The morning was spent at Palavra da Vida (WOL camp) before heading back to Recife. We enjoyed a traditional Churrascaria before heading to the church to help with VBS Day 2. The church is in a very impoverished neighborhood not far from the city center of Recife. We welcomed nearly 100 children and GBC had brought bubbles (Bolhas), chalkboard paint, face paint and the craft was a faith bracelet with 6 different colors representing: Yellow = Heaven; Black = Sin; Red = Jesus' blood; Blue = Faith; White = Purity and Green = Growth in Christ.
Bible verses for each color:
Yellow: John 14: 2 & 3
Black: Romans 3: 23
Red: Romans 5:8
Blue: Galatians 2:16
White: Psalms 51: 7
Green: 2 Peter 3: 18
The children were very receptive of us, although they could not believe that we did not understand Portuguese. Steve Theis, missionary sponsored by Westover, told us some of the children may have never even been in their own city center. Their world is in their own neighborhood and though they knew we were different, they showered us with affection and called us "Tia"- auntie.
We were called to be the hands and feet of Jesus here and these children have been the hands to hug us.
After VBS concluded, we stayed at Concordia for the bilingual evening service. Brazilian church services are traditionally in the evening and this service began at 7:30 PM. The service was completely packed with people, many parents of the VBS children, and the children stayed for their own children's service. What was so touching was hearing the music and so many came up to give their offering; even the children dropped in some coins. These people have so little but they give so much-who are we to give begrudglingly?! Service was officiated by Ivan, current WOL Nordest director, Steve Theis translating and Pastor Mark from GBC. Pastor Mark spoke on Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden". He encouraged the people not to hide their light. Bracelets were given at the end of the service that said Jesus Me Ama. Jesus Pagou o Preco. Jesus Loves Me. Jesus Paid the Price.
Bible verses for each color:
Yellow: John 14: 2 & 3
Black: Romans 3: 23
Red: Romans 5:8
Blue: Galatians 2:16
White: Psalms 51: 7
Green: 2 Peter 3: 18
The children were very receptive of us, although they could not believe that we did not understand Portuguese. Steve Theis, missionary sponsored by Westover, told us some of the children may have never even been in their own city center. Their world is in their own neighborhood and though they knew we were different, they showered us with affection and called us "Tia"- auntie.
We were called to be the hands and feet of Jesus here and these children have been the hands to hug us.
After VBS concluded, we stayed at Concordia for the bilingual evening service. Brazilian church services are traditionally in the evening and this service began at 7:30 PM. The service was completely packed with people, many parents of the VBS children, and the children stayed for their own children's service. What was so touching was hearing the music and so many came up to give their offering; even the children dropped in some coins. These people have so little but they give so much-who are we to give begrudglingly?! Service was officiated by Ivan, current WOL Nordest director, Steve Theis translating and Pastor Mark from GBC. Pastor Mark spoke on Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden". He encouraged the people not to hide their light. Bracelets were given at the end of the service that said Jesus Me Ama. Jesus Pagou o Preco. Jesus Loves Me. Jesus Paid the Price.
Hands and feet of Jesus
Yellow = Heaven; Black = Sin; Red = Jesus' blood; Blue = Faith; White = Purity and Green = Growth in Christ.
Children enjoying a snack
Hugs and love
Church members bringing donations; and we give begrudgingly!
Children praying with Ivan and Steve at the evening service
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