June 15' Mission Update

Ok. I’m gonna be straight with you… I’m not feeling very eloquent today. Actually I’ve been sick for over a week and a half now, we haven't had internet at our house for 15 days and I’m so tired I can barely string two coherent sentences together. But, be that as it may, I really wanted to update you guys on our June 15’ Mission Trip we hosted last week.

We had 10 people from from Graystone Church in the US with us for a week. They helped us minister at all the places that we’re at year-round. Only 2 of the team members had been here before so it was great being able to expose new people to what’s going on (through the ministry) here in SE Brazil. 

The team from Graystone Church

Here's a brief summary of the week:

On Day 1 we were able to go to Lar Herminia and hold a mini-Sports Camp/VBS for all the kids. We also were able to do manicure/pedicures for all the house mothers.

One of the groups during the teaching segment of the day

On Day 2, after the team ministered at the i3C we went back to Lar Herminia and cooked dinner for the kids and had a church service with them.

On Day 3 we were at Patrick’s Place where we ministered to all the kids in the day program. 

Just got 'handled' by a bunch of little kids in dodgeball so now I'm sitting out: (

On Day 4 we went and cleaned/helped organise one of the homes (battered women’s shelter) that Patrick has. We can’t show any pictures because it’s a secret location and some of the women are in hiding from very dangerous relationships. 

Later that afternoon we went and ministered to the kids at Lar Moises (a new orphanage we’re beginning ministry in ) and gave them all NASA jackets.

Dancing with the kids: )

Zeca translating during one of the teaching times

At the end of the day, we went back to Patrick’s Place and ministered to all the battered women (most of which are teenagers) and their children. All the guys cooked dinner and played with the kids while the ladies from the team had a bible study (where 4 woman gave their lives to Jesus!) and gave manicures to all the women. It was an amazing night. I wish we could show you pictures- trust me, it was probably the most impactful day of the trip: )

On Day 5 we were at the Betania School in Villa Zumbi. These have got to be some of the most beautiful kids on the planet, for real. To think about where they live and what conditions they live in is heartbreaking. It’s truly an honour every time we’re able to be with them.

There's no way you can look at this kid and not smile: )

Denise (the Director at the Betania School) and MJ

On Day 6 we were back in Lar Herminia for our final Game Night of the trip. We also got pizza for all the kids: )

Renan (Lar Herminia's Director) and Alex (one of the children) thanking all of us at the end of the night 

Like I said in the beginning, I’m not feeling very eloquent today.” Sorry. But one thing I do know- last week the Gospel was proclaimed, the mission here in Brazil was advanced and peoples’ lives were forever changed. It was definitely a win! So, thank you Graystone Church for coming and thank you to all of our supporters back home who allow us to continue to do what we’re doing here in Brazil. We literally couldn't do it without you!

A view of the Curitiba skyline at sunset

We’re trying to get ready for a camp next weekend and then we’ve got another team of 20 coming from Graystone Church USA so please continue to pray for us as we endeavour to do what God’s called us to do here in Brazil.

Love Ya!

Jim and MJ