Brasil 2011, Thursday, 07.28 - Day 15 "HOME"

After each of my trips to Brasil I return home both tired and energized. Of course I am tired physically - but, always, I am oh so energized spiritually. And why not? For there are so many wonderful stories to tell of changed lives and so many services of worship to remember, in which we felt the presence of Christ in ways never to forget. In fact, I would say the word 'energized' seems, frankly, an understatement for how I feel. So that sitting in my chair at home today - with our faithful dog "Sooner" at my feet - I wonder at how far away my brothers and sisters from Brasil are now. Folks with whom - just yesterday - I cried and hugged as we said 'goodbye'. Causing me to think both then and now of heaven - and how wonderful that great reunion will be.

For yesterday, in leading both the Norte Americanos and Brasilians in a goodbye prayer and word, I reminded us all of what is yet to be - of the great banquet prepared for each of us with Jesus. I shared that my plans will be to sit as close to Christ as I can, and... "to sit with each of you close by, as well, my Brasilian brothers and sisters in Christ."

With that, I added... "Deus Abencoe" (God Bless you).

And God bless each of you too.

It's good to be home,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Sunday, 07.24, Day Eleven

REUNION: Both teams have returned to Montes Claros, actually arriving here in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday - 3:30 am. We went straight to bed for a long morning of much needed sleep in this cool, mountainous clime - then, at 11:00 am, breakfast for all was served at Pastor Jairos' home. Fresh fruit, eggs, bread and cheese. The Mango was delicious. The fellowship divine.

Next came Saturday afternoon, which marked our first break since arriving in Brasil. The Americanos went to a large Mall - and many of the young people and ladies enjoyed shopping, looking about for sales, and proclaiming, "But... It was such a GOOD DEAL!!!" About which I wondered. :-)

Saturday night we continued with our 'pre-crusade rally' formula, by setting up a large stage in a vacant lot, just off a busy street called, "Avenida Esteves Rodriguez." Many young people came, along with members of a sister Baptist Church, which is also in Montes Claros named, Igreja Batista de Gallilee." The Pastor of this church, Pastor Nildo, is a very good man and his church is helping us to sponsor Jairos' church here. Pastor Nildo is also the President of the Association of Baptist Churches here in Montes Claros, and I was pleased to talk with him and encourage him with the importance of Jairos' model to reach this upscale, young neighborhood of Montes Claros' west side with the gospel. Something that is quite different than the Baptist model of recent past. I said this is important for 2 reasons, 1.) Because these people are just as lost as those who are of lesser means and education, and 2.) because the base of support that this kind of church will yield will help fund the work to the outer regions of Minas Gerais, as well. He understood. (Pictured above is Pastor Brad Martin & Pastor Nildo)

Speaking of Pastor Brad, I am so pleased to have him with us. Last night I asked him to preach - and he did a wonderful job telling the story of the paralytic man who was brought to Jesus by his friends. He commended his friends in this story for their determination and their stepping out. He encouraged us ALL to do whatever it takes for us to bring others to Jesus, and, for us not to be gripped with our own paralysis of sin - those things that bind us and keep us from stepping out. He did a wonderful job.

Continue to pray for us as we minister in this city of Montes Claros - that we might "finish strong." I am missing you all - but grateful to hear things are well - and looking forward to a great day on Sunday, July 31, when I return.

Till then ... Bênçãos em Cristo,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Thursday, 07.21, Day Eight

Last night was a wonderful evening of worship and evangelism - as we saw many respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. At our service end, team members walked forward with persons coming to make professions of faith in Christ, which was marvelous for this pastor to see. My message, The Importance of God’s Kingdom, was based upon Christ’s 3 parables - ‘The Great Treasure in a Field, the Pearl of Great Price, and the fishermen with their “Nets full of Good Fish and Bad” – stories from Jesus which teach of both the value of God’s Kingdom and the Import of a true confession in Christ, before it is too late.

