The Village March Team-Day 8

March 26, 2011 - Day 8

Hoy!

After a full day of rest and traveling back to Manaus, we have arrived! I just wanted to let you know where we'll be over the next 2 days as we make our way back to the states. We just spent our afternoon buying souvenirs for you all. Oh and, no big deal, but Bill Clinton actually got to say hi to a few of us (no joke) as we played pool in the Tropical hotel of Manaus today. He, along with Sir Richard Branson and Arnold Schwarzeneggar, are speaking at a Global Sustainability conference (Amen Lord) and was blessed to make eye contact with yours truly. We are now lounging on the mother ship awaiting to depart for dinner. Afterwards, we'll be waiting at the departure gate from 11pm to 2am (so please pray for patience and that we manage to entertain ourselves!). Then, the journey commences:

Sunday
2:40 am - depart from Manaus to Brasilia
6:30 am arrive in brasilia
9:00 am depart for Miami
3:40 arrive in MIA
7:25 depart for DFW (Flight AA 1973)
9:40 HOME!!! I wish I could tell you exactly what gate we'll be arriving at, but unfortunately we will not know until Miami.

It's been such a blessing serving my Amazon family through writing this blog; I've loved being the one to document the beauty that we've experienced. So from me, (Skye) to you (readers), thanks for tuning in! My prayer is that many, for years to come, will write on this same boat sharing the stories of God's restoration in the Amazon.

See YA'LL in the TX!

Until the whole world hears,

The Village March Team

Oh and Paul Stuart the Amazing Dude will be speaking at the hotel about sustainability (joke). Paul is totally awesome (joke). He invented the essence of masculinity; then Jon Lamb made it Godly (also joke).

I kissed Arnold Schwarzeneggar! California represent what what!!! <3 Chrissy Allison

Chris Manack wants to thank all my family and friends that gave their prayers and finances that allowed me to make this trip. Thank you all and God bless.

 

The Village March Team - Day 6

March 24, 2011 - Day 6

Hoy!

"Indescribeable...uncontainable...awe-struck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim, You are amazing, God."

We awoke today singing these words for morning worship as the Lord set a brilliant sunrise as our backdrop; I am hoping that you are seeing this for yourself as I have attached pictures in hopes that they may say to you what I cannot.

Our lives are forever blessed from day six, and our prayer is this: that we are not merely stirred, but drastically changed. The Jaquareqara Village was heartbreaking and joyful all the same; yet, no matter our state, God was greater. Our hearts broke to see a three-year-old burn victim still healing from her wounds. Yet, we were overjoyed when her family, once enemies of God, whole-heartedly accepted Jesus as their Savior. The enemy had been tormenting this particular family for years, as was evident in the tragedies they had endured; yet, God pursued His children and prevailed. Our hearts broke, again, as a 16-year-old mother claimed that reincarnation followed death; this opinion formed solely on her own assumption. Yet, joy poured into us when a woman stood before her unbelieving peers and proclaimed that Jesus had saved her pneumonia-stricken baby through the Amazon Outreach missionaries six years ago. Today, her healthy daughter stood next to her mother as she said in Portuguese, "I will never stop telling my story."

To be apart of stories such as this, is living the Gospel; it's seeing the Father restore His creation in a place where it is easy to forget it was ever fractured. I had to remind myself of this corruption as I watched fireflies imitate the stars amidst the trees in the rainforest while we hunted for alligators. (Our boat caught two, by the way, and it was absolutely thrilling; we have many pictures - Mama Terri: HA! :P ) To be sitting in the middle of the Amazon River under an astounding night sky, glancing back at an impoverous, broken village is witnessing the tear that is sin while still realizing that He makes beauty out of ashes; and still the best is yet to come.

Although we will not be evangelizing to any villages tomorrow, this place is in desperate need of prayer. The power of prayer is something God has really taught me on this trip and, for the first time, I get it. Thus, I plead with you to join me in prayer as Pastor Jose Carlos, the pastor and full-time Amazonian missionary that has joined us on this excursion, continues where we have left off. We are only here briefly, yet the Lord has settled Him here and continues to annoint his mission. Hearts have come to know Jesus through the obedience of this man and his family, and our prayer is that God continues to use him miraculously.

This entire experience has been so beyond us, our abilities and our expectations; I just want to, again, say obrigada (thank-you) to all of our sponsors and supporters for joining us in the mission field through your faith and obedience. I cannot thank you enough as God has used this entire team to teach me and share their wisdom with me. This team exemplifies so many characteristics of what God ordained the church to be, and I'm so incredibly, unbelieveable grateful to be stuck on a boat with these insane, loving, joyful, wise and compassionate people. So, I first thank God; then I thank you for sending them here.

Further still,

The Village March Team

The Village March Team - Day 5

March 23, 2011 - Day 5

Hoy! (Hi in Portuguese)

I am writing from the third deck of the boat while my fellow missionaries drown out the sound of bullfrogs with Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." Hey, He only said to make a joyful noise; He never said it had to be a beautiful one.

