Christ to the Quilombolas

Beloved Brazil...Saudades

2011-05-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Yall!

I'm heading back to Brazil in 2 days and I'm excited. It's a weird kind of excited...cause it feels kinda normal. I only have to pack for 10 days...cold(ish) and stormy though they will be. I'm looking forward to staying with my dear friend Nicole and her family, visiting my old neighbor Elba, my surfer friend, translator buddies, church members and leadership, and the Quilombo (village) that I visited most while there. I'll also have the joy of staying with missionaries Patti and Georgia, and their congregation, in the Rio area for a weekend.

The missionaries that I lived with in Salvador moved back to the U.S. in January and I have had the privilege of seeing them twice since then! They are settling into their new home in Virginia and traveling all over the U.S. recruiting and encouraging African American congregations in foreign mission efforts. I imagine that part of their hearts are forever in Brazil, but that they are also enjoying the new work, and proximity to their 4 daughters!

Please join me in asking the Lord to work mightily.

with Love,

Sarah

Returning to Brazil

2011-03-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm returning to Brazil for a short trip in May. Please pray that God will lead my every step. :-)

Knoxville Friendships

2009-07-09T16:42:00.000-07:00

I've been alone in a house that usually holds 7 for the last 3 weeks, and though it's been nice and quiet I am now eagerly awaiting their return!

Knowing that I would not be here for long when I came, I was resistant to the effort it would take to build real friendships outside of my housefull and co-workers, but God has blessed me with a recent change of heart.

Last night I attended the tiny church of a Houston friend's friend. Got it?...a Houston-friend's friend. Yeah, it was awesome. It was an evening of intercession for people who have yet to put their trust in Jesus for LIFE and it was a glorious evening.

Afterwards I met Asha, my Houston friend's friend, and prayed for quite some time with her and her mentor who, with her husband, planted this church in Knoxville. Asha, her roommate, and I went to Chili's for some molten lava and several hours of exchanging life stories. As I talked about my journey, joys, and several struggles Asha's roommate kept saying..."So are yall the SAME person or what?" and "Yep, yall are the same person." Our sweet, young waitress ended up sitting down and telling us all about her recent divorce and we got to pray with her and exchange phone numbers. It's definate that I will hangout with these gals again soon and I can't wait!

Today another gal, from my church, invited me to join her, and her friends, at the drive-in this weekend!! Sunday we hope to go tubing down "Little River" a beautiful place that I have hiked but not yet tubed! I've been dying to do more outdoorsy things while living here in the mountains so I'm so thankful that God has provided some new friends and fun as of late!

God has blessed me tremedously by taking me out of the packed schedule that I called life in Houston, and showing me another way to live. Brazil was slow and unpredictable at nearly every step, TN has been filled with learning how much I love the "family life", selling, and spending lots of time with friends whose beliefs differ greatly from mine. Both have taught me not to take deep Christian fellowship for granted, nor the friends who love me enough to have kept up though I've been away.

All for now...

love,

Sarah

"Thanks" from a Brazilian Missionary

2009-06-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends, I just received this email 5 minutes ago. It is from a young Brazilian pastor who moved into one of the quilombo villages several years ago to live among and disciple the people there. God strongly burdened my heart to help financially support this man who is answering God's call to share the gospel with his own people!

He can live in the quilombo for $200 USD a month in addition to his small teaching salary. When the Jefferson's told me about his life, ministry, and financial need I decided that it would be a great use of the excess money that was donated towards my season in Brazil! Several months ago I was able to send him 4 months worth of support (that many of you gladly gave...amen!) through the International Mission Board, and it is time to do so again! I have enough for another 4 months but am going to start getting the word out so that others can send in a months support. It's insane how much it costs an American to do the work he is doing (though they are needed also!) so let's stretch our money because many of us can spare $100-$200 easily...while for others $50 will be a huge sacrifice that they will make with joy!

He must have hitched a ride to town and gone to an internet cafe to send me (us) the following email...

dear sarah we are very grateful to you for all her help . thank you very much . batist, mission in casinhas -brazil love eliseu

For the Longest Time...

2009-06-03T16:04:00.000-07:00

...I have had this strong burden for the souls of fellow Americans. In the most recent year past I sat in a small group of about 12 friends who every Thursday talked about the challenges and joys of being the only Christian at work. I remember praying for them and hearing reports back that let us rejoice in God's work together. Then I followed the Lord's lead to Brazil where I would work with a number of different missionaries, American's on short-term trips, and Brazilians. The season both messed me up and built me up. I learned things that make me want to call it one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had, and I learned things that made me want to turn my back on organized religion completely. It's been an interesting year of perspective change, understanding love better, questioning the widely accepted norms of christian practice, returning to some of them with thankfulness, and leaving others behind. I'm just a daughter of God's who really wants to know Him, and out of that love serve Him, but I have a lot of unanswered questions that don't scare me as much as they once did. One of the sweetest things I can think of is that He has now placed me in an environment that I have long longed for. I work with a small team of women whose standing before the Lord I can not be an accurate judge of, but I see Him at work among us. Today we got to talk about the Lord for quite some time and I was beyond giddy inside. Only God can transform our lives...and I pray that He does!

Bennett Brooks English

2009-04-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

He's here! Happy and healthy! Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow.

Every Kiss Begins with Kay

2009-04-14T19:14:00.001-07:00

Yeah, go ahead and sing it to me...everyone else does when I tell them where I'm working these days. It's ok really because I did the same thing...and while the jingle may be a tad annoying...it was a good marketing choice...because we all know and sing it!

Since I moved to Knoxville to help my sister with all her kids while she was on bed rest, and she began to get better, and I still did not know if I would be heading back to Brazil or elsewhere come August 09 (when the country will let me back in for another 6 months), and I needed to choose a place to live for a limited amount of time, and I've ALWAYS wanted to do sales, but don't have any experience, and since getting sales experience means you usually don't make enough money to live, and my sister and bro-in-law offered to let me live in their basement a few more months free, and this is a really long run-on sentence for effect, and there are a few other reasons why it made good sense to stay here, I planted myself for a bit.

So now I'm making lifetime memories with my niece, nephews, sister, and bro-in-law, learning the ins and outs of selling (and love it!), saving for when I go back to Brazil (whether short or long trip), working towards eligibility for much needed health insurance so I can get two painful knees tended to, and doing what I can to support the ministry to Quilombolas in Brazil from here.

The mission field is always with us and I'm eager to see more of what the Lord has planned for my time here. Whether in the concrete jungle of Houston, the lush green, yet very poor interior of Brazil, or diamond filled windows of a store front in Knoxville, I am just a young woman learning about my God, and finding that He is who He's said He is. The road thus far has been everything but easy, but it's been really, really...really good. Please continue to pray as I seek. Let me know how I can lift you up as well please.

"The Call"

2009-04-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

So...while in Brazil I had the opportunity to speak to many missionaries on the foreign field about their work and "call". Every single person or couple told me that the "call" to foreign missions was absolutely crystal clear and inescapable. Some saw my passion for the gospel and for the people of Brazil and told me that I had the definite markings of a missionary. Others were slower to share their opinion, saying that they were confident that the Lord would lead me in truth. While others assured me that if I was not sure, then the "call" had not come...yet at least.

Even as I type I just can't seem to decide if I'm called and resisting, or simply called to the States and...resisting. Hehe, what a predicament huh? I do NOT have assurance of this "call" to move to a foreign country forever. Neither do I have confidence that such a leading will never come. It is true that I am crazy about Brazil, it's people and language, and about the spiritual and physical needs there. The problem is that I have always had such a burden for the lost of the US and I can not shake it...not that I need to shake it.

I think the Lord is helping me identify yet another "religious" ideal that was planted deep inside me somewhere that needs to be uprooted. I think that I have always assumed that if I was willing to surrender my life more and more to the Lord's use that I would certainly end up as a full time evangelist in another land. When I see that thought spelled out I can see how untrue it is, and I know tons of sold out believers who do not have that "call", but I'm still wrestling to accept what may be the placement of my life and gifts in normal work environments here in my own country. Really the thought thrills me, but so does that of ministering in the cities and jungles of Brazil.

Everyone seems to have a different understanding of what many refer to as a "call" to vocational ministry, and I've decided that I can only get and trust the information from one source. So is He silent right now because He's already given me the wisdom to make smart decisions on these matters, or is He silent because He's testing my willingness to wait until the last minute when He's planned to reveal His best? The journey continues...and I'm glad to be on it.

