pure joy

It is with pure joy that I write to you this evening. God is so good and He is with us and blessing our time together. The women of several different churches gathered both this am and this afternoon to listen to our testimonies and to share their own. We have been very blessed to have a young woman who is a law student here translating for us. Her name is Gabriela and she lived in the states so her english sounds very american. She was able to translate both ways as we spoke, prayed and worshipped the same God. I believe that the portuguese bible verse calendars that we made were very much appreciated. We encouraged the pastors wives who we ministered to today to share these calendars with the unchurched women in their lives.

Church last night reminded me alot of attending church with my sister, Sarah and her husband at the spanish church in Kenosha or in Guatemala, so I feel very comfortable. The music is very similar but not quite, the portuguese language escapes me and leaves me feeling tongue-tied. But "Holy, Holy, Holy" "Santos, Santos, Santos" is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come is the same God. He never changes and His steadfast love and faithfulness is so evident in our lives. His mercies are new every morning.

One woman that gave testimony this afternoon, is just 7 months sober and is still doing some outpatient rehab after a history of 26 years of alcohol abuse and she talked aobut the freedom that she experiences in Jesus Christ and how she is a changed person. It was such a gift to be able to pray for her, encourage her and ask God to protect her and hold her. We also prayed for a woman who is just two months pregnant having previously miscarried and we prayed for freedom from anxiety and that God would protect her unborn child. We prayed God's will be done. We prayed for new ministries and old ministries. We prayed for strengthening and unity in the churches, esp. for the women in these churches. It was such a joy to lift these women up to our Father who is in heaven and to know that He hears and answers the deepest utterances and desires of our heart.

The men also had a sweet time of instruction, ie. pastor training from David Vecchito, in the morning altho three of the men did get started right away on some building repairs. Donnie was with these team of workers and has been hard at work all day making these repairs to a church that is falling apart.

The weather is gorgeous here and of, course, I am enjoying the sun and warmth. This place reminds me alot of Guatemala, Mexico, Italy and the others that went to the Philipines and Africa say that it is similar. The people here are very warm and friendly. I hope to post more pictures soon so that you can experience this place with me. I'm sorry that I didn't write after church last night but we went out for pizza. It was unlike anything I have ever had before. This pizza was fully LOADED!!! and delicious. I am feeling really spoiled and like I haven't had to sacrifice much or suffer at all on this trip, it is such a joy to be able to be here. I hope that God reveals ways that we may really serve and bless these people. There is talk of a soccer game tonight, maybe the brazilians against the americans, I will keep you posted.

p.s. It is so very encouraging to read all the comments and to get emails. Knowing that you are in communion with God for us is very humbling but so uplifting. To God be all the glory. Thank-you, Megan, (my dear sister in Christ out in Oregon who blesses women through her memory box ministry;) for twittering about our mercy mission trip. I don't even know how to twitter and probably shouldn't start because then I will just have to add it to my long list of addictions but I was just ticked to see my name in your sidebar. Family and friends, THANK-YOU!!! and I thank God for you-all!!!

here

We are here. God is with us and blessing us. It took a little over 24 hours but all the luggage and the 20 boxes we packed arrived safely. Donnie and I are just getting settled into our very nice hotel room after our 5 hour bus ride so that we may shower and then go to Sunday evening church. I am hoping to upload some pictures. . .This whole experience is so surreal.

leaving

Just wanted to post to ask for prayers as we are departing tomorrow for our 10 day mercy mission trip to Brazil. I hope to be able to journal here on a daily basis. We are so grateful to God for the beautiful tapestry that He is weaving in our lives. It has been a busy season of preparation and trying to enjoy the summer with many activities and opportunities to serve. I regret that I have not written here more but God knows what I need and when I should write. As we approach the one year anniversary of Renner's death I am apprehensive but know again that He has not brought us this far to drop us. I am daily reminded of His grace that is sufficient for me and that His strength is perfect and is all powerful in my weakness. Christ IS and ENABLES my righteousness. Praise God for He is good and His mercies endure for ever. I am so eager to see what He will accomplish through this trip in our lives and I want to grow in my understanding and leaning on Him as my everything. I desire to grow in a deepening relationship with my Lord and Saviour and so get a clearer and clearer vision of heaven so that the light and momentary afflications of this world dim as I look to the Author and Perfecter of my faith.