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Bruno

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Bruno lives with his grandparents on a lot that borders our property.
He used to be one of the most eager young people in our church. He is
struggling now through some tough teen-age years. Here is a photo of
him playing soccer on our church soccer field. He rarely comes to our
services these days. He was one of the first people to welcome us to
Marabá four years ago, and helped us unpack our furniture when we moved
here. His parents gave him to his grandparents when he was a baby. He
shared a bedroom with his great-grandmother until she died a few months
ago. He dreams of going to Belem to live with his dad someday. I
remember one December how excited he was to spend the Christmas
holidays with his brother in another part of Marabá. He would practice
in the Christmas play but always with the understanding that he would
not be here for the final production. He was going to his brother’s
home. Finally the big day came. We wished him well, and off he went,
about 12 or 13 years old. Early the next morning he was back. His eyes
were wild. “My brother threw a big party, and during this party he
stabbed someone. Then fled with his girlfriend to another city.” I
walked cross country for most of the night to get back here.” Then
Bruno burst out crying. We became like his family, and he was in the
Christmas play that year. Now his heart seems to be hardened. I feel so
sorry for him. He struggles with things we know nothing about. Maybe
you could pray for him?
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Planning a Children’s Event

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Deanna gathered a group after the youth service last night to plan some
children’s events. Art and Cyndi Rae and many young people are keen to
do this. July is a school holiday month in Brazil and the children have
lots of free time. It seems impossible to do the one huge thing that
will change everything, but many small acts of kindness are very
doable, and things change over time. May God continue to wash away the
effects of sin from our neighbourhood and to reveal Himself in small
and great ways. In our hearts we keep waiting for God to do the big
huge things too, like raising the dead, and giving sight to the blind,
signs and wonders, miracles and healings. When God shows up in tangible
ways it is very helpful.
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Deyse

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Deyse preached a great sermon at the Saturday night Youth Service on
how God does not judge us or choose us based on our outward appearance
or physical strenth. He looks at our heart, which includes our
attitudes and our character. Her sermon was based on the life of King
David, and how God chose David instead of Goliath to be his leader. “I
don’t know if Goliath was beautiful, but big and strong he certainly
was. God did not choose Goliath to be the leader of His people.”
Several of the young people in our church are taking turns preaching as
they hone their skills. They need a lot of courage to do this, the same
as young people anywhere. “I kept wondering if I would have the courage
to speak, but I know that God looks at our hearts and He gives His
children courage.”
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Ipé Sunrise and Sunsets

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We have a beautiful ipé hardwood tree in our yard. Every year this tree
fills with yellow blossoms and looks like one huge flower. This is
considered one of the best hardwood trees in the jungle. Just to give
you some idea of how special this wood is, if you google “Bill Gates
floor ipe” you will find an article which says Bill used ipé in his
home.

Here are a couple of sunsets from the other side of our home.