I, I, I, I, I'm Free From Sin...

2009-01-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

...is the "ear worm" of the last two days in this Knoxville, TN household of 6!

Yesterday I decided to pop in a cd by one of my favorite musical artists and told my 2 lil' newphews, that I'd just picked up from morning school, that we were gonna skip the Odyssey story this time and jam to some Christian rap on the way home! The beats started knockin' and our heads started bobbin' and Ryan (4) exclaimed excitedly from the back seat..."Aunt Sarah! They just said CHRIST!" I told him that yes indeed Lecrae's music is full of all kinds of good things about Christ and his eyes just sparkled like they always do when he's facinated.

The fun continued as the real dance party commenced in the livingroom when we got home, but I've heard (or sung) the same one line about every other minute since then! William (6) repeated the truth-telling line, and a few others he composed to go alone with it, all through his shower last night! "I, I, I, I, I'm free from sin, and no more chains are holding me!" Of all the words that could be stuck on repeat in our heads I'm glad it's those. It took me a loooong time to realize the profound truth of them in my life...I'll guess I'll always be learning it more and more. Thanks belongs to our God. :-)

The kids say the cutest things, give the sweetest hugs, and yes of course sometimes ignore the first two times I tell them to do something, but my favorite thing of all is talking with them about the God that is apart of everything we do! There always seems to be a natural conversation about Him waiting to happen during a jog around the neighborhood, a game of "Battleship", or after an incident of obedience, disobedience, selflessness, etc. It brings so much delight to get to talk about the True One with such dear children. I also value the lessons on parenthood that I get from watching their parents in action. I'm thanking God for this temporary detour, and wanna be a reflection of Him (through Him).

Here's the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQBn7sGHBM0

December in TX & TN

2009-01-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Brazilian Specialty For My Family--
Hot Dogs with Potato Chips and Sweet Corn on Top!

Badminton in the Backyard

Partial Family Pic

Singing Elves at Houston's First Baptist
Christmas Store

Downtown Knoxville with Nephew William (6)

All the Kids After the Guys Raced Go-Carts (Christmas in TN)

So Much Fun Singing in Mom's Choir Christmas Program!

My Mom's Sunday School Class Prayed for me Weekly and

Sent Letters to Me! It was Super Fun to Meet them, Show

Pictures and Hand Out Brazilian Cookies! I Got Interviewed

by Many Awana Kids for their Missionary Page Too!

The New Plan

2008-12-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

I'm 3 days short of 1 month back in the US and it's very hard to believe that so much time has gone by already! I've been living the small town life along side my parents and have noticed so many charms of such a place for the first time! I'd scheduled a week and a half in Houston to interview for jobs and set up temporary housing with friends, but a few days before my departure, my plans took another twist.

"Job and housing in Houston?" many of you may be asking. Well yes, it's true that I can not go right back to Brazil in January as I'd hoped. Early on in my stay there I found out that the Visa info. I'd been given was old policy and though my Visa is called a "5-year Visa" it only allows Americans with my qualifications in for 6 months per year (beginning the day you enter). I boohoo'd and questioned many things until the Lord began to call my faith out in a new way.

I will be elligible for 6 more months in Brazil next August 1st and have been dilligently asking the Father to lead me in accordance with His will while taking steps towards life back in Houston (my US home) unless I heard from Him otherwise. Well...I did (TOTALLY not expecting it).

My older sister is pregnant with her 4th child and having complications that mean she needs to stay in bed most of the day for the next 3.5 months. Her husband's job requires a lot of travel and she needs someone to take care of her, the other 3 kids (6, 4, and 1), and the home 24/7. Their almost desperate request came about 2 weeks ago while my sister was in the hospital and it seemed pretty obvious to me that this is the Lord's will for my next few months.

I cried at the thought of calling friends in Houston and telling them that our plans were off, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of trusting God through sudden and huge changes of direction. I admit that it has been a real struggle to be ok with not knowing any of the future, releasing fear of people's judgements while I wait, and not knowing for sure if the coming home from Brazil is for now, or for always...but God has been administering His grace to me in these areas and I have been enjoying increasing joy and peace as I walk in the direction of His will as well as I understand it.

I want you to know that I'm not living off of any of the money given for work in Brazil. I was able to save some of it during this last leg and with it I'm planning to send some support to a young Brazilian pastor who's given up a city church to live among, and disciple Quilombolas! There should even be a little more beyond that and I'll save it for my next trip (Lord willing!). If you still feel led to give, know that it will be carefully given to aid spreading of the gospel through Brazil. There is tremendous need there and a little goes a long way. I am always aware of the sacrifice that many of you made for this Kingdom purpose. May the Lord bless you with loads of spiritual blessing in return!

Would you mind praying for me as I transition into a new ministry that feels way more over my head than Brazil was? Please pray that God will fill me with physical strength for long, active hours, love lived out, and works that I can not even imagine...for His the glory of His name! I'm sure I'm entering another season of major heart change. I'm both nervous and thankful.

Praise be to God who does all things well.

In the US

2008-12-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! Sorry to have disappeared from blog world. I'm in Texas, having an incredible time with family and friends and finally have direction for these next few months in the US. If it is news to you that I can not go right back to Brazil in January, as I'd planned, I will explain on here very soon. I just wanted to say hi, that I'm doing super well, and am eager to report to you what the Lord did in my last week in Salvador and perhaps a few of the equally as rich things since.

Have I told you lately how grateful I am for your prayers and friendship? I SO am! Please don't stop.

Love in Christ,

Sarah

In You (by Shane and Shane)

2008-11-19T05:09:00.001-08:00

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

A Pilgrims Progress (Spiritist Church, and Surfer Evangelism)

2008-11-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

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

God Speaks Every Tongue

2008-11-14T19:44:00.000-08:00

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!

Things You Don't See Everyday....in the U.S.

2008-11-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

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"

Loving Friends

2008-11-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

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)

In Jesus' Own Words

2008-11-09T18:41:00.000-08:00

"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

Night on the Town

2008-11-08T07:12:00.001-08:00

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.

Mail Makes Me Dance!!

2008-11-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

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!

Data Entry

2008-11-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Evangelism is My Favorite Part! Millions of Stories, but Here is the Beginning of One Unfinished!

2008-11-03T17:15:00.000-08:00

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).

10 Days in Engenho Da Pointe

2008-10-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

4 hardworking men from South Carolina, 4 evangelists from Georgia, 10 volunteer workers from the village, 10 paid bricklayers from the nearest town, 5 translators, the Jefferson's, and I beheld the Lord in what felt like the middle of nowhere these last ten days.

When we arrived there was only a cement slab in place. 5 days later we welcomed over 100 curious Quilombolas from villages near and far to hear one of the clearest gospel presentations I have ever heard from a pulpit!

2 days later we returned for church service and found a local mother with a circle of 16 kids closing out their Bible lesson, and adults arriving for worship and teaching.

Highlights include:

Watching the church fill to overflowing and 2o more people standing outside the church to watch and listen through the windows on the evening of the first service.

Being welcomed into people's mud homes and having the deep joy of sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with them. Watching the spiritual battle as they shifted in their chairs, and denied that they'd ever committed one single sin showed the hardness of many hearts in that region. Many others were ready to put their faith in Jesus. Let us continue to pray for them as the enemy swoops into try to steal the seeds that have been planted.

Deep conversations and tearful prayer times with my 2 new and dear gal friends that came as translators.

Long conversations with our unbelieving male translators about many spiritual topics and the Truth of Christ.

Almost being trampelled by an angry bull on a narrow path. We were thankful to get away from the chase with mere broken flip flops and scrapes from the prickly bushes we jumped into. One girl fell on her butt down an incline and the heavy, out of control bull skimmed by within a foot of her.

Working/sweating on high, shaky scaffolding.

Oreos, pretzel Combos, oatmeal pies, Starbursts, and a stomach ache...compliments of the American visitors!
Playing with the same kids day after day! They are so precious!

Lesson's from God in the depths of my heart.

We played games with the kids, taught the women about prayer and worship in song, kept the 25 men watered and fed, painted ceiling panels and walls, testified to Christ in homes, ate good food at our hotel, and enjoyed sweet fellowship in Christ.