Today the Amor E Esperance carried us to 2 degrees 25' S, 58 degrees 20' W where we were greeted by the village children singing and holding welcome signs; we knew God was giving us an amazing day and, as always, He was faithful. We were blessed to be able to disciple our Brazilian brothers and sisters today as this village already knew Jesus. We were able to see the expansion of God's sovereignty as our foreign world's collided under the Kingdom of God, and our meeting point was the Cross. We, again, offered reading glasses to villagers who owned Bibles but could not read them through their blurred vision. We discipled to the women, as wisdom was exchanged between God's Brazilian and American daughters. The children, who continuously manage to find a foothold on my heart, surprised us by reciting verses back to us; To hear a child recite Romans in Portuguese and to have the Spirit translate it to your heart is a thing of divinity that I pray I'll be blesed with throughout my life. The medical team even performed minor surgeries on some brave villagers who would otherwise be unable to receive the much-needed care. For the first time this week, we were able to reach out to a group of teenage girls; this may seem ordinary, however, the transition period is relatively shorter here as it is a cultural norm for children to become mothers rather quickly. God's assembly of this team and the varying talents He has ordained us all with still astounds me as I watch the divine appointments meet throughout the village.

During lunch we celebrated Tam's birthday and beforedinner we celebrated Chris Manack's new birth into the Kingdom as he was baptised in the Amazon River. To witness a brother publicly proclaim the Messiah as King and beautifully fall under obedience to scripture was amazing and something we will never forget. God's intricate timing of our lives is astounding and we give thanks. The night ended with an Amazonian alligator hunt during which this blogger (Skye) almost tipped the boat in the first five minutes. Don't worry, we only caught a baby alligator, but tomorrow we're moving to another area in pursuit of its mom. Wish us luck!

The Lord has been so good and Gracious to us. Looking up at the stars now, which cannot compare to anywhere else, is an astounding reminder that the Creator of these loves us more; He uses these to light the world but calls us to be an even greater light. Tomorrow will be our last day evangelizing on the Amazon as Friday will be a day of rest and swimming while we make the 18-hour journey back to Menaus. Please ask the Spirit to move miraculously, the Father to be our strength and for Jesus' name to be proclaimed.

"I see Your power in the moonlit night/ Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright/ We are amazed in the light of the stars/ It's all proclaiming who you are/ You're Beautiful" - Phil Wickham

The Village March Team

P.S. I hear a rooster crowing, yet, there is definitely no sun out as it is 11pm. Confused perhaps? Bom Noite!

The Village March Team Day 4

March 22, 2011- Day 4

We are alive. Jesus saved lives. There are now believers in the village that had none.

It is well with our souls,

The Village March Team

 

Jackie/Luke/Hadley, miss you guys so much. thinking about you all the time. Hopefully everything is ok there. we had a great day meeting with the men of the village, sharing the word and giving them bibles and shoes. We closed out the day getting schooled in soccer by the Brazilians. Guess all the work I put in pre-trip on my soccer skills did not pay off. Love you guys, take care, and see you soon. Love, chris

Tyler- wish you were here. I got to participate in VBS and experienced so much joy watching the children's faces; and I miss ours so very much. Three of the boys from VBS accepted the Lord that night. We closed out our night "gator hunting." Oh yes! Out in a small boat at night we (I mean a brazilian man) caught a small gator and put it on the boat. I held it!! Can't wait to show you pictures and tell you stories. Please pray that God would strenghten my spirit. Love to you from the southern hemisiphere, Aly

Mom (Leisha), I miss you so much. We are having such an amazing experience here in the Amazon. And don't worry, Dad has been on his best behaviour. :) Love you, Jessi & Bill.

Mama K and friends - love and miss you! This is quite the incredible place/experience...can't wait to tell you all about it! I've only taken approx 987 pics, so get ready....;) xoxoxoxo Rae

Mama Terri, Dad, Hunter- I'm growing weary, but still joyful; pray for endurance and energy. I almost adopted a little girl yesterday; if I was married and the time was right, you would be grandparents today and, Hunter, you would be an uncle. We just started singing Phil Wickham's "Beautiful" in the middle of the Amazon; amen for restoration. Love ya'll -Bird

Pat and Jeanne (mom and dad) - Hi love you. Tell Laurie and Carlos eu falo portoguese. And Jean, tell Nellie the search continues ;). Having a wonderful time, such beautiful people here... the kids are melting my heart and also making me miss my KV girls. Love Gwen

From Paul,

Definitely starting to miss family and friends. God's been super sweet, and I'm having a blast. Prayers are always welcome.

Lindales, I hope you guys have been recording, can't wait to get back and lay down drum tracks.

