It was unfortunate that the construction site was not in the proximity of a village, but we did spend an evening at the orphanage, and another evening at a squatters village ministering.
The mission objective was to take clothing to the people of Grand Victory, and construct a church in a joint effort with our Brazilian brothers. It was a great success for the Lord. The skilled Brazilians taught us their techniques for setting and parging brick walls, and the 30 foot by 70 foot church was substantially complete in 6 days. It's not only about the building, of course, and the people in the neighborhood gave us a warm welcome. The children were more than willing to play futball with the pale American. Most importantly, we estimated approximately 300 people showed up for the dedication service.
Brazil 2000 - Manaus
Trinity's first trip into the Amazonas was a truly awesome experience. The severity of poverty we witnessed is difficult to find in America, but is rampant all over Brazil. Families literally carve out a 20 foot by 20 foot area near the edge of the rainforest and build a small wooden shack, maybe 10 foot by 12 foot, to house as many as eight people. Not only is there no plumbing, there are no private outhouses. Most everyone uses a community outhouse and bathing area. Expected standards such as paved roads and public services are not present either. And yet, when you walk in their midst, they are happy to welcome you. They do not complain, nor do they resent, and they offer overabundant gratitude for something so insignificant as a used pair of sandals.
We went as complete strangers to offer them hope for all eternity, and hundreds came to listen.
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
- 2Timothy 4:5