Day 2: Arrived Safely!

We have arrived safely to the camp near Paudalho; west of Recife. All flights were smooth and we had no trouble making our connections. Thankful for Steve and Marissol greeting us so warmly with their friends Flavia and Sergio who are helping out this week at the camp! Thank God for wonderful people who have welcomed us to the camp. We are now preparing for dinner and relaxing at the apartment so graciously lent to us by Patricia, who is the secretary of Palavra Da Vida, Word of Life camp. Patricia was a former criminal lawyer who gave it all up to become a missionary.

You can learn more about Palavra Da Vida at http://www.pvnordeste.com/.

                                                              Beautiful views from the camp

First day at the camp!

Our program for the week

Campers huts; walking on the way to the dining hall

Today is the Day! Traveling to Brazil

Your prayers and well wishes are appreciated as we head to Brazil; we have almost 20 hours of traveling time. We will fly to Atlanta from Greensboro, then to Rio arriving Friday at 8 AM (7 AM EST).  Then it's on to Recife, arriving 3:25 PM (2:25 PM EST).  Please pray for safe travel and nothing to impede our arrival.  Thank you!

Please Pray for Brazil - Rio's concerns

A news report just came out:

Rio Olympics biggest concern: local crime

We will only be in the Rio airport for a few brief hours, however, concerns of violence in the city have reached a high level. Please pray for our safety as we arrive in Rio and make our way to Recife. Pray for the locals in Rio and Recife as they fear violent assaults. 

God Is On The Move!

I love listening to the song God Is On The Move by 7eventh Time Down.

What great words to hear as we are on the move for Him! 

"Any time somebody lives to serve and not be served
I know, I know, I know, I know

God is on the move, on the move
Hallelujah
God is on the move
In many mighty ways"

I pray He will guide us and protect us as we are on the move and serving in Brazil!

http://www.klove.com/music/artists/7eventh-time-down/songs/god-is-on-the-move-lyrics.aspx

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

As we prepare for our trip, please pray that we will lean on Him to guide us! 

Pray For The World: Brazil - Recife

1. Brazil's evangelicos are growing! Brazil is spiritually open; many practice Spiritism and Catholicism together.

2. The Catholic Church has been a giant in the country but needs renewal. Many are leaving for evangelical churches, other faiths or becoming agnostic/atheistic. Only a small percentage of Catholics are practicing.

3. The society is facing many challenges. There is a complete breakdown and mass corruption among the leadership; the current president is facing an impeachment trial and her interim president is just as corrupt. Poverty is rampant in Brazil and many live in crime-filled areas. Criminals have asserted power and gang rapes and exploitation of street childen has affeected hundreds of thousands. Brazil is the second highest consumer of illegal drugs in the world. Pray that the future government after Rousseff will put an end to the corruption.

4. Brazil has become a leading mission sending nation in one generation!

Associated Press: The number of Protestants in Brazil, a traditionally Catholic country, has been rising over the last four decades -Christianity Today 06/19/2013

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/roman.catholics.in.decline.in.brazil.protestants.on.the.rise/33267.htm

Brazil Short Term Trip Prayer Calendar: June 9-19

Thursday, June 9  - Pray for the team as we leave in the evening from PTI to fly to Recife by way of Rio. Pray for safe travels on all flights and no delays in our arrival. We will be housed at the camp in an apartment.

Friday, June 10 - Pray for us to be well rested and ready to serve in an evangelistic capacity in the Recife area. 

Saturday, June 11 - We will work alongside the local church, helping with evangelistic outreach. Pray we will be an encouragement to the church body.

Sunday, June 12 - Today we will worship with local believers.

Monday, June 13 - Our team will assist Steve, Marissol and the staff with day camp duties: leading small groups, helping with special music and drama, serving food to the children, and helping with various projects and activities.Pray for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we pray for and provide for these children.

Tuesday, June 14 - Prayer request from Pam: that she will show love to the youth and encourage them in their walk with Christ.

Wednesday, June 15 - Prayer request from Liz: that the children will know God's love and that they will grow in loving others.

Thursday, June 16  - Prayer request from Lauren - that she will grow even closer to God during this trip and be transformed by the opportunity to serve others. Pray also for Lauren's close friend who just found out she lost her daughter, after two miscarriages, but will carry the baby to term.

Friday, June 17 - Prayer request from Mary: Please pray for her unsaved family members and friends.

Saturday, June 18 - Pray for safe travels on our return flights. We arrive in Greensboro on Sunday, June 19.

Thank you for praying!