Summer Rains

Coming home after being away in Brazil for two weeks was exciting for me - except for one thing.  My anticipation of the summer furnace that would greet me was foreboding.  I love this city, but, the heat that attends our summer's here bothers me more and more each year.  

When I stepped out of the airport and into my car, however, things were not as I expected.  Instead of a furnace blast, I was hit with a cool breeze. Then, a few days later, there followed 2 days of 'summer rain'. 

Now I know these rains are possible.  Of my 59 years, I have lived 49 of them in Texas, and have seen this phenomenon before.  But... like most who live here... not so much.  With our Texas summer we get clouds that flirt but don't ask us out. We get 'showers' that make things worse, not better.  But rare is the sound of thunder in a late July or August sky.  Rarer still the sound of 'real' rain on our 160˚roof's. And rare beyond rare find we puddles for our birds to bathe, cool streets in which our kids might play, and a cloudy covering over our sky that stays.  Yes, in Texas, we have one word for a summer rain - and that's 'grace'. 

Yet, isn't God's grace better than a Texas summer rain?   For not only is it not what we expect, it is not what we deserve.  So that, in Texas, a 'Summer Rain' can be a reminder of the ways of God - just when you think you've been given all there is, He gives you more.  

So enjoy the summer rain today.  Be reminded of a God who saves, by grace, and leaves us, as such, with the wonderful promise of more - the promise of John 10:10. 

Pastor Sam 

Home and a Brasilian PS

As in every year upon my return, I marvel at the power of the gospel to transform lives.  Have we made Christianity too hard in the west (western culture)?  I think perhaps so.  We keep blaming our lack of power and effectiveness in evangelism on our culture and its 'deaf ears.'  "They" have gone so far "they've" left the possibility for redemption behind, we say.  But... I wonder?

Perhaps it is we who have gone too far away.  Too far from the majesty, grace and power of God to change lives when truth is spoken with conviction and relevance because we who speak it believe in it ourselves.  If God is our God, Christ is our Saviour, and the testimony of we who call ourselves redeemed live this truth in such a way that we have credibility when we speak, I think there yet may be hope for us.  

Pictured here with me is Osmar da Silva. He is the owner/operator of the Hotel we stayed in Jaiba.  Osmar confessed faith in Christ.  Why?  Because he was impressed with us.  And, because he rubbed up against our Christian authenticity for a few days so much that when he was challenged to accept the same for his own self, did!  He and his entire household.  

Who will be next here at home? 

Gloria de Deus, indeed - 

Pastor Sam 

 

Brasil, Day 12, Rio de Janeiro

Today it is Tuesday, and we have made the long trip from the north of Minas Gerais to, Rio de Janeiro, this great city by the sea.  We had breakfast in the historic First Baptist Church of Rio, where our mission team worship leader serves as the Minister of Music.  We will spend our time before flying home by sight-seeing. We are all very tired, but grateful for the over 300 persons who came to know Christ through this mission trip.  Indeed, the Harvest remains plentiful here in the land and among the people of Brasil. 

Last night we held a testimony service at our Fazenda (dude ranch) which was our stop on the way home.  I was amazed to hear the story of how Jairo Campos was called into this work as a young man and child of missionary parents.  Indeed, the influence of parents over their children is astounding.   Case in point, the picture here is of the Chris and Dave Davenport, and Chris's daughter, Sara, and Dave's sons' Brett and Jacob.  Chris and Dave lived in Brasil as children while there parents served here as missionaries.  

