Saturday we ventured into a community none of us had ever been in before, alongside our Brazilian partners. We've been in prayer with our partners as they seek to start a Life Group and possibly a 3rd church plant there. We entered this community not knowing how we would be received or what we would find there.This community will be relocated because of the upcoming Olympic Games in 2016. It is located across a lake from the upcoming Olympic Village. These 3,000 or so residents will lose their simple homes, gardens, trees and be moved to very small apartments. Many will lose their simple businesses such as corner grocery stores or small shops. As they are moved from the location where many of them have grown up, they will also lose their church buildings and everything that is familiar to them.CLICK HERE to see a short video clip.We went in to pray, to see how many residents live there, and to find an open door to begin this Life Group. We sought a man or woman of peace who could be instrumental in the formation of a Life Group. It is our partner's desire to walk alongside this community through this difficult transition and afterwards with the church's presence.A door was opened through a Brazilian woman who seemed open to have some support through this transition and she invited us into her home to pray with her and her granddaughter.We were able to share Christ with several people and felt there are great possibilities to begin this Life Group in this location.Upon leaving, we met a man named Adam who is the leader of a "religion" in that community as well. When he discovered that three of us in our group were North Americans he delighted in showing us his "folk lore" and the ugly things he uses in his work of deception and lies.We continue to pray for Adam and ask you to pray with us for him. Pray that the Holy Spirit softens his heart to receive Christ and he doesn't believe the lies that the enemy is using to hold him captive any longer!
Pray for God's kingdom to be advanced in this community and for fruit that remains!Appreciating you all today and coveting your prayers!With God's love,Jeff and Diane
When we receive short-term teams and visitors here in Rio, people always want to try a Brazilian steakhouse! These steakhouses are called, "Churrascarias", (pronounced Shoo-hoss-kahr-ee-ahhs). And why not try them here? The price is a 4th of what you pay in the States and the food is fabulous! Well...most of it!
While they serve many delicious cuts of meat and all different kinds of delicious Brazilian food....there is one thing that I personally detest and refuse to eat! To see what it is, take a look HERE. In my honest opinion...it's just wrong!
During these past days we experienced Carnival for the first time in this, the beginning of our 7th year here in Rio and invited people to "taste and see that the Lord is good!"
Although Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese) is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil and other Catholic countries, Rio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival Capital of the World. The Rio Carnaval is not only the biggest Carnival, it has also a benchmark against which every other carnival is compared and one of the most interesting artistic events on the Globe. Almost everyone has heard of the Rio Carnaval. Foreign visitors to it alone number around 500,000 every year!
Amidst all the noise and commotion, we simply went out to invite people to follow Jesus. To let them know that He loves them. We gave them a warm invitation to "try this; we know you'll like it."
When we take that first step of obedience in following God, we can't help but discover that He is good and kind. When we first begin following Christ, we know so little of God and our knowledge of Him is partial and incomplete. But, as we trust him daily, we experience how good he is!
Upon feeling the warmth of a hug, or the look of concern inside one's eyes....many hug recipients reacted with tears and it reminded us once again that God is love...God created man for loving relationships! And everyone wants to be genuinely loved!
Who are you showing love to today? A simple hug, a warm smile or a minute to chat just to say you care about them?
Jeff and I....we're on a mission to hug more! And maybe some day....I'll try grilled squid :)
Hugs,
Diane and Jeff
Psalm 34:8 Provem, e vejam como o Senhor é bom. Como é feliz o homem que nele se refugia!
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Photo taken by Atuação Voluntaria on 2011 Mission Trip
The focus of the trip is to train-up Angolan teachers to teach the children of Angola. It is a creative way to bring the true gospel message of Jesus Christ. Also, it is an awesome way to help where there exists great need. 60% of Angolans are children. 1 out of every 4 children die before the age of 5 and 50% of children do not attend school!
Jeff and I have seen the impact that Atuação Voluntaria is making here in Brazil. We have worked closely with them for the past 3 years in several locations, including Cesar Maia where we taught conversational English for the good part of a year.
God has placed it on our hearts to travel with them and use the gifting that He has given us to evangelize, encourage, walk alongside, teach English, and use every opportunity to share the life-transformational message of Jesus Christ!
Please join us in prayer for the growth of His Kingdom in Angola. Pray, also for this Brazilian-led team as we seek to take the gospel to those in need in Angola!
Reaching the lost together with you,
Diane and Jeff
Don and Birdie Harms Minister in Rio de Janeiro - 2011
Have you ever felt that tug at your heart when hearing about an up-coming short-term mission trip? Or maybe, for you, it was that little voice inside your head that said, "what's THAT all about"? Or maybe it's that trip you "coincidentally" keep hearing about that, if you really were being honest with yourself....intrigues you?
Over and over again in God's Word, we see normal, ordinary people...sometimes lacking in certain areas, but nonetheless, being sent by God to bring the good news of his son, Jesus Christ! Our God is a "sending God". And everyone is called!
The above picture is of our dear brother- and sister-in-Christ, Don and Birdie, saved from out of a cult, who came to serve with us last August here in Rio.
CLICK HERE to read their amazing testimony, written by Birdie, of how this short-term trip has changed their lives! You won't be disappointed as you read how God called them to Rio and how He is calling them now...possibly into full-time missions!
Serving an Extraordinary God in ordinary ways,
Diane and Jeff
