We have spent the entire trip on the Solimoes Tributary of the Amazon. We are approximately 15 hours upstream from Manaus. The trip has been an exciting experience for the team. The river is at the lowest point it has been in over 50 years. The river being low makes for a difficult trek to the villages. It is definitely a workout to carry the supplies to the village. Today we are in Cuia, this village has approximately 100 families. The ministries were extremly busy today. VBS had over 80 kids, that was an exhausting experience. Angela has done an excellent job leading VBS, especially with her revolving team including Chad Baze, Christine, Philip, Shawn, Michelle, Chad Butler, and Katie. The eye glass ministry has been popular at each village. Brian, Gary, and Mari have been busy sifting through the different prescriptions. Medical has been popular as usual among the villagers; Rich, Christine, and Rebekah along with Dr. Pablo have made an excellent team diagnosing the Brazilians. Elbert, Kathy, and Dr. Louis have have been performing skillful tooth extraction or as Christine says "yanking" teeth out. The door-to-door ministry has been more of a blessing to us than the Brazilians. The Brazilians have such a sweet heart and always insist on providing a place to sit, even if it is their only chair. Jason, Philip, Chad Butler, Shawn, and Michelle have been fortunate to experience the blessing of door-to-door. Mari and Chad Butler have been performing the women's and men's ministries. Michelle has prepared the giveaways, and she has been working extremely hard to fill the bags with goodies for the ladies and teachers in the villages. It is truly exciting to see the expression on peoples faces as they receive these donations including; tooth brushes, flip flops, tolitries, hats, fishing line, clothes, toys, and much more that people donated.
Last night we had service on Vila Nova. About 30 villagers come to hear a powerful message delivered by Dr./Pastor Pablo. Mari and Rebekah led us in two beautiful worship songs. Tonight we are having a service in Cuia. We are excited to worship with this village. Thank you for all of your prayers. The team members can truly feel each of you lifting them up in prayer as the team continues to minister along the Amazon river. Everybody on the boat misses their families and friends, but this has been an exciting journey that has been life changing for each trip member.
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