Hi Mom, Dad, & Khoa! What a wonderful way to spend a birthday! I hope that everyone is doing well at home. I am having a wonderful time. I have been waking up early (5:30am!) every morning to see the sunrise along with a cup of coffee. It's been rainy & cloudy at nights so far. I'm hoping to see the stars & the milky way soon. Anyway, it's time to start the day. I have been praying for you all & I miss you like crazy! Love you!!! - Tam

The Village March Team-Day 3

The Village March Team-Day 3

"Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news" and beautiful are the ears of those who hear.

Heaven and earth have collided and we, church family, are entangled in the blending of Grace and redemption. Restoration is at hand and it is simply stunning to be a part of it.

I admit, I am struggling to put it to words for I am even speechless now. To convey this experience is like trying to fit the Amazon river into a fishbowl so forgive my inefficiencies, but I feel I can only leave you with a glance of today's glory.

Today the Lord brought us to the village of Abacate where we dispersed in hopes of reaching as many as possible through men's, women's, children's, medical, dental, eyeglass, and evangelism ministries. We encountered children who were left to protect cattle from leopards while their parents were away tending to crops. We prayed with men, who at only 18 years of age, are struggling with their marriages as they take up God's calling to be spiritual leaders. We wept with a daughter whose plea to God was to be given a child of her own. We listened as the voice of a pastor was overcome by the sound of his flock praying out loud to the one true God. We played with children who, at the end of the day, stood next to the pastor as he invited them into the Kingdom of God. Today, we witnessed the Lord give Heavenly citizenship to these brothers and sisters in Abacate and draw others closer to Him. Through it all, He did not merely allow us to watch but used us in His plan. Our response was worship.

Through music and fellowship and prayer, we gave thanks to the Creator of this place that has already changed us. The setting for tonight was an unbelieveable moon, distant flashes of lightening, and the sounds of the jungle as we celebrated the intricate way Jesus has brought us together temporarily on this trip and eternally in His Kingdom. We ask for prayer specifically for tomorrow as we venture into a village where there is no believer, where only the Spirit of God remains to lead these broken hearts; yet we know that is enough. Pray that tomorrow is the day this village is eternally transformed by Jesus and His redeeming love.

Thanks for your continued support and may He drench the harvest,

The Village March Team

P.S. Mom, I forgot that my electric bill was due today! Do you think you can call Denton Municipal Utilities and let them know I'll be giving it to them as soon as I get back? You're a baller! Love and Miss you. I hope reading my writing every day is helping. Love- Skye

The Village March Team Day 2

March 20, 2011- Amazon River Basin Day 2

On Day 2, the Amazon welcomed us with a morning of thick fog and cloudy skies as we stumbled out of our hammocks at just before 7am. During the night we had arrived at the city of Sao Sebastiao Do Uatuma which lies absolutely at S 02 degrees, 34' (minutes), 20.4" (seconds) and W 57 degrees, 52' (minutes), 76.2" (seconds) for those of you who would like to Google-map the location. According to Pastor Zacharias of the Presbyterian Church, whom we partnered with for the day, Sao Sebastiao is home to approximately 9,000 Brazilians (and many more mosquitoes). After an early breakfast and beautiful devotional about resting on the Sabbath, we divided into teams according to ministries and ventured out into the colorful town of Sao Sebastiao where our white skin quickly drew the attention of the locals.

Those serving on the children's ministry today were armed with the Gospel, soccer balls, and crafts while the children, who totaled approximately 100?, retaliated with energy and eagerness; it was an absolute delight. We were blessed to share the Good News through story-telling, making necklaces that paralleled stories of the Bible and simply getting beat in a game of futbol; it was quite unwise of us to believe a bunch of Americans could take on citizens of the country that won the World Cup. We were so grateful for the translators as the children poured out Portuguese while we oh-so eloquently asked "Que?!" Fortunately, the Spirit broke these barriers as we joyfully witnessed children praying and learning of the Messiah who died for them. Personally, my heart was captured when I was led in prayer by a seven-year-old boy named Jose who did not speak my language but knew my Jesus.

The medical team served in one of the medical ministries and treated patients who suffered from a variety of illnesses ranging from back pain (a common complaint among the many farmers here) to pregnancy complications and birth defects. Hearts broke when we learned that good medical care is accessible only by a fifteen-hour boat ride; thus, our Brazilian brothers and sisters were incredibly thankful for our care today. The team felt divinely led to pray for many patients including a 3-year-old girl, who suffered from macrocephily; Despite the heart-wrenching circumstances this little girl and her family face, beauty was found in the love of her mother which was evident to the witnessing medical team. The Lord opened our eyes, yet again, as He brought patients who were deeply troubled by depression and psychiatric issues that left us laboring for prayer for healing and deliverance; we ask that you labor with us in hopes that these words draw you close to these people.