Today I am resting and packing to leave for a ladies retreat in another city tomorrow at 6:30am. Supposedly I'm singing...but that's all I know so far.
Thanks for your prayers and emails! Glory to God who does ALL things well!

Broken

2008-10-30T10:03:00.001-07:00

Today I am so broken. Attitudes I'm shocked by have bubbled to the surface again. I'm holding Christ's hand as He leads me through jungles of my heart that are yet uncharted. I admit that I hate the feeling, the weakness, the desperate need for mercy from God and from those I'm learning to love...but I am so thankful. Do not cut this short dear Lord. Kill my flesh completely.

Pictures

2008-10-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Camera Phone.

At last political season is over here. No more 3x5 fliers handed to me on every corner. No more cars with gigantic speakers strapped to the roof cruising with speeches and loud music. Now it's just a lot of Obama talk here.

My door is always open...you're welcome anytime...if you can make it. :-)

Ummm, yummy sandwich made from tapioca (the white powder you see will fuse together to make a tortilla like wrap! One of the words for the tapioca root is actuall pronouced "yummy"!
I know about 10 unrealated recipies that are all made from tapioca!
It's now a joke between Deborah and I..."Umm, what is this? Must be tapioca". It usually is.
I looked up the nutritional facts online and found "Nutritional Value: weight gain"!

I finally found out that this gorgeous (or creepy) mansion on a green hill is a Philosophy building for University students.

I have walked by this a hundred times and just yesterday saw the writing. It says "Only Jesus Saves! Amen!" It is in a neighborhood that is saturated with evil spirit worship. Yay!

Me...a Surfer?

2008-10-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

Today I missed my morning jog so during my lunch hour I walked about a mile or two to the beach to swim for exercise. While swimming, out of no where (well he was behind the big wave) appeared a surfer headed straight for my head. What should the uneducated do in this situation? Fortunately he stood up and sank about 6 feet in front of me. He said something in Portuguese that I didn't understand but then we discovered that we could communicate in English (it's not very common for me to run across English speakers).

Long story short-ish, we talked about my work as a missionary, and he closed off a bit when I began to talk about Christ, so I prayed that the Lord would soften his heart and continued down a different topic of conversation. When he asked me if I wanted to try surfing my immediate answer was NO! I've have long said that I would never surf (too scared and generally uninterested) but must admit I have grown more curious after watching them every morning as I jog. So after another topic of conversation I told him that I changed my mind but was nervous.

First I learned how to get on the durn board. Then how to balance my body on the board as the waves came (without tipping over). Next I learned how to paddle while remaining balanced, and then how to stand up. He made the instructions sound so easy, and I knew it could not be as easy as it sounded, but I just jumped up and he lit up like a light telling me that it was almost perfect. What? 2 more practice "pop ups" and I was ready for a wave! After riding a few small waves, and missing a few too, I was ready to paddle out to some larger ones! Yay, this was so scary and fun! Finally I felt myself getting tired and we took a break before just a few more big waves came and we called it a day.

The little rest turned into a quite full conversation in which I got to tell him how my sins have been forgiven, how the Holy Spirit teaches me from within and helps me understand the Bible, and how Christ has totally changed my life. I got to explain a little about the character of Jesus and some of His teachings while on earth. (The only exposure this guy has had to Christianity has been catholicism and charasmatic churches where the preacher yells at you and asks for all of your money. I was happy to explain how unlike Christ many of those beliefs are)

Several times thoughout the lesson he would interject a random question like "How long have you been a missionary?", and 10 minutes later another stand-alone question like "Are your family members Christians too?" When we returned to the shore I offered him the book of Luke for his reading pleasure but he kinda skirted around the offer and never ended up taking it. I will see him again in a few weeks for a free Brazilian martial arts lesson on the beach, and will be praying for his soul until then! Praise the Lord who does all things supremely!

I was horrified when I got home and saw my lobsterfied face (very unwise!). I have "strawberries" on my knee, hips, and ribs, and a really sore neck...but it was totally worth it!

Here's to facing your fears!! And here's to letting yourself enjoy the Lord's blessings! And I just can't go without saying how matchless the Lord is.

(Caption: "Call me"...err...uh..."Hang loose")

Totally Answered Prayers

2008-10-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanna say thanks to all of you who asked our Lord to help with the details of final preparation for our church building project. It was just an hour or two after I posted this on here and on facebook that all of our problems started to resolve! The day was so much more productive than even a typically good day of work here! God is really in to answering His kids requests! What else is there to say besides...muito obrigada Pai (thank You Father)?!

The Jefferson´s Asked me to Post a Request for Prayer this Week

2008-10-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

God has answered all of our requests of Him so far, so let us ask Him to pave the way before every step we take these next few days in preparation for the costruction of a small church in an interior village that we work with. Two small teams of 4 are coming from the States...one with construction experts, and one with men who were the first to bring the gospel to this village almost 3 years ago. Now there are about 30 church attenders of which about 15 are believers in Christ. We willl also be accompanied by Brazilian friends from our church here in the city.

We are facing many road blocks in the final steps of prep this week. These include things like banks on strike, ordered materials delayed, a freak occurance where our internet company cancelled our connections for no reason, and others.

The Bible says that Jesus´ death and resurrection disarmed the enemy and subjected Him to humiliation. Since his weapons are powerless against us, let us call on the Almighty to carry our efforts forward and let us be ready to receive those who are coming from the US! We do not despair in the setbacks, and we are not surprised either. Trials of various kinds are sent to test our faith and develop perseverance in us! May it be so in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank you for your partnership friend!

Love in Christ,

Sarah

God's Grace

2008-10-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

God's grace is amazing. My eyes were first opened to some depth behind this statement about a year an a half ago while reading Romans by my apartments pool in Houston. I burst into tears when what seemed like the most simple of conditions changed my life forever. I have not recovered from the awe of His grace that I first discovered that day...and I pray that I never will. Oh the depths of the riches born of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways. To Him be glory forever and ever.

It's by his grace that I can turn my back on sins that have always convinced me that I must obey their call.
By His grace I am physically safe here in Brazil (unless He chooses to apply His grace to me through injury).
His grace shelters me from slavery to moral filth and temptation that is so prevelent in this age.
His grace gives me a clean slate EVERY time I fail Him. (tears flowing)

Who is like our God?

Through doors of grace I find that simple conversation with Brazilians in broken Portuguese can state the most profound truth the world has ever known.
Because He loves to show His grace He calls the worst of sinners to be His chosen and most beloved.
Because His grace is so complete, not a drop of my own guilt belongs to me anymore.
Because He's a gracious Shepherd, I shall want for nothing.
Because He's chosen to make my faith mature and complete, lacking in nothing, He sends many trials to test me. Many.
Because He loves me so, He's teaching me that the safest and richest place to be is out of my own control, and in His. (Though I try to wrestle with Him, He does not give up, or give me over)

There is more to say of Him, but you already know that. We have a gigantic book full of testimonies about His grace. It is my/our food.

I am so weak. I do not have strong faith. I am so often disobedient. I'm too often focused on myself or some worldly love that I have. I think I have rights and struggle when people don't recognize them. But God...He's perfect. And God...is living His life through me. Amazing grace.

(Click here to view lyrics)

New English Service--Outreach Tool!

2008-10-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

A long and sweet Sunday, increased my compassion for ministers everywhere who do 3+ services a weekend.

Yesterday was our first church service in English at the church that we regularly attend on Sunday's (in the city). The pastors there have great love for the Jeffersons, and consequently me too. They asked us if we'd be willing to hold a 6:00 service in English so that people can invite unbelieving friends, co-workers, neighbors to come learn or polish their English for free! The normal evening service in Portuguese is right afterwards so many people will likely attend both.

Last night was our first service and, though hardly advertised, we had about 80 in attendance! My soul was deeply blessed as we sang many songs, involved congregants in scripture reading and "special music", and then Keith preached on being quick to listen and slow to speak. It was a switch to have to help the people sitting next to me find scriptures whose book names they didn't recognize...and I admit that I had the urge to stand up and say "this is how I feel!"...but resisted! :-) Oh that many who come for free exposure to English will get more than they bargained for...opened eyes, repentance, faith, eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord!

Afterwards we had about 10 minutes to talk with people IN ENGLISH before hopping into the truck and traveling across the city to lead services at another church. The pastor of that church has a burden for the struggles that America is going through right now so they called us onto the stage, stretched out their hands, and prayed for the US. Lovely.

