It is amazing how simple things make such a difference. In the U.S., our kids and us are so caught up with the latest toys and the games only for them to quickly grow old and need to be replaced. Here in the villages, our trash (water bottles) have become instruments (with rocks inside), swords, balls, etc. It is so amazing to see these kids enjoy the simple things in life. This evening, I had the simple luxury of talking to two people: one was a brother in Christ who is needed someone to talk to and one is the most beautiful woman in the world, my wife. The wonderful gift of conversation and relationship is something that so often gets lost in the busyness of our lives. I am just grateful that I was allowed an opportunity to be in the middle of the Amazon river and be reminded of that gift. Lee Ann and my five incredible kids, I LOVE YOU and will see you soon!
- Chris Duggar
There is a white board beside the "buffet line." Every day, the list of the villages that are ministered to are recorded. As the trip has gone on, the list gets longer and longer. It is impressive to see the various places we have visited:
1. Divino - 6/29
2. Maranhao - 6/30 A.M.
3. Paraiso - 6/30 P.M.
4. Sol Nascente - 7/1 A.M.
5. Bucuzal - 7/1 P.M.
6. Sol Nascente - 7/2, 7/3.
Under this list, the people blogging that night are listed. Tonight it reads "BLOG OPEN TO ANYONE." So, I am taking advantage of this opportunity.
I hope y'all prayed today for the teenage girls of Sol Nascente like I encouraged you to do yesterday. Your prayers were greatly felt by Georgianna, Emily, Becky, Erika, Rosi, and I. All fears were calmed. The saving power of God's word and the testimonies of His love in our lives were given with power, love, and urgency. It was beautiful. It was amazing.
We started with 12 girls in Erika's home, excluding Rosi, Georgianna, Emily, Becky, and I. Once everyone had arrived, we decided to "break the ice" by introducing ourselves. We didn't even get through the Americans before we just jumped right into it. Becky told them the reason why we are here: because we are called by God to come down here to Lake Carara to minister to them. We shared our life stories of God's grace, mercy, and the continual struggle to focus ONLY on Christ...and no one else. Rosi, our faithful, amazing, translator, translated for us. Then, she jumped it.....telling her story and got "down and dirty" with those girls...telling them the urgency, the need, the sole satisfaction found in Jesus. It was amazing. By the end of the session, we only had 7 girls.....and only about 3 were really listening. But those that were were greatly impacted. Honestly, I can't wait to head back out in the morning to Sol Nascente to see what God did in their hearts during the night. HIS WORD NEVER COMES BACK VOID.
So, pray tomorrow that, as we continue to ask these girls hard questions, they will be open to us. Pray that God will remove the scales from their eyes so that they can see Him.
OH! Tomorrow, we are having baptisms at the church from the new baptismal font! AND Communion from the new communion trays. I cannot wait for those sweet moments of fellowship with my brothers and sisters from the boat, Igreja Presbiteriana de Sol Nascente, and with Christ.
Pray for strength. Tomorrow is our last day.....and we are exhausted.
Thanks. Love y'all! Solo Deo Gloria!
Jordan A. Holley
P.S. We went gator huntin again tonight.......and we caught a biggun! ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment