How long will you be in Brazil? My intension is to serve in Brazil for a year. I anticipate that my vision trip from Aug. through Nov. will confirm that. I will return to the States for December to share pictures, stories, and the actual needs that I have discovered there, and head back to Brazil in January.
What organization are you going through? I am going to Brazil as an "independent" missionary. This simply means that I will be funded by friends and family who want to invest in the spreading of the gospel to unreached people groups through me. My home church and parents serve as my spiritual authority, shelter, and accountability.
Do you know Portugues? I have begun teaching myself in the evenings, but I will hit it hard when I get there!
What will your living situation be? I'll live with the Jefferson's for the first 6 weeks and then get an apartment and Brazilian roommate from their church or local university. We believe this will help me learn the language and culture faster! I'll live in the large city of Salvador, but travel into the jungles to work with the Quilombolas for a week at a time.
Can I get updates from you? Yes, of course!! I LOVE getting monthly newsletters from my friends who serve in other countries, and usually rip the envelope open with anticipation of what the Lord has done that month. You can keep up with me by 1) signing up for a monthly e-newsletter 2) periodically checking this blog, or 3) sending me a personal email, to which I will happily reply!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Ways You Can Help
Prayer: I'm asking every believer that reads this to pray for the spreading of God's truth in Brazil! If you would like to join the team that receives specific prayer requests from time to time, please let me know. I would also like to give you a prayer card for your fridge or Bible!
Funding: My home church, Houston's First Baptist, wants to bless us by providing an account for the tax-deductible gifts given.
Checks can be made out to Houston's First Baptist Church and sent to:
HFBC--Missions Office
7401 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024.
Please indicate that the gift is for "Sarah Williams' Year in Brazil" on a seperate sheet of paper rather than in the memo section of your check (for tax reasons).
(Keith and Deborah just returned to Brazil last week and are researching what my actual costs will be for the year. They were not sure since the US dollar has significantly weakened during the time they've been state-side. We're starting with a Peace Corp member's monthly expenses in Brazil (found online) and eliminating line items like cable tv, and perscription drugs, etc.)
Encouragement: I would really love to hear from ya! My email address is sarah.ellen.williams@gmail.com.
Funding: My home church, Houston's First Baptist, wants to bless us by providing an account for the tax-deductible gifts given.
Checks can be made out to Houston's First Baptist Church and sent to:
HFBC--Missions Office
7401 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024.
Please indicate that the gift is for "Sarah Williams' Year in Brazil" on a seperate sheet of paper rather than in the memo section of your check (for tax reasons).
(Keith and Deborah just returned to Brazil last week and are researching what my actual costs will be for the year. They were not sure since the US dollar has significantly weakened during the time they've been state-side. We're starting with a Peace Corp member's monthly expenses in Brazil (found online) and eliminating line items like cable tv, and perscription drugs, etc.)
Encouragement: I would really love to hear from ya! My email address is sarah.ellen.williams@gmail.com.
My Job There
When I first arrive in Salvador my job will be to start learning the basics of culture and language. The immediate ways that I will assist the Jefferson's will be communicating with the 5 mission teams that are coming from the US, documenting the trips with camera and journal in hand, singing/playing guitar, keeping fresh material on the website (www.thefogottenafrica.org), and enlisting more prayer warriors and interpretors to partner with us.
As time goes on I/we will discover more of what the Lord has pre-planned for me to do. The Jefferson's have asked for a list of my past work experience, and strengths so they can be intentional about utilizing them in the ministry.
I am most looking forward to sharing the great gospel of Jesus Christ with Quilombolas and other Brazilians that I meet in the city. Please pray for many open hearts!
As time goes on I/we will discover more of what the Lord has pre-planned for me to do. The Jefferson's have asked for a list of my past work experience, and strengths so they can be intentional about utilizing them in the ministry.
I am most looking forward to sharing the great gospel of Jesus Christ with Quilombolas and other Brazilians that I meet in the city. Please pray for many open hearts!
"Quilombolas"
Quilombolas are decendants of fugitive African slaves who live in "Quilombos" (villages) in the country's interior. These spiritists, who rely on Witch Doctors for connection with the dead and physical healing, have never heard about the true God, or how they can receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life through Christ Jesus. Since a written Bible would serve as nothing more than toilet paper to a people group that doesn't read, we will teach them the facinating truth of God in one continuous story that they can tell and retell to generations to come!
Keith & Deborah Jefferson
Keith, Deborah, and their 4 daughters moved to Salvador, Brazil 13 years ago after they were told of the extreme need for Christ and specifically asked to go. They have served as the only missionaries they know of to thousands of Quilombos scattered throughout Brazil.
They explore to find new Quilombos (villages), assess the physical needs that they (and other believers) can meet, share the truth of God through "storying", and seek Christians in the nearest towns to develop ongoing relationships with them.
I first met Keith when he was our guest music leader at HFBC, since I work in the music office. I met Deborah one morning when Keith taught my Sunday School class. That morning I had the opportunity to share a brief word of challenge and encouragement with my classmates, and so they were able to glimpse what the Lord was up to in my heart and life.
I have enjoyed getting to know the Jefferson's better through shared testimonies, meals, and meetings, and look forward to living with, and learning from them.
They explore to find new Quilombos (villages), assess the physical needs that they (and other believers) can meet, share the truth of God through "storying", and seek Christians in the nearest towns to develop ongoing relationships with them.
I first met Keith when he was our guest music leader at HFBC, since I work in the music office. I met Deborah one morning when Keith taught my Sunday School class. That morning I had the opportunity to share a brief word of challenge and encouragement with my classmates, and so they were able to glimpse what the Lord was up to in my heart and life.
I have enjoyed getting to know the Jefferson's better through shared testimonies, meals, and meetings, and look forward to living with, and learning from them.
Moving to Brazil, July 31st
In 6 weeks I am moving to Brazil!
About a month ago, International Mission Board missionaries, Keith and Deborah Jefferson, asked me to consider working with them in Salvador Brazil for the coming year. I began asking the Lord to be clear, and then doors leading in that direction started opening right and left.
I am grateful that my parents and church leadership have given their strong blessing and support, and am amazed that the year's financial support has already begun to arrive (before I even announced the need). I am humbled when I consider all of the provision that the Lord has sent to confirm this path for my life. This journey can only be walked by faith...and the Lord is faithful (aren't I glad!)...so here we go!
About a month ago, International Mission Board missionaries, Keith and Deborah Jefferson, asked me to consider working with them in Salvador Brazil for the coming year. I began asking the Lord to be clear, and then doors leading in that direction started opening right and left.
I am grateful that my parents and church leadership have given their strong blessing and support, and am amazed that the year's financial support has already begun to arrive (before I even announced the need). I am humbled when I consider all of the provision that the Lord has sent to confirm this path for my life. This journey can only be walked by faith...and the Lord is faithful (aren't I glad!)...so here we go!
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