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
