Arriving at Home

The team arrived back in Hanover yesterday at 10:50 AM.  Please pray for all of us (Americans and Brazilians) as we transition back to our "normal" lives.  The transition is difficult at times.  Over the next week, I will add pictures and video clips from the trip.  I also plan to keep the site updated as the work continues over the coming months.  If things go as planned, the church will be completed in March/April.  Thanks again for all your prayers and support.

Pictures Are Posted

Pictures are now posted.  Click on the Slide Shows (November 2010) link above.

Thursday Night Worship

Tonight we met for the mid week church service.  There were approximately 25 people in attendance.  Ryan shared his testimony and I gave a message from Romans 8:1-4 and Hebrews 4:14-16.  ' now 9:30 and we are getting ready to go back to the compound we are staying at for a "Thanksgiving" dinner.  Annie (Gordon's wife) made REAL pumpkin pies for us to eat.  It will be the only part of the meal that's traditional.  Tomorrow we are back to work.  The concrete on the first floor and sidewalk is all done, and we will be starting on the beams for the second floor.  Hopefully in a few minutes I will have some pictures uploaded for you to look at. Grace and Peace to you all!

Happy Thanksgiving

It's 11:30 here in Brazil, 8:30 for everyone back home. While you all relax and eat turkey, we will be out here working in the 90 degree heat. It's humid today, but we are having a good time working together with our brothers here in Brazil. Things are going well, but our bodies are getting tired. As we work each day, God has sent several men into our paths that needed encouragement and we were able to minister to them with prayer and by sharing from the Word. Tonight we have our mid week church service and we are all looking forward to giving thanks and praising God with everyone here. Well, it's time to get back to work, the concrete is ready for mixing.

No Internet Access

Well, we made it here on time, with an incredible story about God's faithfulness. We had a church wide BBQ today at our compound that included a 4 hour church service. 8 individuals were baptized (including Jake) and we ended with communion and singing. It's time for bed now, work starts early tomorrow. I do not have Internet here, so I will have minimal updates this time. When I get a chance, I'll upload some pics and video! Bon Noche (good night)

The Day Has Come

After weeks of anticipation, our departure day has finally come. This morning I am busy packing, confirming travel logistics, running last minute errands and spending some time at home with Nicole and the kids. Our team will be meeting at the church at 2:30 and plan to be on the road by 3:00 (A special thanks to the Greenvillage COG for providing the van and driver).  We take off from BWI tonight at 7:54 PM. From there we travel to Charlotte, have a short layover, then fly to Rio de Janeiro. We have a 3 hour layover tomorrow morning in Rio, then make the short flight into Campinas. We should touch down around 3:30 PM (12:30 PM our time).

Thanks to everyone who has supported us financially, spiritually, and emotionally. This trip could not happen with out you.

I will end this entry with the theme to our trip (created by our brothers and sisters in Campo Grande, Brazil). Duas Nações, Uma só Fé, Um só Senhor, Jesus Cristo (Two Nations, One Faith, One Lord, Jesus Christ). All Glory and Honor to Him. Amen!

Pre-Departure Update

Today was a busy day for the team. We were commissioned at this morning's church services, then we all gathered at George's house for a final meeting. After sharing a meal together with our team members and their families, we went over trip logistics and then spent some time in prayer. We are excited to find out what God has in store for us on this trip! All of the paperwork is done, all travel arrangements have been made, so all that's left to do is wait for departure. For those of you who are interested and able to see us off, we will be meeting at HFCOG on Friday afternoon at 2:30 PM.

On another note, please keep one of the Brazilian families in prayer. Danielli, a 12 year old girl from the Campo Grande church lost her father this morning. I do not know the details, but please keep her in your prayers this week.