This morning, on our second full day in Itacarambi, our team appeared rested, even energized, as I addressed them. I spoke from Phil. 2, where Paul reminded this church they are to “do nothing out of selfishness or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Phil 2:3) Once again, I shared this is an important matter for our call to ministry, as well as for church unity and effectiveness both to those inside and outside the church. To do this, I challenged us to practice a ‘back-row’ ministry - a ministry perfectly suited to our call in Christ. It is often a ministry to those least noticed, those not considered cool, those perhaps not so pretty or out-going – and to those living life unnoticed because either they (themselves) or we have placed them on life’s back row. For, if I have learned anything in my years in Christ, it is that there is no real back row, no hierarchy, from Christ’s perspective – and that the ground is level at the foot of His cross – and we are called to model Him.

When we practice “back row” ministry, we do two things – (1.) we help those whom really need Christ’s love to see His love – offered for all – as it shines through us. And (2.) doing so guards and protects us from Satan’s temptation of selfishness and vanity.

So pray for us as we do this while we are here in Brasil. Pray also that we might do this as we return to Plano. And, do this knowing that your pastor is praying for you the very same thing – wherever you are - as you serve Him in your places of work and play, today.

Deus Abencoe,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Wednesday, 07.20, Day Seven

Last evening we arrived at the city of Itacarambi. It is north of Montes Clares about 200 kilometers, and sits on a mighty river called, Rio Sao Franciso. We began our work quickly by setting up for an evangelistic service. This was held an outdoor park by the river itself. There, I told the citizens of this place the story of Saint Francis of Assisi, for whom their river is named. He was a young man of great privilege and wealth, I said, but - was a selfish young man until his life was changed forever by Christ. I told them they too could know this same Christ - and that we had come to tell them about him so that their live's and eternity might be changed. My text was John 3:16, a text that tells HIS story well.

Our other team, the team of Chris Davenport and Pastor Brad Martin, is in the village of Pai Pedro. We have had little communication with them, but, when we do - we hear things are well and that many are coming to faith in Christ. Amen!!!!

Please continue to pray for us. Pray for continued health, unity of spirit and effectiveness with the people whom we meet. It is amazing to see God's Spirit working - and your prayers for us are being felt daily.

Deus Abencoe,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Sunday, Day Five

It is our last day in this neighborhood of Montes Clares. Tonight the Montes Clares team will travel to the smaller town of Itacarambi, while the other team with parkwayhills teammates Chris Davenport and Brad Martin, will travel to the village of Pai Pedro. These two villages are likely not more than 100 kilometers apart, as the crow flies - however, they are twice that distance in travel because of the mountains and traversable roads.

At our devotion time this morning, I asked Hayden Davenport, a Senior at Plano West Senior High, to share what this trip means to him. He spoke briefly but

powerfully as he told us he 'considers it a blessing and privilege to be able to come this county, and to bring a witness for Christ by sharing the gospel with others.' Hayden is SO right. I am proud of him.

The picture on the left is of Debbie Irons, who has organized and heads up our VBS efforts for this years trip. She is a wonderful Christian who means much to our work here. I have asked her to write a blog today - one that we will post to our P70 site, which is also accessible from the parkwayhills home-page. So let me encourage you to check this out, along with pics and other news we will post there.

Yesterday it was my joy to visit a small village and enter into some very humble homes. I was able to share the gospel in these homes and see two precious persons pray to receive Christ (photo above). As well, last night in our evangelistic services in Montes Clares, we had entire families - families of greater means and high educations - come forward to confess Christ as their Saviour, as well. The fields are ripe unto harvest = and, indeed, the ground is level at the cross.

Deus Abencoe,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, Sunday, Day Four

It is Sunday morning in Montes Clares - and we continue with our mission to reach this growing, upscale community. The work here, in Montes Clares, is different than it has been in missions past, where we've been in rural areas as the only 'show' in town. Here, there are many distractions - both good and bad. Still, we are making progress with many visitation teams blanketing the surrounding neighborhoods and our VBS team leading a wonderful host of children whose number is growing daily - and quite large.

Chris Davenport and Pastor Brad Martin have traveled to Fruta de Leche, a smaller community - where they are experiencing great success, as well. I am pleased to have Brad Martin, the new pastor of Shady Oaks Baptist Church in Euless TX., with us. His temperament and gifts are well suited for this work.

