Bom Dia!
Bugs, bugs, and even more bugs, but besides that the past two villages have
been heavenly. On Wednesday, Kelsie Ferrell, was a big hit during women's
ministry as word got around of her hairdressing skills. During VBS, we were
all swooning as we witnessed JB Bowman and Colin Wiegand play with all the
little kids during morning VBS. It was so sweet to see them carry the girls
around, and in turn, watch the little girls adore them. Our whole group was
blown away by how welcomed we were in that village. As you can probably
guess, we have not won a single soccer game against the Brazilians. Yet.
That night, Kelsie Ferrell and Jessica Pitts shared their testimonies during
the evening service followed by a skit. Thursday, during morning VBS, the
kids enthusiastically swept us away to an impromptu boys vs. girls soccer
game. Junior, Poppy Eriksen, nearly took a little boy out in her
determination to score a goal. As Mr. Williamson so elegantly put it, "You
gotta do what you gotta do!" The girls unfortunately did not win even with
Poppy's gladiatorial drive. During the evening service, Madison Helms and
Caitlin Hickney shared their testimonies with the village. After our group
returned to the boat, we surprised our translators with a party to celebrate
their love and hard work this week. We each were assigned a translator to
serve during their dinner. It was a special time in which we each went up to
the microphone and spent a minute praising the translators for their
wonderful qualities. Best part of the night was eating queso again for the
first time...in what feels like forever.
Love,
Melanie Marshall and Caitlin Hickney...
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
TCA 2016 - Tuesday
HELLLOOOOIIIIII!!!!!!
UPDATES!!!!!!
-the engine is still broken...
- all the skinny popcorn is gone:(
-Rose Delph took an unfortunate tumble, but recovered in a moment's
notice
- Davis, Mr. Williamson, and Callie Orten have also had unfortunate
falls..... RIP plastic chairs
-Macey Walker, challenged in a soda chugging competition, failed
miserably
- Haley Kate Patterson vs. mud... mud pulled through with a victory
-Three sweet girls have not failed to be locked in the shower every
night thus far
-Another sweet soul endured this pain, but in the end was rescued by
the removal of the bathroom door
-Shoutout to Julia Eggleton for waking up an entire village with her
sleeping talking
- from the wise words of Max Merrifield, "Moist towelettes"
BUT... all is well:-)
Thankfully we were able to experience a full day because the boats
actually made it on time. Poppy Eriksen, at first misunderstanding the
secret conversation between the translator and a Brazilian woman, was
pleasantly surprised when the woman returned with a beautifully hand crafted
necklace for her. Caitlin Hickney and Lili Figueroa made sweet connections
with teen girls and broke the language barrier through laughter and
relatable teenage conversations. Mr. Woodward and others were encouraged by
the Brazilian men who, unlike the majority of the village men, stepped up as
fathers and spiritual leaders. Caroline Pierce had the courage to share her
testimony in front of not only our entire team, but the entire village.
Caitlin Hickney and Travis Harrison emotionally portrayed the roles of God
and man, and no matter what sin we think separates us, God overpowers all
with love. Jack Bolton was uplifted by the dedication of Mr.Henegar to his
job as a dentist, despite the amount of blood seen. Ethan and Max Merrifield
were introduced to a new perspective of contentment through simple games of
hacky sack and silly songs sung at VBS. Dr. McFerren made it a priority to
not only mend the physical needs of the villagers but to more importantly
check up on their spiritual well-being. To say the least, we were all
encouraged by the hope and spiritual maturity of the Brazilians in the
village today. We can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our team
and the villagers tomorrow! Please keep us in your prayers, and if at all
possible send more skinny popcorn.
xoxo,
Three sweet girls still stuck in the shower
UPDATES!!!!!!
-the engine is still broken...
- all the skinny popcorn is gone:(
-Rose Delph took an unfortunate tumble, but recovered in a moment's
notice
- Davis, Mr. Williamson, and Callie Orten have also had unfortunate
falls..... RIP plastic chairs
-Macey Walker, challenged in a soda chugging competition, failed
miserably
- Haley Kate Patterson vs. mud... mud pulled through with a victory
-Three sweet girls have not failed to be locked in the shower every
night thus far
-Another sweet soul endured this pain, but in the end was rescued by
the removal of the bathroom door
-Shoutout to Julia Eggleton for waking up an entire village with her
sleeping talking
- from the wise words of Max Merrifield, "Moist towelettes"
BUT... all is well:-)
Thankfully we were able to experience a full day because the boats
actually made it on time. Poppy Eriksen, at first misunderstanding the
secret conversation between the translator and a Brazilian woman, was
pleasantly surprised when the woman returned with a beautifully hand crafted
necklace for her. Caitlin Hickney and Lili Figueroa made sweet connections
with teen girls and broke the language barrier through laughter and
relatable teenage conversations. Mr. Woodward and others were encouraged by
the Brazilian men who, unlike the majority of the village men, stepped up as
fathers and spiritual leaders. Caroline Pierce had the courage to share her
testimony in front of not only our entire team, but the entire village.
Caitlin Hickney and Travis Harrison emotionally portrayed the roles of God
and man, and no matter what sin we think separates us, God overpowers all
with love. Jack Bolton was uplifted by the dedication of Mr.Henegar to his
job as a dentist, despite the amount of blood seen. Ethan and Max Merrifield
were introduced to a new perspective of contentment through simple games of
hacky sack and silly songs sung at VBS. Dr. McFerren made it a priority to
not only mend the physical needs of the villagers but to more importantly
check up on their spiritual well-being. To say the least, we were all
encouraged by the hope and spiritual maturity of the Brazilians in the
village today. We can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our team
and the villagers tomorrow! Please keep us in your prayers, and if at all
possible send more skinny popcorn.
xoxo,
Three sweet girls still stuck in the shower
Fw: TCA 2016 Trip - Monday
Boa Tarde!
After a long day of travel, we all made it to Brazil safely. We boarded the
Amor e Esperanca shortly after midnight and made our way down the river.
Please pray for our trip. Shortly after leaving Manaus, the Amor's engine
started experiencing some problems, so the crews connected the translators'
boat, the Linda e Esperanca, to ours. They have been towing us down the
river ever since, but we are still moving and able to reach the villages!
Sunday night we stopped in a small city, Belle Vista, to attend a church
service where Molly Henegar shared her testimony. Also, the drama team, led
by Caitlin Hickney and Travis Harrison, performed the Lifehouse "Everything"
skit, depicting how temptation and sin tear us away from Jesus, but He
continues to pursue us. We also had a sweet time celebrating the Lord's
Supper with the Brazilian congregation.
Monday morning we met our translators as well as the pastor who will be
leading us on this trip. Our seniors are leading devotions every morning and
night. Melanie Marshall led the group this morning by reading Psalm 8. We
arrived later than expected to our first village since towing a boat takes
longer and low water levels near the village caused us to go slowly.
Despite these setbacks, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other
better. When we finally reached the village, we set up VBS, sang songs, and
colored with the kids. Bubbles or "bolhas" are a huge hit! Even though we
do not speak the same language, a smile and hug are understood by everyone.
Speed boats shuttled villagers to our boat so doctors and nurses could treat
their physical needs. A special shout-out to freshman Caroline Tate for
stepping up and helping Dr. Henegar pull teeth! During our evening worship
and devotional time, seniors Lili Figueroa, Gavin Jones, Savannah Bass and
Melanie Marshall shared the "One Word" they have each chosen to focus on
throughout this year. Madison Helms and Savannah Bass along with Mr.
Williamson then led the group on a discussion of two chapters in the book
our team is reading this week, "The Cure." Even though we did not get to
spend a full day in the village, it was still a sweet time to love on our
Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ. We eagerly await a full day of
VBS and various other ministries in tomorrow's village. Please pray for our
team's health and safety as we minister to the villages this week!
Tchau!
-Lili Figueroa, Melanie Marshall, and Jessica Pitts
After a long day of travel, we all made it to Brazil safely. We boarded the
Amor e Esperanca shortly after midnight and made our way down the river.
Please pray for our trip. Shortly after leaving Manaus, the Amor's engine
started experiencing some problems, so the crews connected the translators'
boat, the Linda e Esperanca, to ours. They have been towing us down the
river ever since, but we are still moving and able to reach the villages!
Sunday night we stopped in a small city, Belle Vista, to attend a church
service where Molly Henegar shared her testimony. Also, the drama team, led
by Caitlin Hickney and Travis Harrison, performed the Lifehouse "Everything"
skit, depicting how temptation and sin tear us away from Jesus, but He
continues to pursue us. We also had a sweet time celebrating the Lord's
Supper with the Brazilian congregation.
Monday morning we met our translators as well as the pastor who will be
leading us on this trip. Our seniors are leading devotions every morning and
night. Melanie Marshall led the group this morning by reading Psalm 8. We
arrived later than expected to our first village since towing a boat takes
longer and low water levels near the village caused us to go slowly.
Despite these setbacks, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other
better. When we finally reached the village, we set up VBS, sang songs, and
colored with the kids. Bubbles or "bolhas" are a huge hit! Even though we
do not speak the same language, a smile and hug are understood by everyone.
Speed boats shuttled villagers to our boat so doctors and nurses could treat
their physical needs. A special shout-out to freshman Caroline Tate for
stepping up and helping Dr. Henegar pull teeth! During our evening worship
and devotional time, seniors Lili Figueroa, Gavin Jones, Savannah Bass and
Melanie Marshall shared the "One Word" they have each chosen to focus on
throughout this year. Madison Helms and Savannah Bass along with Mr.
Williamson then led the group on a discussion of two chapters in the book
our team is reading this week, "The Cure." Even though we did not get to
spend a full day in the village, it was still a sweet time to love on our
Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ. We eagerly await a full day of
VBS and various other ministries in tomorrow's village. Please pray for our
team's health and safety as we minister to the villages this week!
Tchau!
-Lili Figueroa, Melanie Marshall, and Jessica Pitts
Fw: TCA 2016 Trip - Monday
Boa Tarde!
After a long day of travel, we all made it to Brazil safely. We boarded the
Amor e Esperanca shortly after midnight and made our way down the river.
Please pray for our trip. Shortly after leaving Manaus, the Amor's engine
started experiencing some problems, so the crews connected the translators'
boat, the Linda e Esperanca, to ours. They have been towing us down the
river ever since, but we are still moving and able to reach the villages!
Sunday night we stopped in a small city, Belle Vista, to attend a church
service where Molly Henegar shared her testimony. Also, the drama team, led
by Caitlin Hickney and Travis Harrison, performed the Lifehouse "Everything"
skit, depicting how temptation and sin tear us away from Jesus, but He
continues to pursue us. We also had a sweet time celebrating the Lord's
Supper with the Brazilian congregation.
Monday morning we met our translators as well as the pastor who will be
leading us on this trip. Our seniors are leading devotions every morning and
night. Melanie Marshall led the group this morning by reading Psalm 8. We
arrived later than expected to our first village since towing a boat takes
longer and low water levels near the village caused us to go slowly.
Despite these setbacks, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other
better. When we finally reached the village, we set up VBS, sang songs, and
colored with the kids. Bubbles or "bolhas" are a huge hit! Even though we
do not speak the same language, a smile and hug are understood by everyone.
Speed boats shuttled villagers to our boat so doctors and nurses could treat
their physical needs. A special shout-out to freshman Caroline Tate for
stepping up and helping Dr. Henegar pull teeth! During our evening worship
and devotional time, seniors Lili Figueroa, Gavin Jones, Savannah Bass and
Melanie Marshall shared the "One Word" they have each chosen to focus on
throughout this year. Madison Helms and Savannah Bass along with Mr.
Williamson then led the group on a discussion of two chapters in the book
our team is reading this week, "The Cure." Even though we did not get to
spend a full day in the village, it was still a sweet time to love on our
Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ. We eagerly await a full day of
VBS and various other ministries in tomorrow's village. Please pray for our
team's health and safety as we minister to the villages this week!
Tchau!
-Lili Figueroa, Melanie Marshall, and Jessica Pitts
After a long day of travel, we all made it to Brazil safely. We boarded the
Amor e Esperanca shortly after midnight and made our way down the river.
Please pray for our trip. Shortly after leaving Manaus, the Amor's engine
started experiencing some problems, so the crews connected the translators'
boat, the Linda e Esperanca, to ours. They have been towing us down the
river ever since, but we are still moving and able to reach the villages!
