In God We Trust

This morning the Rio Trio taught a cultural class in a public school in the Terreirao, a community several blocks from the mission house. 

They taught 3 classes of elementary-age children and it was an awesome opportunity to show the love of Christ through our actions and our kindness! 

They passed around photos of their families, shared about the sports they are involved in, spoke about their areas of study in college and explained all the parts of the American flag.  They also put their hands over their hearts and said the Pledge of Allegience.  They passed around dollar bills and pointed out that the bills have the words, "In God We Trust" printed on them.  They taught the song, "God is so Good" in English and sang it in Portuguese, as well.

Afterwards, we were finishing our lunch in a nearby restaurant, when one of the students from the school walked by with her mother and sister.  She smiled and waved to us and so we went out to talk to her.  Her mother told us that her daughter was so excited to share with her about the Americans that had come to her school that day!  The excitement that this student had to meet us made it all worthwhile!

 

The Rio Trio with Lilian, the Director of the School

In God We Trust,

Diane, Jeff, Hannah, Jordan and Drew

Ready for Battle?

Yesterday morning was our mentoring day with the Rio Trio and we decided to meet on the beach.  

During this time I was approached by a woman who interrupted our mentoring and wanted to talk to me.  I had two bibles with me. She asked me if my bible (Portuguese) was a holy bible.  Then she asked me if my other bible (English) was a bible of a spirit.  She left, but shortly after turned around and came back to talk more.

I asked her if she believed in Jesus Christ and that He was the only way to eternity with God.  She said she believed in Jesus and that worshiping Him along with all the spirits would get you to eternity with God.  She ridiculed me by rudely pushing the sleeve of my dress and flicking my earring in a taunting way.  I asked if she attended a church and she said, "No, I don't need to meet with anyone."  She said the package of cigarettes she had in her hand were because she lived in the flesh. Our conversation ended and she abruptly left.

Afterwards my spirit was discouraged by my conversation with this woman.  It took me a while to figure out why.  I realized that I had encountered the enemy face-to-face.  Matthew 12:30 says, "Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me."

Every day we face a spiritual battle, wherever we live, whether we are in the United States or in Brazil.  Are we spiritually prepared?  

Are we wearing the full armor of God?  Ephesians 6:10-17 says, "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Standing firm,


Diane

A view from Dona Marta with the Christ Statue in the back

The Rio Trio at the Michael Jackson Mosaic

Yesterday we ventured out to Dona Marta, a nearby community, with the Rio Trio.  This community is the location of a Michael Jackson statue and Mosaic that were constructed there after his death.  Michael had performed and filmed a music video there called, "They Don't Really Care About Us."

While we were in Dona Marta, I was able to reconnect with Cleber, a young boy we had met there last month.  He sells Michael Jackson souvenirs at the statue.  During our conversation, he told me he continues to go to church, but didn't want to have anything to do with the EvangeCube or Jesus.  Pray for Cleber. 

In the evening, we were blessed to go to two bible studies in Caju.  The women studied about being obedient to Christ.  When we make bad choices in our life, we are not following Christ.  The verse in Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."  We enjoyed excellent time in prayer, study and fellowship with this amazing body of believers.

We were also able to visit a family with a 2-month old baby.  What a blessing to spend time with this wonderful family of Christ!

Serving with love and loving those we serve,

Diane, Jeff and the Rio Trio

Discovering Islam in Rio and Brazil

 "According to a census conducted by the IBGE (Brazilian institute for geography and statistics), the number of Muslims living in Brazil has risen by 29.1 percent between the years 2000 and 2010. The survey also indicated that the largest number of Muslims can be found in São Paulo, followed by Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais."

Click HERE to read more from this recent Rio Times article.