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!
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