I sing for joy
In my remorse
A well within prosperity’s curse
That drowns the mighty oak of pride
But feeds the root of God inside.
In You
I find my rest
In You
I find my death
In You
I find my all
and my emptiness
Somehow it all makes sense!
In You I’m rich
When I’ve been made poor.
Comfort found when I mourn.
The prideful one You see from afar
Drawing near to low, broken hearts.
In You
I find my rest
In You
I find my death
In You
I find my all and my emptiness
Somehow it all makes sense
In You
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Pilgrims Progress (Spiritist Church, and Surfer Evangelism)
Today I worked on the Jefferson's newsletter and some financial stuff from my home. This allowed me to also make some final rounds to the people/places I visit regularly.
Huge Team!
This morning I sent an email to 100 friends who either asked to be on my update list, or joined our team through prayer or financial support. My Mom and siblings also sent my specific prayer requests to their small groups and friends asking that all ask our Father to reveal Himself to many friends and aquaintances I have made here in Salvador.
One of the Weirdest Things I've Ever Done...Obviously God's Idea
My first stop this morning was to a spiritist church that I pass by most mornings. I've noticed that Mondays are their day of worship (with music, prayer, and ceremonial cleansing (popcorn sprinkled over the head, and leafy branches brushed over the body like a security wand in the airport)). As I got closer and closer I started to get nervous, not knowing exactly how it was all gonna go down. The disciples of Jesus' day were sometimes received well, and other times persecuted, so I did not know which way it would go today.
As I started to get nervous the Lord reminded me that I really had no reason to fear, and I proceded with more confidence and joy in what HE had planned to do through me. People who'd just left church walked towards me and I gave one lady a tract and Book of Luke in Portuguese. She asked how much she had to pay and I was so glad to tell her that it was free, as is the gift of salvation through Jesus. At her church you have to pay for blessings and freedom from the evil spirits and such. She seemed surprised and thankful.
Now let's skip past several similar opportunities to the moment when I stepped onto the church grounds and saw armed guards standing to my left. Yikes, I'd never noticed them before.
Conversations about Spiritism and Jesus Christ!
I prayed and then began asking questions of one lady who was selling idols. She told me some about what was going on, and I began to tell her what the Bible says. She then told me that I should be very careful because I was in danger. Next to her was a lady in a large, white, hooped dress with a white turbine-like hat sprinkling a man with popcorn in exchange for money.
Since I was not received there, I went to the stand beside them where a man and woman were selling fruit. I bought a banana that they tried to give me for free and then began talking with them about their beliefs and mine. I told them that the Bible says that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life, and that no one gets to the Father accept through Him. I also told them that the gift of salvation is free through faith in Christ Jesus, and that they did not need these ceremonies since only Jesus saves. They listened and responded, so as the Lord kept forming my thoughts and helping me remember Portuguese words we kept visiting. In the end I gave them tracts and the Book of Luke in Portuguese and they both began reading before I left.
During that friendly conversation I noticed that the first lady who'd told me to be careful had repositioned her chair so that she could see me around the corner and hear what we were talking about at the next booth, so I went back to her and asked if she would also like the literature and some more conversation. She said she would like it indeed. While I was there the man that was paying for his popcorn baptism held out his hand for one, and motioned that I should give one to the witch (I'm not sure what they are really called) as well. So I did...praise the LORD. Amen!
To the Beach for Follow-up Conversations
I gave out a few more tracts and headed down to the beach to reconnect with some people I spoke with a few days ago. It really helps that I resemble someone very famous here so many people begin conversations with me and we end up talking about my purpose for being here, to which they often respond with curiosity and questions about my faith. Amen! I truly stand in amazement of God's awesome plan in all of this!
I saw my surfer friend giving lessons and we talked for about 20 mintues, confirming that we would meet to talk more about the Bible at 4. On my way home I spoke with a few more people and then did some work at minha casa (my apartment).
Talk with Surfer Friend João
My 4:00 talk with my surfer friend/acquaintance was nice though somehow he had missed the fact that I am leaving this week and it would be our last time to talk. (I'm really sorry that this caught him off guard because I had tried to communicate that well. It was our first and last time to meet up on purpose). He asked many questions about the Bible and we basically started in Genesis, moved through to Christ's death and resurrection, and ended with what that means for us today. I urged him to read Luke and to ask God to reveal the truth of Himself to him. I also had the privledge of giving him an audio Bible to listen to. His simplicity, genuine kindness, and respect towards me have been a breath of fresh air since many men here are quite the opposite.
