Resting and the Spirit

I love Sundays.  The day of rest that God implemented within the cyclical nature of his creation is a marvelous thing.  I pity anybody who has yet to realize that one-seventh of our time on earth is meant for resting.  I could come up with  all sorts of things to call resting, like watching movies, going to the beach, walking on the river-front with my wife, or lounging at the pool and hanging out with my family.  But I believe God meant it to be a time of resting in Him.  I can rest so well that I need another day off to recuperate.  That's not what God intended.  So how is it that you invest that one-seventh of your life?

Tonight I'll take off on my last river trip before the arrival of our baby.  Unfortunately for Silvia, Doc's orders are to stay in the city for now, so she's stuck at home.  So please pray for her this week.  As for those of us traveling, we'll be arriving in the Amazon River community of Januária tomorrow morning. We'll be building a church on stilts in this flood plain community.  Also, on the agenda is some health clinics and dental care.  Pray with us for powerful ministry and that this investment bears long-term fruit for the Kingdom of God!  Nothing is done in vain, but all for the Glory of His Holy Name!

With local worker Fernando and PAZ intern Andrew.

Last weekend I traveling with a team of almost 30 people to minister in the community of Aminá and Gurupá Velho.  We were a team of mostly young singles, and I had the privilege of taking along two of my disciples.  This time of the year is like summer vacation from school in Brazil, so one of the objectives of our trip is to take along a team of individuals that are cultivating a heart towards missions and outreach.  It was incredible!  We had evangelism, house visits, medical and dental clinics, water filter supervision, prayer and intercession, as well as services with dramas, dancing, and most importantly the preaching of the Word!

Nighttime service in Aminá.

In my three years working in this region, I have never seen a response like we saw in the community of Aminá!  The holy spirit is moving as the wind blows!  Over a hundred people came to our nighttime service!  And seven people were saved as a result of our work, including the wife of the community president, such an influential household!

Pray with us for the cell groups that are started and growing in Aminá, for their health and growth, especially for these young believers.

Praying with new believers.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy -- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! - Jude 1:24-25

Arriving in Gurupá Velho on the Arapiuns River.

With my disciples Marcio and João.