There's a saying (Zig Ziglar said it- I think?) that says, "it's not where you start- it's where you finish that counts." While I understand what he was trying to say, I still think the best case scenario is to start strong AND finish strong: )
And that's exactly what we were able to do this past week (finish the year strong and start the New Year strong). Not only were we able to consistently minister throughout the year in several orphanages and at Patrick's Place- we were able to finish the year and begin the New Year the same way.
We had the privilege of hosting another mission team from the US (from Graystone Church) December 29th through January 4th. And we were able to minister in 3 different orphanages as well as to the women at Patrick's Place (a home for battered women and their children).
We had a great time proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the love of Jesus throughout the week. Also, one of the highlights of the week was delivering shoeboxes (gifts that were sent by members of Graystone Church) to all the kids. The look on all the kids' faces, as they were each handed a gift, was priceless. Here's a quick look at what the week looked like:
On Wednesday we ministered to all the kids at Lar Moises in Cajuru. As with all the orphanage visits during the week, we were able to hang-out and play with all the kids, give the gifts sent by the Graystone members and share a simple Gospel message- pointing the kids towards Jesus.
After we finished at Lar Moises we were able to go to Encontro com Deus (aka- Patrick's Place) to meet Patrick and to hear about what their ministry is doing to change the city. They are making radical change in their community by reaching out to the children in this impoverished neighborhood and by rescuing battered women and their children, most of which are teenage mothers.
Then the women from the team were able to spend one-on-one time with the girls and their children before we all gathered to eat pizza together.
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| Praying with Patrick and the women of ECD before dinner |
After we finished at Encontro com Deus we were able to go and tour the new home, that ECD was just blessed with, that will house all the adult mothers and their children. This home is a true gift from God and is going to provide refuge for so many women and children.
On Thursday we headed to Lar Herminia where we spent the whole day with the kids. We broke into smaller groups and got the opportunity to eat lunch with them in their homes and we all ate together that night as the New Year was approaching. And then, as it got dark, we celebrated the New Year with fireworks! It was a serious fireworks display too: ) I guarantee the kids will never forget it!
The next morning (New Year's Day) we got up and took all the kids from Lar Herminia to the zoo. It was nice doing something away from the Lar with them. It's like we were taking our family (our very LARGE family) on an outing and the kids loved it!
On our way to the parking lot to eat lunch one of the venders that was selling balloons approached us and said, "she wanted to bless all the kids with mylar balloons! Sweet, huh?
The next day we went and ministered to the kids at Fundaçãu Iniciativa. This is the orphanage that Me and MJ adopted our kids from almost 8 years ago. We were able to play games, color, do crafts, give them the gifts that Graystone Church sent and most importantly we were able to share the Gospel with them.
On Sunday we cancelled church at the i3C and had church with all the kids at Lar Herminia instead. Being able to have our first worship service of the year with the kids instead of at the church was an honour. Hearing the kids sing is something that always brings tears to my eyes every time. After worship Brie did a good job of presenting a Gospel centred message about Paul and his conversion and being able to start new.
After service they prepared a special traditional meal for us... beans and rice! Haha! Actually it was more than just beans and rice- it was 'feijoada.' Which is beans and rice loaded with a bunch of meat: )
After lunch we played with the kids all day and then had a time of worship before the games began later in the evening. And then to cap-off the night, and the trip, we gave all the gifts Graystone Church sent to the kids.
On Monday evening the team boarded a plane back to Atlanta. As we hugged everyone goodbye I couldn't help but feel amazed and blessed- all at the same time. First of all I was amazed that a group of people would sacrifice their Christmas vacation to come and minister alongside of us here in Brazil. And, secondly,
I felt blessed to be able to make yet another set of (what I believe will be) lifelong friendships with a great group of people.
Thank you Melissa, Lauren, Brittany, Brie, Tyler and Graystone Church for not only loving and encouraging all the kids we minister to here in Southeast Brazil- but thank you for loving and encouraging the Dunn Family. You've allowed us to finish 2015' strong and you've helped us begin 2016' with a momentum that wouldn't have been there without your help. You guys are amazing.
Love Ya!
Jim, MJ, Maryssa, Matthew, Ana, Diogo, Gabriel and Robert
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