A Dream

I had the following dream in January 2025: In a bustling Asian metropolis, I found myself leading a group of twenty friends on an uncertain venture. We wandered the streets, unable to find an elevator to ascend a towering high-rise. Determined, we navigated through hidden maintenance corridors, and occasionally, strange beasts blocked our path. I bravely confronted them and succeeded in pushing them over the edge without harm to myself or others.

We reached a mid-level floor, only to realize we had left our money at the bottom. I volunteered to retrieve it while the others waited in a high-end clothing store midway up the building. After collecting what we needed, I struggled to find my way back into the building, eventually stopping at a tiny street-level shop for directions. The shopkeeper responded, “There’s no way up there. And those people are strange; they need tensor socks just to keep their circulation going. And there is no way up there.”

I woke up with the following thoughts:

1. Remain Humble and Serve: Leaders must continually remind themselves to serve others with humility. Overconfidence can blind us to our own vulnerabilities. As Revelation 3:17-18 teaches, self-perception of wealth and needlessness can hide our true state. Strive for humility, seek wisdom refined by life’s trials, and let your actions be a beacon of genuine leadership.
2. Rising Above: Many people remain trapped in their circumstances, lacking vision, hope, or the desire to elevate themselves. It is essential to inspire and guide them, showing that there is a path to greater heights and fulfillment.
3. Stay Connected: As you ascend in your journey, never lose touch with those who are still on their way up. Connection and empathy are vital; remember the importance of lending a helping hand to those looking for the doorway in, or who may be climbing the ladder behind you.
4. Wisdom from John Wimber: Reflecting on John Wimber’s words from the ’80s, “The meat is in the street,” reminds us that true ministry and leadership are found in the real world, among the people. In line with 1 Corinthians 3:2, we must move beyond basic teachings and embrace the deeper, more challenging aspects of our calling. True growth happens outside our comfort zones.

Let these thoughts guide you on your journey of leadership and inspiration.

Your thoughts?

On our journey home, we spent a day with Clenildo and Angelita, who are helping Steve and Elba plant a church in the metropolis of Belem. Their ministry is gaining momentum. They recently celebrated their second baptism service, launched a water filter project to bless surrounding communities, and their current meeting space is already filled to capacity.

Belem Church Plant Update

Clenildo shared how he encouraged the congregation to invite friends to church—though he gently reminded them that it might mean giving up their own seat! Every spot is taken, a sign of God’s work in their midst.

One visitor’s story particularly moved them. “I am an Uber driver,” he told Clenildo. “One day, I was giving a lady a ride, and we got to talking. I shared how discouraged I felt, being new to the city and unable to find a church where I truly belonged. As we neared her destination, we drove past this very church. She pointed at it and said, ‘There is your church.’”

Excited, he and his wife attended that Sunday, and from the moment they walked through the doors, they felt at home. Now, they are trying to find that woman—to thank her for directing them to the place God had prepared for them.

Clenildo and the team see this as more than just a coincidence. It’s evidence that God is stirring hearts, drawing people in, and building His church. The buzz in the city is growing, and they trust that many more will be led through their doors—just as this man was.

This video offers a glimpse into an incredible work—showcasing a free dental program that brings care to the rural poor. You’ll see familiar faces like Elba, Clenildo, and Angelita, along with breathtaking scenes from the Amazon River Basin.

Twenty years ago, Elba, Bud, and a small team launched CDR (Center for Regional Development) in Altamira, a nonprofit dedicated to serving communities in the Amazon. With the support of her husband, Steve, CDR grew to new heights. Friends from the Vineyard in Brasília, the capital of Brazil, also joined the mission. This is their story.

More than just a recap, this is an invitation—an opportunity for Brazilians to participate in real, hands-on community transformation.

I can’t remember the last time we were welcomed home like this in Marabá. Normally, we just find our car waiting at the airport, quietly load up our bags, and ease back into our routines. But this time was different.


Eliel and Aline met us at the airport.


We were completely surprised by a welcome home party! This is the sidewalk in front of our house.


Welcome Home!


They placed posters around our house, telling us we were missed and they were glad we were back.

These are the handprints of many neighbors, including Deanna’s women’s group.


The children even wrote us books! It was an interesting and different homecoming.

Deer roam wild at the retreat center, where we participated in the Missions Meetings in Texas.

Bella (our daughter) goes hiking in Abbotsford, Canada, with other moms and babies. Notice how Bella carries both twins, one in the front and one in the back on their 5 kilometer hike.

We flew into Belem, in the mouth of the Amazon River, and from there it was just one more hour of flying home to Marabá, on the first tributary on the South side of the Amazon River.

We are SO GRATEFUL to be back home in Marabá.

King David’s story is incredible, rising from an unknown shepherd boy to a legendary king in the Old Testament.

Look what David discovered when he found the Garden of Eden in His circumstances.

Despite being betrayed by his friends, David didn’t quit or try for shortcuts to God’s plan for his life. Even when Saul, who he served, wanted to bring him down, David continued to honor Saul and waited for God’s plan instead of seizing power himself.

David carefully chose his steps past the slippery slopes around the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Bad to find the Tree of Life.

David spent time with God, learning to be the right person in each situation.

A Riddle: Where do those who do injustice fall?

Question 1: Have you ever felt driven away by injustice?

Question 2: Have you ever felt overwhelmed by “the river of God’s delights” during a season of chaos? If so, what happened?

Job

Job is another Old Testament hero who discovered how to be the right person all the time. Can you see him wading in and stirring the pot in a servant leadership, resilient, loving way?

In Conclusion

When we spend enough time with God, He transforms us. Acts of service ooze out of us because they are who we become. Sometimes we discover the Garden of Eden in the midst of chaos.

In Psalm 36, David wrestles with his options. He spells out the injustice to make sure God understands his pain. Then, he prayerfully finds his way forward toward the Tree of Life.

Question: How do we not ignore or distance ourselves from difficult situations while remaining true to who we are?

The Vineyard Missions conference was vibrant, with informative sessions, gifted speakers, ministry times, and meals. The meals and breaks were especially important. Everyone has stories, and God is on the move in our homes and around the world.

Deanna and I had a 10-minute slot to discuss the Vineyard in Brazil. I shared a few statistics while Deanna brought the stories showcasing how God is moving among us.

Brazil Update

Milton, the leader in Brazil, sent me these 2024 statistics. There are now 49 churches with ordained pastors, 12 more in the process of church planting, and around 50 rural churches and pioneer communities.

On the chart, “Região Norte” indicates the churches that grew from the work in the Xingu in the 1990s. The Vineyard in Brazil started as a church-planting mission work with us in Northern Brazil and as a renewal movement with Milton and others in Southern Brazil.

Thank You

The list of churches indicates a growing number of individuals who have moved from hopelessness to hope, from brokenness to a healing path, from aimlessness to purposeful and joyful lives. Each person is a whole story.

We are grateful for your prayers and support. The chart above indicates the fruit we see now. The best part is these churches will continue to bear fruit for generations.

“You can count the apples in a tree,
but you cannot count the trees in an apple.”

Texas art.

Early one morning, I walked about 10 kms along the San Antonio River Walk. I was delighted to discover this beautiful fish art. These fish are giant. Look at them compared to the people on the River Walk below. And they are lit from within. I wondered about all the people driving on the busy freeway above who had no idea of the beauty under them.

We walked to local restaurants. The conversations around meals and in hallways were gold. We felt privileged, honored, hopeful, and grateful to spend a few days with peers who were serving the underserved around the globe.