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.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
I, I, I, I, I'm Free From Sin...
...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
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
Friday, January 2, 2009
December in TX & TN
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)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The New Plan
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.
"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.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
In the US
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
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
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
In You (by Shane and Shane)
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
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
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Pilgrims Progress (Spiritist Church, and Surfer Evangelism)
Today I worked on the Jefferson's newsletter and some financial stuff from my home. This allowed me to also make some final rounds to the people/places I visit regularly.
Huge Team!
This morning I sent an email to 100 friends who either asked to be on my update list, or joined our team through prayer or financial support. My Mom and siblings also sent my specific prayer requests to their small groups and friends asking that all ask our Father to reveal Himself to many friends and aquaintances I have made here in Salvador.
One of the Weirdest Things I've Ever Done...Obviously God's Idea
My first stop this morning was to a spiritist church that I pass by most mornings. I've noticed that Mondays are their day of worship (with music, prayer, and ceremonial cleansing (popcorn sprinkled over the head, and leafy branches brushed over the body like a security wand in the airport)). As I got closer and closer I started to get nervous, not knowing exactly how it was all gonna go down. The disciples of Jesus' day were sometimes received well, and other times persecuted, so I did not know which way it would go today.
As I started to get nervous the Lord reminded me that I really had no reason to fear, and I proceded with more confidence and joy in what HE had planned to do through me. People who'd just left church walked towards me and I gave one lady a tract and Book of Luke in Portuguese. She asked how much she had to pay and I was so glad to tell her that it was free, as is the gift of salvation through Jesus. At her church you have to pay for blessings and freedom from the evil spirits and such. She seemed surprised and thankful.
Now let's skip past several similar opportunities to the moment when I stepped onto the church grounds and saw armed guards standing to my left. Yikes, I'd never noticed them before.
Conversations about Spiritism and Jesus Christ!
I prayed and then began asking questions of one lady who was selling idols. She told me some about what was going on, and I began to tell her what the Bible says. She then told me that I should be very careful because I was in danger. Next to her was a lady in a large, white, hooped dress with a white turbine-like hat sprinkling a man with popcorn in exchange for money.
Since I was not received there, I went to the stand beside them where a man and woman were selling fruit. I bought a banana that they tried to give me for free and then began talking with them about their beliefs and mine. I told them that the Bible says that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life, and that no one gets to the Father accept through Him. I also told them that the gift of salvation is free through faith in Christ Jesus, and that they did not need these ceremonies since only Jesus saves. They listened and responded, so as the Lord kept forming my thoughts and helping me remember Portuguese words we kept visiting. In the end I gave them tracts and the Book of Luke in Portuguese and they both began reading before I left.
During that friendly conversation I noticed that the first lady who'd told me to be careful had repositioned her chair so that she could see me around the corner and hear what we were talking about at the next booth, so I went back to her and asked if she would also like the literature and some more conversation. She said she would like it indeed. While I was there the man that was paying for his popcorn baptism held out his hand for one, and motioned that I should give one to the witch (I'm not sure what they are really called) as well. So I did...praise the LORD. Amen!
To the Beach for Follow-up Conversations
I gave out a few more tracts and headed down to the beach to reconnect with some people I spoke with a few days ago. It really helps that I resemble someone very famous here so many people begin conversations with me and we end up talking about my purpose for being here, to which they often respond with curiosity and questions about my faith. Amen! I truly stand in amazement of God's awesome plan in all of this!
I saw my surfer friend giving lessons and we talked for about 20 mintues, confirming that we would meet to talk more about the Bible at 4. On my way home I spoke with a few more people and then did some work at minha casa (my apartment).
Talk with Surfer Friend João
My 4:00 talk with my surfer friend/acquaintance was nice though somehow he had missed the fact that I am leaving this week and it would be our last time to talk. (I'm really sorry that this caught him off guard because I had tried to communicate that well. It was our first and last time to meet up on purpose). He asked many questions about the Bible and we basically started in Genesis, moved through to Christ's death and resurrection, and ended with what that means for us today. I urged him to read Luke and to ask God to reveal the truth of Himself to him. I also had the privledge of giving him an audio Bible to listen to. His simplicity, genuine kindness, and respect towards me have been a breath of fresh air since many men here are quite the opposite.
Unexpected Lesson/Opportunity of the Day
I then climbed back up the hill to the spiritist church and decided to catch a taxi since it was dark and dangerous. There amidst all of the religious ceremonies, and accompanying drunken, loud partying and dancing, a nice man tried to help me find the driver of the taxi that was parked nearby. We finally found him at the bar, but he was too confused (drunk) to know where my apartment was, though totally willing to drive me there. I politely declined. Duh!!