The dental team witnessed the tough side of these twenty-five Brazilians who courageously climbed into the dental chairs ready for teeth to be extracted or filled. It was unsettling as a four-year-old boy mounted the dentist's chair with a bravery that was all too instilled for his age; he did not whine nor cry, but patiently endured as the doctor extracted a tooth. It was as if this pain was another tally among hardships he had already faced in his not-so-easy life.

The men's ministry shared their faith with approximately fifteen men, one of which attended the church service with us that night. Despite the difficulty of the language barrier, the men felt bonded through discipleship as the commonality of the Cross overcame. According to Pastor Zacharias, adultery is commonly committed by the men which leaves many families broken and seeking hope. For this, we lift our brothers up in prayer asking the Lord to move aggressively within the city.

Brenda Bailey led the women's ministry and was overjoyed as the women were receptive to the evangelizing and responded with eager discussion. At a Bible study, held at 4:00, the women engaged in deep discipleship and found commonality through struggles shared by both Americans and Brazilians. Beautifully, all found that through the Cross, all struggles have been overcome and God is Good and faithful despite all heart-aches.

We ended our day with a glorifying service at the Presbyterian church where cultures blended through English and Portuguese worship; to not understand the words but fully know the heartfelt meaning and love are pleasing the same God is breathtaking. Paul and I (Skye) shared our testimonies as we paired with two translators. Standing in front of the audience of fifty, I watched as God's story of redemption in my life spoke first to my American brothers and sisters and then to my Brazilian family (thanks to the translator); and I will not forget it. Afterwards, a young girl came to me, shook my hand, kissed my cheek and said "obrigada" meaning "thank-you." All I could do was give thanks to my King, pray for her and, of course, pose for a picture with the girl who now has a piece of my heart.

To serve our God and Amazonian brothers and sisters has already been beyond joyful; to think this is only the second day is beyond humbling. On Day 3, we'll travel deeper into the jungle in order to outreach to a village; pray for hearts to be opened, language barriers to be broken and for us to lay down ourselves for these villagers; Continually pray for the Father's Will to be done above our own.

Bom Noite! (Good Night)

The Village-March Team

P.S. Blogs will be posted the morning after as we depart immediately after returning each day in order to reach our next divine appointment. :)

P.P.S. I just heard dolphins playing.

Mondays never held such happy promise at the smell of bacon, and other breakfast creations that more than stuffs and baffles our 40 plus partakers every day. We wake to the sound of tropical birds and the steady hum of our barge against the backdrop of warm morning light piercing through storm clouds of the previous night. Reconciling this with the disparity of extreme poverty amidst broken families weighs heavier than all the cultural feaux paus and social blunders. But we've been given a ministry of reconciliation. Christ is bigger and Christ is better.

-Watson

The Village in the Amazon Day 1

March 19, 2011
First and foremost I need to address the delay of this posting: Unfortunately, we are unable to gain internet access while the boat is moving –which it often does in fulfilling its purpose- thus, this posting is coming to you a day late since the Amor E Esperanca has not paused during its voyage down the Amazon since we boarded.  SO to all of you worried-sick-parents, family, and friends:  WHOOPS! SORRY! We'll do our best to blog daily so you can vicariously trek through the Amazon jungle with us right from the cozy, air-conditioned office you're likely sitting in.  ?
To pick you up to speed:
We first embarked on a successful flight from Dallas to Miami where we witnessed bronzed vacationers, learned the value of the SkyLine (after a 25-minute hunt for a restaurant), and missed the good-ole southern hospitality of Texans.  Around 11:00 that night, everyone sent their last good-bye txts and tweets, and we were eagerly Brazil-bound.  Approximately seven hours later, your favorite missionaries awoke to  a sunrise in South America and the announcement that President Obama was landing in Brasilia just minutes before us (I'm certain he wasn't served "fruit gel" for breakfast as we were).  After a smooth landing and a glance at Air Force One, the entire team successfully made it through customs (Amen!) and we collected our luggage only to board yet another flight to Menaus a few hours later.  Our journey was almost complete after a 20-minute ride from the airport to the river boat which we shall now call home for the next week.
Once aboard, we joyfully found team-bonding through unpacking ministry supplies, hanging up hammocks and breaking bread together.  Cameras were immediately put to use as we all stood humbled before the beauty of the Amazon (and its river dolphins) and gave thanks to the Maker.  These pictures, and the many many more to come, will certainly be shared with you all as soon as possible.  After a delicious dinner prepared by the incredible Amazon Outreach crew, we read Matthew 14 (Jesus walks on water) together and responded with awesome worship led by Paul, Ben and Chris. After which, most of us fled to our hammocks as two days of travel will leave one quite restless.  On our first night, we are blessed with a cool breeze and the sound of waves as we lay wrapped in our hammocks (which this particular writer will be bringing home with her) while the boat pushes on by the Will of the Almighty.   
We, again, want to thank all of you for your support, your faith, and your submission to the Father.  This journey started months ago, and we thank Jehovah Jireh for His provision and the beautiful opportunity it is to go unto to the world making disciples in His name with you.  We ask that you labor in prayer with us as we witness hearts changed by the Gospel of our King Jesus.  May we be dethroned by Grace. 
We'll do our very best to post again tonight.
Until then,
The Village March Team