I got back to my apartment at about midnight, thanking the Lord for the privledge of proclaiming His Word.

Church Building Prep.

2008-10-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Team work in the Quilombo

Earlier this week the Jefferson's and I travelled into the interior to purchase church building materials and have them delivered to the Quilombo. In true Brazilian style, the bricks were not ready when we got there, so we were told to come back the next day (or possibly the next day). We got hotel rooms, purchased wood and roofing, and by dark the next day we had led a 18-wheel, flat bed truck, carrying 1700 cinder blocks down steep roads full of deep ruts into our precious village. We'd asked a Christian in the village to round up a few men that would help us unload the bricks, and to make sure they knew it was not a paying job. I was a little concerned because it was dark, the bricks are pretty fragile on bad roads, and we were only hoping that someone would show up to help us unload! When we arrived there were about 30 villagers waiting in the street for us! Right away they began unloading and about 45 minutes later we had a big stack of bricks!

The really cool part of this is that most of these people are not believers. It was a team effort that was enjoyed by all and a perfect and unexpected chance to preach the good news because all were gathered 'round at the end! Keith praised the Lord for what He's doing among them and gave the men a challenge to follow Christ. Then several Christians started proclaiming that they would be the first to marry in the new church (Quilombolas are never officially married). Oh man I would love to be there for that! This particular village has about 15 Christians...of which 2 are men.

I played with the children so as to keep them away from the heavy bricks for the evening. We took lots of pictures, played London Bridges and Ring Around the Rosie (in Portuguese). I can not wait to see them again!

(So happy they were in clothes this time because trying to take "shareable" pictures has been quite a task in the past. I think the pastor reprimanded the mommas a bit on my behalf last time. I would not have thought that necessary since it is the village culture, but I am thankful that he wanted to honor me in that way.)

Adventures on Buses

I rode most places in the Jefferson's truck during my first month in Salvador. Now I'm largely responsible for getting to their house for work, to church, and to Portuguese lessons on my own, so I'm still trying to figure out which buses go where (there are no brightly colored maps like you find in cities like Paris and Barcelona).

Consequently I've had two long, unexpected tours of the city by bus this week. The good news is that it has been very educational and I have had some simple conversations with Brazilians.

(I'm thankful that we have buses and taxi's in the city. See picture for a common site as you go further inland.)

Crossing the Street

I'm no longer nervous standing on the center stripe of a fast and furious street full of buses, cars, and insane motorcyclists (I hope my mom is not reading this). It's the only way to cross...one side at a time that is. Last night a hippie looking lady and I waited so long for a clearing that I got fed up and motioned to her that I was gonna run for it. She decided to join me, trotted towards me nervously, and grabbed my hand for the run!! Hehe! I'm not sure if I was acting as the Mom or she was. Once we had celebrated our victory God's Spirit stirred me to attempt a conversation with her. It was lovely. We parted ways when she saw a friend and I ducked into the hole-in-the-wall store where I buy bread each day, but then 10 minutes later as I was trudging up a steep hill we ran into each other again! Amen! She told me she lived right there, and I told her I still had a long walk home. I really hope to see her again soon since I walk down her street every morning at 6:30. It will rock if we get to talk about Jesus.

Domingo (Sunday)

2008-10-05T17:55:00.001-07:00

Follow Up on Zane (new Christian from "Home Depot")
What a joy! What a joy! The lady who accepted Christ with us at a home improvement store several weeks ago said she would take a bus to our church the next day rather than ride with us, but never showed up. Deborah has called a time or two to follow up but did not get her. Today, however, she DID get her and the woman was very excited to talk to her. Deborah told her that she knows one person in this lady's neighborhood (far far side of the city) and that she would like to hook them up for discipleship and rides to church. Then Zane (the new Christian) out of nowhere said "does she have short hair?" Deborah thought to herself and then answered that yes she does but, thinking that this city has 3 million people, that description just didn't mean much. Zane kept describing the woman she thought Deborah was referring to and they came to the conclusion that somehow Zane knows this lady on her side of the city that calls herself a "volunteer missionary"! If the first part of this story (Zane's conversion) was not miraculous enough, here is another instance where the Lord is blowing our minds with His ability and delight in saving and training those which are His!

Church is Fun...at Last!
Those that have ever lived in a foreign culture can surely relate to the feeling of total exhaustion at the end of a simple day. Everything is new and you concentrate for hours upon hours just trying to pick out the one or two words that you know in the sea of bla bla blas around you. Smells and tastes are different. Homes, processes, traffic rules (Lord have mercy!), fashion (here you see a lot more than in the States) and expectations are different. And while it is a total adventure, it's a lot of work too! I got a headache every day for my first few weeks because I was just working my brain too hard. But NOW AT LAST I am at rest here. I feel that my remaining time here is fleeting and that is kinda sad. :-(

This morning at church I felt at home walking through the halls and responding to this person's wave, and that person's "tudo bom?" with "tudo bem, voce tambien?" and was able to ask people followup questions to things they'd told me in the past (without translation...praise the Lord!)! I didn't have that ultra out of place tall white girl that doesn't understand a word you just said feeling anymore! This morning I understood about 50% of the sermon and at least 80% of the hymns and worship songs we sang! At last I have "friends" to stay after church and talk to about whatever, and several peers setting up times to get together on a coming evening. Ahhh.

Cooking American Food
This week I grew determined to make some American food, so yesterday (my day off) I walked to several stores looking for ingredients to make 3 things I've been craving. This morning I fixed the most delicious pancakes my mouth has ever tasted! For lunch I had chicken parmesan with sauteed veggies, italian bread hot out of the oven, and fresh pineapple! One evening this week I plan to make American style cookies for neighbors, but first I have to find baking soda!

These recipies have required that I improvise because I don't have measuring cups or spoons and don't know where to buy them. The gas stove cooks quickly and tiny ants come out of everywhere when any food is on the counter! I don't have Ziplock bags, Saran Wrap, spray Pam, a salt shaker, a microwave (for melting butter) or a good knife (accept for one gigantic meat cleaver thing that I cut the pineapple with! I'm a little over cautious with knives these days! See previous post "I Know How this Looks!"). All of these missing items made it really fun...like a puzzle. And ummm...there was pay off in the end!

Back to the Quilombo Tomorrow!
Leaving for "the interior" at 7am tomorrow to continue preparation for the church building we'll raise two weeks from now! Can't wait to see them again!

Semi-Muteness

2008-10-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

I have written several blogs trying to describe what God is doing in my heart through the power of His word and spirit, but have not had peace in posting them. Infact, twice I have posted and then retracted it within hours.

Have you ever experienced something so wide and deep that trying to write a paragraph or even a page to sumarize it seems to cheapen it? Well, that's part of why those posts will remain mere drafts. (I hope you will read the following...though longish.)

Another reason is that God is teaching me how much He does not need me to teach people everything He's teaching me!! Hehe. Some of you may be thinking "duh Sarah!" but this is quite a revelation for me. All who are genuinely seeking Him are hearing from Him too, only the truths are straight from The Source...powerful...and spoken in perfect sync with the rest of the events in the current chapter of their life. Those who are not seeking or hearing from God would not hear spiritual truths in my words anyway, so why think I have power to convince or bring a dead heart to life? (I acknowledge the other side of this in the last paragraph)

Somedays I deeply yearn to retell what He's just opened the eyes of my heart to, but then He reminds me that it is more important to live it than to tell it. In the not so distant past I would sometimes respond to His teaching with great zeal, pass it along to 5 or 10 others I thought would benefit too and then run out of steam and never really get to the part that counts...obeying Christ...loving Him...loving others. He's now led me into a season of hearing, obeying, letting Him produce lasting fruit through me, and letting those that need to be encouraged or challenged observe a life of genuine faith, that's growing...and hidden behind the great glory of Christ.

Also, I looooove to tell stories! Many of the people I'm closest to have commented at some point that they think their life is dull in comparisson to mine, but the truth is that I just think little things are big and worth making into a story. They may have a great day full of meaningful events and report at the end of the day that it was "fine" (lol! I've learned to love this and know that it's not the whole story! This is when question asking skills must come into play), but I'm gonna tell all about how cool it is that God designed us with eyelashes because that day I was riding my bike through a swarm of gnats and squinted my eyes only to discover that I could still see, but the bugs could not get in my eyes!!! You know...the things most people don't remember from their day, but there I sit like a child, wide-eyed and amazed and rolling straight into my next story about how cool it is that we have eyebrows... It can be both good and bad, but that's not the point.
While I'm living each day here, serving God, I don't want to have to be tempted by the thought that this will make a great blog and show everyone that the work here is effective. I prefer to serve God with all my heart, when no one is looking, and let God prove how great He is...so' Deus.