The nice man that was helping me said that I should just wait because people arrive there by taxi every 3 minutes and he would help me flag one down when it emptied out. 3 minutes turned into 30 minutes of me standing alone, in the dark, on the edge of all the spirit worship and partying. I started to pray about why the Lord was leaving me there and I began to see that it was kinda sad that I was spending all my stranded time totally seperate from the people Jesus loves. SO, I walked towards the group of people my age, dancing on the side of the street, and asked if anyone spoke English. One gal did and we hit it off immediately (like I ever meet a Brazilian that I don't hit it off with right away. They are SO friendly!).
Almost Lost the Chance to Talk about Jesus over a Man-made Rule on Alcohol
Our conversation led to my purpose for being in Brazil, and of course they found out I was an evangelical missionary. Several of her friends started to bail on the conversation when they found that out, saying that I would not want to hang out with them since they were drinking beer. I told them that that was absolutely NOT the case and that though I do not personally drink (wasn't raised with it and haven't aquired the taste), I did not mind that they were [**We know the Bible forbids drukenness, but these people were likely not believers and I was not about to teach them to be moral before teaching them to love and follow Jesus!!! In so doing we make many religious-law-keepers that are going to hell because their heart never trusted in Jesus. I do not believe that the person who never touches alcohol is wrong, nor do I believe the guy who drinks alcohol in moderation is wrong...if their heart and motive belong to Christ. The Bible says that each should live according to his conviction, as unto the Lord, and not tell everyone else to do exactly what he does. These disputable matters should be governed by the Holy Spirit in us, not made into a rule that teaches people that listening to the Holy Spirit is not even really important in their day to day walk with God, but rather rules are]. Praise Jesus for the fact that our conversation was not totally extinguished there! HOW SAD is it that unbelievers who drink beer have been taught that followers of Christ do not love or like them for that one fact!!??!!! Oh my gosh that really fires me up.
Long story short...another girl who spoke English came out of no where, was not under the influence, and offered me a ride home. She was totally nice too. Yay!
What a really cool day! I am now really, really looking forward to what the Lord will do in the coming days with about 150 people asking Him. Approaching people in the middle of their spirit worship was the most nerve-racking goal of my week. The coming conversations are with friends, and of no less importance. These are critical days in our Kingdom work here, and I beg the Lord to call these friends to Himself!
With love and thanks,
Sarah
Huge Team!
This morning I sent an email to 100 friends who either asked to be on my update list, or joined our team through prayer or financial support. My Mom and siblings also sent my specific prayer requests to their small groups and friends asking that all ask our Father to reveal Himself to many friends and aquaintances I have made here in Salvador.
One of the Weirdest Things I've Ever Done...Obviously God's Idea
My first stop this morning was to a spiritist church that I pass by most mornings. I've noticed that Mondays are their day of worship (with music, prayer, and ceremonial cleansing (popcorn sprinkled over the head, and leafy branches brushed over the body like a security wand in the airport)). As I got closer and closer I started to get nervous, not knowing exactly how it was all gonna go down. The disciples of Jesus' day were sometimes received well, and other times persecuted, so I did not know which way it would go today.
As I started to get nervous the Lord reminded me that I really had no reason to fear, and I proceded with more confidence and joy in what HE had planned to do through me. People who'd just left church walked towards me and I gave one lady a tract and Book of Luke in Portuguese. She asked how much she had to pay and I was so glad to tell her that it was free, as is the gift of salvation through Jesus. At her church you have to pay for blessings and freedom from the evil spirits and such. She seemed surprised and thankful.
Now let's skip past several similar opportunities to the moment when I stepped onto the church grounds and saw armed guards standing to my left. Yikes, I'd never noticed them before.
Conversations about Spiritism and Jesus Christ!
I prayed and then began asking questions of one lady who was selling idols. She told me some about what was going on, and I began to tell her what the Bible says. She then told me that I should be very careful because I was in danger. Next to her was a lady in a large, white, hooped dress with a white turbine-like hat sprinkling a man with popcorn in exchange for money.
Since I was not received there, I went to the stand beside them where a man and woman were selling fruit. I bought a banana that they tried to give me for free and then began talking with them about their beliefs and mine. I told them that the Bible says that Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life, and that no one gets to the Father accept through Him. I also told them that the gift of salvation is free through faith in Christ Jesus, and that they did not need these ceremonies since only Jesus saves. They listened and responded, so as the Lord kept forming my thoughts and helping me remember Portuguese words we kept visiting. In the end I gave them tracts and the Book of Luke in Portuguese and they both began reading before I left.