Sunday night we stopped in a small city, Belle Vista, to attend a church
service where Molly Henegar shared her testimony. Also, the drama team, led
by Caitlin Hickney and Travis Harrison, performed the Lifehouse "Everything"
skit, depicting how temptation and sin tear us away from Jesus, but He
continues to pursue us. We also had a sweet time celebrating the Lord's
Supper with the Brazilian congregation.
Monday morning we met our translators as well as the pastor who will be
leading us on this trip. Our seniors are leading devotions every morning and
night. Melanie Marshall led the group this morning by reading Psalm 8. We
arrived later than expected to our first village since towing a boat takes
longer and low water levels near the village caused us to go slowly.
Despite these setbacks, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other
better. When we finally reached the village, we set up VBS, sang songs, and
colored with the kids. Bubbles or "bolhas" are a huge hit! Even though we
do not speak the same language, a smile and hug are understood by everyone.
Speed boats shuttled villagers to our boat so doctors and nurses could treat
their physical needs. A special shout-out to freshman Caroline Tate for
stepping up and helping Dr. Henegar pull teeth! During our evening worship
and devotional time, seniors Lili Figueroa, Gavin Jones, Savannah Bass and
Melanie Marshall shared the "One Word" they have each chosen to focus on
throughout this year. Madison Helms and Savannah Bass along with Mr.
Williamson then led the group on a discussion of two chapters in the book
our team is reading this week, "The Cure." Even though we did not get to
spend a full day in the village, it was still a sweet time to love on our
Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ. We eagerly await a full day of
VBS and various other ministries in tomorrow's village. Please pray for our
team's health and safety as we minister to the villages this week!
Tchau!
-Lili Figueroa, Melanie Marshall, and Jessica Pitts
TCA 2016 - Tuesday
HELLLOOOOIIIIII!!!!!!
UPDATES!!!!!!
-the engine is still broken...
- all the skinny popcorn is gone:(
-Rose Delph took an unfortunate tumble, but recovered in a moment's
notice
- Davis, Mr. Williamson, and Callie Orten have also had unfortunate
falls..... RIP plastic chairs
-Macey Walker, challenged in a soda chugging competition, failed
miserably
- Haley Kate Patterson vs. mud... mud pulled through with a victory
-Three sweet girls have not failed to be locked in the shower every
night thus far
-Another sweet soul endured this pain, but in the end was rescued by
the removal of the bathroom door
-Shoutout to Julia Eggleton for waking up an entire village with her
sleeping talking
- from the wise words of Max Merrifield, "Moist towelettes"
BUT... all is well:-)
Thankfully we were able to experience a full day because the boats
actually made it on time. Poppy Eriksen, at first misunderstanding the
secret conversation between the translator and a Brazilian woman, was
pleasantly surprised when the woman returned with a beautifully hand crafted
necklace for her. Caitlin Hickney and Lili Figueroa made sweet connections
with teen girls and broke the language barrier through laughter and
relatable teenage conversations. Mr. Woodward and others were encouraged by
the Brazilian men who, unlike the majority of the village men, stepped up as
fathers and spiritual leaders. Caroline Pierce had the courage to share her
testimony in front of not only our entire team, but the entire village.
Caitlin Hickney and Travis Harrison emotionally portrayed the roles of God
and man, and no matter what sin we think separates us, God overpowers all
with love. Jack Bolton was uplifted by the dedication of Mr.Henegar to his
job as a dentist, despite the amount of blood seen. Ethan and Max Merrifield
were introduced to a new perspective of contentment through simple games of
hacky sack and silly songs sung at VBS. Dr. McFerren made it a priority to
not only mend the physical needs of the villagers but to more importantly
check up on their spiritual well-being. To say the least, we were all
encouraged by the hope and spiritual maturity of the Brazilians in the
village today. We can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our team
and the villagers tomorrow! Please keep us in your prayers, and if at all
possible send more skinny popcorn.
xoxo,
Three sweet girls still stuck in the shower
UPDATES!!!!!!
-the engine is still broken...