Each morning I am blessed to bring a devotion to the team - and today I spoke of the "love of Christ," encouraging that it must abound in us more and more (Phil 1: 9-11). Christ's love in us is both our unifier (with the body of Christ) and our draw (to those outside). After all, it was Jesus who said, 'by this shall all men know you are my disciples, because you have love one for another." (John 13:35)

So please pray that God will sustain this love in us - both for each other and for others - as we serve HIM here. Pray for our teams and for our evangelistic services tonight - both in Montes Clares and in Fruta de Leche, and for Brad and myself as we preach.

Deus Abencoe,

Pastor Sam

Brasil 2011, day 3, Saturday

Bom Dia, Senhores e Senhoras! It is Saturday, noon, in the beautiful city of Montes Clares of Minas Gerais, Brasil. A gorgeous city situated in the mountains and blessed with crystal clear sky (hence, Montes Clares). It is in the north of the state of Minas, and possesses a population that is booming. Already the city exceeds 400,000 persons - and just a few years ago it was half this size.

So from here - from this city we will base our mission trip this year. A city of a new Baptist seminary supported by our Project 70 mission funds, which supplies pastors being trained to lead the churches being planted. Churches like ours - the ones Parkwayhills supports - which, by the way, is 16 churches now - all in the state of Minas and situated in our adopted region near Salinas.

But now, we have come to work with our newest church plant - a church begun by ParkwayHills and Pastor Jairo, himself, and situated in beautiful Montes Clares. A city dynamically changing, where less than 6% of its population call themselves evangelical, or know what it means to claim Christ as their 'personal' Saviour. So to this place we have come and it is of this place and mission you are praying.

When we arrived here last night, after traveling by plane and bus for some 30 hours, we held an evangelistic concert of contemporary music and preaching. This happened in an open field, near where the new church is meeting. My chosen text was from Luke 8, where Jesus told his disciples that "light" was not to be hid, but, instead, placed on a lamp-stand for all to see. I challenged those who did not know this LIGHT to let Christ - the LIGHT of the world - change their life forever. I asked all our missionaries - both Brasilian and American - to place this light, Jesus Himself, at the very front and center of everything they were about to do. Why? Because our confidence is in Him, I reminded - the 'One' who will bring all things into view and make all things known.

So today we have begun. Early up and early out. Children are everywhere. Our missionaries are working - and working hard. Young and old alike, they are bringing the light of Christ to Montes Clares. One team is here, with yet another just 120 kilometers away, in the village of Fruta de Leche (village of 'milk fruit')

So please - keep us in your prayers! Pray HIS LIGHT may be known, and... that it will shine.

Obrigado,

Pastor Sam

Plano, Missouri, Dallas, Brazil and...

I think ParkwayHills is a great church, for great churches are made up of committed Christians - both to Christ and to His call of sharing the gospel. Truth told, I'm not sure there is such a thing as 'commitment to Christ' without this. For isn't this what He has called us to? This said, the journey of our church has been rich with this story. From our beginning, this has been our objective - and it thrills me to see us still fully engaged in this even now.

This summer - even this week - our trek takes us further into the story of how this is weekly done. Twenty One of our students will travel with youth pastor's, interns and sponsors to Missouri's Camp Barnabas - where the love of Christ and His gospel will be exampled by our students as they serve those often least regarded among us - kids with special needs.

This week I will take a constituency to Southeast Dallas, as we prepare to call upon our church and West Plano Business and Community to share the gospel by exampling 'hands on' help - building a house for a family in the area and impacting this historic Dallas community with the love of Christ, while we engage others to help us with that same love and for the same cause, as well.

Then, next week, I leave with over 30 other missionaries, most of whom are from ParkwayHills, to travel to the Brasilian State of Minas Gerais, and the city of Montes Claros, as we work with Brasilian Baptists in planting and strengthening churches while seeing as many as 500 persons come to faith in Christ there.

But these are not just stories. Not just tales. They are real events, with real people impacting others through the efforts of this great church. Like the story of Kiara, who went with the ParkwayHills Pre-teens to Camp Gap last week, and gave her heart to Jesus Christ as a result. Kiara is a 4th grade student at Centennial Elementary, and lives less than 80o yards from our church. Last week her life was changed forever. Because of a great church, indeed!

So, may our efforts and causes be ever of Him, and increase!

Love,

Pastor Sam Dennis