 

A full moon maglighted the murky highway of coffee colored Amazon arteries and I wouldn't sleep if someone paid me, if it meant missing this South American intravenous excursion inhaling such sweet sugar cane air under thick spotty clouds that hang like healthy old skin from a sumptuous sky
The fast moving moonlit waters play tricks on your eyes as white shaped whales and swans mosey by
"Then Sings My Soul" takes on a whole new meaning. In fact, every song I've ever sung about our creator's marvelous light or indescribable expanse carries the weight of new experience definition.
And this is just day 1.
-Watson
Hey Jefferson family (Tyler, Noah, and Jacob)  love to you all.  I am doing great amazing night of rocking and rolling waves while sleeping in hammocks.  We woke to dolphins at the back of the boat jumping in and out of the water.  I love you all so much. –Aly
Hi ALLISONS mom, dad, matt! Hello friends in Cali and TX, I love you all. I am soooo very excited to be here, man do I have stories for you when I return ?
Hi Mom, Dad, & Khoa!! I am having a great time so far & am excited about what God has planned for us. I miss you & love you so  much! – Tam
I kissed an anaconda! –Blair
Hey family! Love you guys, having a blast so far. Wish you guys could see how beautiful this place and the people are. Love you! –ben
I am still alive. –Paul
Jackie, Luke, Hadley – love you and miss you guys.  Cant wait to see ya'll.  We are doing great here.  Jackie, your thoughts on replacing our bed with a king size hammock?  We can talk about it later.  Love you guys – chris
Mama Terri, John & Hunter- I'm alive! I wrote the main portion but I just wanted to give a shout out and say that I love ya'll and miss ya'll!  Mom- Take a breath. Sorry I didn't get to blog immediately. The "worried-sick parents" is a shout out to you. Keep looking for them throughout the week.
Love ya'll – Skye
Taylor, Abby, Avery, Mallory, and Jayden- I miss you and love you and…be good for daddy! Matt-I love that you have made it possible for me to be here. Love you guys!

 

 

Water Well Dedication to the memory of David Parker

Today was our last day of ministry in the villages.  Tomorrow we will be in Parintins. At the close of the day we were able to have a celebration of the succesful drilling of a water well that we placed in a small community in the Nhamunda area.  The water that came from this well tasted great and was some of the cleanest I have ever had in my life.  While river water is obviously plentiful in the Amazon it is more polluted by the day thus causing continuous illness for the precious people that live in the 30,000 villages.

 

We have been praying all week as to who to dedicate this well to and we gave that decision to 5 of the PCA students that have been on this trip at least 3 times.   They all whole heartedly wanted to dedicate the well to David Parker a much loved Trinity Christian father who just recently went to be with the Lord at a young age.  Beth and I went to Baylor with David.  He led a full life and made an impact on everyone he met.  I always remember him with a smile on his face.

 

David was a family man.  The day he went to be with Christ he had been married exactly 25 years which is rare in this world.  David loved his bride DeLynn and called her Princess.  David loved his 4 sons and was actively involved in every phase of their lives.

 

David lived a full life that was not wasted.  He was the head of the deacons at Parkway Hills.

 

David will be remembered by so many for all the ways he touched their lives.  This water well in his honor is another tribute to his life.

 

How will you and I be remembered when our time to meet God face to face comes?  Will we have lived this life for ourselves or poured it out in service to other people.  One thing that struck me on this trip is the two messages that come across my cell phone depending where we are on the Amazon River.  It either says  NO SERVICE  or VIVO (which is the phone provider).  VIVO in Portuguese means ALIVE.  The thought crossed my mind that when there is NO SERVICE (to God) we are not as ALIVE in Christ as we should be.  Only one life will soon be past - only what is done for Christ will last.

 

Thank you for your prayers this week.  We saw the Lord move in mighty ways!  In the last two weeks roughly 60 students from TCA and PCA had their lives transformed here on the River.  I was particularly blessed to have the blessing of my nephew Luke Gilliland experience the work here.

 

Christ Is Life!  Johnson Ellis           (We will try and get another blog out on our way back up the river.  All is well with students on the trip!)

 

Awesome day of ministry in Sagrado (Sacred) Village

Today was quite the day!!

 

We began our day with a typical boat-breakfast: pineapple, watermelon, papaya, scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, ham, and our new staple food, peanut butter bread! Of course, no breakfast would be complete without steaming hot Brazilian cafe (coffee). After breakfast, McKenzie led worship, and Michael, Mr. Beeson, Mrs. Paulette, and Mr. Ellis shared some inspirational words. We all suited up in bug spray and sunscreen and were ready for the village.