- all the skinny popcorn is gone:(
-Rose Delph took an unfortunate tumble, but recovered in a moment's
notice
- Davis, Mr. Williamson, and Callie Orten have also had unfortunate
falls..... RIP plastic chairs
-Macey Walker, challenged in a soda chugging competition, failed
miserably
- Haley Kate Patterson vs. mud... mud pulled through with a victory
-Three sweet girls have not failed to be locked in the shower every
night thus far
-Another sweet soul endured this pain, but in the end was rescued by
the removal of the bathroom door
-Shoutout to Julia Eggleton for waking up an entire village with her
sleeping talking
- from the wise words of Max Merrifield, "Moist towelettes"
BUT... all is well:-)
Thankfully we were able to experience a full day because the boats
actually made it on time. Poppy Eriksen, at first misunderstanding the
secret conversation between the translator and a Brazilian woman, was
pleasantly surprised when the woman returned with a beautifully hand crafted
necklace for her. Caitlin Hickney and Lili Figueroa made sweet connections
with teen girls and broke the language barrier through laughter and
relatable teenage conversations. Mr. Woodward and others were encouraged by
the Brazilian men who, unlike the majority of the village men, stepped up as
fathers and spiritual leaders. Caroline Pierce had the courage to share her
testimony in front of not only our entire team, but the entire village.
Caitlin Hickney and Travis Harrison emotionally portrayed the roles of God
and man, and no matter what sin we think separates us, God overpowers all
with love. Jack Bolton was uplifted by the dedication of Mr.Henegar to his
job as a dentist, despite the amount of blood seen. Ethan and Max Merrifield
were introduced to a new perspective of contentment through simple games of
hacky sack and silly songs sung at VBS. Dr. McFerren made it a priority to
not only mend the physical needs of the villagers but to more importantly
check up on their spiritual well-being. To say the least, we were all
encouraged by the hope and spiritual maturity of the Brazilians in the
village today. We can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our team
and the villagers tomorrow! Please keep us in your prayers, and if at all
possible send more skinny popcorn.
xoxo,
Three sweet girls still stuck in the shower
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
PCA trip 2015 (God is Good All the time)
Bom Dia (or "Good Morning") from the Amazon River! Although we've had many
bug bites, a few stomach aches, and several sunburns, God has been working
through us for His glory these past couple of days.
On Wednesday, we split the day between two villages ... Santo Antonio and
Sagrado. The time spent in Santo Antonio was filled with door-to-door
evangelism, VBS, and a soccer match. We were able to share God's Love with
the women, men and children through our amazing Brazilian translators. After
we said "goodbyes" to our new friends in Santo Antonio, we departed and
stopped at a small beach and swam in the river (where most of our sunburns
occurred.) After a short swim and a couple of card games on the boat, we
arrived in Sagrado.
Sagrado was a smaller village than the past villages we had visited, but the
people were still filled with the same joy we experienced in the other
villages. During the day, Melody Jayroe, Caroline Ford, and Kacey Halbert
gave away reading glasses to villagers, who had a difficult time seeing.
Through the translators, they were able to talk to the people, pray with
them, and tell them about God's love. When the villagers were given a pair
of glasses, the joy they felt was contagious. The happiness we've
experienced in these villages is so different from the happiness we see back
home. At home, a lot of happiness is found through possessions, but we've
learned through these villagers that possessions do not equate to happiness.
During our men's ministry, Connor Ryan, Ryan Caldwell and Phillip Hazelip
shared their testimonies, while Mackenzie Cruse and Emily Cassil shared
theirs during women's ministry.
The following day, Thursday, Bryce Young and Caroline Ford used an
EvangeCube again to speak to a group of teenagers about the Gospel. After
Bryce presented the Gospel with his EvangeCube, five teenage boys had a
conversion moment and began their new walk with Christ. After praying with
them, Melody Jayroe and Michael Zebe gave their soccer cleats to two of the
villagers who had began their relationship with Christ.
It is now Friday and we have left the beautiful jungles and are traveling
back to Manaus on the amazing Amazon River. While we are physically the
same 34 people who left Dallas almost one week ago, the hearts of each one
of us have changed. Our prayer for ourselves is that our change would
remain in tact as we each walk back into our communities, and that we would
be immediately be known as someone who is "different." Please join us in
this prayer.
As Mr. Beeson refers to us as ...
