Bom Dia from the Amazon!

It is Prestonwood Young Singles' 5th day here on the river and we have had an incredible experience. Yesterday, our second day of the Youth Ralley, we had hundreds of Brazilian kids, from 5 to 35 years, join us for competitive games. After hours of playing competitive field games between animal inspired teams, our day ended a bit differently; but really it was only the beginning of the next two life-changing days in Parintins.

We split the young Brazilians into two groups, ladies in one and the gentlemen in another. The girls received an encouraging and truthful lesson from the woman leaders from Prestonwood. They focused on self-respect and becoming God fearing woman in Brazil. While the woman led their purity station, our very own Matt Fernandez, gathered the men together to share that Jesus loves each and every one of them. Every man and woman is equally important to God and it is our responsibility as Christians to share that message with others. Each Prestonwood man led a small group with 8-10 young men as we shared with them the Good News, John 3:16, and that God yearns for a relationship with everyone. As we sat in small circles with these men, we encouraged these men to be leaders, to respect the women of Brazil, and to be lights unto the world in a sometimes very dark place. God was working miracles in these men as their eyes began to open wide, and they began to ask questions about our faith and our Jesus.

After the full day of activities, we met our Brazilian friends at a Baptist Church service. Two worship songs into the service, the lights went out. At first many thought it was planned, but the electricity had completely gone out in the area. One would imagine that the church service could not continue; but we are in Brazil and these young men and women didn't miss a beat. The Holy Spirit filled the building with every person singing worship songs and dancing around the chairs. While the church looked dark from the outside, hundreds of bright lights shined from inside as the Brazilians continued to praise Jesus and smile with their eyes wide open.

Our speed boat teams led a group deep into the Amazon villages the past three days, going village to village and door to door sharing the Gospel. While most of these villages were very remote, many had been introduced to the story of Jesus and were eager to grow in the knowledge of Christ. Our team, through intentional discipleship, preached the importance of moral character, living for Jesus and not for this world, and having a genuine love for others around them.

Today, we met our children bright and early on the fields to enjoy our last day of games with our Brazilian small groups/teams. What was once handshake introduction between the Americans and Brazilians became an all out spirit chant as the competiting teams developed cheers and dances to pump up their team and the crowd. The kids absolutely loved this. It's amazing to see how joyful and the sincere enthusiasm they express through their love for others. Dodgeball, Flickerball (similiar to ultimate frisbee), Tug-o-War, and the slipin' slide highlighted today's games. The games proved to be an incredible way to bring all ages together. At the end of the games, our leader Josh, gathered everyone under the shade and shared Jesus with these youth. After the message, a call to ask Jesus into their hearts was given. With every head bowed and every eyes closed, hands began to shoot up when publically asked if these kids and young adults will accept God's free gift of salvation and ask Jesus into their hearts to live for eternity. We pray that this is the beginning for many of these new believers as the old has gone and the new has come. As we walked away from the group, a few young men came to me and said "Thank You"; and I said "No, thank you, and know that I will be praying for you"; They reached out, putting their hand in mine, and said "We have already been praying for you and will continue to even when you leave Brazil." That is such an encouragment. To know that these youth are so eager to know Jesus, but sometimes do not have the means to do so as easily as in America; yet, their hearts are on fire for the Lord and they want to bless everyone around them. As we leave Parintins tonight to head west down the Amazon, we will be leaving our competitive teams and chants, but our love and prayer for those whom God introduced us to the last three days will remain in our hearts, as we will continue to support the people of Parintins.

In Him,

Nelson Crowe