The village, Sagrado, which means "sacred," was very responsive and eager to hear what we had to say. VBS skits were a hit. Eric Y, Sam, Danny, and Sheridan did a great job connecting with the kids through skits like "The Birth of Jesus," "Fruits of the Spirit" and the worldess book presentation. The medical/optometry station was filled all day, seeing that this is the first time a full medical crew and pharmacy has visited this village. Zach and Dr Pribich helped dispense 50 pairs of eyeglasses!  It was amazing to see the way medicine and optometry can open a door to evangelism. After the patients received their care, we got the chance to speak with them through translators and share the Evange-Cube. Ashley, Hope, Caroline, Courtney, and Theresa got the opportunity to pray with those who wanted to pray to receive Christ. It is an indescribable experience knowing that we'll see Sebastian and others again in heaven one day.

Soccer, that the boys normally play, was a favorite for the girls today, too. Though on a smaller field, the Brazialian girls showed they had skill. Mr. Ellis even noted that they would be an excellent addition to the PCA girls' soccer program. The boys held their own against the men, but fell short, 2-3.

Just playing with the many children (blowing bubbles, jump roping, and covering Haley with stickers) is blessing in itself. Even through a language barrier, nothing shows love like quality time spent with little ones. The village was completely untouched by the outside world, proven by the amazement on their faces when they saw bubbles, their faces on cameras, and beanie babies. While we were entertaining the kids, Ashley, Theresa, Courtney, and Rose (translator) got to minister to the women of the village by sharing Christ with them, giving them hygiene products, baby items, and children's toys.The women were so grateful, and many even prayed to receive Christ. It was a very moving time, with many thanks and kisses.

It was tough to leave those beautiful faces. With hugs, many pictures, and a loud "TCHAU" we were back on the boat. Half-way through showers, as we tried to depart for the main of the river, the boat would not oblige. We were stuck. We tried "Everybody to the front!" and "Everybody to the back!" but nothing would work. So dressed in bathing suits and towels, we were back on the shore. Thankfully, removing everyone helped free the boat and we all got to board again safely.

Now, after dinner, we are ready for a restful sleep and great day tomorrow, where we will also be dedicating the well that has been drilled in the past few days.

 

 

Amazon Adventure Day 2/3

Tuesday March 8th, 2011

Today was our first day in the village, Sao Jose. VBS went wonderful, the kids responded very well. Skits, crafts, and a Bible lesson (led by Mrs. Paulette) were enjoyed by kids and volunteers. Outside on a dirt playing field, the guys (Michael, Eric, Cole, and Chandler) played a tough game of soccer with some of the little boys in the village. In the women's ministry time, Ashley got to share her testimony and Haley explained the EvangeCube. In the medical clinic, students got to sort and distribute medications to villagers. Grant, Christian, Hope, and Kelby took their turns sanitizing dental equipment and comforting the kids. For Chandler's birthday tonight, we had brownies made and sang to him in English and Portuguese. We are so grateful for a crew that ensures great food, clean clothes every morning, and a welcoming atmosphere.

One of the most rewarding things I got to see today was in the Optometry room. Zach, Chnadler, Sheridan and I got to see men and women come in that had viewed a blurry world for decades. As a vision test, patients would read Bible verses of various sizes indicating their perscription need. Watching them put on the glasses and see a whole new world was a symbol to me of restoration. When one man received his glasses, his face lit up, causing all who watched to smile in the sharing of his joy (Hope).

I saw God today in the faces of the children during worship at the beginning of VBS. Although they were singing in Portuguese, a language that is foreign to me, I could still see the joy of the Lord through the kids. It was amazing to see God work through all of them, as they watched us act out the story of Jesus Christ. Their desire for the love and the gift of Jesus Christ was evident and moving (Rachael & Courtney).

Today I was encourged by one of the moms in the village. She had the most precious little boy cradled in her arms. Later as she watched me hold him, she whispered to the translator, "She's going to be a good mom someday." It was a blessing to hear how even a mom in such a remote location, could see my greatest calling in life (Ashley).

 

Caroline was a hit with the kids. Everywhere she walked, she had a large group of giggling children following her every step.

 

As we type this on the front of the boat, we wish everyone could see what we see. Everynight, in a pitchblack sky, where all that shines is the moon and stars, gorgeous lightning illuminates the river. They say the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas, but they're nothing compared to the thousands of stars here. To our right, we can hear a loud party on shore. And to the left, we hear nothing but croaking frogs.

Nights are windy, days are hot, bugs are prevalent, and God is good.