Unexpected Lesson/Opportunity of the Day
I then climbed back up the hill to the spiritist church and decided to catch a taxi since it was dark and dangerous. There amidst all of the religious ceremonies, and accompanying drunken, loud partying and dancing, a nice man tried to help me find the driver of the taxi that was parked nearby. We finally found him at the bar, but he was too confused (drunk) to know where my apartment was, though totally willing to drive me there. I politely declined. Duh!!
The nice man that was helping me said that I should just wait because people arrive there by taxi every 3 minutes and he would help me flag one down when it emptied out. 3 minutes turned into 30 minutes of me standing alone, in the dark, on the edge of all the spirit worship and partying. I started to pray about why the Lord was leaving me there and I began to see that it was kinda sad that I was spending all my stranded time totally seperate from the people Jesus loves. SO, I walked towards the group of people my age, dancing on the side of the street, and asked if anyone spoke English. One gal did and we hit it off immediately (like I ever meet a Brazilian that I don't hit it off with right away. They are SO friendly!).
Almost Lost the Chance to Talk about Jesus over a Man-made Rule on Alcohol
Our conversation led to my purpose for being in Brazil, and of course they found out I was an evangelical missionary. Several of her friends started to bail on the conversation when they found that out, saying that I would not want to hang out with them since they were drinking beer. I told them that that was absolutely NOT the case and that though I do not personally drink (wasn't raised with it and haven't aquired the taste), I did not mind that they were [**We know the Bible forbids drukenness, but these people were likely not believers and I was not about to teach them to be moral before teaching them to love and follow Jesus!!! In so doing we make many religious-law-keepers that are going to hell because their heart never trusted in Jesus. I do not believe that the person who never touches alcohol is wrong, nor do I believe the guy who drinks alcohol in moderation is wrong...if their heart and motive belong to Christ. The Bible says that each should live according to his conviction, as unto the Lord, and not tell everyone else to do exactly what he does. These disputable matters should be governed by the Holy Spirit in us, not made into a rule that teaches people that listening to the Holy Spirit is not even really important in their day to day walk with God, but rather rules are]. Praise Jesus for the fact that our conversation was not totally extinguished there! HOW SAD is it that unbelievers who drink beer have been taught that followers of Christ do not love or like them for that one fact!!??!!! Oh my gosh that really fires me up.
Long story short...another girl who spoke English came out of no where, was not under the influence, and offered me a ride home. She was totally nice too. Yay!
What a really cool day! I am now really, really looking forward to what the Lord will do in the coming days with about 150 people asking Him. Approaching people in the middle of their spirit worship was the most nerve-racking goal of my week. The coming conversations are with friends, and of no less importance. These are critical days in our Kingdom work here, and I beg the Lord to call these friends to Himself!
With love and thanks,
Sarah
Huge Team!
This morning I sent an email to 100 friends who either asked to be on my update list, or joined our team through prayer or financial support. My Mom and siblings also sent my specific prayer requests to their small groups and friends asking that all ask our Father to reveal Himself to many friends and aquaintances I have made here in Salvador.
One of the Weirdest Things I've Ever Done...Obviously God's Idea
My first stop this morning was to a spiritist church that I pass by most mornings. I've noticed that Mondays are their day of worship (with music, prayer, and ceremonial cleansing (popcorn sprinkled over the head, and leafy branches brushed over the body like a security wand in the airport)). As I got closer and closer I started to get nervous, not knowing exactly how it was all gonna go down. The disciples of Jesus' day were sometimes received well, and other times persecuted, so I did not know which way it would go today.
As I started to get nervous the Lord reminded me that I really had no reason to fear, and I proceded with more confidence and joy in what HE had planned to do through me. People who'd just left church walked towards me and I gave one lady a tract and Book of Luke in Portuguese. She asked how much she had to pay and I was so glad to tell her that it was free, as is the gift of salvation through Jesus. At her church you have to pay for blessings and freedom from the evil spirits and such. She seemed surprised and thankful.
Now let's skip past several similar opportunities to the moment when I stepped onto the church grounds and saw armed guards standing to my left. Yikes, I'd never noticed them before.
Conversations about Spiritism and Jesus Christ!
