Wednesday on the Uaicurapa River

August 12? I think...

 

    It's been nice not knowing what time or even day it is out on the river. We could learn a lot from the people of the Amazon. God has worked so much since our last meeting. We have since spent a day and a half in Ponta Alta, and just as the first village, the people were so welcoming and gracious. I was able to move around a little bit more these days and was able to see more of where God is working. So far I have been a childrens teacher, a stylest, and an optometrist. The Children are so open to learning new things and seem excited about Jesus. We were able to take a tour of the village which was eye opening.  We held baby's (which of course didn't pee until I held him), we saw all kinds of birds and monkeys, and most importantly we were able to spend one on one time with the villagers. This village was approximately 60 families, many of which decided to make decisions of faith... Praise God!

    This has been a trip of many new experiences. New foods, new places to visit, new people to meet. Just last night 6 of us (David, Candice, Julie, Maggie, Lauren, and Abby) went out on a small boat looking for gators! We all are still here to talk about our experience.

     Today, we are in Varre Vento. This village has several Christian families that have being shunned by their community because of their faith. To whomever is reading this today, please pray that we can be of great encouragement to each and every one of them in order to restore strength and hope in their lives. Pray also that the Lord would continue to speak through us, and that without any hindurance the gospel

would be presented.  

 

Blessings and prayers from the Linda Esperanca

Linda Esperanca Update

August 7

 

    Day one was full of early patience and team building exercizes. As early as walking into the Indianapolis airport, Delta informed us that all of our checked bags needed to be taken down by 20 lb's each! We all worked together like we had been a team for years and knocked it out in no time at all. This was to be te only excitement for two more days of airplane and boat rides. Preparation for the villages through prayer and packing for each individual ministry such as dental, pharmacy, vbs, kids, adults, and spa/hair (which my wife Candice and I are involved) consumed our afternoon of day two.

 

August 9

 

    Finally, time to meet our first village! While eating breakfast, all of the cute chidren were hanging out of their hut windows awaiting our arrival with curiosity and excitement in their eyes. Towns people gathered to welcome our first steps on dry land in two days. Our different ministries hit the ground running almost immediately. Candice was painting nails, I was cutting hair, Abby was handing out perscriptions and the medical and dental teams were examining.... everyone was extremely busy! The Lord was present this day and it was obvious. Perhaps the biggest blessing thus far was the mens ministry, headed up by Jim. Approximately 40 men expressed interest in accepting Christ as their personal Savior! I have never seen God work in such a way. I'm exited to see what God has in store for us in the coming days, as I'm sure he will exceed any of our expectations.