Jubilation

I am also so grateful to be able to speak more freely about faith in Jesus during class. In partiuclar, the 8th grade Bible course has been fantastic this week and last week. We were talking about the character trait of this week which is Be Considerate. I began by asking the students why it was so important to be considerate of and towards others. They had good answers but I decided to go deeper. I then asked a tough question; a tough question that I've had to work through before as well. "What gives you self-worth?" In other words, what gives you your worth as a human being? Not expexpectedly, they were giving me pretty surface answers like 'because Jesus died for us or my mothers love or something of the sort.' (all legitamate) After and during I was worried about what to say next and how to proceed in order to go deeper still. So, then and there in my mind I was praying for God to intervene in my words and help me portray His mesage. I can't remember the last time that I read or heard about God being a clay maker, but he Lord answered and that is what came to mind.

First, we sat in silence (for they were extra rowdy this day) for two minutes. I believe this calmed them down enough for me to really talk with them. I spoke about how a clay pot maker loves each one of his pots equally and each are valued the same because he made them. I then spoke about our worth coming by the fact that God made us. I spoke for nearly ten minutes while sitting in my chair looking out at al the staring faces. It was amazing. Their hands stopped fidgeting, their eyes were fixed on mine, and their ears were open wide to let the truths of God's love come in. Afterwards, Julia, and 8th grader that we have been particularly praying for spoke first. She calmly said, "That story makes me believe in God." (Although shis is one who's family believes so strongly in evolution that they feel they can't believe in God. Possibly other reasons, of course, but that is the short of what I've been told) Not only that, another 8th grader who is really a good kid, though closed off a lot, came to me as well. We talked for 20 minutes after class about all the kinds of questions involving God. Like I said, fantastic class periods. I can't wait for more to come.

Praise the Opportunity

This was a very encouraging week. Monday night at Guadalajara (no idea if that is spelled correctly) we had great classes with the local community. Here in the northeast Brazil, when it rains people don't go anywhere. Many times it is because they have to walk or ride a motorcycle. So ingrained in the culture, it actually happens to the students here at the Alcance despite everyone having a car. This particular Monday evening it was pouring. However, during a small window of dryness a good number of people showed up. This was very encouraging because it showed their dedication to learning. Ruth and I were wondering earlier that day why people here wanted to learn English; so I asked. A lot of people said that employers ask if they know English. Others said that they wanted to travel one day. And others said that it was simply a cool language. The ones that spoke about English enabling them to get a better job or those who mentioned that they wanted to travel have been the most devout learners. I've notice such a drive in them during class. It is very cool to see people take initiative and be proactive for their own futures. This is very encouraging.By simply teaching them English (though it is not as simple sometimes as it sounds) we are helping them improve their circumstances. By providing an opportunity to learn English and answering the call to teach, it now feels like we are truly showing love to our neighbors by being beside them while they are bettering their future circumstances. It is very cool to think about how we are being used to serve other people in a way that can really be beneficial for their future. I'm so happy to see the Alcance taking on this responsibility and the Lord blessing them for their obedience.

Duties of a Teacher

Today was parent teacher conferences. It was strange giving the students grades as I have never had that responsibility before. However, meeting with the parents was a great experience. I have learned much more about each child as I interact with their parents. There are so many different kinds of people, different development levels, different parent philosophies, different problems with the children in class, etc. When I met the parents it helps me understand who the child is and a little bit of why they may be that way. Always a challenge working with a classroom of children that each need their own special way of being taught. The teacher's job is a tricky one, but once you begin to figure out how to work with the students and see their progress it is very rewarding. Many of the students who first started school here in January have made such great improvements in their English. It's really neat to see them go from not understanding a thing, to being able to speak a phrase here and there. I am glad that we get to see a glimpse of their development.

Wednesday was a national holiday and everyone from Sunday wanted to play soccer. It ended up that 50 people came to play! The field is small and only 12 can play at a time so many of us just watched the whole time. But we were very encouraged by all who showed up. We are going to wait one more week before we create teams for the Glory Soccer ministry in hopes that even more young boys will join. Paul and I are excited to see this ministry begin.