We'll see you all in Dallas - 

Pastor Sam 

Brasil, Day 10, Novorizonte

In 2006 our team came to the village of Novo Horizionte where we ran medical clinic, held morning VBS, went into the surrounding villages for afternoon evangelism and held evening services under a giant tent.  This city, situated about 30 kilometers from the larger city of Salinas, quickly became one of our favorites, and our construction team headed up by Dave and Craig Davenport, dug the holes and poured the piers for the foundation of the church.  Well... this past Sunday our team split up (1/2 going back to Indaiabira and the other 1/2 with me to Novo Horizonte) so that we could attend the building dedications of both churches - and I got to experience the 'thrill of a lifetime' as we dedicated the church building there and saw people who had come to Christ directly through the work of Parkwayhills. I will ever forget seeing the little girl, Camile, come to the front of the church at this service and sing with team member, Xavier.  This child never missed a day of Miss Debbie's VBS in 2006, and brought her entire family to sit on the front row of the tent services each night.  And now, as she is nearing her teen years, she is filled with the love of Jesus Christ.  

The two pictures are of Ann Stokes, who has blessed us all as our first 'official' female member of the construction team and of Camile ( the girl of Novo Horizonte) and Xavier, a man who has made the last 3 trips with our team.  

Gloria de Deus

Brasil, Day 9, 'Last Day in Jaiba''

Today will be our last day in Jaiba. It has been very hard work, but with great success. Yesterday and last night approximately 100 persons made professions of faith. One such was the owner/operator of our Hotel - Osmar da Silva Miguel de Morais. This exciting profession came as a 'process', as for the past several days and through many persons in conversation, his heart, over time, had been warmed. Indeed, a great example of the power of the church of Jesus Christ when filled with the Spirit of God and about the work of God. As we ate lunch yesterday, he joined us, and, while leading our afternoon vespers I felt led by God's Spirit to call him out - in other words to recognize, publicly, how the Spirit of God had been working in His life. He seemed pleased and comfortable with me doing this. Then, as I moved my message forward to its next point, he simply stood up and asked, "May I confess Christ right now?" What happened then was nothing short of amazing, as he came forward and we all gathered around him and I led him in his public confession of faith in Christ.

This morning our VBS team will host over 200 children at the local escola (shcool) in Jaiba, where they are headquartered. Then, this afternoon, we will travel to the town of Mateus Cordosa for a 'mini' event of the same. Mateus Cordosa is a beautiful town on the banks of the river, San Franciso - one of the largest and most powerful rivers in the world. The town features a catholic church on the Praca (pronounced prasa) that was erected in 1675. It is magnificent structure, made even more so by the fact that now, nearly 350 years later, the gospel is being preached in front of its doors to a people who are, in the main, ignorant of its truth.

In this city we will have over 100- 200 children gather among our youth. Our team will 'make due' by creating makeshift tables and areas upon concrete or cobblestone pathways in order to do crafts, recreation, and to allow for a Bible story and singing. One of the highlights of this time happens to be a surprise appearance of a youth who 'flies' in dressed as superman. He tells the boys and girls that he is the most powerful person in the world, but then is asked, can you create the world, save people from theirs sins, or come into a persons heart and change their life. To this he answers, of course, no - and the gospel is then shared.

Following this, I - or one of English pastors - usually preach, but today I am going to give this charge to Coby Ray. He is a Spirit filled young man and I am praying that God will use His words mightily to pierce the hearts of those who gather around.

Tomorrow is as travel day, and I likely will not be able to post. We will leave early to make our back to Nova Horizonte, a town we came to 2 years ago. It will be good to see these people again and to worship with them. Then, the bus will take us another 8 hours to the south, to Hotel Fazenda -a ranch on a river, where we will rest for the day on Monday. Then, during the night of Monday-Tuesday, we will travel to Rio, for a day of shopping and sight seeing before our return flight home. Our team is tired but refreshed in their spirits. I am proud of them all, and give thanks to God for their sacrificial commitment as well as the many of you who have been faithfully praying for us. Keep it up, as tonight I will preach to 400 -500 persons calling them to Christ and to the ministry of Gospel He brings.

Deus Abencoe - Pastor Sam

PS The pictures are of the Catholic church in Mateus Cardosa and of the VBS children singing there no less than 200 yards from its front door.