 

Til tomorrow,

A, H, & R

Day 1 - Amazon Adventure

Waking up this morning, our first full day in the Amazon, we were amazed at the creation around us. It is utterly indescribable, the beauty of our surroundings. It is amazing to think that in such an environment, though very different from our home, God is the same here as he is in Texas. "And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14)

The beauty we woke up to made the long journey here so worth it. After 4 airports, 3 flights, and a bus ride, we boarded the Amor e Esperanca in the middle of a Brazilian rain shower. After so much travel, showering on the back of the boat was a refreshment. We settled into our hammocks, ate a great meal, caught up on sleep, and ended the night with some hilarous "silent football" (an Amazon mission trip tradition). We - Hope, Rachael, and Ashley, are currently sitting at the front of the boat overlooking the water. For as far as we can see, river, trees, clouds, and an occasional hut (where Chandler, Billy, Eric S, and Brennan threw little kids soccer balls, yelling "Jesus te Ama") amaze us. This morning after devotion, led by Michael, we organized VBS materials, toys, and hygiene products for delivering to the villages starting tomorrow. Each of us got to sign up for our ministry of choice, such as: VBS, dental, medical, optometry, well-digging, and evangelism.

Today is a restful day, as we prepare for tomorrow's work. We are all eager and excited to start our mission tomorrow. We know the Lord will move in amazing ways, and can't wait to get back to y'all with our stories :)  Please continue to pray for our team, the villagers we will see, and all our health. We would like to leave you will a verse that's been on our hearts.. "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power, among all nations. Let the people praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!" (Psalm 67:1-3)

-H, R, & A

 

Day 1&2 Our arrival and journey!

Waking up this morning, our first full day in the Amazon, we were amazed at the creation around us. It is utterly indescribable, the beauty of our surroundings. It is amazing to think that in such an environment, though very different from our home, God is the same here as he is in Texas. "And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14)

The beauty we woke up to made the long journey here so worth it. After 4 airports, 3 flights, and a bus ride, we boarded the Amor e Esperanca in the middle of a Brazilian rain shower. After so much travel, showering on the back of the boat was a refreshment. We settled into our hammocks, ate a great meal, caught up on sleep, and ended the night with some hilarous "silent football" (an Amazon mission trip tradition). We, Hope, Rachael, and Ashley, are currently sitting at the front of the boat overlooking the water. For as far as we can see, river, trees, clouds, and an occasional hut (where Chandler, Billy, Eric S, and Brennan threw little kids soccer balls, yelling "Jesus te Ama") amaze us. This morning after devotion, led by Michael, we organized VBS materials, toys, and hygiene products for delivering to the villages starting tomorrow. Each of us got to sign up for our ministry of choice, such as: VBS, dental, medical, optometry, well-digging, and evangelism.

Today is a restful day, as we prepare for tomorrow's work. We are all eager and excited to start our mission tomorrow. We know the Lord will move in amazing ways, and can't wait to get back to y'all with our stories :)  Please continue to pray for our team, the villagers we will see, and all our health. We would like to leave you will a verse that's been on our hearts.. "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power, among all nations. Let the people praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!" (Psalm 67:1-3)

-H, R, & A

Day 3, Divinio

 

"Paraiso", "Sol Nascente", and now "Divino".  Allow me to translate our journey for you up to this point.  Our first stop was "Paradise" (Paraiso).  We left "Paradise" and traveled to "Rising Sun" (Sol Nascente).  After "Rising Sun", today, we entered "Divine" (Divino).  Maybe it is just the Bible teacher in me but this trip is beginning to read like something out of the Bible.  To recap: Monday we were in Paradise but had to leave (no, we didn't eat the wrong tree).  Having left Paradise, we spent Tuesday (the day that is "full of grace") in the Rising Sun (Son?) which was the next step before we could enter Divine.  (OH, and tomorrow...we go to a new city...) 

 

Divino is so named because of its incredible view.  Though we are always treking "up" from the boat into the villages, this was the steepest climb yet.  The walk up to what I will call Mount Futebool ("foo-chi-ball") was an extra 800 foot ascent to the Holy of Holies (a.k.a. the soccer field) at the highest point of the village, where we tied the Brazilians in "foo-chi-ball.  (It was not quite Dagon falling down before the Ark of the Covenant, but close.)

 

What have I seen as a teacher, parent, and teammember on this trip?  I've witnessed faith and faithfulness, daring and patience, playfulness and earnestness, frivolity and weightiness, love and truth, joy and sorrow, light and life.  In a word, Jesus. 

 

I've seen him in the hundreds of hugs, piggy back rides, high fives, and fist pumps your kids (and mine) have bestowed upon village children.  I've seen him in the heartfelt testmonies our students have shared.  I've seen him in our times together in the evening sharing our day and sharing our reflections on reading together Timothy Keller's, The Prodigal God.  I've seen him as we've hugged each other, carried one another's burdens, laughed at ourselves and each other in the way that people can when they are freed from self-regard and pretence by the awesome presence of redeeming, unconditional love.

