Our Brazil team is now home – look for a trip recap to be posted soon.

Pastor Marco just called on the way to the airport to report that this was a terrific trip.  It was very difficult to say good-bye to the hosts and the people they have been with this week.  They visited some of the recently-flooded areas and found unbelievable devastation – possibly worse than any area that Hurricane Katrina hit.  The people they visited in the flooded area were so filled with the joy of the Lord, even though they had gone without food for 2 days, they were smiling and sharing God’s love!

The team is leaving for the airport  – our next report will be when they are back home!  Please continue to pray for safety as they travel and that the works they have completed in Brazil will make a lasting impact on God’s Kingdom. 

Monday has the Brazil team working at the Shalom Camp Ground, assisting in relief work such as cutting trees and moving them into piles.  This work is a result of the 200 year floods that the region has recently been hit with.  They are also working more on the brick work, mixing cement and laying bricks, finishing the church building to hold more people.  The team is eating very well and are enjoying the hammocks!  The team unity is great.  The March for Jesus was like a Mardi Gras for Jesus with a 3 mile march, followed by a concert.  Pastor Marco, Simon & Gene also participated in the Dance for Jesus.  Please keep the team in your prayers!

Thank you Simon for the pictures!

Saturday’s update – The team climbed up a mountain yesterday and continued laying bricks for the church building yesterday.  Today they have returned to Santarem for the Walk for Jesus and will have a day of rest Sunday and will attend church services.  Ps. Marco reports that lots of people have given their lives to Christ and that God is moving through a tremendous work.  “The love of Christ is so thick here” – The team has been alligator hunting, but returned empty handed and have had their first taste of turtle.  They will have some new adventures Monday.  “God is moving through the team in a mighty way” -

Thursday morning’s update was from the boat near a small community of Piquiatuba of 1,000 people. The team is helping lay bricks on the walls of a 10 yd x 30 yd church. At the service last night, Jacob, Charles & Ps. Marco all shared.  The congregation warmly welcomed the team and encouraged them to help spread the Gospel of Christ. The food is delicious, the people tremendous, genuine and humble. They will be on a mountain climb Friday, then returning to Santarem Saturday morning.

The Brazil 2009 team is now in Santarem, Brazil and has hit the ground running.  They had their first preaching opportunity with 25 in attendance and 1 salvation!  All the guys are all doing great and have even had a chance for some basketball with the native teens.  They will be leaving by boat tonight to go into the Amazon area, then returning later in the week to attend the March for Jesus on Saturday.