Hello, Readers! As you can tell, our days are so jammed packed, that it is difficult to update as often as we would like because of limited internet connection, so this post will be filling you in on the activities of yesterday and this morning.
Yesterday, our students went to another community and were able to do VBS activities for two different school groups with about 200+ kids. Several of our students put on skits, shared their testimonies, and did question/answer sessions for the Brazilians, and we had many opportunities to share Christ! Here is a testimony from one of our students on her activities yesterday:
"Yesterday, my family group was supposed to go help with the clinic in a village oustide of Parantins. Instead, we were assigned to go back to VBS. I was a little disappointed because I was really excited to experience something different. But, before we headed to VBS, I prayed that the Lord would change my heart and attitude. Whenever we arrived at VBS, God gave me the opportunity to lead 9 girls to Christ. God showed me that if our circumstances don't turn out the way we want them to, He will faithfully answer prayers and give us the chance to glorify Him!" -Macie Herring
The groups that were not doing VBS activities, were able to assist our nurse and a dentist in a clinic we held. We also had many people come, and were able to give away basic necessities to them. It was truly touching to be able to serve these beautiful people. Some of our girls were able to paint nails, cut hair, and love on women and of course we have been playing A LOT of soccer!
Last night, our students performed in another outdoor pavilion of the community we had been working in all day. It is wonderful seeing our students love on the crowd--especially the younger children. Afterwards, we were able to hear from two missionaires we've been traveling with, Josiah and Megan McIntyre. They are a young couple in their 20's who have been in Brazil a little over two years. They also have an almost one year old daughter, Asia. Our students were blessed to hear about their call to the country of Brazil, and we are thankful for their hearts in serving the Kingdom.
This morning was the first time we were able to go into the classrooms of 8 different schools here in Parantins. The students were split up into groups of 3 with one translator and the majority of them shared their testimonies to the classes of the hope they have found in Jesus Christ. Our students really enjoyed getting to share with teenagers around their age, and the school's faculties were very appreciative of us coming! We are going to be visiting more schools this afternoon, so please be praying God provides us with opportunities and great conversation!
Here is another student's account of yesterday and today:
"During this week in Brazil, I wasn't expecting to be so open about my faith. I'm used to talking to friends and family about God, but would never thought to speak to young women in a foreign country who don't even speak my language! On this trip, I was expecting to sit back, play and love on the kids and not actually share my faith or the Gospel with anyone. But, God had different plans for me in store. The third day, we were here I was told to help speak in front of a classroom in a village and talk about my trials of being a Christian and how I can always overcome them because I have a personal relationship with Christ. When I was told that, I was extremely nervous and scared I would say something wrong or wouldn't say enough to where they could understand my point I was trying to get across. The night before I prayed about that God would speak through me. When I was handed the microphone the next day, God completely took over when I spoke. Afterwards, a girl my age came up to me and told me she wanted exactly what I had and I got the opportunity to pray with her and help her to accept Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. During this trip, God has really taught me to let go and let Him take over control of my life, and now I have spoken to so many girls and boys about having a personal relationship with Him. This trip has made a huge impact on my life! I am now more comfortable to share God's Word with anyone, and on this trip I learned to let go and let God!" -Nicole Craven
We have our final concert in Parantins tonight, and we have invited students from all of the schools we've visited and will visit this afternoon. Please be praying for a mighty work of the Holy Spirit and that He will move amongst this community. God Bless!
Another student shared her account of the past couple of days:
