We made it to Brasil!! (we're in Rio!)
The race is on! "Moving" from Delta to TAM in Rio.
Cramming us and the luggage on the bus.
We made it!
Jeff has decided that it's high-time I write a blog. I don't like writing. We fought. He won. So, with a black eye and a bloody nose, I am writing this blog.
The past 3 months have been full of new experiences. Moving to Brazil brought new people, new opportunities, and a new culture. My experience here is beginning to become a little more "normal" but the first few months here wasn't quite that. While most people come here after months of prayer and preparation, I came after 2 weeks of prayer and preparation. While most people come after preparing so much that they just want to get on with it and get down here, I came trusting the Lord but not quite sure what I thought about the whole idea of being in Brazil for an extended period of time. Over the past 3 months I have learned a lot about the ministry here. I have become excited about the work that God is doing. I have made new friends. And the Lord has taught me a lot about trusting in him even when my mind calls it contradictory. God has provided me with everything I need. He has given me purpose and a reason to be here. He has given me good friends. He has given me joy and he will give me a future.
Just to give you a little idea of what I've been up to down here, I've been teaching Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade at the International School, 2 classes for children in nearby towns, and 1 class for the teachers at the school. I've kept busy but not too busy to neglect the playground. Over the past few weeks, Lindsay and I have designed a new English program for the school. We are very excited about the possibilities that it brings for next semester. We are praying that the Lord will use it to his glory and that the English program will grow with the school. The next month brings forty-some Americans. This is gonna be a crazy place. But it's going to be a lot of fun, especially considering that part of the group is my family.
~Emily Taylor
The first of the short-term trips have arrived. Kenny Smith, Frank Penna, and Steve Turner are safely in Brazil enjoying guaraná and fresh fruit.
This is a great opportunity to supply the ministry with things that are difficult to get here in Brazil and also bless the people in ministry here.
Please contact Steve Turner at (317)840-1270 if you decide to participate in fulfilling part of this list.
| Moraes Family (Tele, Heather, Karine, David, Alyssa, Johnny, Christopher) Special Teas, Bath & Body Works stuff/ Victoria's Secret - smelly-good stuff Marshmallows, Folgers coffee Fig Newtons, Whoppers, Twix, Sour Skittles, Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, Dove Dark Chocolate, Crunchy JIF peanut butter , Cool Ranch Doritos (or any other flavor other than cheddar), Maple Syrup and/or Maple Extract, Mugs (Heather has a mug collection), Dr Pepper & Diet Dr. Pepper , BBQ sauce, Chile Powder, large sized cinnamon container, cream of tarter, chocolate chips, Poptarts (not strawberry), Cheese & peanut butter crackers, Stickers, Taco Shells (hard or soft), Pepperoni | Ricardo Silva & Family (Kattia, Rebeca -2) Baby clothes/Shoes (2T-3T) Toddler toys Mountain Dew Body spray, lotions, etc. Chocolate Pop Tarts Cool Ranch Doritos Peanut Butter Jewelry Sour candy & other unique candy English kid’s CDs & DVDs Non-English games Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) | Dona Lucia & Family (Roberto, Roberta, Roberto Jr, Renata) – Principal of the International School & teachers, graphic design shop Cool Ranch Doritos Birds of prey books & stuff (English or Portuguese) Peanut Butter Body spray, lotions (Bath & Body Works) Candy Jalapenos Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) |
| Assuero Naque & Family (Mariam, Lorena -13, Tiago -15) Ameixas’ Pastor Body spray, lotions, etc. Pop Tarts, Mt Dew, Dr. Pepper, candy Play Station 2 games Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) | Arthur & Fiancée (Jaciara) – Guadalajara’s Pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate | Carlos Antonio– Guadalajara’s Pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Chocolate Pen Drive Christian music CDs Laptop |
| Jorge & Family (wife, Debora -13, Jorge Jr-15)– Timbauba’s Pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Music items (CDs, sheet music, etc) Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate Lotion & smelly-good stuff | Anselmo & Family (Carmem, Livia-5, Neto-8) – Tracunhaem’s Pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Toys – Barbies & Hot Wheels Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate | Augustino & Family (Nadja, Milena-5) - Seminary Director Sour candy & other unique candy Toys – Barbies Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate |
| Daniel Junior & Family (Sisters – Aninha, Patricia, Cacau)– Paudalho’s Pastor & Living Stones program there Jewish heritage items Haircutting scissors Lotion & smelly-good stuff Tea, candy Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) | Silvio & Fiancée (Rafaela) – works at Carpina’s church Sour candy & other unique candy Non-English games Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate | Valmir & Wife – part-time pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Non-English games Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate |
| Josemar & Wife (Marcia)– Carpina’s Pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate, candy, etc. | Gilson & Fiancée (Valdilene) – Acacias’ Pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate, candy, etc. | Orlando & Family (Flavia & baby)– Acacias’ Pastor Baby Girl clothes (1 year old) Sour candy & other unique candy Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate, candy, etc. |
| Paulo & Family (Eline, Raquel – 14, Rebeca – 9, Daniel -8, Davi -5) – missionary family at the International School Sour candy & other unique candy Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Chocolate, candy, etc. Jewelry Body lotion & spray(Bath &Body Works) | Pastor Jose Carlos & Family (Eunice, Fernanda) – missionaries & teachers Sour candy & other unique candy Non-English games Nice household items (placemats, table clothes, home décor items, etc) Chocolate Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works) | Ivana –Bible teacher & Vice-Principal of the International School Jelly Belly Jelly Beans Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Dove Dark Chocolate, Peanut butter Body lotion & spray Christian music –Michael W Smith, DC Talk, 4HIM Portable CD drive |
| Edjane – Seminary receptionist & community outreach Sour candy & other unique candy Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Crunchy Peanut butter Mountain Dew Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works), chocolate, candy, etc. | Geselia & Family (Laurindo & Daniel-9)– Receptionist & teacher at the International School English games Computer games Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) Craft supplies: sewing supplies, ribbons, beads, etc. Legos, candy, chocolate | Duda & Family (Karina & Gabriel-7) – Maintenance Man for Alcance, seminary student, & irreplaceable! Sour candy & chocolate Body lotion & spray (Bath&Body wks) nice pair of boy’s shoes – size 6 1/2 -7 Clothing items (men’s small, woman’s medium, child’s medium/large) legos, Hot Wheels, candy, chocolate Pen Drive, Notebooks, pencils, pens Home décor items (wall hangings, placemats, coasters, etc.) |
| Carlão – Carpina’s Pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Non-English games Chocolate Pen Drive Notebooks, pencils, pens | Airton & Family (Silvana & Joyce –age 3) – Teacher & guard at the International School & seminary student Sour candy & other unique candy Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works) Clothing items (men’s large, woman’s medium, toddler) Toys Pen Drive Toddler shoes Notebooks, pencils, pens Nice household items (placemats, table clothes, home décor items, etc) Chocolate | Silvia & Lenilson – Cook at the International School Sour candy & other unique candy Nice household items (placemats, table clothes, home décor items, etc) Chocolate Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works) Purses |
| Edmilson & Natali – Acacias’ Pastor & worship leader Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works) Pen Drive Christian Soundtracks Sour candy & other unique candy Nice household items (placemats, table clothes, home décor items, etc) Chocolate Peanut Butter | Edilene & Ci – Cleaning ladies at the International School / Alcance Sour candy & other unique candy Nice household items (placemats, table clothes, home décor items, etc) Clothing Items (women’s medium & large) Chocolate Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works) | Jose Carlos & Family (Mana, Lucas -15, Jonatas -13) Sour candy & other unique candy Clothing Items (men’s small & medium, women’s medium) Nice household items (placemats, table clothes, home décor items, etc) Chocolate English books – easy chapter books Video games Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works) |
| Rachel Winzeler- Teacher at the International School Games: Connect 4, Candyland, Sorry, UNO, Shoots & Ladders, Clue, Gestures, Twister, Mancala, Haircutting scissors (3 pairs), Horseradish sauce (Arby's), Maple syrup, BBQ sauce, Taco sauce (Taco Bell), Whip cream packets, Cream of tarter , Ranch sauce Books that have changed your life! Projector (for Paudalho) Good magazines | Celso & Family (wife & toddler -3) – Paudalho’s Pastor Sour candy & other unique candy Nice household items (placemats, table clothes, home décor items, etc) Chocolate Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works) | Israel & Family (Andrea, Tiago -14, Carla – 11) – Teacher at the International School & Word of Life missionary Sour candy & Chocolate Clothing Items Nice household items (placemats, table clothes, home décor items, etc) Body lotion & spray (Bath & Body Works), Pen Drive |
| Emily Taylor – Teacher at the International School Contact solution Borax Orbit Sweetmint gum Peanut Butter Smooth JIF peanut butter Milk chocolate chips Gummy bears | Lindsay & Jeff Turner – Teacher at the School & IT/Communication- Othello (game), 2-3 cute Hand Puppets, ESL Survival Kit # 1 by Elizabeth Claire ESL Smart by Margaret Bouchard Children's board books/baby books Toddler toys (2-4yrs old) Plain tortilla chips, Taco seasoning, Peanut Butter Dr. Pepper, Pop Tarts, Gummy worms, Mint Chocolate Oreos, Jelly Belly JellyBeans, | |
The Community Church of Tracunhanhém has been around for 7 years. It has been a very prosperous Church in attendance and raising God loving people. They have been meeting in a rented building this whole time, which is located on the 2nd floor of a Business. The building only holds about 110 seating people and there is no room for the youth group or a nursery. The Church has only standing room every Sunday and sometimes there isn’t even that room left.
Knowing all of these limitations and understanding that this could harm the work there, the Church decided to search for a land in the city to build a Church to assist their needs, however they didn’t have all of the financial resources for this and in spite of this, they believed that God would supply their needs. In that search they found many places but they always had a negative answer about them. It was very difficult to hear “no” after “no”! They almost lost all hope. It seemed that they never would find the land. It seemed that they should adjust to the limited structure of the building where they were having their meetings. However, to the eyes of God it was not the end and in the year of 2006, when the Municipal City hall of Tracunhanhém, in the Mayoress of the municipal district, knowing their need and recognizing the importance and influence of their Church in the local community, she made a donation of a land of 894 m², downtown – it was a better location than all the lands that they had already consulted. In the donation term there is a clause that determines that the church would have to begin the construction project within two years, in other words, until the end of 2008.
Recently their Council board of elders decided to choose a multifunctional structure for their church building, where they will have a sportive space which will be available to the community and to preach the Gospel for a large number of people. And they will be able to meet for Bible School and each class will have its own space. They hope to give a more comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for their members and visitors.
However, it still remains the challenge of the construction, because they only have this year for it or otherwise they may lose their land. The project they dream of is about 80.000 reais($47,000), which is much more than they are able to rise. And there is still the fact that the initial cost for the acquisition of the prefabricated concrete block structure is of approximately 25.000 reais($15,000), however they have faith that the same God who made great things in the History of His people (Ex. 36.4-7), is the same who is able to make the same today among them.
Will you Join the Community Church of Tracunhanhém in faith by praying for and if God leads, to donate to the Construction of the Church building. They need to Build the prefabricated concrete block structure by December 08, which is about US$15,000 or they will lose the land.
The purpose of Living Stones is to provide the poorest children with a safe place to keep them off the streets. Some of the activities they aspire to offer are tutoring, specialized classes (cooking, music, etc.), a Bible study, fun games, and a hot meal. It is the goal of the ministry for every church to have a successful Living Stones program and for the new church plants to incorporate the program as a main part of their outreaches. This, unfortunately, is rarely the case. Few churches have the resources or manpower to maintain the programs. The programs start well, but the funds run dry. Many times they are even unable to scrap together enough money for food for the children. Church volunteers help greatly, but most communities need an all day program - requiring a fulltime staff.
Despite these obstacles, the Community Church of Pauldalho has been able to keep its doors open to children. In Pauldalho, the project receives government aid and there are some workers who are paid by the government as well. It’s so exciting that the government is actually paying the church to reach out to children, but it’s not perfect. The government here doesn’t always pay the bill. There are many times that the government money won’t come and suddenly there is no money for food. The government doesn’t pay for any books, games, classes, or any other activities. If there is any need other than food the staff pays for it out of their own pockets.
The three women who run the project (and are sometimes paid by the government to do so) are members of the Community Church of Pauldalho - Cacau, Mamau, and Patricia. They act as social workers for the children under their care as well. They do house visitation and if a child is being abused or neglected it is their job to be an advocate on the child’s behalf. That is all that is done by the government. If it wasn’t for their visiting the parents (or grandparents) and asking for the abuse to stop nothing would be done. Children here are not protected from abusive parents.
