Meet Leslie: I am amazed at how fast relationships have formed, and yet it didn't hit me until church on Saturday night. Worshiping together was awesome! It was amazing during communion when Pastor Tom and Pastor Nimbu were serving that no interpretation was needed. The LWML ladies were awesome, we are so connected and more alike than we are different. When I saw Pastor Nimbu's notes in his Bible, it felt like home. It is amazing how many common elements there were in the Lutheran services.
Mike: With Claudio, the masters of construction. What was unexpected was the amount of work. I never thought that people would be as motivated and team oriented to get the job done. What was most touching was in the Favela when one child didn't get a snack. As we were leaving I shook my head no, that there weren't any left and felt terrible. But she walked out, smiled and touched my back. Later, a friend realized she was without a snack and shared her own. What a memorable day.
Salleeeee: On her broom... One of the things that hit me the most was that kids are kids no matter where you are. Seeing all of the kites and kids playing hopscotch. We need to get the message to them, so regardless of where or how you live they will know about Jesus. It was interesting that no matter what language we all have, in a church service we have oneness in Christ. It has been a better experience than I ever thought it would be. I had concerns, but God took all the fear away and said, "you need to go."
Morning devotions with Pastor Tom. Matthew 20 about the workers in the vineyard and the last will be first and the first will be last.
Nice... Rock on Alex and Kate on the bus to Ebenezer.
Michael and Nick try to outdo them!
The work continues, Alex about to throw water on Mike and Mike Ford about to kick Alex (see the leg on the right?)
Recognize the shirt? Lisa and Wagner showing off their grout hands.
The soccer field got some needed rain today, the boys are so excited to use it but it will take 2 months before it can be used again.
Wow! Very sexy grout application Phil and Jessica...
Tom, Mike and Carl preparing for grout in the hallway.
Jessica sipping tea at Simone's house, check out the grout legs... sweet!
Flavia, her smiles have kept us going for the week!
Churos, a celebration today with great carne!
VBS, Sabrina as a penguin. Old lady, now penguin, talk about talent!
VBS groups, nearly 60 children attended that are not regular church members. Music, crafts and learning the Gospel... way cool!
The dedication service, these ladies represent the location community organization that helps arrange work and hygiene training at the community center. This church is powerful.
Pastor Nimbu and Simone, dedicating the community center.
Pastor Tom raising the roof!
A new experience, after the dedication the teenagers circled around Pastor Nimbu and chanted. It was really cool, kind of like a World Cup soccer game!
Same for Pastor Tom
Same for Simone
The girls gave Kate and Alex cards and artwork, a neat relationship that bridges the culture gap.
This boy and girl were getting a hard time from Alex saying they are boyfriend and girlfriend. They denied it, but all the other teens said Alex was right on! During the day, the praise band was playing smoke on the water and singing in English... Rock On!
Simone's father Hannah (John in English) gave Pastor Tom Masbaha beads that are used to relax. Pastor didn't set them down, he was using them on board the bus from the house.
Imagine this, today we gave all of the clothes donations to the church. When Leslie was going through the bags of clothes she found these beauties. They came out of Pastor Glick's donation, Sally told the story, but you'll have to ask her when you see her next.
Everyone at Simone's house, the hospitality, Love and caring was overwhelming.
I grabbed this photo from the wall in Simone's house, isn't she Bonita!
Simone with mom and dad! They live in South Sao Paulo.
6 comments:
After seeing the blog today, all I can say is "WOW!" What an amazing way God is using each of your gifts for His glory. Kind of makes some of the things we do that seem so important at the time, seem a little less important. Thanks again for all you are doing on behalf of all of us. We are remembering you in our prayers daily and look forward to your return. God bless - Pastor Glick
dear nana and papa you are so special to me. i can't wait to see you. love alexandra
Oh wow how I love the videos! We all love hearing you sing Jesus Loves Me...the kids were singing too. Dad alexandra has work for you to do "when you come here next." A door to her baby's bed broke and Matt "tried" to fix it. This morning about 5:45 am, she came into our room announcing "If Papa can fix a whole church then maybe he can fix my baby's bed!!" I think you are her new hero!! God Bless you all as you complete your mission.
In Christ
Alicia,Matt Alexandra, &Zach
PRAISE GOD for all of U over there. We look 4ward everyday 2 going on here & seeing what u r doing. We have the utmost admiration 4 all of u. What u r accomplishing is totally awesome. What a wonderful & fulfilling experience that must be. The pictures & videos r absolutely fantastic & heartwarming; we feel as if we r there ourselves. U R ALL using your God given talents & u r truly an inspiration. U have touched so many lives & u will continue 2 do so even after u r gone from there. Our prayers r w/u all. We're PROUD of all of u but especially U, JEN!! Love u dearly! God's Wonderful Blessings.
Jen's Mom & Dad, Amy & Bill
Hi guys! We all miss you already! This is a excelent blog! ^^ (For those that dont know me, I am the girl with the pink blouse at the "Same for Simone" picture... Nice hair, hum?? lol)
We had a great time with you! I can tell you that I felt God´s love through your work! It warmed my heart! And this work gave me the oportunite (??) to get to know better my brazilians brothers and sisters! I could felt the love of in Jesus in them too!
Anyway, saying thanks is never enough! I hope that we keep in touch. Lots of love, Eve and family.
ps: I am sorry about the mistakes with the english language, ok?? ^^
It is so beautiful to see the work you are doing via the pictures and the videos. thanks to all for the work you are doing and for sharing some of your moments with us at home. God Bless your final day and safe travels home! We love you David and Alex, Hurry home! Terri and Megan
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