I prayed and then began asking questions of one lady who was selling idols. She told me some about what was going on, and I began to tell her what the Bible says. She then told me that I should be very careful because I was in danger. Next to her was a lady in a large, white, hooped dress with a white turbine-like hat sprinkling a man with popcorn in exchange for money.
Since I was not received there, I went to the stand beside them where a man and woman were selling fruit. I bought a banana that they tried to give me for free and then began talking with them about their beliefs and mine. I told them that the Bible says that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life, and that no one gets to the Father accept through Him. I also told them that the gift of salvation is free through faith in Christ Jesus, and that they did not need these ceremonies since only Jesus saves. They listened and responded, so as the Lord kept forming my thoughts and helping me remember Portuguese words we kept visiting. In the end I gave them tracts and the Book of Luke in Portuguese and they both began reading before I left.
During that friendly conversation I noticed that the first lady who'd told me to be careful had repositioned her chair so that she could see me around the corner and hear what we were talking about at the next booth, so I went back to her and asked if she would also like the literature and some more conversation. She said she would like it indeed. While I was there the man that was paying for his popcorn baptism held out his hand for one, and motioned that I should give one to the witch (I'm not sure what they are really called) as well. So I did...praise the LORD. Amen!
To the Beach for Follow-up Conversations
I gave out a few more tracts and headed down to the beach to reconnect with some people I spoke with a few days ago. It really helps that I resemble someone very famous here so many people begin conversations with me and we end up talking about my purpose for being here, to which they often respond with curiosity and questions about my faith. Amen! I truly stand in amazement of God's awesome plan in all of this!
I saw my surfer friend giving lessons and we talked for about 20 mintues, confirming that we would meet to talk more about the Bible at 4. On my way home I spoke with a few more people and then did some work at minha casa (my apartment).
Talk with Surfer Friend João
My 4:00 talk with my surfer friend/acquaintance was nice though somehow he had missed the fact that I am leaving this week and it would be our last time to talk. (I'm really sorry that this caught him off guard because I had tried to communicate that well. It was our first and last time to meet up on purpose). He asked many questions about the Bible and we basically started in Genesis, moved through to Christ's death and resurrection, and ended with what that means for us today. I urged him to read Luke and to ask God to reveal the truth of Himself to him. I also had the privledge of giving him an audio Bible to listen to. His simplicity, genuine kindness, and respect towards me have been a breath of fresh air since many men here are quite the opposite.
Unexpected Lesson/Opportunity of the Day
I then climbed back up the hill to the spiritist church and decided to catch a taxi since it was dark and dangerous. There amidst all of the religious ceremonies, and accompanying drunken, loud partying and dancing, a nice man tried to help me find the driver of the taxi that was parked nearby. We finally found him at the bar, but he was too confused (drunk) to know where my apartment was, though totally willing to drive me there. I politely declined. Duh!!
The nice man that was helping me said that I should just wait because people arrive there by taxi every 3 minutes and he would help me flag one down when it emptied out. 3 minutes turned into 30 minutes of me standing alone, in the dark, on the edge of all the spirit worship and partying. I started to pray about why the Lord was leaving me there and I began to see that it was kinda sad that I was spending all my stranded time totally seperate from the people Jesus loves. SO, I walked towards the group of people my age, dancing on the side of the street, and asked if anyone spoke English. One gal did and we hit it off immediately (like I ever meet a Brazilian that I don't hit it off with right away. They are SO friendly!).
Almost Lost the Chance to Talk about Jesus over a Man-made Rule on Alcohol
Our conversation led to my purpose for being in Brazil, and of course they found out I was an evangelical missionary. Several of her friends started to bail on the conversation when they found that out, saying that I would not want to hang out with them since they were drinking beer. I told them that that was absolutely NOT the case and that though I do not personally drink (wasn't raised with it and haven't aquired the taste), I did not mind that they were [**We know the Bible forbids drukenness, but these people were likely not believers and I was not about to teach them to be moral before teaching them to love and follow Jesus!!! In so doing we make many religious-law-keepers that are going to hell because their heart never trusted in Jesus. I do not believe that the person who never touches alcohol is wrong, nor do I believe the guy who drinks alcohol in moderation is wrong...if their heart and motive belong to Christ. The Bible says that each should live according to his conviction, as unto the Lord, and not tell everyone else to do exactly what he does. These disputable matters should be governed by the Holy Spirit in us, not made into a rule that teaches people that listening to the Holy Spirit is not even really important in their day to day walk with God, but rather rules are]. Praise Jesus for the fact that our conversation was not totally extinguished there! HOW SAD is it that unbelievers who drink beer have been taught that followers of Christ do not love or like them for that one fact!!??!!! Oh my gosh that really fires me up.