Rachel Winzler has been helping out at the Pauldalho Living Stones project on Thursday afternoons for the past 3 months. She invited Emily Taylor and me along a couple of times to help teach some basic English words to the kids. This last Thursday we went to visit some of the homes with Patricia and Cacau. They were all tiny, home to very large families, and very dirty. The last one was the most difficult. It was home to a family of 12 - a small two room house that had no electricity, no plumbing, and no running water. The walls were splotchy brown from years of human touch and dirt. Filthy mattresses, piles of grimy clothes, and an old van seat served as the furniture. When we arrived the whole place was filled with smoke from someone cooking in the back. The shy children sat watching us as the 60-year-old lady of the house talked about her troubles through her blackened teeth. She told us how her grown children and grandchildren depend upon her begging for their daily bread. They often had to forgo purchases of “luxury items” like soap, conditioner, or shampoo in favor of rice. The adult children could help, could get menial jobs, but don’t.
There are currently 60 children being served at the Living Stones of Pauldalho, but the need is so much greater in that community alone. The Living Stones program is an ever-changing organism, as soon as the ministry attempts to define the project there is some variation, but as long as there are children with needs, the churches will be looking for ways to help them.
Visit: http://www.xanga.com/rwinzeler for Rachel’s take on our visit and for more pictures click on either picture here
Anselmo was ordained as a Pastor this last Sunday. Congradulations to him for finishing Seminary.
Community Church of Ameixas
The Community Church of Ameixas is the furthest inland Church plant for World Renewal Brazil. It is a good three hours away from the ministry headquarters (Alcance Brasil). This Church was originally started from outreaches by the Community Church of Carpina and the Community Church of Guadalajara.
The Town of Ameixas is a very poor place that is dominated mostly by the Catholic Church that emphasizes Mary worship. This has made it extremely difficult to reach the people of Ameixas with God’s love and they have a difficult time understanding a “personal” relationship with Christ.
Since Assuerio has come back from Africa about a year and a half ago, he has been ministering in this small town along with his wife, Miriam and two kids, Loriana and Tiago. This Church a few years back received a generous donation and they were able to purchase land for a permanent Church location. But, it wasn’t until this January that the dream of building the church was fulfilled, when a group of 50 Baptists from Rio de Janeiro drove up to help build the Church. With the financial help from the Community Churches in the US and from individuals the dream of a Church building became a reality.
There are a lot more Picture Here
Last week Assuerio was talking about a young couple that was at one of the house bible studies when Assuerio was talking about creation and the beginning of sin. He also went into how Jesus paid the price for our sin. After the study was over the girl of 17 said with tears in her eyes that before this study she had never believed that God even existed. When Assuerio asked her what changed she responded by saying that something inside of her changed and she can see the truth now.
God is working in this community and has Assuerio here for a special purpose even though Assuerio’s heart is still yearning for Africa. He has expressed that no matter what he wants to do the will of God. He has prayed that if he isn’t suppose to go back to Africa that God take away the desire that is in his heart for that country. Assuerio still has that passion and desire in his heart for Africa and would like to head back there in 2010 Lord willing.
Quick summary of Assuerio’s Africa desire
In Mozambique Africa they speak Portuguese along with several tribal languages. Assuerio has always had a heart for these people and when he went to South Africa he made several really good contacts of strong Christians serving in Mozambique. His desire is to go to Mozambique and start a Community Church and also raise up leaders to start other Community Churches in that country.
If you feel lead to start supporting Assuerio and his family as they guide the town of Ameixas to the Lord and start to transition toward heading back to Africa near 2010 please send a check earmarked Assuerio-Brazil and make out to:
WORLD RENEWAL
P.O. Box 399
Greenfield, IN 46140
Post By Jeff Turner
Dear Friends and Supporters of World Renewal Brazil,
What a crazy, but awesome year of watching God work saving lives, growing disciples, teaching truth, restoring relationships, building trust and serving the communities of Northeast Brazil. More specifically, four areas can be highlighted to demonstrate a little of what He has allowed us to be a part of through your prayers, service in short term missions trips and financial support.
