Oi from San Antonio (not in Texas!) ,
It is about 5:00 p.m. local time, the sun is starting to set and as I'm writing this a double rainbow has appeared off the side of the boat, God is showing off again!
We took a long ride from the last Village at night. We watched the shoreline and shone our flashlights on the shore hoping to see some alligators, but no luck. However, we did hear many interesting sounds in the rainforest, it was impressive. We watched the moon come up, a sight to see on the river.
We made our way to San Antonio, this is the largest village we have visited so far. It has a large school and paved streets and power lines for electricity. This is the first time Amazon Outreach has visited. We were welcomed with much appreciation. A Brazilian doctor joined us today, from Parantins, she was a welcome addition to us and the village.
The head of the school gave the children the day off so they could attend VBS. After that, just about any thing we did made us quite popular! We did the usual, a lesson, some snacks, a craft and songs. The children were very well behaved here. There were about 140 kids (those are just the small children). Pastor Abimiel met with the 13-17 year old children, along with Jamie, Maggie, Bethany, Becky, and our young missionary couple, Micheal and Leah.
After our morning activites we did he usual retreat to the boat for another excellent lunch by Chef Claudio. While we were preparing about 30 children jumped in the river and were swimming along side the boat, we all started waving and cheering. The children were chanting, Bethany, Jamie and Maggie's names to come in the water. The next thing we knew, our girls were jumping in off the boat, then Sam and Josiah joined in and finally Anthony. As soon as Anthony went in all the children started splashing him, so many he couldn't even get in the river!
This was the first day it rained, but as God would have it, He waited until we were done with our morning activities. We took a break and it cleared up in time for the afternoon. The weather has been perfect, not much hotter than Texas, we've had cloud cover and a nice breeze, Yeah God!
Our team has really come together in unity. It is amazing how a bunch of strangers can come and live on a boat in a small space, sleeping inches from each other, working all day together, eating and worshiping and get along. We have become a well-oiled machine for God's work, spreading His love and care. We have all made some new friends, it will be hard to leave and go our separate ways. Thank all of you who have prayed for unity, God is answering your prayers.
Today, Carla and Claudia were seeing patients in the clinic. A patient, Emanuel, had fallen 15 years ago and has had pain ever since. There wasn't much we could do for him and told him that Jesus heals. We prayed and he asked Jesus into his heart and for healing also. Praise the Lord!
There is so much that happened today, more people who've accepted Christ and more miracles, more stories to tell when we get home! Thank you for all the prayers. Boa Noite!
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
ReplyDeleteWe are inspired by your service and encouraged as we hear of your good work. Thank you for all you are doing in the name of the Lord.
To Gary, Peggy, & Anthony: We have enjoyed hearing of your activities as we see your names mentioned in the blogs often - Gary, hope you keep that hammock tied tight tonight! Anthony keep inspiring those young people with your abilities in baseball and just having fun!