Long story short...another girl who spoke English came out of no where, was not under the influence, and offered me a ride home. She was totally nice too. Yay!
What a really cool day! I am now really, really looking forward to what the Lord will do in the coming days with about 150 people asking Him. Approaching people in the middle of their spirit worship was the most nerve-racking goal of my week. The coming conversations are with friends, and of no less importance. These are critical days in our Kingdom work here, and I beg the Lord to call these friends to Himself!
With love and thanks,
Sarah
Friday, November 14, 2008
God Speaks Every Tongue
Enjoyed 3.5 hours at my neighbors house tonight. I never fail to knock right before dinner (whether it's 5pm or 9pm), and though I promise I'm not doing it on purpose, I love trying all the new foods! The most memorable one tonight was an drink made by simply blending avacado, milk, and sugar. Delicioso!
I love this family dearly. Elba and her husband Carlos have three grown children that live at home until they marry (as is Brazil's custom). Elba collects owl figurines, has a white hammock in her livingroom across from the couch, and has invited me to spend tomorrow afternoon with her, her sister, and adolescent nephew.
Tonight the opportunity to share my testimony came up naturally in conversation. I have been looking forward to the day the Lord would bring this about and glorify His name in their home. One of them listened with focused intensity, and another cut me off with explaination of how living a good life makes God live inside us all. I yearned for proficiency in Portuguese in those moments. Thankfully the Lord, who saves, is not hemmed in by my inabilities, and we will have more conversations soon!
This morning I was reading through Acts, and now find it comforting that during the first days of the disciples ministry, in a city abnormally full of foreigners gathered from many lands, language was not a barrier to God's message then, or now! He will send His truth forth through anyone who is willing to open his mouth by faith. Praise Him!
I love this family dearly. Elba and her husband Carlos have three grown children that live at home until they marry (as is Brazil's custom). Elba collects owl figurines, has a white hammock in her livingroom across from the couch, and has invited me to spend tomorrow afternoon with her, her sister, and adolescent nephew.
Tonight the opportunity to share my testimony came up naturally in conversation. I have been looking forward to the day the Lord would bring this about and glorify His name in their home. One of them listened with focused intensity, and another cut me off with explaination of how living a good life makes God live inside us all. I yearned for proficiency in Portuguese in those moments. Thankfully the Lord, who saves, is not hemmed in by my inabilities, and we will have more conversations soon!
This morning I was reading through Acts, and now find it comforting that during the first days of the disciples ministry, in a city abnormally full of foreigners gathered from many lands, language was not a barrier to God's message then, or now! He will send His truth forth through anyone who is willing to open his mouth by faith. Praise Him!
Things You Don't See Everyday....in the U.S.
This is my street. It has been like this at least a week. :-)
Our dine-in Pizza Hut pizza.
This lady was selling pieces of toilet paper for $.50 just inside
the door of a public restroom! I wonder who was more
embarrassed at this moment...her or me?
I had the best time choosing Brazilian art...a gift from a
dear friend.
This is me, under the streets of Salvador, where they
used to bring thousands of slaves into the city on boats.
Brazil was the last western coutry to abolish slavery...
only about 130 years ago.
The Jefferson's pulled off the road tonight so that we could
watch the sunset...seems we found the official lovers lane.
The lady in green seems to be fretting, and don't miss the
sculpture. :-)
"Tranquila"
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Loving Friends
I would like to tell you what a joy it is to work with Keith and Deborah Jefferson. It has added so much flavor to my life to learn to see situations, creation, fun, ministry, and God through eyes so different from mine. I enjoy our many discussions about what God is teaching us through His word and life, prayer times together, sweating shoulder to shoulder, singing, and times of rest.As in all valuable relationships there is work and sacrifice involved. Watching God-given love flow from them towards me, and out of me towards them is a nearly indescribable privledge. There is no allowance for pride, selfishness, greed, dishonesty, or fear in Love...and I find myself confessing often. Glory to God, who Loves perfectly.
