Yesterday was yet another amazing day in the Amazon. We served in a village along the river again, bigger than the one we had served the previous day. We held VBS with the children again, performing the Christmas story with costumes, a clinic, and a dental station where Dr. Eli pulled many teeth. This station is where i spent most of the day assisting Eli. In these villages the people tend to not brush their teeth, leaving them rotten, and leading some into death. Dr. Eli, a full time missionary dentist, yanked teeth from strong Brazilians throughout the day, one lady having 12 pulled, leaving only a few teeth. I saw God's love through Dr. Eli who had devoted his life to this work, saving these people's lives. Throughout the heated day, Dr. Eli only took a short lunch break, and was out once again pulling teeth out of his love for the people. The eyes of Christ are reflected through these joyous children, as they giggle and laugh with all of the students. These children have nothing and yet they are the most happy kids i have ever seen. The first day when we visited the invasion area in Patintins, i encountered a group of girls. They were so happy to spend time with us, and a smile was spread on almost every child's face. At the end of the day multiple girls gave me their suckers or worksheets out of thankfulness, but one little girl's gift touched my heart the most. Earlier that day i had given her one of my rubber bands that i had been wearing, and when we returned in the afternoon she came back with one of her beautiful silver bangals to give me. It struck me that these children were so willing to give away their few things, to me who had much more, because of how much they loved us.
One man in the village today decided to accept Christ after hearing Bill Squiric's testimony. As well as this man, many others gave their lives as translaters, students, and adults shared the Gospel through tracks and testimonies. The most touching part of the day occured at the place where the well had been drilled to supply local villagers with clean water. In honor of Mr. Ellis and his father, this well was dedicated and prayed over by all of us. Here i realized that God truly does answer prayers. Though it seemed unlikely at first, we were blessed with this great opportunity.
It was humorous to watch Eric and Michael paint little girls nails and play with their hair. The Brazilians beat the Americans in soccer, yet again, 17 to 0. Also, three of our very students decided to be baptized in the Amazon river, which was a very precious moment for all of us. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER!!!!!!!!!!
We are airing up soccer balls to throw out to the small villages we pass on the way back to Manaus. The little kids swim out into the river to get the soccer balls and the baloons filled with bible verses and candy. It's like gold to them. Tonight we are going to cook dinner for the boat crew and the translators who have been serving us all week. We're going to throw a little party for them and serve them to show our appreciation for what they do.
It has definitely a trip that we are all going to remember and cherish throughout the rest of our lives. Thank you for all the prayers and support!
Heather Burns and Eric Shell
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