During that friendly conversation I noticed that the first lady who'd told me to be careful had repositioned her chair so that she could see me around the corner and hear what we were talking about at the next booth, so I went back to her and asked if she would also like the literature and some more conversation. She said she would like it indeed. While I was there the man that was paying for his popcorn baptism held out his hand for one, and motioned that I should give one to the witch (I'm not sure what they are really called) as well. So I did...praise the LORD. Amen!
To the Beach for Follow-up Conversations
I gave out a few more tracts and headed down to the beach to reconnect with some people I spoke with a few days ago. It really helps that I resemble someone very famous here so many people begin conversations with me and we end up talking about my purpose for being here, to which they often respond with curiosity and questions about my faith. Amen! I truly stand in amazement of God's awesome plan in all of this!
I saw my surfer friend giving lessons and we talked for about 20 mintues, confirming that we would meet to talk more about the Bible at 4. On my way home I spoke with a few more people and then did some work at minha casa (my apartment).
Talk with Surfer Friend João
My 4:00 talk with my surfer friend/acquaintance was nice though somehow he had missed the fact that I am leaving this week and it would be our last time to talk. (I'm really sorry that this caught him off guard because I had tried to communicate that well. It was our first and last time to meet up on purpose). He asked many questions about the Bible and we basically started in Genesis, moved through to Christ's death and resurrection, and ended with what that means for us today. I urged him to read Luke and to ask God to reveal the truth of Himself to him. I also had the privledge of giving him an audio Bible to listen to. His simplicity, genuine kindness, and respect towards me have been a breath of fresh air since many men here are quite the opposite.
Unexpected Lesson/Opportunity of the Day
I then climbed back up the hill to the spiritist church and decided to catch a taxi since it was dark and dangerous. There amidst all of the religious ceremonies, and accompanying drunken, loud partying and dancing, a nice man tried to help me find the driver of the taxi that was parked nearby. We finally found him at the bar, but he was too confused (drunk) to know where my apartment was, though totally willing to drive me there. I politely declined. Duh!!
The nice man that was helping me said that I should just wait because people arrive there by taxi every 3 minutes and he would help me flag one down when it emptied out. 3 minutes turned into 30 minutes of me standing alone, in the dark, on the edge of all the spirit worship and partying. I started to pray about why the Lord was leaving me there and I began to see that it was kinda sad that I was spending all my stranded time totally seperate from the people Jesus loves. SO, I walked towards the group of people my age, dancing on the side of the street, and asked if anyone spoke English. One gal did and we hit it off immediately (like I ever meet a Brazilian that I don't hit it off with right away. They are SO friendly!).
Almost Lost the Chance to Talk about Jesus over a Man-made Rule on Alcohol
Our conversation led to my purpose for being in Brazil, and of course they found out I was an evangelical missionary. Several of her friends started to bail on the conversation when they found that out, saying that I would not want to hang out with them since they were drinking beer. I told them that that was absolutely NOT the case and that though I do not personally drink (wasn't raised with it and haven't aquired the taste), I did not mind that they were [**We know the Bible forbids drukenness, but these people were likely not believers and I was not about to teach them to be moral before teaching them to love and follow Jesus!!! In so doing we make many religious-law-keepers that are going to hell because their heart never trusted in Jesus. I do not believe that the person who never touches alcohol is wrong, nor do I believe the guy who drinks alcohol in moderation is wrong...if their heart and motive belong to Christ. The Bible says that each should live according to his conviction, as unto the Lord, and not tell everyone else to do exactly what he does. These disputable matters should be governed by the Holy Spirit in us, not made into a rule that teaches people that listening to the Holy Spirit is not even really important in their day to day walk with God, but rather rules are]. Praise Jesus for the fact that our conversation was not totally extinguished there! HOW SAD is it that unbelievers who drink beer have been taught that followers of Christ do not love or like them for that one fact!!??!!! Oh my gosh that really fires me up.
Long story short...another girl who spoke English came out of no where, was not under the influence, and offered me a ride home. She was totally nice too. Yay!
What a really cool day! I am now really, really looking forward to what the Lord will do in the coming days with about 150 people asking Him. Approaching people in the middle of their spirit worship was the most nerve-racking goal of my week. The coming conversations are with friends, and of no less importance. These are critical days in our Kingdom work here, and I beg the Lord to call these friends to Himself!
With love and thanks,
Sarah
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