NOW...let me say one last thing that you are probably already thinking...
We are supposed to testify to the great things that God has done!! Indeed! We are also supposed to do our good deeds in secret so that we will not be motivated by the praise and honor of men. I guess this is just one more area where we can not make a rule that works all the time and means we can take a break from abiding in Christ. A life of discipleship is one of following the daily leading of His spirit. Christ said repeatedly that He only did what His Father told Him to do. This is my aim. It will take my whole lifetime to perfect...but that's His job (perfecting my faith that is)!
Also, I believe this is a specific season of semi-muteness (is that a word?) for my life, not neccesarily anyone elses. God has made me a "talker", and a passionate person on purpose...it is not bad, but always in need of God-centered refinement. I find it ironic that my longest post ever is about not needing to tell everyone what God is teaching me all the time!

So today God blessed me to pieces with some open doors to share His love in the wonderful name of Jesus. I have been praying for these, and many of you have been praying for them too! So let me simply say...God alone is great! Amen.

Quilombo Visit

2008-10-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

This is the ground that will soon be covered by a church! Several years ago there was not one single Christian in this village. It started with one and now there are 15-30 meeting 3 times a week. A man from our church in the city is footing the whole bill, and Brazilians and Americans will join together and take this thang from foundation to furnishings about 2 weeks from now. I can hardly wait!

The lady on the right is Deborah Jefferson (whom I work for). Through the process of moving into her new apartment last week she found many things she wanted to give to some women in this Quilombo. The women lined up and got to approach the tailgate of our truck and fill a bag or two. They were very thankful and Deborah had a good time sharing! I kept thinking of Jesus words that urge us to come buy bread without money. How great is His gift!

Look at the gun show!! Aren't they cute! Little boys (...and big boys too) are the same all around the world. These two fellas kept begging me to take their picture, posing this way and that, and telling me all sorts of amusing things that I could not understand.

Singing in English, Portuguese, and American Sign Language on the kick-off night of a church's missions emphasis week. All of the children were dressed in costumes to represent the nations of the world. It was a charismatic church in our city and the kids were waving little white squares of fabric around like flags as we worshipped our Great King. 3 little girls did an interpretive dance, and Keith (my boss) got after it while preaching! I enjoyed it so much.

I have sung at about 10 churches so far and Keith often preaches. Deborah is a wonderful support to both of us. We are forming relationships with other potential partners and enjoying the fellowship in Christ. People have received Christ at every single service I've attended. Sometimes as many as 15. It's hard for me to not weep when I see them humbly or excitedly approach the front to declare their repentence. One woman at our church had been counseling with the pastor for quite sometime because she was strongly tempted to kill all of her family members. Several weeks ago she gave her life to Christ instead. Amen.

On a side note: I liked this dress when I bought it for $12.00 a few weeks ago, but I have worn it so many times already I'd kinda like to burn it (halfway kidding). :-)

Christ the Redeemer

2008-09-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

"Build me a home inside your scars.
Build me a home inside your song.
Build me a home inside your open arms.
The only place I ever will belong."
(Exerpt from "I Am Still Running"by Jon Foreman)

Mystery Meat

2008-09-21T11:03:00.001-07:00

Just got home from lunch at a church members house. I sat on her row and she invited me to lunch with her family. (The Jefferson's know them well so it was safe) Unfortunately I wore the high heels that are at least one whole size too small and totally KILL my toes...even when I'm sitting. We had to walk about a mile up and down rocky hills to get to their 4th floor apartment. I just had to laugh at myself. I do not believe I will wear those shoes here ever again!

The lunch was delicious though I had to get over my nervousness about eating it since I couldn't tell what half of it was. There was one thing that I just had to buck up and make myself eat (greens) but she must have thought I liked it most and heaped another big pile of it on my plate!
Dessert was delicious...tasted and looked just like a big bowl of strawberry jam.

They taught me several more praise songs in Portuguese and we watched a Michael W. Smith concert on DVD with Portuguese subtitles.

Road the bus home and am about to take a nap before singing tonight. I'm going to a ladies small group retreat tomorrow afternoon but first meeting the movers with all of the Jefferson's belongings at 8am. Deus e Fiel!

I Know How This Looks!

2008-09-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I was so excited to put powdered milk in my coffee (I found out this is how Brazilians make theirs so delicious) but while prying the metal lid off of the can, the (sharp) knife slipped and went into my left wrist with force! A gigantic bubble (like 2 pecans side by side) formed under my skin and blood spewed all over the kitchen like a fountain!

I called to Deborah for help, smashed down on the cut with my opposite thumb, and quickly got down on the floor because I felt like I was about to pass out. Sparing the rest of the details, the cut sealed beautifully and my young medical student neighbor came upstairs to clean and bandage the wound...dertermining that I would not need stitches since the cut was more deep than wide.

My body was in such shock that I have spent the morning in bed resting to get rejuvinated for band practice tonight at the church (singing solo tomorrow). I am sad to miss out on the morning of final paint touches on the Jefferson's new apartment because I so love working hard with my hands...especially painting.

While I was laying on the bloody, cold floor, sweating like I'd just run a marathon, I starting thinking "what if I cut one of those main arteries that suicidal people aim for?" Deborah reminded me to relax, and then a song flowed quietly from my heart and lips..."Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen!"

This morning has been a gigantic blessing of refreshment from God's word. Amen.

Woman Joined the Family of God at Home Depot Tonight!

2008-09-16T18:13:00.001-07:00

"I pray that you will be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." Philemon 1:6

Tonight, famished, I left the Jefferson's and a stack of paint samples to grab a sandwich at the cafe inside the hardware store. I'd been sitting at a table eating and resting for 5 or so minutes and then went to the counter to pay (always pay after eating here). When I returned to my table a woman was sitting in my chair. I sat down across from her and she was a bit embarrassed and began to dismiss herself. I asked her to feel free to stay and when the Jefferson's came to join me they told her the same thing when she tried again to leave. Deborah and I began chatting about the kind of brushes we needed to paint the new apartment and Keith started telling this woman about the Lord! She was hanging on every word of truth that came from his mouth so he just kept sharing and kept sharing. Occassionally a tear would well up in the corner of her eye and she would discreatly wipe it away. Her boyfriend even came over and then left to buy more things when he realized that we were in deep converstation. I thought that would be the end of the conversation but she was immediately open to hearing more once he left. In the end she was ready to ask Christ to forgive her sins and be her Lord, so Keith led her in a prayer! She said she could feel instant peace in her heart and would come to church with us this Sunday! So sweet. The Lord is awakening the dead in Brazil, in the US, and all around the world!

Sights along my morning walk today...

2008-09-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Dead dolphin on the beach :-(
Tiny monkey on the powerline overhead
Family of 3 that lives on a busy corner, washing clothes with a hose from the fire hydrant
A leashed dog pooing on the sidewalk in front of me. Oh, that's how it all get's there!
About 10 tiny fishing boats in the distance where the grey sky and grey ocean met
A clothesline with newborn "onesies" on the porch of a house you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy
A man in a shirt that said "I AM CANADIAN"

Deus e Fiel!

2008-09-13T17:44:00.000-07:00

God is Faithful!

This week I have spent lots of time with Brazilians in their natural habitats!

The family below my apartment had me over for about 3.5 hours of Portuguese vocabulary, sentence formation and dinner (at 10pm)! Oh my gosh it was a hoot!

Two days ago I spent 9 hours exploring the city, on foot, with a new gal friend who only speaks Portuguese! It was such a practical way to get the words to stick in my head. It was important for me to visit many of the places that are central to the African and spiritist culture here. Sorry there are no pictures...it's not safe to use a camera unless in a big group.

At one point we walked down a rusty, metal, spiral staircase into a dark and smelly expanse under a hippie market. I was trying to tell Daniela that I was scared and didn't think it was safe, but she kept motioning that I should come. It turns out that she was giving me a tour of the underground chambers where they used to store slaves from Africa. It was a big sewer-type space with arched canals and a stomach churning smell. I saw 4 other tourist taking pictures and instantly felt better, but found myself so sad for the reality of harsh slavery that has not been abolished for very long in this city.