#TheFinishers (or "The Underclassmen")
Ryan Caldwell
Emily Cassil
MacKenzie Cruse
Kacey Halbert
Caroline Ford
Melody Jayroe
Bryce Young
bug bites, a few stomach aches, and several sunburns, God has been working
through us for His glory these past couple of days.
On Wednesday, we split the day between two villages ... Santo Antonio and
Sagrado. The time spent in Santo Antonio was filled with door-to-door
evangelism, VBS, and a soccer match. We were able to share God's Love with
the women, men and children through our amazing Brazilian translators. After
we said "goodbyes" to our new friends in Santo Antonio, we departed and
stopped at a small beach and swam in the river (where most of our sunburns
occurred.) After a short swim and a couple of card games on the boat, we
arrived in Sagrado.
Sagrado was a smaller village than the past villages we had visited, but the
people were still filled with the same joy we experienced in the other
villages. During the day, Melody Jayroe, Caroline Ford, and Kacey Halbert
gave away reading glasses to villagers, who had a difficult time seeing.
Through the translators, they were able to talk to the people, pray with
them, and tell them about God's love. When the villagers were given a pair
of glasses, the joy they felt was contagious. The happiness we've
experienced in these villages is so different from the happiness we see back
home. At home, a lot of happiness is found through possessions, but we've
learned through these villagers that possessions do not equate to happiness.
During our men's ministry, Connor Ryan, Ryan Caldwell and Phillip Hazelip
shared their testimonies, while Mackenzie Cruse and Emily Cassil shared
theirs during women's ministry.
The following day, Thursday, Bryce Young and Caroline Ford used an
EvangeCube again to speak to a group of teenagers about the Gospel. After
Bryce presented the Gospel with his EvangeCube, five teenage boys had a
conversion moment and began their new walk with Christ. After praying with
them, Melody Jayroe and Michael Zebe gave their soccer cleats to two of the
villagers who had began their relationship with Christ.
It is now Friday and we have left the beautiful jungles and are traveling
back to Manaus on the amazing Amazon River. While we are physically the
same 34 people who left Dallas almost one week ago, the hearts of each one
of us have changed. Our prayer for ourselves is that our change would
remain in tact as we each walk back into our communities, and that we would
be immediately be known as someone who is "different." Please join us in
this prayer.
As Mr. Beeson refers to us as ...
#TheFinishers (or "The Underclassmen")
Ryan Caldwell
Emily Cassil
MacKenzie Cruse
Kacey Halbert
Caroline Ford
Melody Jayroe
Bryce Young
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
PCA TEAM-2015 Day 1-2
Oi from Brazil! We are having an amazing time and The Lord is moving in so
many ways! Our first day of traveling was long due to delays, but when we
arrived those delays were worth it. On our long journey down the Amazon
River we have made relationships with each other, the translators, and even
the amazing crew. We spent most of the time playing card games, journaling,
eating good Brazilian food, and seeing Gods beautiful creation. Each morning
we have started the day with a devotion time, as Mr. Beeson would call it,
"church." The first morning as we were traveling down the river, Birkley
Oliver shared the first devotion about God's love for everyone. The next
morning, right before our first day in the village, Caroline Carpenter
shared about how there is more to the American Dream, and the key is that we
use the Dream to glorify God. When we arrived at the first village, we were
greeted with warm smiles and joyful people. Each of us tried different
things at first, but eventually each of us found where we were needed. These
past few days have been filled with VBS, men's and women's ministry,
medical/dental ministry, door-to-door evangelism, and of course, a soccer
match. When we first arrived we gathered all the kids from the village and
taught them songs in Portuguese, followed by crafts and games. After one of
the soccer matches, Bryce Young and Caroline Ford shared the Gospel using an
Evangecube. We had the opportunity to have a Worship Service at the end of
Monday, where to local pastor spoke along with Caroline Raub and Landon Lott
who shared their testimonies. Specifically, Jenell Wyatt shared her
testimony with one of the translators during the medical ministry. This
impacted the translator greatly as it showed that we think we are only
coming here to minister, but we are also being ministered too.
