Thankful for…

Well, today is Thanksgiving Day in the States. Here in Brazil it’s just another day though. I’m working today (because Thanksgiving is an American holiday- not a Brazilian one, duh). It’s weird not being home for the holidays. But even though we’re not there with our oldest son, Michael, and our daughter-in-law, Sarah, and even though we’re not there with the rest of our family (who are ALL there now)- we’re still thankful. 

And even though there’s no turkey, gravy, stuffing, honey-baked ham, yeast rolls, green bean casserole, candied yams, mashed potatoes, biscuits or cornbread- we’re still thankful. And even though there’s no football, cool Fall weather or midnight shopping trips for the best deals- we’re still thankful.  

I could literally list off a thousand things that we're thankful for this year. God has done some amazing things here in Brazil in 2014’. And the fact that He’s allowed us to be a part of it is truly humbling and for that we’re truly thankful. But one of the things that we’re the most thankful for, especially this past week, is Refúgio. 

As most of you know, we live in the mountains/jungles in the Southeastern part of Brazil. What some of you may not know is that where we live is also a camp. And the camp is called Refúgio (that’s Refuge in English). We were given the property back in 2009’ and over the last 5 years the camp has evolved into something quite remarkable. 

We just finished a camp this past weekend for an orphanage that we've worked closely with for almost 5 years now. And it was a great weekend. I posted a ton of pictures on our Refúgio Facebook page if you want to check them out. Or you can just click HERE.

One of the great things about all the camps that we do with all the orphanages is that we’re able to do them for FREE. That’s right, FREE. And that’s all because of our faithful supporters back in the States. Thanks Guys! We’ve ministered to literally hundreds of children this year alone through the FREE camps at Refúgio. And to say that we’re thankful for the opportunity to do it would be a massive understatement. 

Just a few of the girls we hosted this past weekend

Jhonny is just one of the amazing kids were able to minister to multiple times each year

When we’re able to look these kids in the eyes, love on them and then share the Gospel with them… it’s hard to describe the feeling. All the hardships and difficulties that get us to that point (living here and then the hours upon hours of hard labor to get the camp ready) immediately melts away into nothing.

Friday Night we kicked things off with a great time of worship and teaching.

Even though Saturday Morning started off with a little rain- we were able to begin
making our way to the obstacle course by mid-morning.

Riding the zip-line and swimming were just a few of the activities of the weekend

The week before this last camp we hosted another one of the quiet camps. It's a camp where there are no games, no hikes, no swimming, no talking- nothing. There's 9 teaching sessions per day and the people who come have their lives radically changed by the power of God. Not only were there numerous salvations this particular camp but everyone who came was in the altar weeping and crying out to God on Saturday Night. God is so good: )

To know that people are literally being transformed, by the power of The Spirit, way out in the jungles of Campina Grande do Sul- a place that’s so far off the map that even Brazilians don’t know where it is… well, it’s absolutely crazy and for that we’re thankful.

It’s weird… Me and MJ were talking last night and we both agreed… even though, in the natural, we should be sad and depressed today (because we’re here alone on Thanksgiving) and we should be feeling sorry for ourselves- we’re not! Actually, we’re so far away from feeling sad or depressed that we feel bad (for being this happy, lol!). We’re so overjoyed with how God has blessed us this past year and to do anything but give thanks just wouldn't be right: )

Happy Thanksgiving. We love you guys! Thanks for allowing us to be here doing what we do for the glory of God. Have a great holiday weekend: )

Love Ya!

Jim, MJ and the whole Dunn Clan