She also took me to a small museum where several rooms were dedicated to Candomble, a common practice of witchcraft among Brazilians, and especially those in Salvador. The rooms had life size statues of their spirits (gods) and the entrance had an armed guard. We did did a quick turn about the room and left.

This stuff is really, really sad because they are in constant fear and consumed with spells to get revenge on the people they hate, get ahead in business, or to heal loved ones. Every now and then you'll see a little pile of food, a white candle, and/or popcorn strategically placed in a street...and I have come to learn that it's all apart of a spell that someone is hexing someone else with. There is a spot about a 30 second walk from my apartment where they practice these things in the middle of the night. Praise God for His truth which indwells us!

While on a high point of the city we saw a cruise ship docked in the distance and decided to head to that direction since Daniela had never seen a cruise ship before. We got there and could not see it due to tall metal walls, but did get to find out that it held 650 American college students and professors! They are on a 108 day cruise called "Semester at Sea" and take classes in their actual majors on board and receive assignments to accomplish in the 10 countries they plan to visit. Wow!

This week...
Thinking in Portuguese all day is exhausting, but wonderful too. We continue to visit churches who partner with us in reaching the Quilombos, get the Jefferson's new apartment ready for them to move into, intentionally build relationships with unbelievers I see regularly, soak up the language and culture, and we are preparing to receive two teams of Americans in the next month. One will focus on evangelism in the Quilombos and the other will raise a church from the ground up in one week! I love contributing to the ministry with the gifts and skills the Lord has entrusted me with. Thanks for those of you who are praying and supporting our work in various ways!

Pictures for Fun!

2008-09-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

This sign says that there
is only one way you can go.
Similarly, Christ is the only
way to receive full forgiveness
of sins without having to pay
the wages of it yourself through
eternal death! Isn't the sunset
beautiful??? Whew! I love Christ
for His sacrifice and for His
beautiful creation!

"Canga's" can be purchased for
about $10 and serve as a towel
to lay out on at the beach, something
to dry off after swimming in the ocean,
shade from the sun, a break from the wind,
a skirt, or a dress! I love mine!

You thought Houston tolls were high!
I nearly fell over when I saw this!
Granted it's really only about $6.50 USD for a car
but still!!!

Roommate/Singing Tonight/Cold Water

2008-09-09T12:31:00.001-07:00

New Roommate
A Brazilian missionary named Daniella may move in with me when the Jefferson's move out. We met two days ago and have totally hit it off (she's staying with us this week). It's interesting to note that she does not speak English and I do not speak Portuguese, right now we are sitting at side by side computers in an internet cafe and using a translation website to send each other occassional messages. Tomorrow she is taking me to several important places in Salvador (since she is from here) and we will make flash cards for everything we see. It is sure to be an adventurous, fruitful, and tiring day!

Plataforma
Tonight we are going back to a tiny church about 1.5 hours from here so that I can sing, Keith can preach, and we can connect with the ones who are asking to join us in ministry to Quilombolas! I look forward to it!

Cold Showers
The locals have taught me the secret to painless cold showers! You only shock one leg, then the other, then an arm, and then the other at a time. It really does help!! Though most Brazilians do not have hot water at all, we only lost it for a few days due to electrical issues. No homes have hot water for dish washing or laundry!

Back in Salvador!

2008-09-09T11:54:00.001-07:00

I flew into Salvador on Sunday evening and went straight to church with the Jefferson's to church! I am excited that instead of just hearing "bla, bla, bla" in sermons I actually hear individual words and recognize many of them! I can't quite follow along with what he's saying but I predict that I will be able to within a month or two.

I have a English/Portuguese Bible and am beginning to study it (even though it's KJV) so that I can learn the words that will be most important to ministry here down the road when I can actually converse with Quilombolas without an interpretor.

"Order and Progress!"
These are the words on the Brazilian Flag!!...BUT...
I was warned about how inefficient things are here but didn't really expect it to be quite as bad as it is.
Five hours to open a cell phone account.
An entire day to renew *Visa's.
1. You get to an office that has processed Visa's for years and they say the location has changed. 2. You get there and it doesn't open until mid-morning.
3. You wait and then get sent to the mall to fill out an online form with the individual code you were given (website in complete Portuguese!).
4. Then you go to a bank to pay the Visa renewal fee using the barcode on the form you just printed at the mall.
5. Then you return to the Federal Police station at the Airport and fill out another form and pray that you're given favor with the attendant there because they are known for giving American's a really rough time,
6. and then finally get to go to another place in the city to get the documents stamped as authentic,
7. but they need copies of this document and that but don't have a xerox machine...
8. ...so we go to a store that has a xerox machine
9. and drop by the bank for cash because they don't take credit cards
10. and return to get the stamps.
The only reason we only spent an hour at that place is because we had a connection that let us cut in front of about an hours wait.

Unbelievable Processes!
Here everyone has to pay their bills at the bank. At the beginning and end of the month there are hundreds of people in line at the bank. It is truely unbelievable!!!!

College professors start phone chains if they decide to change the class location on any particular morning. They can choose to do this if they just happen to be on the other side of town and would prefer to stay there and bring all of the students to them. Students spend their whole day traveling by bus from class to class in different locations around the city! The students engaged in loud protesting in the streets during my first week here!

I could tell more and more stories like this!!!

Miss Multi-Task
The inefficiency is the most difficult adjustment to being here, but it is good for me too! Everyone close to me knows that back home every half hour of my day is scheduled on the calendar until bedtime, and friends can't get a slot until the following week often times. I rarely just talk on the phone, or just grocery shop, or just hang out with a friend without meeting at the park for a 3 mile walk to kill two birds with one stone. Many of us live this way in the US...sometimes it is good, and sometimes we just need to use the Brazilian policies of "He-lax (this is how they say relax) and "no stress". The Lord is transforming my perspective on so many things and I praise Him for it!!

Embracing the Simple Life
I'm struggling to embrace the simple life but can see how it pleases the Lord to give me a less stressed life, by force, and teach me to delight myself in the simple things that I have missed in my busyness back home.

Love Takes Time
Most importantly...loving people takes time! I long to love people better...as Christ does!! He doesn't give us 30 minutes of distracted time on His way to the next appointment. Such "efficiency and production" in one day must have it's roots in my own pride. How much better to love 15 people well then constantly apologize to 250 people that I didn't reply to their email fast enough or that I can't have lunch until next month cause I'm booked? :-) Just thoughts.

Beautiful Testimonies!

2008-09-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

He Owns the Cattle on a Thousand Hills
Last night Georgia took me to CBO's mission church for a small group meeting. About 16 of us sat in a circle in plastic chairs and worshipped God with singing and then scripture reading, discussion and testimony. Two years ago Patti and Georgia found this community with no church what-so-ever and surveyed the residents to evaluate interest in Bible study. There was a good amount of interest so they began meeting in someone's home...with 4. Members invited unsaved friends who then accepted Christ and invited a friend or spouse to begin learning as well. Eventually they began praying for a church building and found a house that was being rented out for parties. Such a house should have cost $3000-$4000 Reais per month and they knew they could not afford it under normal circumstances. The mother and daughter church members prayed for one week and then called the owner about renting the home for church services. Miraculously she offered it to them for $600 R per month!

Manuel
Manuel was a quiet, handsome faced man of about 55 sitting across the circle from me in blue pants last night. After the 2 hour meeting he was eager to tell me about how God has redeemed his life. Only 6 months ago Manuel was an addict living on the street. Church members noticed this drunk sloppy man and took him to the hospital and then rehab. He told me that he was so thankful to be in rehab and didn't wish to leave for one single day while there. When he graduated, the church offered him a room in the church to live in and take care of the building/yard. He was careful to make sure I knew that it was Jesus who deserved all the praise! Grinning from ear to ear he told me that he would pray for me daily and then asked how Patti's Dad from the US was doing (he has prayed for him daily since his visit several years ago). With a hug we said goodbye and my heart sang all the way to the car.

A peaceful faced man...
...sitting 4 people to my left stroked his wife's hair as the small group came to a close. Georgia shared with me that when they first reached out to this man he literally tore the gifted Bible in two and also tore the missionaries pictures in half with anger. Over time he began attending church and Christ transformed his life. Now he is a regular at church and his wife leads worship there.

