The longest leg, from Belem to Breves, was accomplished by large hammock boat. You pay your fare, hang your hammock, and guard your territory. As an American, I tend to have a large personal bubble, at least 1.5 to 3 feet, especially when sleeping. Not so Brazilians. People sleep like sardines on these boats--side by side (touching), on top of, below, across. Thankfully, when the boat was moving the wind kept us cool--mostly.
The main goal of the trip was to provide the students an opportunity to plan a ministry trip and put their faith into action, and they all did incredibly well at this. They worked tirelessly and without complaint (at least I didn't hear any). They showed initiative. They worked late. They smiled often. Instead of staying in cliques, they mingled with the locals.
On the ministry side of things, the students organized the services. They lead worship, performed skits, shared testimonies, and led small group Bible studies. I was very impressed with their selflessness and bravery.
We also spent several days working at churches. Good old-fashioned manual labor. We painted, cleaned, scrubbed, dusted, scoured, hammered, wired, leveled, weeded, burned, sanded, swept, chopped, and generally spruced up. Under the hot tropical sun we slaved, and I am sure the collective smell of our sweaty shirts did damage to the ozone. I am also quite sure that it rose to heaven as a sweet-smelling savor.
I had a hard time believing that 26 people could travel up river and back without getting sick, injured or robbed (you'd be surprised what a splash a parade of gringos with their digital cameras will make in a small river town). We swam with piranhas and alligators, ate and drank locally, and used hand tools, but were blessed with safety, tranquility, and health. Thanks for your prayers. Thanks to the Lord.
(The pictures are loosely organized: ministry, work, travel)
5 comments:
Praise the Lord that all went well. Tell the kids well done on their mission trip and that they have a big kiwi fan. Loved the hammock boat that looked like fun. Keep on keeping on.
What an excellent write-up, Tim! You have a way of communicating that wraps it all up in a word picture! The shots of everyone are great too! What is that snake you are holding?
What an exciting adventure! The kids will never forget that i am sure! wow these are really fantastic pictures! they tell a million words. Great write up Stew, thanks for the window into your world, its always a treat.
It's hard to imagine, but eternity shifts when saints get out of their comfort zone to touch others with the love of Jesus. This side heaven it will be hard to measure the impact of what you are doing for the Kingdom, but when we all gather there, what stories we will hear about the transformation you brought to this place. May God richly bless you and protect you for your faithful service!
Glad you are feeling well...looks like so many good things happening with your family and work for the Lord! God Bless! Betty Oliver
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