Guest Post by Josh Harris

Well, we are home but the work now begins to keep the thoughts, memories and the Lord's will continuing to flow through us. It was such an amazing experience for Ashley and I. We are thankful for our families, our friends, and our church for making it possible for us to go!

Too often we are worried what others will think of us when we do things such as raise our hand while we sing, if we pray out loud while the pastor prays, etc. In Brazil, the people come to worship the Lord and do it without reservation or regard of what others are doing. In America, we are watching the clock each Sunday to make sure that Lyle doesn't go much past 11:30 a.m. whereas in Brazil a service could last 2.5 to 3 hours easily with praise, singing, worship all happening and no one even thinks of looking for a clock. It made me see that I was consumed with my life, my worship style where I was basically going through the motions each Sunday instead of giving my all during my worship to the Lord.

I also have to say it was great getting to know the other team members so much better. We all have so much more in common than I would have ever thought heading into this trip. One thing we all have is a sense of humor which definitely helped at times. For me it was great working with Jake and the girls on the drama team (Sydney, Megan, Emily, Rebecca, Becca, McCall, Allie, Courtney and Callie) as I felt odd at first when we practiced being older than everyone but by the time we got to Brazil it was like we were all brothers and sisters! While Jake and I got to "practice" every day in Brazil doing the drama the girls swapped parts each day but it was like they had done it as much if not more than we had. I am so proud of them all!

Lastly, there are too many moments to pick one as my favorite but doing the Chicken Dance, singing "God is so Good" in both English and Portuguese, and doing the drama in front of a school full of kids was awesome. Ashley and I are blessed to have such a wonderful church but most of all such an Awesome God! Indeed, God is So Good to Me, I just hope I can do my part to return the favor back to him!!

Josh Harris

Check Out Our Videos on YouTube

I have posted about 10 videos from our trip on YouTube. Check them out here. They give a little picture of our trip here this week. Below is an example of the video. We thank you for your prayers and look forward to seeing many of you real soon. We start our trip home tomorrow and should be back in Nashville Monday afternoon.

Guest Post from Steve and Kathy Moore

The abandoned room we used for the eye glasses ministry was long and narrow with a high ceiling.  Three light bulbs hung by wires high above but only two worked.  The roll-up door by the sidewalk would raise to the ceiling, providing light and air into the room, but it also allowed the heat from the sun.  An opening in the side wall went to the room for the dental ministry.  We knew that this ministry room was bathed in prayer by our church family, our host church in Porto Seguro and our mission team.

Pastor John of Calvary Baptist described Ubaldinao as a city with no hope. When our bus rolled into town  early Monday morning, people were already waiting in line for tickets.  Despite the heat, rain, and mud, the lines continued throughout the week.  It had been a long time since hope had come to the city.

Most of the Brazilians who came through the eye glass ministry were adults, and most needed glasses.  Each person's eyes were examined and he/she was able to select a new pair of reading glasses.  They were so excited to be able to see clearly!  We did have some to come who were curious, who needed a hug, or who just wanted to meet someone from the United States.  Whatever the reason, each examiner had the opportunity to sit at a table one-on-one and get to know the person, to pray with them, and to learn whether or not they had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  More important than reading glasses, a hug, or meeting a stranger, the gospel was presented and many decisions were made for Christ.  Their eyes and hearts were opened to the love of Jesus.  

Monday through Friday, our ministry room was filled with the sounds of the city--children playing, conversations, laughter from the dental ministry.  Through all of this, there was the continual sounds of the eyeglass team and interpreters proclaiming the gospel.  Quite often there was heard "Praise the Lord" as Brazilians accepted Jesus Christ as their savior for the first time.  

To God alone be the glory!

Guest Post from Kathy Decker

What is it that you need--it makes no difference whether you are in Tennessee or Brazil? Let me ask it another way--do you have all you need? Better yet, do you have JESUS in your heart? After being here in Brazil for several days, I have come to a better understanding that relationships are far more important than shoes and eye glasses! Yes, those are important; however, they will not last forever! Only a relationship with Jesus Christ lasts forever! And that can never be taken away or stolen! By the grace of God, we have had an incredible week--one that I cannot easily find words to describe--experiences that when I close my eyes, I cannot help but say "by the grace of God, there go I"! Over the last few days, I have had the opportunity to wash children's feet and fit them with a new pairs shoes, (one of the most humbling things that I have ever done); on one occasion, it was all I could do to hold back the tears as I looked into the eyes of a child who had nothing; on another, I wept with a mother who was so very grateful for all that we were doing in her community; on another occasion, I prayed over a home where the father was an alcoholic; More importantly, we have had the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ--and the decisions that have been made are overwhelming! The seeds have been planted; Matthew 9:37-38 is so very true as Jesus said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few..." These people are ready to give their lives to Christ! How about you? Take a few moments and think about what Jesus means to you! Bless and be blessed!

First Update

We have had a great couple of days in Porto Seguro, Brazil. Yesterday afternoon we toured the worksite for the first time. The construction guys are working on a site that used to be the trash dump for the city. They will be building a community center - the first community center of its kind in the community of Ubaldinao. The community center will also house a new work of the Calvary Baptist Church here in Porto Seguro.

Last night, we worshiped with Calvary Baptist Church in Porto Seguro. The service lasted for 2 1/2 hours and was definitely an uplifting experience. Our Redeemer team did a great job as they performed the drama for the church.

This morning was filled with preparing for our ministries. Each ministry took time to set up their rooms and prepare for the people. But even in the midst of preparation, Bill Laarz and Barabara Forbis were able to share the Gospel with some children on the street. A few of those children accepted Christ for the first time.

This afternoon, our people began to work for the first time in the ministries. It was exciting for me to see people working in our ministries. I saw people from our church giving out shoes, helping people with glasses, brushing teeth, and entertaining children with drama and songs.

I saw Jake Gaines, Josh Harris, Emily Chambers, Sydney Forbis, and Megan Buttrey singing "God is so good" in both English and Portugese (as well as the Hokey Pokey). I witnessed McCall Decker cleaning a child's teeth and telling her about Jesus. The eyeglass team worked tirelessly sharing Christ and giving glasses. And I was able to see our Happy Feet team put shoes and smiles on the faces of kids from the community.

Our construction team worked hard in extreme heat all day. In fact, when we returned to worksite after our ministries, we were shocked at the progress of the team. They were able to build the building past the windows and had to stop to let the blocks set a little bit before working tomorrow.

The most exciting part of the day for the team was seeing the receptiveness of the people of Ubaldinao. Each ministry team saw people saved today. Even our contruction team had four of the Brazilians working with them accept Christ today.

Tomorrow, we will continue our ministries and construction. Please pray for our team as we continue. One of the biggest obstacles that we are facing is the intense sun. The temperature here is not that bad, but the sun is very intense. We are all tired and looking forward to good night's sleep.

We are expecting great things from God this week while we are attempting great things for God.