Maria & Joao
Next to this man was a couple in their 60's I'd say. They lived together for 20 years and he regularly beat her in his constant drukenness. She harped on him for his behavior every single night and he hated it. I'm not clear on how she started being discipled by Patti (missionary) but she stopped treating him badly and he took notice. She also moved out since he would not marry her, but God began working on his heart too! Through this woman's obedience to Christ he eventually followed suit and then married her. Now they are both active in evangelism in their tiny community! The wife repeated again and again, with a glowing face, "it was all Jesus"!

Pizza with the Pastor
Georgia and I invited the pastor and family (Robson, Naruby, and Luan) to pizza with us. Boy were they sweet! I asked for their testimonies and was deeply touched by how the Lord humbled this previously proud couple, gripped their hearts, extended forgiveness, and is faithfully maturing their faith. Patti and Georgia had prayed for local leadership of the mission church since it was growing and they had responsibilities at their own young church 2.5 hours away, and this couple answered the call. She was honest with me about how she wrestled with the Lord so hard because she was so afraid of such a huge spiritual and physical responsibility. God confirmed the call to both of them and assured them that His power was more than enough to produce eternal fruit through them. They boldly challenged me with some very direct words to not ever give up.

"If God had not sent missionaries...
...all of us may have never heard from Jesus" the pastor told me. They love and support missions for this very personal reason! They assured me that the work was hard (in addition to both of their fulltime jobs and child rearing) but a joy!

My testimony
Patti and Georgia have asked me to sing and give my testimony in every group we have joined for study. Patti told me to make sure that I told them that I have walked with Christ since childhood. Coming from the Bible belt I find myself amazed that this is a "powerful and rare" testimony for their church members. Many Americans feel as though their testimony is boring, but this is SO untrue! I told them how my parents very real faith and godly instruction had set us on the right path while young, but that we came to crossroads for ourselves where we either surrendered our own hearts or not. Each of us went through a short time of doubt and rediscovery of the truth of Christ, but my heart could never stray long or far. They were encouraged and hopeful for their children who will be now be raised in Christian homes also! My story has been one of God's faithfulness to a often unfaithful gal that does truely yet love Him. His grace is amazing!

Hi HFBC Family!

2008-08-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

I just learned that by blog is being featured in this weeks E-Newsletter! Wow, what a blessing that so many will get to learn of God's work down here this way. Thanks to friends whom I love that are dropping by here for the latest...and to those of you that I don't (yet) know...for your support!

Please note that I do not have internet at home and pay by the minute in often noisy venues, so the quality of writing may not be the best. Please excuse and enjoy!!

"Now I Live to Bring Him Praise"

2008-08-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Last night I was invited to sing "None But Jesus" in English during the youth's band rehearsal. The music was so loud that I could not hear myself and just knew I was singing off key. Indeed, I found out that I had been. You know? That's very humbling, but I am thankful for every opportunity I get to be humbled. Next time I sing here it may be the same situation, but I will remind myself to worship instead of worry about my pitch, so at least God will be praised regardless of how it sounds. From years of singing solos I have discovered a unique occurance. When my heart is focused on worship, God annoints the song and touches hearts. When I am thinking about my own nerves, or wanting to sound good it usually flops. I'm so thankful for this because God will not allow me to sing for my own glory, but only His! Hallelujah!

"Cheeseboogie"

2008-08-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Regina, the hostess of last night's small group.

The land that Patti & Georgia's church is about
to build a bigger sanctuary on.

I've been in Rio with Patti (formerly of HFBC) and Georgia since Monday. I will be here for 2 weeks total. I have been to 3 small groups, youth band rehearsal and Bible Study, morning prayer meeting at the church, errands around downtown to work out document details related to the new sanctuary they are building, and a fine arts museum.

I am enjoying the fellowship of both of these sisters in Christ and all of their wonderful church members and friends! I am starting to understand Portuguese much better and can generally follow along in small group discussions. The dialect of people here in Rio is much different from that of Salvador, so I am thankful to be exposed to both. Georgia has begun to speak to me in Portuguese and then translating for herself in English while we are out on errands. Last night I got a silly bug at the cash register of McDonalds and just could not stop laughing histerically long enough to say I would like a "cheeseboogie". I was kinda embarrassed but made everyone around me laugh too. Did I mention we had dinner at 11pm last night? Our schedule often ends around midnight so dinner can often be very late.

Yesterday Georgia told me all of the details of how they surveyed the neighborhood to find unbelievers 10 years ago. Patti and Georgia drew the roads and marked the houses where unbelievers lived and then returned time and again to those who welcomed them. The first meetings, in 1998, began on a plastic tarp in a street where they invited people on a loud speaker (they use these for everything around here).

As I meet their friends and church members, Georgia often tells me the persons testimony too. Most are new believers and have had extreme life transformation since meeting Jesus Christ! These gals spend all of their time discipling people, and God is showing me the bundles of eternal fruit that are produced by His Spirit through lives that are not spent on self.

I look back over my last year or two, and though I did many good things, I am so sad about how much time I spent on myself "having fun" when there is truely no greater fun than denying yourself on behalf of others' souls. I keenly remember the new believers, unbelievers, and desperate believers I could have easily made time to impact with the truth of God's word...but instead I had "fun"(and it was only fun for a moment and then over). I'm not feeling guilty, just letting myself be changed! Praise be to God! I also keenly remember those of my friends who were not at everything because they were recharging or ministering somewhere else. I am so thankful for their example and commitment even though often left out of inside jokes.

Quilombos/Conversations Everywhere I Go

2008-08-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

I have not gone to a Quilombo yet (besides the 3 in the Amazon region) because I was sick and am now on my way to Rio. The Jefferson´s took a short trip with 2 men from Virginia that I could not go on. We have prayed together for them, and my heart flutters with excitement when I get reports each night from the interior (by cell phone!). I have started some Excel spreadsheet templates that will aid in the organization of future trips and tracking of new found villages and their needs.

I´m amazed by the conversations that have materialized at the most unexpected times and places. My first night in Salvador, before I´d even seen my apartment, we stopped by an internet cafe and while I waited for the Jefferson´s to contact their girls in the States some young teens and a little boy approached me for "conversation". I had the grandest time trying to communicate with them, and just sharing Christ´s love in deed. We exchanged email address´and I gave them each a track in Portuguese...and this is how it goes quite often these days.
God brings the people. God provides the love. God redeems through Jesus Christ...may this message go forth through me! This week I have been having honest conversations with the Lord about how inadequate I feel, and how rusty on sharing the gospel I had become this last year or so. I am asking Him to make me bold and discerning so that when really cool opportunities keep coming I will see His love for these people and His power when I am simply obedient...though sometimes scared. :-)

I Love Brazil!

2008-08-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

Being emersed in a language is truly a wonderful way to learn it. The Jefferson´s have encouraged me to mimic everything I hear and just repeat, repeat, repeat. Everytime we are in the car I am learning Portuguese words and phrases. I have a Portuguese teacher and began lessons with her last week. My first one was 4 hours and not boring for a second. I also have a guitar teacher who is a college student and proficient in 13 instruments. He is also teaching me the culture and slang from a young, native Brazilian´s perspective. Both teachers go to my church and will likely become friends!

I go on a downhill walk every morning to exercise, pray, and observe culture in the raw. I discovered that the ocean is only 15 minutes away on foot! Never having lived near the ocean I am discovering a new and powerful love. The houses are made of concrete and would be considered condemned in the States. You would probably consider the city very worn and dirty (though it has it's nice spots too) but that is the culture and charm of this place.

Two views from my morning walks in Salvador

The people are SO warm and I love greating people with a kiss on each cheek! Our church is pretty large (about a thousand I guess) and the pastor made me stand up so he could tell everyone about me on my first Sunday there. I was greeted by many after church (the Jefferson´s are dearly loved) and loved that they tried to speak to me in English. The worship music sounded like it was from a jazz club, and that Sunday I also began learning a lot of Brazilian sign language through watching interpreters, talking to bag boys in grocery stores (most of them are deaf!), and asking a gal from church for help. Praise the Lord! I did not know that my sign language would come in handy here!

A few nights ago I sang at a very small church an hour and a half away. The congregation sang along in Portuguese as I sang Agnus Dei in English and ASL (sign language). I felt like I was in heaven ("ceu" in Portuguese) for a moment...but there it will be even more beautiful!

