William & me on the line boat coming back from Juruti
So on Saturday, April 4th, I found myself speaking at a youth/young adult conference in Juruti (a smaller city about 10 hrs by boat up the Amazon), and even though I believe God gave me a good word to share and I had prepared thoroughly, half-way through my sermon that thought flew through my head, “Wow, I’m not that great of a speaker!”
group ready to work on church construction
I guess it helps keep me humble and allows the Holy Spirit to work, because there were about 8 people that came forward to give their lives to Christ when I made the alter call. After the service I asked the pastor about them, and he said he didn’t recognize any of them, so they were probably invited especially for this “conference” (it was only one night and one morning) but he assured me that they got all their names and addresses and they were all going to be followed up with and integrated into a cell group.
Vila Nova church before
filling in the floor w/ dirt and bringin in the tiles
The next morning, instead of meeting at church, we went out to the camp and it was much more informal (which I like a LOT better, no microphones), and had more interaction and good q&a time. Very interesting questions I got to try to answer, one of which I had the pastor’s wife take the women and to talk about it and I talked with just the guys :) It was really good, and one of the best parts about the entire trip was that I was able to take my disciple, William, which I feel made a big impact in his life for the best.
workin the mixer
finished project!
Thursday after that trip I got youth/young adults from several cell groups to vonlunteer their time, sweat, and muscles to helping build a church in the comunity of Vila Nova. We actually finished the roof and poured the concrete floor. Today is the first time I don’t feel sore from that day, but I still have cuts and scratches from working the cement mixer :) Now I’m trying to square some things away for my trip to the US, so I appreciate your prayers for that. Watch out Tulsa, I’m comin to you first! :)
Amazing how God uses us even we think we aren’t qualified…although I am sure you did a wonderful job sharing! Humility & willingness are key character traits to exhibit. Way 2 b a vessel for the Lord!!!
P.S. Excited to have you in Tulsa! Look forward to hanging out probably w/ good ole Sal..hopefully not just at Arvest Bank:) The first wkend in May is my bday so we are planning a fun event..you’ll be invited. Safe travels bro!
good update, buddy!
I’m glad to hear God is alive and well in Brazil! Give your mom and dad my love! They came and taught one of my classes here at Elim Bible Institute last year and it was very encouraging and frustrating. But God is teaching me patience and perseverance and I will be in Brazil sooner then I think. Your mother actually pt me up to talking to you a year ago but I somehow never did. She invited me to come join Congresso, cause I’ve danced for over 10 years and I have a children’s dance ministry at my church back home. It might be a few years still though because I have to finish up school next year and then I’m looking into some Business corses before coming to Brazil for a short time before eventually moving down in the Lord’s timing and season to start an orphanage. That’s been my heart since 5 was 5 years old and God i just now taking that childish dream and making it my mission. :) So God bless and keep doing what you’re doing! And yeah… tell your parents I said hello… that’s all. God bless!
~Ilene Rose
You are doing a tremendous job! I am happy to hear you made Debbie’s graduation. I had an opportunity to meet her briefly at the TDC. I keep a pic of you and your group on my computer at work and pray for you all regularly.
You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. Keep up the work for the kingdom. Blessings! Pam B