Joseph and Jesus
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Category Archives: Uncategorized
Favorite Photos
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Luke Huber strongly encouraged us to follow his lead in learning the Morse Code. “Then you can communicate for free to through short wave to Canada. You just have to join a ham radio club.” Phone calls cost US$1 per minute.
In 1995 a friend came to the mission prayer meeting in Santarem with a printout in his hand. “There is this thing now, called email. It is especially cool because you can Cc. This is when you get a copy of an email from someone to someone else, and you don’t have to answer it. “ This was the first I’d heard of it.
In 1996 we were one of the first three people in Altamira to get internet. We signed up together with a businessman and an Austrian padre. We had to dial a number in São Paulo, over 2,000 kms away. We wasted no time buying the US$1,000 phone number to get hooked up.
Gurupá
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God’s Nature
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Mango Trees
The nature of God is demonstrated by mango trees. Year after year they produce two crops of mangos. Lavish Abundance. And any child can pick up sprouting mango pits and plant them. Clenildo says “You can count the mangos in a tree, but you cannot count the trees in a mango.” God’s nature. Demonstrated.
The Marabá Church continues to host a soccer training for young people as a neighborhood outreach. Thank you to all who help support this property and make this possible. Note that mangos are in season.
Gurupá Stories
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We are seeing a faint cloud on a far horizon and we are preparing for a deluge, and the start of a long rainy season after drought. We think this will look like an army of people who are winning their private battles with fear and pride. These people delight in time alone with their Father. From this place of life, rest, and deep joy they start disciple-making church-planting movements, sweeping across the Amazon basin.
This is by far the best way
to help the most people
have the best life possible.
There are rays of hope. The Muritão Church is leading the way. And the Gurupá Church is on fire, in a good way. They send us photos of baptisms because of new believers who are entering the Kingdom through Discovery Groups.
Other stories from Gurupá
We were at a remote location, learning about Discovery Groups. One man asked the leader, “I started reading my Bible. I realized I need to get right with God. I lay down on the floor, repented of my sins, and asked God to save me. Am I a Christian? Or do I need to do some process in church?”
The leader pointed out another man to me. “This man was saved in a Discovery Group. He owns two houses. Next week he will start renovations. He will live in one house, and use the other for a church.”
Our mentor Danny Meyer gave Clenildo and I some great advice in February. “Create a vacuum. Rather than trying to convince other leaders to do this model of church planting, get the model working. As healthy churches start to take root others will be attracted to come a learn about what is working.” The Gurupá and Mutirão churches are started to feel a bit like vacuums. Will others be interested? Will it work for them?
Favorite Photos
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The infinitely creative and diverse nature of God is clearly revealed in nature.
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (ESV Romans 1:19-20a).
Favorite Photos
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Please pray for the people of the Xingu.
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Christmas Ideas
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“The reinvention of daily life means marching off the edge of our maps.” Bob Black
If you know someone who is having trouble getting into the mood for Christmas, these ideas may be helpful.
1. For People With Small Children:
Make a date with your wife to go out and buy some gifts. Focus on the special time with your wife, and don’t stress about the gifts. The best gift you can give your children is to love your spouse. We always found it the most fun to give our children something we can do together, and then we give our children the gift of time during the Christmas holidays.
2. For Grandparents:
If you are a grandparent and you have developed a tradition of giving all your grandchildren gifts, you have a great opportunity! Use the whole month of December. Make a date with each grandchild who lives close to you. Tell them you need their help to buy their cousin or sibling a gift within your budget. While you are out together, don’t forget to allow time for Starbucks or ice cream. If you don’t know what to talk about say, “It’s been a long time since I was your age. What is it like?” Be more about listening than talking, and leave your phone at home. With a bit of effort you can build lifetime memories with your grandchildren that far exceed gifts and Christmas.
3. For Extended Family Functions:
Be a friendly, supportive presence. Many Christmas movies are families bickering and fighting among themselves. Go against the culture on this one. If you need to get a gift for a family gathering use this excuse to get together with a family member you have not seen recently. Tell them you need their help getting a fun gift. You goal is to listen to your family member’s stories.
4. For All of Us:
Christmas is the loneliest time of the year for many people. It is to miss loved ones who are no longer around. Deanna and I have a motto, “Our money and time go a lot farther when we help people when they need help, compared to helping people when it is convenient for us.” Be observant in the workplace, at school, and at church. Invest time and money on at least a few lonely people this Christmas.
What works for you? How can you be Jesus’ hands, feet, and voice this Christmas season?
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The Jews celebrated “a holiday for parties and fun and laughter, the sending and receiving of presents and of giving gifts to the poor” (MSG Esther 9:22b).