As a side note: Paul and I had the privilege of trying two new strictly Brazilian foods yesterday. We had what I would call tapioca omelets. It is made with tapioca (a little different than the kind sold in the U.S. to make the dessert), coconut, cheese, and sweetened condensed milk (a popular product down here). The tapioca is heated in a pan while the coconut, cheese, and milk is put on top and then folded over to create the omelet part. Hard to describe, but the tapioca makes a firm jello-wy type consistency. The tastes go amazingly well together and it fills you up quite a bit as well. Yummy. Second was acai. I think it is a fruit that only grows in the Amazon and spoils quickly so they freeze it to be transported. They served it slightly frozen with granola, bananas, and honey on top. It was really good too and makes your teeth purple! And supposedly it is very healthy for you as well. Ok, side note over, hope you enjoyed it!

God bless you all!

Opportunities Galor

If Paul and I were here long term we could find something to do every second of the day! There are so many opportunities of ministry here. Just last week we started a new English class on Monday nights. It takes place at a church about 20 minutes away. They have been wanting an English class for awhile and now that there are enough English speakers here, we can finally provide it for them. Fifty people showed up on the first day and more on the second day. We have to tell anyone else who wants to come that we are full. Paul is teaching a level one class and I am teaching the level two class. They both consist of teens and adults. It is different teaching adults but very pleasurable. For my first class we went through the alphabet and I had the students say words they knew in English that started with each letter. It was interesting trying to understand them with their accents. That is something I want to help them with! Many of them have only had Brazilian English teachers and their strong point is not pronunciation! On the other hand, the students giggle and laugh whenever I try to speak in Portuguese so it is a give and take. We go over a Bible verse at the beginning of each class and try to have our students memorize it. It is a great way to offer something that people want while also introducing them to the Gospel. In the States we take our English for granted but here they treat it like a jewel. Something that is so common to me, can be so valuable to someone else. I am glad to be of service!

Something else that I am very excited about is Glory Soccer.
This is the program that Jon Wright came down to start. It is a soccer league that integrates faith with play. Teens and children will be split onto teams and will have weekly games and practices. However, the coaches each week will have a devotion and Bible verse for their team. This is a great way to bring in new people to the Gospel who would never hear it otherwise. We have been planning, praying, and preparing for this for a few weeks now. It is exciting because there are many Brazilian men here who are also very passionate about ministering through soccer. One man came to know Jesus through a similar soccer program when he was a teen, so there is a lot of enthusiasm and energy behind it. We were supposed to have try-outs on Saturday, but it rained all day and most Brazilians don't like rain. So we started on Sunday instead and had a great turn out. A little over thirty players showed up. We did the tests and then had a great time scrimmaging (we coaches had the privilege of playing as well). They came out with lots of energy and fervor. We were planning on playing again next Saturday but this Wednesday is a national holiday so they all wanted to play then. So we will see them again on Wednesday hopefully! We are very excited to see this ministry grow and hopefully bloom. Please remember this program in your prayers and especially it's longevity after we Americans leave.
This is Vinicius. A bright little boy who attends the school and church. We have been blessed to get to know his family. His mom helps out in my classes with the children at the school. She helps me work on my Portuguese while I help her with her English. They are great friends here!

Ponderings and Prayers

The other evening Ruth and I finally decided to climb to the top of the building to watch the sunset. What a beautiful view it was. Amongst all the noise of the day, it was nice that we could get away for a few hours on our day off to look at the creation, talk to each other, and enjoy where we were. A part of the conversation, however, revolved around the building you see in the picture: just behind the soccer field. Apparently no matter where one goes, sin is sin and human nature always has a strong tendency to adhere to the flesh. This building is being built so that men have a place to take their mistresses where people won't see them. It is behind our building on a side road and just far enough out of town that there's not too many people. There is another one down the road call "Afrodite." It is not a bordello, but rather a true hideaway.

