texas).   I ache to open my windows at night - which is quite a change from Curral de Dentro where I was so very cold - but the mosquitoes will not allow it.  It is my sweet Norte Amercano blood, I suppose.  Either way, I represent to these pesky things a new opportunity, and they seem to glory in it, so.... I keep my windows closed at night.  Daytime? All is fine.   

Today is the last day for our Vacation Bible School here and this afternoon we will travel to the surrounding villages for the last time.  Tonight, we will hold our final public service in Mato Verde, where we saw God move in a marvelous way last evening.  many decisions were made for Christ and the service, itself, was a bit of heaven on earth.  Tomorrow we dedicate the new sanctuary of the Baptist Church here with a formal worship service, then, in the afternoon we will travel to a nearby village for a service and meal with another church.  We are all tired, but in a good way.  

If you are reading this and from the Parkwayhills church family, remember to pray - not only for us - but for our youth, their sponsors, and Jason and Ashley as they travel to Florida for camp.  I fully expect God to speak to these young people while away - and can't wait to hear what He will do in this exciting and excellent venue.    

I am - and will continue - praying for all of you back home.  You remain in my thoughts - and I love you and miss you greatly.  

Deus te Abencoe

Pastor Sam

Brasil - Day 9, "A Beautiful CIty"

It amazes me that God has created a world that is so beautiful - both in nature and in the ways of man.  This morning I sat on a bench in the town square and observed the universality of this.  For as I have had the joy of being in many of the world's places, and to sit on the benches of many a town square, it is wonderfully comforting to observe the same things each time.  In each place young people still gather and old men still sit and talk; and, today, I joined them both.  Language knows no boundaries when greetings and smiles are the fare, and I delight in being able, always, to do that.  

Aside from just people, Mato Verde (pronounced verge) is a beautiful place.  It sits at the foot of a mountain range, so that each morning I  am greeted by the majesty of God's creation.  The town holds a population of approximately 10,000 people (a guess) and serves as a kind of 'county seat' for this area, or municipality.  People are very aware of our presence, and seem genuinely enthused about us being here.  Each morning I go to the local radio station and am interviewed by a local DJ named, Serginho.  Today, I wanted to tell folks the story of my falling on the motorcycle, thinking it might be fun for the radio audience to hear it, but Chris assured me this was not necessary as the whole town already had 'heard,' and were having a 'good laugh.'   Ummmm?????

Each morning following breakfast, as well as each afternoon following our lunch, I bring the mission team of about 100 a 'pastoral word'.  We have focused on Romans 12 this week.  I also travel each afternoon into the rural areas, to smaller villages, and preach and lead in services held in each town square.  In the evening, I bring a message to between 200 to 400 persons, at what we call, "evangelistic services.'  My text's are always from the gospel's and tell the story of Jesus' actions, ministry, and purpose - with a call for people to receive Him as their Saviour.  There are decisions every night, which thrills me.  Indeed, the gospel is a powerful thing.  

Please pray for us.  Our American team, made up of ParkwayHills members, is a testimony to the providence and provision of God.  Debbie Lewis leads our VBS, which touches hundreds of children each day. Doctors Jerry Lewis and Sue Benton, along with nurses Marty Murph and Karen Davenport, operate a clinic that brings both care, medicine, and the love of Jesus Christ.  And our youth are amazing examples of God's work n their 'everyday' lives, as the children of this place pull and tug at them constantly to play and be noticed. This they do, making their pastor very proud of them.    

Deus te Abencoe - 

Pastor Sam

Brasil - Day 8 - Things not to do´

Today I experienced bruises in the first person - to my body and my ego. How? Well, your pastor rented a Mortorcycle. Not a scooter, which is what I wanted, but a motorcycle. A Honda, tightly geared, able to do wheelies, etc. etc. etc.

The last thing I remember is letting out the clutch and seeing the front wheel raise its head - and, from there- the rest is history. Luckily, I had only traveled 15 feet, which is good, because my speed was the level of only bruising not breaking the bones. To say the least, I have retired the machine, this beast of errant ways, and have resloved to not try this again. Thank goodness Belinda does not read my blogs.

