As we move through this week of missions in Brazil, we are confident that God will guide and use us for His glory. Throughout the process of planning and preparation we have been blessed to have family and friends join us in praise and cover us with their prayers. While we hope to have the ability to update the blog daily with specific prayer requests and praises, we have provided a basic framework of prayers for each day. Your daily prayers are a blessing to us and our brothers and sisters in Brazil.
Please pray on….
Sunday, July, 3, 2011
- For the teams safe and smooth travel
Monday, July, 4, 2011 – first full day on the ground!
- For each team member to “abide in the vine” (John 15) and for lasting fruit
- For gifts of wisdom and discernment for our team leaders (Debora, Brian, Katie and Matt) as they meet with the leaders in Brazil to discuss the upcoming week as well as long-term opportunities.
- For continued blessing on Debora Wortham’s parents, Messias and Maria Helena, as they care for us, live with us and cook for us
- For grace to communicate with our translators and for the ability to communicate non-verbally
- For our hosts Gustavo and Adriana and Enrique and Ivy to be patient with us!
Tuesday, July, 5, 2011
- For safety in the vans as we travel
- For safety and patience as we learn how and what our construction project will be
- For talented hands and big smiles as we work to improve and beautify neighborhood home(s) near the churches we have been serving
- That our team would act as one body, a fragrant offering to the Lord, as we witness through serving with our hands.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
- For grace to minister to the children at St. Stephens and not be overwhelmed by their surroundings
- For safety in the vans as we travel
- To be continually reminded that we are servants to and tools of the Lord, serving His will for the growth of His kingdom
Thursday, July 7, 2011
- For replenished energy, good health, and stamina for the team as we minister today
- For beautiful and amazing things to happen – the grace of God revealed in our midst
- For servant hearts and submission to the will of God
- For teachable hearts to learn what God wants to teach us about His love for all people
Friday, July 8, 2011
- For coordinated efforts with Brazilian leaders as we prepare for the weekend VBS
- For adequate time to rehearse amusing and entertaining skits and music that touch children (and their parents) at the heart and spirit level
- For the preparation of great activities with children, laughter, and a clear presentation of the the gospel
Saturday and Sunday, July 9-10, 2011
- For unity with our Brazilian brothers and sisters as we serve together
- For flexibility to “go with the flow” and make adjustments to our plans to fit in with God’s plan for these days
- For “ears to hear” and hearts to receive the good news of Jesus’ love
- For special blessing on Rachel Kornfield as she translates
- For time to reflect and ponder what we have learned so far personally and corporately
- For opportunities to debrief and discuss our experiences as a team and with our new Brazilian friends too
- For love to rule in our hearts and our Brazilian home on the beach
- For more grace and patience for Gustavo and Adrianna, Enrique and Ivy!
- For a good night’s rest on Saturday so we can get up and do it all again on Sunday!
- For fantastic fellowship at the final VBS service and as we make our final farewell with our Brazilian friends, both new and old!
- For our work to support and add credence to the work Gustavo and Adrianna and Enrique and Ivy have already done in these neighborhoods
Monday, July 11, 2011
- For safety as we swim and shop and spend time in the city
- For patience, teamwork, and efficiency as we pack and prepare to leave
- For our preparation to leave and for everything of lasting value to be sealed in our hearts
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
- For the long journey home beginning with our departure at 3:34 am!
- For safety on all our flights and as we spend the day in Rio de Janero
- For divine appointments with those we meet in the airport and on the plane and everywhere we go
- For safety and sweet family time for the Wortham’s and Barbosa’s as they travel to Belo Horizonte.
- To be patient and kind with one another and with all those we meet along the way
- For sweet reunions with our friends and families!
- For all the the LORD accomplished to remain as fruit that will last (John 15) in Brazil and also in our hearts and lives
- For the good work that the LORD has begun to be brought to fullness and completion in His time and His way
Thank you for your prayers. They are precious offerings to the Lord and priceless to us as we serve our brothers and sisters in Christ in Brazil.
It sounds like you all are truly sending a “fragrant offering” of praise up to our Lord, be it with balloons, Futebol, painting, dancing, or whatever. I am so thankful that God brought you all together to bless and be blessed by the people around you in Brazil. The work of your hands, the love in your hearts, and the power of the Spirit to be at work on your journey have been in my prayers all week. I will pray for safe travels home and look forward to seeing pictures and hearing more stories! Take care!