Images of Brazil

The Voice of The Shepherd in Brazil

Each day, typically at night, we held a church service within the villages. One American student would give their testimony translated by one of our amazing new friends. 

In the village of Nova Canáa, there is one church and villagers (residents) call it a cult. At first thought, I assumed that those who made this claim were afraid of God and wanted to give an excuse as to why they avoided what I thought would be a body of believers. The service for Nova Canáa was held in the building they denoted as the church. The pastor’s wife began the service with a prayer and 3 songs fully in Portuguese. Until this night, every single conversation and devotion, every song, every prayer, and with every hug, I felt surrounded by the presence of Jesus. He has been overwhelming. During this evening, however, I was uncomfortable. I had been able to understand much of the Portuguese messages shared and I recognized many of our songs. But, the spirit with this was so different. I found myself distracted and looking around to find some of sort of comfort in the situation. When I looked at Flavio (one of our translators), he was distracted and gave me an odd look. When I looked to Dusty, our American leader, he appeared unamused. I communicated with Megan sitting next to me, that "something is off" and she agreed. When this woman finished her last song, our Brazilian boat team stood to sing a beautiful song, and my heart immediately shifted. Dr. Pablo then spoke a sweet message about Romans 8 with the woman caught in adultery whom He saved from stoning by saying, "he who is without sin, cast the first stone" and I was astonished when I knew what God was saying through him. We later found out during our nightly debriefing that the woman had been singing a song about turning to God or burning in hell as a consequence. To that I say, God does not force Himself upon us, nor does He deserve to have to. 

My heart is broken as I realize how spoiled we are here in the states. We have the ability to church hop as many times and for as long as we’d like. I am not exempt when I say: we even use it as an excuse to avoid the community of believers when we don’t like how things happen or how things operate at this church or that. The people of Nova Canáa have one option and it is no wonder they call it a cult. 

This evening truly solidified a lesson the Lord has taught me before. That is, it is so important to know the voice of the Shepherd (read John 10). If we spend little to no time with Christ or His word, then how will we be able to recognize Him when He does speak? Furthermore, other voices may appear to be Him, but can lead us slowly astray. But, if I know His very voice and get to know His heart, when other voices come my way, I can quickly say, this is not You, Jesus. Protect us from the wolves among sheep so that we may follow You, whom is solely worthy and loving and able to be trusted. 

(Matthew 7:!5) - wolves among sheep

- LT

Paper Plate Reflection - Friends who give more than they receive. I met friends on this journey. Friends from class, others who didn’t speak my language, who couldn’t pronounce my name, but friends with compassion in their hearts. They gave more than they received. They were filled with Christ’s love & I am forever grateful.

“Christ in you, the world is yours, though you are not if this world.”

Roman’s 8:2 

Claire

Perspective from a window seat

I’m wanting so badly to take care of the needs of the sweet Brazilian next to me, and though I’ve done a decent job of that so far, I can’t bring myself to ask him if he’d like for me to close the window as the sun is rising at 4:40 in the morning. The view, even from behind the wing of the plane, is so beautiful and displays so much glory that I can’t bring myself to close it out. He doesn’t seem to mind though as he stares through the glass with me. I noticed I’m the only seat with the window open as far as my vision will allow me to see and I can’t help but want to yell “open your windows people, let the light in!” 

   And that’s when He spoke, “I am the Light.” Probably seeming a little odd when I audibly giggled, I then replied, “well good morning, Lord. Yes, you are and you are beautiful. Nice to hear from you so soon and as we’re currently flying over Manaus. I see your timing is perfect as usual.”

 I tend to think of most things I do as selfish, because naturally as a human on planet earth, we quickly place our needs or wants before others. But today, I was encouraged with the following thoughts as I keep the window open to see the sky: 

 Isn’t that how we should be as believers? That is to be so filled with joy and excitement that we can’t put out the Light and we only want for everyone around to see a Light so bright that they desire to run full force towards it because they want so badly to find the source of it. The man behind me just opened his window. I’m silently cheering him on. “Yes. You go sir, let that person behind you see it.” Maybe they’ll see just a glimpse of His goodness. Maybe the young man next to me will too. He has Revelation 12:11 in Portuguese on his wrist band; maybe he already has. 

 That’s my prayer for the people we meet this week. May we take care of their physical needs to improve the force production they’ll need to move towards a Light that satisfies and sustains all their needs. May we be vessels of you, Jesus, and all of your glory. And may we not be afraid to keep the window open. 

-LT

 John 8: 12,  Matthew 5: 14-16