So Sick :-(

2008-08-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

My flight from the Amazon region to Salvador went up and down, up and down. It really messed my body up and I had a migraine with severe motion sickness for a full week. That combined with sleepless nights due to bed bugs got me off to a less than fun start, but the Lord gave me great joy as He reminded me to praise Him all the way through! I must say that the week was delightful because of my fellowship with the Lord through the pain and discouragement. The Jefferson´s had to spend much of their time catering to me that week, and bought me every anti-mite wash/ointment/pill they could find. We also got some interesting home remedies from their Brazilian friends (drinking milk with salt!), and ironed my bed! I ended up going to the hospital for some professional advice and medication and started to feel better after a shot. I am so very grateful for the Jefferson´s selfless care for me. Deborah kept telling me "Girl, your body needs to adjust! Every missionary goes through this!"

Some locals told me that the bedbugs were actually a tropical mite that are microscopic and float around in the air...especially bad at 5pm each day. I scratched and scratched and scratched and took many showers a day/night just for the short relief I would get. Low and behold I discovered that it was actually allergies that cause me to feel creepy crawlies all over my body. Now on allergy medicine and using a natural saline solution in my sinus I am ok! This solution was only found after I decided to tell some people and ask for prayer for a solution! Glory to God!

Book about Jim Elliot

2008-08-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Since my apartment is owned by the International Mission Board and serves as storage for many missionaries in the area, the wall-sized bookcase in my room is FULL of missions related books that have gathered there over the years. This week I pulled a few that most interested me. I started with one called "Jim Elliot--Missionary to Ecuador" and have to make myself put it down. Most of you know that Jim was killed by the indiginous people that he had prepared something like 10 years to find, develop a written language for, and share the gospel with. Reading about all of his preparation and difficult conversations with the Lord in his journals have hit such a cord in my heart right now. I too know a deep love for a people who have not heard the gospel, and I have yet to meet. He really was a religious punk, though with a true heart to follow and serve God, until he matured after college. He struggled for 5 years with the fact that he was in love with a friend named Elisabeth but had promised God to serve in the jungles, single for his entire life. Tears stream down my face as I read of his love for her, trumped by his love for God and the genuine struggle therein. I am learning a lot about preparations for the mission field through the actions of he and his friends/teammates and am praying about some steps I may need to take. I´m praising the Lord for the timing and effect of this book!

Apology and Trip to Rio

2008-08-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry (Desculpa)
Well friends I need to apologize for promising to blog often while stateside and then posting pretty much nothing these last 4 weeks in Brazil. I was IMing my Mom last night and just confessing that there the amount of things I want to blog about are so many that I have been intimidated and silent in blog world. But things change tonight.

I will start with today and work backwards. Dear ones the Lord is teaching me so much, and I can not say thanks enough.

Going to Rio in the Morning (Monday)
I have been alone for 4 days and will be happy to join Patti and Georgia, missionaries in Rio De Janeiro, tomorrow morning! For the first 2.5 days I SO enjoyed the freedom to spend hours exploring a grocery store, a mall, and my neighborhood...talking to strangers in English and Portuguese everywhere I went, reading and journaling...but NOW I am SO ready to join others of like mind for some fellowship on a heart level. Patti is from HFBC in Houston and Georgia is her Brazilian roommate and partner in ministry. I met Patti 4 years ago when she was speaking in Beth Moore´s Sunday School class. It is the first time I ever heard anything about Brazil and as she told us of the fruit that God was producing in Brazil I sat there with tears streaming down my face. We have emailed back and forth a lot and I have been impressed and humbled by their enthusiasm to warmly welcome me as a sister to join in their work for 2 weeks. I decided to go to Rio because the Jefferson´s needed to return to the US for 2 weeks.

The Amazon Mission Trip

2008-08-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Our Houston team of 13 met for 3 hours every Tuesday night for 3 months to prepare. We learned the 15 key events of the Bible in chronological story form, gathered hundreds of flip flops, first aid kits, bottles of nail polish and hygiene items, and practiced our testimonies with a Portuguese interpreter.

In Brazil we boarded a boat on which we’d call hammocks “beds” and set out down the Amazon River to three newly found villages. In each village we searched for homes and invited people to gather with us later that day. When a group formed we broke the ice with songs, games, and attempts at small talk and then spent hours with them each day laughing, telling the Bible stories as one big event from ‘God’s Book”, sharing our testimonies, singing songs in Portuguese, watching the Jesus film, and then watching God call individuals into His family forever!

I was amazed at the response of the men in the first village. After receiving Christ they followed us down the river to villages 2 and 3 to hear more. One morning, after someone had just told about Jesus’ power to heal and forgive sins, women in the crowd started asking to pray right then. We agreed and everyone with a need stepped forward for prayer (We made sure to tell them that they could pray at anytime...not just when we were there). One bright young man who’d stood out to all of us said “pray that God will clean my heart”.

Amazon Mission Trip

2008-08-15T07:15:00.001-07:00

The HFBC trip to the Amazon was amazing! I will post more pictures and write some things very soon. My internet access is very limited and every time I come onto my blog I have to get offline. I will add some things in the next few days for sure!! Thanks for your patience and so many emails of encouragement! I have been in my home city for 4 days and I am glad to be here at last! My heart misses home and my body misses caffeine and milk, but the Jefferson's are taking great care of me. The Lord is my Father and Friend and is being totally faithful to me...as expected!! I am singing in English, Portuguese, and Sign Language at one church this Sunday, and at another on Wednesday. Please pray that the Lord will minister to His people through my voice and hands! Love you all!!!

Going Away Party

2008-07-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

I just bawled all the way home from the going away party thrown for Karla (missionary to Venezuela) and I.

I really can't write more because there are not words to express how overwhelmingly loved and privileged I feel. I told the Lord on the way home..."I am in over my head, but I trust You to accomplish what You've started." Simple. He will do it.

Many are promising to pray...and I know they will. I need them to!

The food spread was unreal! Coconut shrimp, 7-layer dip, brownies, lemon bars, chips w/mango salsa, trail mix, cream cheese covered in raspberry chipoltle sauce, chicken on skewers, bowls and bowls of gummy bears (my favorite!)...displayed beautifully on tables downstairs and upstairs...an over the top gift from Miss Sims.

Several gals from my college small group were there. We prayed and sang together in an empty room, like old times!

People wrote goodbye notes in a journal for me to take and read!

Casey and Roxy, the beautiful young ladies that I moved to Houston in 2004 to "nanny" came with tons of individually decorated cupcakes to share!

Several were moved by God to contribute financially...each a generous gift.

Lots of hugs, lots of almost tears, lots of "remember when?"'s, lots of excitement about what is to come and deep encouragement...and honestly, lots of stomach churning.

Living Out of Two Suitcases

2008-07-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend my parents drove to H-Town to pick up all my belongings except for what fits in two 50 lb. bags! Friends joined us at 8am (on a Saturday!) to knock the trailer loading task out in no time. It was a precious and humbling gift that they shared their time, effort, and hearts in serving me as unto the Lord.

God is giving me the grace to:

keep my focus as many sad goodbyes are said
receive people's sacrifice of time and money with a glad heart (instead of a faithless heart that longs to be self sufficient)
have more time with my best friend/roommate, family, and old friends than I expected before leaving
testify to our Lord's glorious grace as waiters, nurses, bank personnel, random strangers, and more ask about what I'm up to. (I love to tell the story! It shall be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love! --a hymn)

SO Excited

I am SO eager to get started in Brazil! The Jefferson's (whom I'll be working with) call or email almost every day, so I feel very informed and supported from their end too!

Prayer Request

Please thank the Lord with me that He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him! He is also a shield, my glory, and the lifter of my head (Psalm 3:3). This truth will bring me courage when the discomfort of a new culture, and lonliness, etc. hit very soon. Please ask the Lord to so strongly support me that I will be surprised by an unexplainably smooth transition and love for the culture and people! Muito Obrigada!

My Life: Nothing to Me? Oh, to Complete the Task!

2008-07-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24

This passage speaks for itself and has become my theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

2008-06-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

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!

Ways You Can Help

2008-06-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

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.

My Job There

2008-06-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

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!

"Quilombolas"

2008-06-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Moving to Brazil, July 31st

2008-06-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

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!