Aritapera Blitz!

Now for Part Two of my recent river trip.  For the first trip, see my last blog post.

Following a weekend of much needed rest, our team of 10 Americans was joined by many Brazilians to head out to the village of Aritapera.  The village was privileged to experience nearly all aspects of the PAZ ministry, including, health care, dental, water filters, and construction!

We shoved off on Monday morning and made a quick stop by the water filter factory to pick up a couple tons of fine sand and course rock to be used for filter repair.  We also grabbed some lumber and within an hour or so we were on out way out to the muddy Amazon.  This trip was much shorter than the trip to Piquiatuba, but the scenery is much different navigating the various waterways along the edges of the Amazon.

Once at the village, we got right to work.  From the construction side, we were elated to find that we were to be doing floor repair on the church that had been damaged from the recent flooding in the area.  This is the same church that Logan and I helped to build brand new only a year ago!  While it was nice to see the finished church, it was sad to see it in  such shape as it was in such a short time.  We were able to spend 90% of our time under or inside the church which meant one thing…..SHADE!

During this time, some of the guys also worked to help a new believer  build a new home as his was swept away by the flood waters!  We had the change to talk to some of the locals in Aritapera who had to deal with up to 3 feet of water in their homes, some for as long as 2 or 3 months!  They literally lived in the rafters!

The health and dental personnel set up a clinic in the boat, and worked  each day from there.  My friend Ashley was able to work with one of the doctors and experience some intricacies of third world medicine.  Many teeth were pulled, and health instruction was given, all while sharing the gospel message.  The Gospel is the reason for all of this!

We were able to host a service one evening in the church (the last night after the church floor was done!)  Various people shared their testimonies and a holy Word, and we worshipped our Lord!  And bringing glory to His name was one woman who by His grace, came to saving faith in her Lord, Christ Jesus!  Amen!  I marvel each time God uses us for His ultimate purposes.  Simply astounding!

So by Thursday afternoon, we packed up and headed back South to Santarem.  We were able celebrate Logan’s birthday on the boat and then again at diner with one of the missionary couples here at PAZ.  At midnight, we loaded up and headed to the airport so they could catch the 1:30 AM flight.  I was sad to see them leave, but it was awesome couple weeks with them.

Thanks Logan and Ashley for taking the time to come and work with PAZ.  You were a blessing to me and the PAZ ministry and most importantly the Kingdom work being done in the Amazon Basin.  I pray that you were as blessed as I was.  Come again!

For His Purpose,
JAE