Today, March 10th, Philip Hazelip led the church service with his devotion
about how the time on the boat gave us time to see God's creation in a
different perspective, and not get caught up in the worldy things going on
back home. Our day in the second village was different than most because of
how developed it was. This is one of the biggest villages Mr. Beeson said he
has ever been in. Each of us had to take on a bigger role and get out of our
comfort zone more to reach more of the people. Caroline Carpenter, Sara
Sterling, Birkley Oliver, Eric Stevenson, Rebecca Birkenmeier, Carol Young,
and Scott Carpenter got to witness in the home of an elderly lady and her
two kids (both 22 years old). She shared their struggles and we were able
to pray and comfort them. Each of them were taken back, butt God blessed us
even more through them. Also Hannah Causey, Philip Hazelip, Connor Ryan, and
Mackenzie Cruze had the opportunity to share the Gospel with a mother and
her two children. The mother was a believer, but the daughter was still
questioning why God allowed certain things to happen in this world, as her
nephew had an incurable disease. Through their testimonies and the Holy
Spirit, the mother accepted Christ into her life. Everyone in that room
realized how accepting Christ was a personal decision.
Although we are half way through the trip, we are all missing home and each
of our families. Scott Carpenter misses his little puppy Jace. This trip is
surreal and we can't wait to share all of the experiences we've had. To all
the families we love you and miss you!
XOXO <3
Sara Sterling
Hannah Causey
Caroline Carpenter
Birkley Oliver
many ways! Our first day of traveling was long due to delays, but when we
arrived those delays were worth it. On our long journey down the Amazon
River we have made relationships with each other, the translators, and even
the amazing crew. We spent most of the time playing card games, journaling,
eating good Brazilian food, and seeing Gods beautiful creation. Each morning
we have started the day with a devotion time, as Mr. Beeson would call it,
"church." The first morning as we were traveling down the river, Birkley
Oliver shared the first devotion about God's love for everyone. The next
morning, right before our first day in the village, Caroline Carpenter
shared about how there is more to the American Dream, and the key is that we
use the Dream to glorify God. When we arrived at the first village, we were
greeted with warm smiles and joyful people. Each of us tried different
things at first, but eventually each of us found where we were needed. These
past few days have been filled with VBS, men's and women's ministry,
medical/dental ministry, door-to-door evangelism, and of course, a soccer
match. When we first arrived we gathered all the kids from the village and
taught them songs in Portuguese, followed by crafts and games. After one of
the soccer matches, Bryce Young and Caroline Ford shared the Gospel using an
Evangecube. We had the opportunity to have a Worship Service at the end of
Monday, where to local pastor spoke along with Caroline Raub and Landon Lott
who shared their testimonies. Specifically, Jenell Wyatt shared her
testimony with one of the translators during the medical ministry. This
impacted the translator greatly as it showed that we think we are only
coming here to minister, but we are also being ministered too.
Today, March 10th, Philip Hazelip led the church service with his devotion
about how the time on the boat gave us time to see God's creation in a
different perspective, and not get caught up in the worldy things going on
back home. Our day in the second village was different than most because of
how developed it was. This is one of the biggest villages Mr. Beeson said he
has ever been in. Each of us had to take on a bigger role and get out of our
comfort zone more to reach more of the people. Caroline Carpenter, Sara
Sterling, Birkley Oliver, Eric Stevenson, Rebecca Birkenmeier, Carol Young,
and Scott Carpenter got to witness in the home of an elderly lady and her
two kids (both 22 years old). She shared their struggles and we were able
to pray and comfort them. Each of them were taken back, butt God blessed us
even more through them. Also Hannah Causey, Philip Hazelip, Connor Ryan, and
Mackenzie Cruze had the opportunity to share the Gospel with a mother and
her two children. The mother was a believer, but the daughter was still
questioning why God allowed certain things to happen in this world, as her
nephew had an incurable disease. Through their testimonies and the Holy
Spirit, the mother accepted Christ into her life. Everyone in that room
realized how accepting Christ was a personal decision.
Although we are half way through the trip, we are all missing home and each
of our families. Scott Carpenter misses his little puppy Jace. This trip is
surreal and we can't wait to share all of the experiences we've had. To all
the families we love you and miss you!
XOXO <3
Sara Sterling
Hannah Causey
Caroline Carpenter
Birkley Oliver
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