Monday, September 8, 2008

Sabbath in the outback

It was an awesome Lord's day in the Outback! First of all the we were blessed with slightly overcast skies that gave us an incredible breeze.......thank you Lord!! We began the day in Solidao at Pastor Moab's church where they had a children's service. Diego was up to his old "tricks" again (literally!) There was also a baby dedication.......guess who??? YES........baby Wendi was dedicated to the Lord by her family. It was awesome to see our Wendi standing with baby Wendi's family and remembering what the Lord has done in these lives. The baby was even wearing a beautiful little dress Wendi had given her. (i wish we were able to post pics from here!) We prayed that she would follow Jesus all the days of her life. It was a beautiful moment!

After church we did some house visits. There seems to be a different dynamic this time with the people. Legalism and ritualism seems to be a huge barrier to these people from developing a relationship with Christ. Many have left the Christian church because of rules they cannot seem to keep yet they are without peace and assurance through the Catholic church. We have found that most do not have Bibles to read therefore they are relying on man instead of God. It is providing a great opportunity for us to hand them a Bible and let them read Truth for themselves. God's Word does not return void!!! Discipleship is happening.

During our lunch and "siesta" time Tiago (16 yrs old....Philipe's brother) shared his testimony of miraculous healing of a childhood illness he had. The same illness had taken his older brother's life as a baby and he had "inherited" the same. The difference was that his mother had prayed to idols for healing of his brother. When Tiago was ill she remembered the God of her mother who was a Christian and he was completely healed.

Tatiana worked a dental clinic while the rest of us went back out on house visits. The harvest was plentiful!!! Many believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and were saved. Many were also encouraged in the Lord.

We attended a church service in the evening where we actually sang (oh my!!). It was more like a joyful noise! Pastor Airton brought the Word from Genesis 32. It was about reconciliation and forgiveness. Kesia Vale brought down the house with a beautiful song!! Many of the congregation came forward and the team was able to pray individually for them as needed.

We hurried home for the big game...........soccer that is........Brasil and Chile. Some of the brave ordered pizza and stayed up........the pizza never was delivered. Ha! It was an awesome day!!

By the way...WAY TO GO PANTHERS FOR THE BIG LAST MINUTE WIN (thanks to daniel our sports update reporter). This morning we are headed to Pelo Senal. Thanks also for the encouraging posts and comments. Keep praying!!

"Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish today."

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all daily. Praising God for the work He's doing through you all. Take good care of my sister(Wendi) and nephew(Evan). Can't wait to see the pictures!~~Robert

Faith said...

Thanking the Lord for the fresh wind of His Holy Spirit that is moving in Brazil. The baby dedication...oh my word, how awesome that must have been! I pray God's richest blessings on this sweet family as they continue to seek Him.

So thankful that you were able to give Bibles to those who need them. You're right, His Word will not return void!

Continuing to pray for more souls and rejoicing over the ones that have already come to know Him! May there be many more!

Love you all. Praying without ceasing!

Melissa said...

It sounds like a great day and it's awesome to see that the Lord is showing you all things so that you can minister more effectively! We are praying for you all!! We know that through your obedience to share that He will be honored so He is already at work there! Glad to hear that everyone is doing pretty well too! No sickness!! Safety and opportunities to share. Praise the Lord!