Brasil, Day 8, 'calling out the new'

It has been a few days since my last post, and we have been very, very busy. A few of us are tired - taking rest as needed - but for all, this team and their commitment to the work has been incredible. I am especially proud of our young people and young adults. Trey, my son, is 16 and Jairo has with him his sons, John Peter and John Phillip, as well. These young men are 14 and 12 respectively and each are performing in a mature manner far beyond their years.

In addition, Lauren Irons, a Junior education major at Baylor University is with us and today shared her testimony. Then, Dave and Debbie Davenport's sons, Brett and Jacob are with us - some good ole 'Aggies' - are with us. Brett shared his testimony on Thursday and tomorrow Jacob will bring us our message for morning vespers. Finally, the ParkwayHills team is also made up of two young adults, Sarah Davenport and my daughter Taylor, who's training growing up here at ParkwayHills has prepared them well for the rigors and challenge of communicating more than information, communicating God's love. As their pastor, this only reminds me of how grateful I am for our church back home, and the good leadership so many provide week in and out in raising up such fine young Christian 'missionaries.'

Chris Davenport, who has been with me every year since first we began this work in Brasil, is our tireless leader and coordinator for the American team - and Glenn Sampson is our official 'elder.' I don't know that I have ever met any men more dogged in their commitment to 'stay the course' while remaining 'flexible.' What an example they are.

Additionally, I have brought with me Pastor Jim Thomas and church planter, Pastor Coby Ray. These men are gaining a birds eye view of the power of God to work in a place, a specific time, and through a specific strategy so much so that He just blesses. It is incredible to see all things come together in His timing and through His ways. It makes you hunger, as a pastor, for nothing less. What a great lesson for a pastor to learn.

We are now in Jaiba, a larger city and, as such, more difficult. The logistics are quite challenging and the numbers of people we are dealing with each day are almost more than we can manage. I preached to a full gymnasium last night, as I heave every night, and saw many come to Christ. Tonight, however, I will give Jim that charge. He will do a good job and I am pleased for his willingness to take up the challenge and his openness to sense this call as a pastor from ParkwayHills beyond me. Indeed, in ministry we are always training and mentoring, and asking God to 'call out the new' - to 'send' the workers, those beyond us, to go 'into the fields', which are so very 'ripe for harvest'.

The pictures today are of Pastor Jim, Chris Davenport and Pastor Coby; as well as picture of one of our hotels In Jaiba. Needless today, we are not in the Ritz Carlton (nor even MOTEL 6), but are grateful to be in Christ. Amen? Amen!

Brasil, Day 6

This morning, Wednesday, we leave the beautiful village of Indaiabira.  The people here have been so very sweet. We will miss them - as, now, they are no longer strangers but brothers and sisters in the Lord.  

Today we travel to Jaiba.  It is a larger city (7,000) and a more heavily populated municipality (approx. 20,000) with a new church and the possibility of many more to come.  I plan to have Pastor Jim Thomas preach one night. He has been of great help to me, teaching the 'resgate' (team) in the morning.  As well, young Pastor Coby Ray has been a blessing.  He is a gifted preacher, too, and a genuine young man of God.  I am very excited to have these two men with me.  

Bom Dia - 

Pastor Sam 

Brasil, Day 5

Today is our last day in the village of Indaiabira.  It will be full.  Our 3rd day of VBS here, which will have over 300 hundred children, and our 3rd day of evangelism and visitation, which is key to impacting the area.  This afternoon, I will lead the local church in a dedication service of their new facility.  The construction team has been working on benches (pews) that will be used for the fist time in their new building.  We will participate in the Lord's Supper together then I will charge the church with its purpose in Christ and culminate it all by asking the members of the church to come forward so we might pray over them.  Tonight will also be our last evangelistic service in this village.  No doubt the gymnasium will be full. 