I used to think that people would surely stop liking/loving me if they saw my non-sweet/smiley days...but He has sent a string of human messengers into my life to illustrate bits of the depths of His love and faithfulness. I long to Love well.
Greater love has no man that this...that He would lay down His life (preferences, "rights", etc.) for his friends. (Picture: Villagers made this spout to make the spring water more accessible)
Sunday, November 9, 2008
In Jesus' Own Words
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone." Luke 11:42
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces." Luke 11:43
"One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also." Jesus replied, "woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." Luke 11:46
"You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing." Luke 13:15-17
"All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" "My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours..." Luke 15:29b-31
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, "I repent," forgive him. The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" Luke 17:3b-5
"Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement." John 7:24
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces." Luke 11:43
"One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also." Jesus replied, "woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." Luke 11:46
"You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing." Luke 13:15-17
"All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" "My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours..." Luke 15:29b-31
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, "I repent," forgive him. The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" Luke 17:3b-5
"Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement." John 7:24
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Night on the Town
Last night was my first time to really "go out" with friends and just chill. My new and dear friend Nicole (Nichol-e) invited me to join her, and friends, at an outdoor seafood place for dinner and then meet her parents, watch a movie, and "spend the night".Laughter
I enjoyed watching her 8 friends talk and laugh for about 3 hours, and had a few delayed (after translation) laughs of my own. I have noticed while living in Brazil that I have a real need for laughter. I discovered it after about a month of being here (without one instance of hard laughter that I can remember) and I talked to my former roommate and laughed my head off as she told me about killing her first roach (I was the designated roach killer in our apartment) and how she felt like it was a moment of crossing over from adolesence into adulthood. Laughter is soooo much richer when you are starved for it. I guess anything in life is. I'm so thankful for all of the simple pleasures that the Lord created for us to enjoy!
Quick, give me something to wash this down!
For dinner I had a large crab brought to me on a plate. His eyes, mouth and hairy legs took me a bit to get past, but once I learned the art of breaking his legs off and pounding the shell with a small mallot, the tender, tiny, flavor-filled morsels of meat enriched my day! I also tried a disgusting shellfish that would have lasted as long as a piece of Wrigleys chewing gum had I not forced myself to swallow it. It looked so disgusting that the whole table of guys and gals had to pound their fists on the table in unison to rile me up for the slurp.
Deep Fellowship Over Breakfast
This morning I had breakfast with Nicole's parents. Her father is a pastor of about 2000 Brazilians that gather in various homes on Sunday nights for worship and fellowship. He and his wife grew up in traditional denominations but never knew Christ. When they met and were transformed by Him, they were not able to continue meeting where they had been, and began meeting in someones house (shunned by their families and friends), longing to simply live as Jesus did, led by the Holy Spirit and grace. Each disciple has a discipler and they long very much to be renewed by Christ day by day, for His name's sake. I do not praise this family, or exalt their way of meeting over other options we have, but I am SO encouraged by the purity of their love for God, the sincerity of their devotion to His ways, and the zeal of their service. I would have talked with them all day if I could.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mail Makes Me Dance!!
Tonight when I got home from working at the Jeffersons I got a package! It contained 5 solar powered audio Bibles from my home church, Houston's First Baptist. I can not wait to give them to the people the Lord has laid on my heart! These are such precious tools because there are so many who can not read.Tonight was also the first of 3 nights that Billy Graham (or his son, not sure) is giving a gospel presentation on every television in Brazil! Churches have been encouraging members to invite unbelievers over for some good food and viewing of the special! I do not have a TV but am hoping someone will offer to have me and a few unbelievers I know over to watch it!
I'm getting excited to come home and hug loved ones!! It's a weird season to be in because I love this place so much and can't believe I'm leaving in such a short amount of time. Blessed be the Name of the Lord, no matter the circumstances!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Data Entry
Today I did data entry for about 6 hours. I'm helping the Jefferson's and their regional supervisor get all of the Quilombo research data into an Excel spreadsheet that can be sorted by various topics. The information will also be used to show the International Mission Board the need for at least two more missionary couples to this people group. I'm about 1/10th of the way through the task, enjoy the challenge of typing in Portuguese (they have many strange accents), and get really excited to think that God may send more missionaries to the Quilombolas! With my own eyes I can see that the need is great, and my plea before the Father is that He will raise up more Brazilians to reach the isolated Quilombolas.