 

Why now?  Why here?  Can I suggest something for you to think about as I've suggested to us here.  The Christian God has eternally existed as a Tri-unity of co-equal Persons.  But what does this have to do with seeing Jesus in the Amazon?  Everything, actually!  In The King's Cross, Tim Keller puts it this way, "The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are each centering on the others, adoring and serving them.  And because the Father, Son, and Spirit are giving glorifying love to one another, God is infintely, profoundly happy...The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are pouring love and joy and adoration into the other, eachj one serving the other.  They are infinetly seeking one another's glory, and so God is infinitely happy."  God is, in His essential Being, "other-centered"!  And He is infintely happy being so.  He made us, not to gain from us, but to share with us the ove He's always known.  He made us to spread the joy to us and He made us in His image.  Being made in that image means we will most resemble Him, and therefore share most in His happiness, when we live life centered on Him and others and not ourselves.  When we have a week like this in which we do live to degree greater than "normal" an other-centered existence, we "see" and "share" in what we were always meant to see and share.  

 

In the biblical story, we were kicked out of Paradise because we thought it better to "be" god than to "see God" and to be served rather than serve.  Hasn't life been grand since then?  The rising "SON" came after the dying Son who selflessly laid down his life to redeem us from the wreckage.  The only way to the Divine is by going through the risen Son. Let us trust him and follow Him on the way to the new city!

Tuesday Blog; Sol Nascente

Howdy folks! It's been another day aboard the Amor Esperanca! As always, we are jovial, full of laughter, and very very tired. However, the spirit of God is rampant in our hearts and (hopefully) the hearts of the Brasilians. Today began in the middle of the lake whose name escapes me. To say the least, it was absolutely breathtaking. The lake is a section of water connected to the Amazon itself but much more peaceful and scattered with villages. Today we visited Sol Nascente (the biggest of the five lakeside villages)! Our pastor, Vanderley, and his wife, Erika, are from this village; therefore, today was an important focus in our missions.

 

After climbing the long hill and subsequent path, we reached the community center of the village, where VBS, Dental, and Medical ministries were setting up. As usual, the children were adorable, full of life, and not smelly (opposite of us). Also, several groups visited people house to house. Both writers of this blog were in the house to house ministry, and I can honestly say that the presence of God was ever prevalent in the joy and hearts of the villagers. We (Karaline, Gracie, Taylor L, Austin, Blake B & our translator Rose) came upon many villagers and three houses. We got the blessing of sharing testimonies, hearing their prayer requests, and listening to their stories. We were extremely encouraged by their God-given faithfulness and joy.

 

After these activities, we headed back to the boat for a lighthearted lunch. While eating, Brasilian children in the waters below screamed at us to come and play, while we sang Justin Beiber and then worshipped for a bit. Thus ended free time, and it was back into the village! Huzzah!  Upon reentering the village, we held group sessions for men and women, separately, then together. Dental, Medical, and VBS all continued without any large hiccups, and we continued our fellowship with this wonderful people.

 

I won't run through the entire soccer game, but I will say that the Balancos (Americans) played an incredible game, and our top scorers were Blake Verdoorn (1), Blake Barnes (1), and Preston Pownell (2). A stellar defense (Kyle Cox, Davis Williamson, David Jordan, Austin Chandler, Brooklyn Hill, and GOALIE Katie McTavish) held the Brasilians to only 3 goals (4 on a technicality) that could not best our score of 4! Therefore, America pulled a win today!

 

Afterward, we headed back to the community center and held a water balloon fight with the children. This lasted around a minute and a half, and I'm not sure if one American got to throw a water balloon. After the adults finished up at the mission house, we held a church service for the Brasilian villagers. It began with a short speech by Pastor Vanderley, then a song including both Blakes, Austin, and Kyle. After that, Tara Samuelson gave a beautiful testimony as the sun set, and we performed the "Everything" skit (Look it up on YouTube if you're curious!). Mr. Williamson preached on the "Parable of The Two Lost Sons," better known as the "Prodigal Son". We headed back to the boat for dinner and after that, ALLIGATOR HUNTING!

 

Many folks (all new kiddos) headed out on the boat to catch the beasts (largest being about 20 inches). Better believe it. After that, we discussed our day and our book, "The Prodigal God," by Tim Keller. We prayed over Vandeley and Erika about our thankfulness for their great impact and service to these villages, as well as safe travel to a missions conference in sweet home Alabama.

 

In all seriousness, today held a constant reminder of the glorious joy that God provides for us. Through the children, people, and lives of the Brasilians we witnessed to, we saw a constant outpouring of hope and love. I think most everyone would agree that God was all around us today, helping as we sang, spoke, and moved about. It is a marvelous thing knowing that this joy so constant and so powerful can only come from our Father. Please continue to pray that we will keep our hearts focused and this joy in our hearts that we experienced today.

 

We all love you so much, and are extremely thankful for your love and support!

 

Boa Noite,

Austin J. Chandler and Blake A. Barnes

 

PS Liz, Bill says hi and he loves you!

 

PPS Mrs. Steely, Nicole wants you to know she went alligator hunting tonight!