The pastor here is named, Wilson, a relatively young man for such a crucial task, but well supported by his love for Christ and the people. When he first saw me on Saturday evening - he did the very same thing that he did when last he saw me in  the summer of 2008 and asked me to promise I would come back - he kissed my cheek and cried the tears of a pastor.  Needless to say, I love Wilson very much and am honored to be back with him.  

Attached to this post is a picture of a family and pastor with whom I visited yesterday. They live very far out in the country. No internet, very little money, reached via roads often impassable by car or bus when after rains, but loving people and proud.  When she (the elderly woman to my right) heard that we were coming - via a 'runner' who ran to her home to tell her - she went into the house to shower and clean herself.  I sat at her table and drank coffee and ate some of the sweetest bread I have ever enjoyed - her very best - and thought of Jesus and the joy he knew in being with people who were glad to see him.  There is nothing more sweet than fellowship with the saints of the Lord.  Amen?   

Brasil Day 4 - Indaiabira, Minas Gerais, Brasil

We arrived to our village in the north of Minas Gerias on Saturday evening of 11 July at about 6:00 p.m., then went straight to work - glad to finally be here.  The area is beautiful - very similar to the foothills of Colorado and much like it as to temperature in late spring spring or early summer.  At night you need a jacket, but the days can be quite warm when the sun is out.  

Now, for the very first time in my 25 years of ministry, I have come to serve an area and people with my family. This has been quite different for me. Yet, what a joy it has been to have my precious wife, daughter and son see both the place and people I have talked about for these last 6 years.  My daughter, Taylor, is leading in Vacation Bible School, and my son, Trey, is faithfully helping with recreation. This has certainly opened his 16 year old eyes to the power of God and the true purpose of the church.  

Today was a turnaround for us all.  I spoke frankly to our leadership team about the need for us to be focused. This message was passed along to our entire team of about 100 people - 30 Americans and 70 Brasilians - and the result was immediate.  Over 30 persons accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour in the surrounding villages of our afternoons visitation, one of whom was  one of the 'daytime' bus drivers.  Then, this was culminated in a powerful evening service of more than 400 persons, with professions of faith.  Such a beautiful country, made even more so by the 'beautiful feet' of these who have come bringing the gospel of Christ. 

Storms across the water

When we experience storms in North Texas they are mighty - but - when the same kicks up over the ocean, well... 

Yesterday, here in Florida, I witnessed just such a sight. It was incredible to watch as clouds rolled in and the waves were kicked up.  A day to stay in - for sure - but, in a moment's flash (coming from who knows where) I decided to jog the beach.  Off the deck and into the gale I braced myself to face both wind and rain. I turned north, determined to make the island's end before quitting.  Not one person was on the beach nor in the water.  Even the surfers (those young tatoos wearing skin who frequent such weather) were absent.  I was alone. 

As I ran the rain peppered my face, stinging and biting. My clothes, now drenched, created a drag, making my already slow pace slower. No gulls singing. No pelicans diving. Just me, and the heavy sounds of wind and my shoes crunching upon the wet sand. "How alone did the disciples feel the night of the storm?" I thought. As men of the lake they had seen storms' effects before. Now they were caught in one. Afraid for their lives. Out on a lake in a terrible storm with naught but the 'celebrity' of the day. "How did we get into this?" they thought.  

Water and wind together have a way of wreaking havoc on a life. We need water but could do without the wind because, together, they usually mean trouble. But wait! We should not forget that Jesus is in the boat - and that He is more, much more, than just a 'Celebrity of the Day!' And this! We certainly don't need to wake Him, do we? For, He already is. (Luke 8, Psalm 139, Psalm 23)

So... I finally made the end of my island. this isle called Anna Maria. And though the rain and wind never stopped my struggle finally did. Instead of feeling 'alone,' I was enthralled. Enthralled in real-time worship of the One, Awesome, Personal God through Christ.  For though it is true I no longer run as once I did, on this day, this day of rain, wind and storm, I ran with Him.

With storms across the water, indeed! 

  

Pastor Sam