At first we were all upset because it spoiled a gorgeous view. (unfortunatley) But, soon one felt a saddened heart for those involved and in need of such a place. I would believe that the women need a prayer that God would show them the true love that they deserve. A prayer that the Lord would put someone in their life that could show them the love of Jesus. For the men, we need help praying that they, too, might realize what true love is. That they might be shown the unconditional love of Jesus and not a surface love shown them on a physical level or because of their material wealth. I believe adultery is one of the most destructive, hurtful, and un-loving acts that plagues our society. Not only did this remind us of how much we all need Christ, but it also reminded us of how blessed we felt to be called sons and daughters of God almighty. We feel saddened that others don't have the unconditional love of Christ and the unity found in His believers. By His grace, may His light be shown through.

A Month in Review

So it has been a month; and what a month it has been. Until this week, I believe Ruth and I have had a hard time fully putting ourselves where we are. It is a strange feeling to be doing something so far away and yet in the back of your mind you know you will be gone in only a few months. However, I believe we have now truly taken hold of the circumstances the Lord has put us in. We have been able to enjoy getting into the rhythm of teaching, visiting delicious restaurants, going to a gorgeous beach (all day for only 6 dollars!), getting to know the church family, understanding more the culture and people, seeing God at work here and in our own lives, and trying to praise God each day for it all. Oh, and Ruth is convinced we should take home one of the dogs.

Ruth and I are still teaching/tutoring in the mornings and doing our workshops in the afternoon. Since it has been a month, I believe we are actually starting to see progress in some students: though it may be small, but progress none-the-less!! I believe God is truly teaching us patience and servitude through this. We go through the seemingly typical teacher emotions. Some days the kids are crazy, some days half are amazing enough that you want to just hug them all day, and yet other days you don't even want to show up due to stress. (Especially when a 5th grader sneezes on your arm, shirt, and Face!) I believe I am beginning to learn that a teacher is not one who sees the fruits of their labor for a long time, if at all. Instead, teachers are really ones who plant seeds. That is a cool and yet sobering thought to ponder on.

I am still teaching one of the Sunday morning adult classes, which has been extremely fun. Though I like children, I believe I really find joy in teaching adults. Most weeks, the students are the same; which is encouraging. It is still difficult to invite them to church, but again I believe over time God allows hearts to be softened by His love shining through you. I try my best to remember that in everything I do, though I fall short and it is difficult. Tonight, (Friday) Ruth, Betsy, Jon, and myself are going to another town to begin an English class. I believe it is at one of the church plants of the Alcance and there is apparently a demand for teaching English. What another great opportunity! We will test them tonight to see their skill levels, put them in groups according to their recorded level, and then begin class every Monday night. Since Betsy and Jon are leaving the first week of May, I believe Ruth and I will each take a class so that we can continue through June. Then, the other two will be of greatly needed help for as long as they are here. Speaking of which, it has been great having so many people here from the States. There are seven of us now and it is so comforting. Having an old friend here is especially nice.

To continue the somewhat randomness of this month in review, I cannot leave out how wonderful the Lord has been. It has been a huge blessing to be provided with a large meal at lunch everyday day of the week. Sometimes, there are even leftovers that we are able to eat at night. That, and our beautiful room (with an a/c), is what the monthly 'rent' has been paying for: many thanks to the gracious hearts who supported us. The Lord has also seen fit for our hearts and minds to be worked on while we are here. Many days, we are able to learn more about how God works through this ministry, a bible study that Jeff and Lindsey provide on Thursday nights, and daily devotional readings and scripture reflections. In America, it seemed that I had a lot of distractions and too many choices. Here, my mind has been much more focused to study the word, share love in fellowship, and see His hand at work all around me!

Praise God for the provision as well. Unfortunately, finances are such an intricate part of life, but He understands. In this month and two weeks, $4,660 our of our need of $5,300 has been raised! This, in only 6 weeks out of a 4 month stay.
Will you thank God with us for that provision and the provision to come? If you so desire, could you pray with us for that to come in His timing. Would you also pray with us for God to continue to do great things with this school and the people of Brazil. May we also ask that you pray with us for God to continue to work in our own hearts and the hearts of those around here: may we humbly accept that sanctification.

Thank you so much for your love, care, and your prayers. We, too, love you all and appreciate you so much in our lives. May God Bless you.