Thinking of the US all day today...Election Day.
Thinking of the US all day today...Election Day.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Evangelism is My Favorite Part! Millions of Stories, but Here is the Beginning of One Unfinished!
Do what the Father says to do.
With work, church leaders, family, friends, acquaintances, government, and all of the other responsibilities of life, how does one know what to do or when it’s ok to rest? Why are so many Christians so strung out on busyness that they don’t have enough time for life changing time with God, memory making with loved ones, unrushed, loving relationships with lost people, and more of the truly important things in life?
While studying the gospels these last 3 months I've noticed that though Jesus could have always preached one more sermon, or healed one more sick person, or put one more self-righteous religous person in his place, He said that He only came to do what the Father told him to do.
I would like to follow in His footsteps.
"Weird Request" aka "Chance to See God Work at the Most Unexpected Time"
Today the Lord led me to do something strange. I was walking along the orla and saw a woman straddling the sea wall whose face looked completely hardened and bitter. My heart was filled with compassion for her as I passed by and began to pray that God would intervene in her life. All of a sudden scriptures that I’ve read and learned from lately began to flood my mind and I knew I was to turn around and speak to this woman.
As I headed back in her direction I began to think “What am I doing? I don’t speak Portuguese!” But that was a lie…a justification for aborting this mission, so I continued her way, only by faith and fear of the Lord. I will tell her the phrase that Pastor Jefferson tells me almost every day when I’m working with he and Deborah I thought! So I came from behind her, being mindful not to startle her, touched her shoulder, looked her in her one seeing eye and said “Jesus ti ama”, which means “Jesus loves you”. She looked at me kind of puzzled and I walked away briskly to make sure my heartrate didn’t descend (I was of course exercising).
Well, guess what? Though my tennis shoes were taking me further and further away, my spirit was stirred again and God helped me understand that His work was not finished! Now this time I came up with every possible excuse, but could not shake the confidence that I was being disobedient and merely satisfied with a Christian-seeming gesture. So I got honest with God about my feelings and asked Him what I should do. Looking back into the distance I saw her get up and begin walking my direction. If she indeed came all of this way, how would I wait without looking strange? "Water" I thought. I’d take a casual water break!
I crossed the street and purchased a bottle of water from a stand, but no, I was compelled to buy two! When I turned around to see how close she was, I was surprised to find that she was actually crossing the street towards me. “This is it, oh God help me” I said with peace and excitement in my heart. I offered her a bottle of cool water and asked her name. “Sonya” she said. Then, I asked her every question I know in Portuguese and she took off telling me about all kinds of things as we walked along the busy road towards both of our neighborhoods.
So there I was, strolling down a busy street in full on conversation with this random lady, and I’m talking in sentences I’ve never really formed before and understanding everything she’s telling me. We talked about her sons, husband, grandson, my family, and work here in Brazil, and how I should be careful walking around by myself due to crime, etc. We walked and walked until we reached her neighborhood. She asked if I walked there every day and I decided that sure, I could start walking in the evenings instead of mornings, and said yes (on second thought it's not really possible because I get home from working at the Jefferson's at sundown...what was I thinking?). She said she would look for me in the near future. I am so excited and anticipating what the Lord has planned for my last 3 weeks here! This is exactly how many friendships with unbelievers have begun here. Isn't God's pursuit of the lost neat?
Update on Surf Instructor!!
I also ran into the guy that gave me a free surfing lesson several weeks ago! He originally turned down the Book of Luke, in Portuguese, that I offered him, but today he asked me if I would give it to him after all because he’d been thinking!!! Oh my dear Lord you are sooo cool!
God's Perfect Protection
I spoke to a few others along my path and enjoyed watching the gigantic sun sink into the ocean (this was my first sunset to see in Salvador and it was spectacular). Another cool thing about my walk with this woman is that I ended up on the opposite side of the road from where I usually walk home. It’s a very good thing because two groups of young men got into a big fight right where I would have been walking. I hid behind a light pole and prayed for safety until they were done socking each other with fists and threatening to throw one guy over the high sea wall to crash down on the jagged rocks. I was so thankful to have the Lord with me. I asked Him to make me invisible to bad guys and continued home. A minute later I saw one group of guys returning to start things up with the others, only this time they had long pieces of wood in hand. Man! <---Oh yeah, I think I need a man. ;-) Thankfully the continued grace and protection of God is mine while I am single (and there after too).
