Celebrating Unity

The Churches of Christ have been here in Rio Grande do Sul since 1967. Much good has taken place over the past 40 years through this mission effort. Unfortunately these churches have suffered many divisions and separations over the years, a typical sad story of conflicting personalities, poor financial management, and lack of leadership development. Thankfully, this situation is beginning to change. Pictured here are Mark & Ju White and Rui & Nadia Diogo. They are good friends of ours; they are missionaries who have spent the past several years working in Viamão, a suburb of Porto Alegre. They are preparing to turn this congregation over to three newly appointed elders (the first Church of Christ in this state to have elders) and will soon begin working with the Cantão congregation, a church plant begun through their efforts two years ago. One of Rui and Mark's goals this year was to begin a once-a-year meeting for all Churches of Christ (11 congregations total) in Rio Grande do Sul, a day of worship, fellowship and encouragement. Last Sunday, the first of these meetings was held - a new tradition was started!

The event was somewhat hastily organized, so not all the congregations were able to participate this time. But four did, and we had a great gathering of God's people at - of all places - the Recreational Club of the Building Managers and Janitors Union of Rio Grande do Sul. Just about every profession here in Brazil has a labor union, and depending on the size and resources available, these unions often construct and maintain recreational clubs in the rural areas of cities, so their members can enjoy family activities in a quality environment. One of the newly appointed elders in the Viamão church, Ângelo, is a member of this particular union, and because of this connection, we were able to utilize these facilities at no cost. Membership has its privileges...

The Viamão elders asked me to speak at this event, and I was honored to do so. Since the theme was obviously centered around unity of brothers, I preached on one of my favorite unity passages - John 17. What could be better than hearing it from the Source Himself? The ambience was interesting: speaking in a picnic shelter, barbecue pit to my side, hot corrugated tin roof, people arriving late, occasional fireworks going off in anticipation of that afternoon's soccer game...it's always fun preaching in Brazil!

After the worship, we divided up into prayer groups to pray for the work of all the churches and for one another's needs. Here is Waleska's prayer group, from l-r: Alexandre, Inês, Santa, Barbosa, and Lauro. Barbosa was one of the three men that the Viamão church recently selected to be elders. Barbosa is a fantastic "storyteller" and a pretty good billiards player, besides being a man who is very dedicated to seeing the Kingdom grow in this state.

Here is my prayer group, from left to right: Michelle, João, Deoclides, Vera, Yeda, Teresinha, and Vanda. There are three different congregations represented here.

Here are some of the good folks from Viamão who formed the backbone of the event organization. L-R: Ângelo, his wife Christine, Roberto and Iara, Priscilla, Cintia, Nadia, and one lady whose name I forgot :(

May all of these disciples continue to become one as Jesus and the Father are one!

Open Doors, Open Hearts

As you may recall, we've had the honor of doing a few "mobile church" experiences in the home of Dario & Mara, a family we've become friends with through our brothers Renato & Branda. Recently, we've been able to develop this friendship even further. We are now every Saturday afternoon spending time in Dario & Mara's home, along with Renato & Branda, studying the Gospel of John together and sharing in some great fellowship time (last week Waleska made brownies! :>)

Dario & Mara are pictured here on the right with Victoria, the youngest of their three daughters - Fernanda and Bruna are the other two. Dario works as a corporate account manager for Banco Real, and travels quite a bit visiting clients. Mara is a full-time homemaker keeping busy managing this whirlwind of a family. They are fantastic people, and they are opening their doors and their hearts to allow God at work in their lives. We thank God for the opportunity to spend time with people like them, and pray that the Lord will make this home a "household of peace!"

A Visit to YWAM

This is our brother Roberto. As we told you in a post a few months ago, he is currently taking a on-site course in evangelism and missions through YWAM (Youth With A Mission). Two Sundays ago we, along with his wife Moema and son Kjeld, went to visit him for the day. We found him very upbeat about all that he is learning about the Bible and his relationship with God - so much so that his eyes are on fire! :)

YWAM's training ground is located in Morungava, a rural district about an hour outside of Porto Alegre. The property is blessed with spectacular natural beauty; perfect for meditation and concentration on the tasks of spiritual maturity. But don't be deceived - this is not a spiritual spa. Roberto and the other students have six full days a week of study, manual labor, chores, prayer, teaching children, theater practice, and evangelistic ministry in nearby towns. He describes it as the most intense experience he's ever had.

YWAM's facilities are pretty rustic, in need of some upgrades, but they serve as a reminder to the students that simplicity allows space for God to do great works. Here is Roberto in front of the cafeteria, and Moema in the library, where she volunteers twice a month to organize their books and help with their reading program.

Here are Moema & Roberto with Carlos and Eunice, the directors of this YWAM location. They are a great example of faithfulness to the Lord. 25 years ago, this couple sold their highly profitable business in Rio de Janeiro to move south and dedicate themselves to this work of training young Christian servants.

Roberto will spend the next two months doing field work in the nearby states of Santa Catarina and Paraná before returning home for his graduation in December. Keep up the good work, Roberto - we are with you all the way! We are eager to see what plans the Lord has for you and your family!