Jeff and I traveled to Cascadura today to walk alongside one of our partners, Atuacao Voluntaria, as they received a 20-person short-term mission team from their home church in the South of Brazil.  Their focus was to facilitate a children’s program for the children of the local community. 

Atuacao Voluntaria is currently leading a children’s program at this church every Monday afternoon.  It was sweet music to our ears when our dear brother, Gilson, introduced us as a couple who “cares for them” here in Rio!  We have spent some wonderful time with this couple in fellowship and prayer and support them wholeheartedly!

What a joy it was for us to meet the pastoral staff and leaders of this church in Cascadura and spend some time listening to their stories of how God has and is working in the midst of their ministry.  Their land was given to them by a militia who ran off the local drug lords in order for them to take possession of their property.

The pastor has encouraged the whole congregation to be involved in the construction of this property, even with the donation of at least a stone to build the walls.  They truly are the body-of-Christ at work, using their gifts to glorify the Lord!

Thanks for your prayers, it was a very encouraging day!

Going where He leads us here in Rio,

Diane and Jeff

p.s.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GILSON!