P.S. This whole episode was Chris Davenport´s fault :)

Last evening I experienced a most serendiptous event, truly orchestrated from God. There is a class meeting in our hotel of young Brasilians, who are learning to speak English. Their teacher and I met in the hotel lobby and he asked if I had a moment to speak to his class. He said they would take great delight in hearing someone from the U.S. actually speak. "Of course," I said. What happened from there could only be explained by God. A student asked, "why are you here?" And, once again, I found an opening for the gospel that was God-sent. As I sat there explaining to this towns´young, it´s rightest and best, I was amazed at the providence of our Lord in orchestrating His work for the Kingdom. He is, truly, an amazing God.

I am working on my Portuguese each day and have made a pact with the class to coninue with them, bruses and all. The whole town is talking about the "crazy" pastor who takes literally the call to "take it to the streets." From now on, though, I plan to keep it so by standing and not falling beneath a motorcycle. Amen!

Deus te Abencoe

Pastor Sam

Brazil - Day Seven

It is hard to explain my feelings about being cut off from the world as I know it, yet being totally at peace and satisfied at the same time.  For aside from missing the voice of my precious wife and children, and of course all of you, I was resigned upon arriving in Curral de Dentro that my life would just be that way. And... it was! For Six wonderful days.   

Of course I went about the town, nestled into the mountains of North Minas Gerais, and found what I could to survive.  For me that meant finding a bicycle.  And because making friends with these people is so easy - they are so pleased to know you and to help -  a gentleman right next to my hotel, when I asked in broken Portuguese where I might rent such transport, said, 'take mine.'  

The town of Curral de Dentro is small but the people there possessed large hearts, made only larger by the love we brought them in Christ.  The weather each day was cool, and the nights, at times very chilly - without aid of heaters.  So that I slept very bundled, even with my hat pulled down over my face - finding the morning temp in my room in the low 50s.  BRRRRR! Yes, showering, which I stepped into by stepping outside, was accomplished in 'parts' - if you know what I mean.  

The city we are in today is larger, and we will be here for 5 days.  As you can see, I have internet.  Check out our church blog for more information and pictures.  

In short, you all would be very proud of the ParkwayHills Missionaries.  They are unbelievable.  We have seen many professions of faith.  At each service in which I preach people come forward, and this is the direct result of the work of our team.  I bring 2 pastoral messages per day, plus preach to large crowds each night.  I have preached in city squares, called 'Prasas' and have seen the power of God each time.  Our guitarist traveling with us is perhaps the best I have ever workd with. He can play it all - and for me to say I am impressed with someone's guitar playing, well... you can trust me that he it is good.  

Continue to pray for us.  And especially tonight as I preach in the square of the city of Mato Verde - (Green Grass) .   

Deus te Abencoe

Pastor Sam

Brazil - Day One

In just a few hours our Missionary Team to Brazil will leave DFW for an evening flight to Florida that will connect us with an all-night flight to Rio De Janeiro.  Arriving early on Thursday, we will use a very nice 'travel bus' for a two day road trip to our first village.  On Friday afternoon, January 11, we will arrive in Curral de Dentro and start quickly with an evening service that the people there have been planing for months. Our group of 30 will be joined by about 50 other Brazilian volunteer missionaries who will be with us for the entire 2 weeks.  Mostly young people in their late teens and early 20s, they - along with their sponsors and leaders - will help us with our efforts in Vacation Bible School, evangelism, sport camp, and evening worship and singing.   It is all very exciting as these people know how and 'love' to worship. I will preach in this service and plan to speak of the 'Light that will not go out' Jesus, the Light of the World - for, when there 2 years ago the lights of the city went out and we held our service by flashlight and candle light.  God's  Spirit was evident then and I pray will be evident on this Friday, as well.    

This mission trip is a highlight of my year, though it is very, very tiring.  Pray that I and the others will be refreshed in our spirits, and ready 'physically' for the schedule, duties, and opportunities at hand.  

I will keep you 'posted' (pun intended) 

Pastor Sam