Saturday, June 20th

June 20th, 2009, 9:38PM

GPS Coordinates

(try to use with Google Maps or Google Earth):

S 02.47.272'

W 057.09.316'

 

Friends,

 

It is the third night for half of the Amazon Outreach team to stay here in Brazil and the second night for the rest.  Two human-filled hammocks swing under dimly lit rope lights above the third deck of this portable hospital that floats down the Amazon River and up her tirbutaries.  Portuguese and English fly as rapidly through the air as do the moths and the other unidenifiable bugs.  Laughter bursts out over a game of Uno, and I rejoice at the international fellowship and friendships begun between us and our translators in such a short time.

 

Two nights ago, seven member of this June 18th Amazon Outreach team did not yet have their visas due to delays at the Houston Brazilian Consulate, but received them the following day and joined the rest of the team last night after midnight.  We departed from Manaus at 2 AM by boat and just arrived at our first village 18 hours later.

 

We sit anchored off-shore, preparing to use a satellite internet connection and writing this update, while others visit, play games, and swat bugs with an electric-bug-zapper-tennis-racket.

 

Its amazing to think that only two months ago, there were only four people confirmed to go on this trip, and tonight 19 are preparing for their first of six days of ministry in multiple villages off the Amazon River.  We feel confident that God has brought together this team for His purposes.

 

Tomorrow, two doctors, a nurse, and a dentist will provide care and perform checkups, treatments, and surgeries for villagers oppressed with ailments easily treatable, but often serious, because they lack access to healthcare.  We will be coordinating a Vacation Bible School, doing men's and women's ministry, doing evangelism, distributing eyeglasses, clothing, and toys, and testing water quality.  Our hope and prayer is that many would trust Christ for salvation.

 

We would quickly like to thank our wonderful fathers out there for life and love, and congratulate our sons who are fathers for the same.  We love you Dads (and sons that are dads)!  Happy Fathers Day!

 

Blessings,

The Amazon Outreach Team