The International School has successfully completed its second full year of service to the upper middle class families of Carpina. The ministry headquarters called Alcance Brazil houses the school as well as the Bible Seminary. In 2007 thirty-nine students were enrolled in Kindergarten through fifth grade in beautifully remodeled and decorated classrooms. Parents of the students even donated materials and labor to upgrade the common areas and bathrooms to make it safer and more attractive and Americans, British missionaries, and Brazilians worked hard to create a fun, attractive and safer playground.
Two new church plants have grown in amazing ways. Ricardo da Silva and his team of young people from his church in Guadalajara traveled to Ameixas every week to go door to door, hold home Bible studies, and meet in the street for worship until they were able to find facilities to rent. The congregation has grown to about 30 people and they now have a new pastor, Pastor Assuerio Naque, who moved there with his family recently. Land was purchased and their new church building is being finished this month due to the generous gifts from central Indiana Community churches and the labor provided by 65 Brazilian believers from Rio de Janeiro who have taken off the month of January to build this church using their own brick masons, electricians, painters, plumbers, cooks and clean-up people. The whole community is seeing this cooperative effort and love demonstrated and we expect to see the building packed out January 26th at the dedication service. (Pictures are in the last post)
Meanwhile, Ricardo and his team began knocking on doors, holding Bible studies and worship services in the streets of Lagoa de Itaenga. When the American medical team held a medical clinic there two summers ago they were able to expand their outreach and win the hearts of the people. A small house downtown was rented and recently Ricardo and his family moved to the town. His team from Guadalajara still comes to help disciple new believers and lead worship music for about 25 attendees.
Praise God! Tele and his family have a new house. By the end of this month they will be in it. For two years they have been living in three small hotel rooms at the Alcance, sharing a small makeshift kitchen with other ministry partners that live there. Even in their new house, though, ministry will be happening. Tele and Heather plan to host a neighborhood Bible study starting with two families that have expressed an interest already.
Last summer both short-term mission trips were a huge success. The medical team led by Dr. Santos from Recife, Brazil, and Drs. Chuck Taylor and Steve Flink held clinics at Carpina’s Big Dump and at the Community Church of Carpina. About 800 people received a medical exam, worm medicine, a months worth of multi-vitamins, and Tylenol plus medicine for their specific ailments. Forrest Craig, Josie Potter and Paul Taylor assisted by taking blood pressure and weighing each patient. Many others helped with crowd control, registration, entertainment, and passing out medications.
The construction team from Brookville Road Community Church consisted of Pastor Greg Ruble and his son, Garrett, Jesse Schwedler, Forrest Craig, and Steve Turner. Together with some of the Brazilians they installed a wireless internet system, built a lower cabinet for the reception desk area, stripped paint from a large iron gate, mixed and laid asphalt paving across the front of the Alcance property, broke up old bricks in Tele’s new neighborhood and used the pieces to fill potholes, and demolished a hallway wall to provide access to the new Print Shop office. On the weekends they visited churches, shared testimonies and fellowshipped. Of course, they also got to go shopping for souvenirs, go to the beach and eat at a Brazilian steak house.
I want to thank everyone for not only praying for and supporting the ministry in Brazil, but for praying for and supporting me in this endeavor. It has been a privilege and honor to represent the Brazil ministry to the Community Churches since 1999, making the needs and vision of the ministry known.
It is my desire that as you read of all these activities and achievement that God has allowed us to be a part of, you will be compelled to participate. Come join us. The water is great! Please take the time to look over the following suggested ways you can help.
Perhaps you would like to help raise money by sending me your used ink jet cartridges for recycling or donate gently used stuff that can be sold on E-Bay. Contact me at 317 840-1270.
To receive weekly prayer updates or information about the summer Mission Trip, July 3-11, please send your e-mail address to wrbrazil@gmail.com.
Community Church
God has blessed Brazil with great leaders. The major church planters Ricardo and Assuerio pray for them to keep faithful and daily sharing the good news.Asuério (left) wants to go to Africa in 2010 and Ricardo (right) wants to start a new church in 2010. The goal for Ricardo is to raise $25,000 by 2010 for a house he can build on his land. Pray and ask God what you can do to help these servants of the Lord in this great work.