With work, church leaders, family, friends, acquaintances, government, and all of the other responsibilities of life, how does one know what to do or when it’s ok to rest? Why are so many Christians so strung out on busyness that they don’t have enough time for life changing time with God, memory making with loved ones, unrushed, loving relationships with lost people, and more of the truly important things in life?
While studying the gospels these last 3 months I've noticed that though Jesus could have always preached one more sermon, or healed one more sick person, or put one more self-righteous religous person in his place, He said that He only came to do what the Father told him to do.
I would like to follow in His footsteps.
"Weird Request" aka "Chance to See God Work at the Most Unexpected Time"
Today the Lord led me to do something strange. I was walking along the orla and saw a woman straddling the sea wall whose face looked completely hardened and bitter. My heart was filled with compassion for her as I passed by and began to pray that God would intervene in her life. All of a sudden scriptures that I’ve read and learned from lately began to flood my mind and I knew I was to turn around and speak to this woman.
As I headed back in her direction I began to think “What am I doing? I don’t speak Portuguese!” But that was a lie…a justification for aborting this mission, so I continued her way, only by faith and fear of the Lord. I will tell her the phrase that Pastor Jefferson tells me almost every day when I’m working with he and Deborah I thought! So I came from behind her, being mindful not to startle her, touched her shoulder, looked her in her one seeing eye and said “Jesus ti ama”, which means “Jesus loves you”. She looked at me kind of puzzled and I walked away briskly to make sure my heartrate didn’t descend (I was of course exercising).
Well, guess what? Though my tennis shoes were taking me further and further away, my spirit was stirred again and God helped me understand that His work was not finished! Now this time I came up with every possible excuse, but could not shake the confidence that I was being disobedient and merely satisfied with a Christian-seeming gesture. So I got honest with God about my feelings and asked Him what I should do. Looking back into the distance I saw her get up and begin walking my direction. If she indeed came all of this way, how would I wait without looking strange? "Water" I thought. I’d take a casual water break!
I crossed the street and purchased a bottle of water from a stand, but no, I was compelled to buy two! When I turned around to see how close she was, I was surprised to find that she was actually crossing the street towards me. “This is it, oh God help me” I said with peace and excitement in my heart. I offered her a bottle of cool water and asked her name. “Sonya” she said. Then, I asked her every question I know in Portuguese and she took off telling me about all kinds of things as we walked along the busy road towards both of our neighborhoods.
So there I was, strolling down a busy street in full on conversation with this random lady, and I’m talking in sentences I’ve never really formed before and understanding everything she’s telling me. We talked about her sons, husband, grandson, my family, and work here in Brazil, and how I should be careful walking around by myself due to crime, etc. We walked and walked until we reached her neighborhood. She asked if I walked there every day and I decided that sure, I could start walking in the evenings instead of mornings, and said yes (on second thought it's not really possible because I get home from working at the Jefferson's at sundown...what was I thinking?). She said she would look for me in the near future. I am so excited and anticipating what the Lord has planned for my last 3 weeks here! This is exactly how many friendships with unbelievers have begun here. Isn't God's pursuit of the lost neat?
Update on Surf Instructor!!
I also ran into the guy that gave me a free surfing lesson several weeks ago! He originally turned down the Book of Luke, in Portuguese, that I offered him, but today he asked me if I would give it to him after all because he’d been thinking!!! Oh my dear Lord you are sooo cool!
God's Perfect Protection
I spoke to a few others along my path and enjoyed watching the gigantic sun sink into the ocean (this was my first sunset to see in Salvador and it was spectacular). Another cool thing about my walk with this woman is that I ended up on the opposite side of the road from where I usually walk home. It’s a very good thing because two groups of young men got into a big fight right where I would have been walking. I hid behind a light pole and prayed for safety until they were done socking each other with fists and threatening to throw one guy over the high sea wall to crash down on the jagged rocks. I was so thankful to have the Lord with me. I asked Him to make me invisible to bad guys and continued home. A minute later I saw one group of guys returning to start things up with the others, only this time they had long pieces of wood in hand. Man! <---Oh yeah, I think I need a man. ;-) Thankfully the continued grace and protection of God is mine while I am single (and there after too).
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