Prayer Guide

We have made similar journeys before and those trips have been successful. However, we often assume that since previous trips went well, then future trips will go well. We think that past victories will ensure future victories - unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed.

Past trips give us confidence to continue and they give us courage, but we cannot take anything for granted. There are many examples given in the Bible where God's people assumed that He would be with them or that they didn't need His presence - in all of those cases, they failed.

For this reason, we ask that you partner with us through prayer, as we earnestly prepare for and participate in this trip.

A scripture that has fascinated me is Luke 2:25. It says And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

In this scripture, there are four very important elements:

This seems to be a very good guide to the various parts of the July trip. For example, wisdom is needed as the leaders (Glenn, Marcelo and Edimar) plan the trip. Physical strength is needed as we make the trip and good health is needed during the trip so that we can be effective. Spiritual growth will occur both in those who go and those who make decisions. Finally, the social part of the trip is important as we visit with old friends and realize that others will be watching (some of the things that are accepted in Texas are not accepted in Brazil - OK?). Hopefully, we won't embarrass ourselves or those that are around us. Unfortunately, it is true that our Christian witness can be destroyed by unintentionally committing some social 'no-no'.

So, I have put together this prayer guide - take it and expand on it - lift up this trip. Thanks.

Day 1. Wisdom. Remember Glenn, Marcelo and Edimar as they work out the details and plans for this trip. Ask for discernment as they decide what to do and where we should go.

Day 2. Knowledge. Remember the participants as they prepare for the trip. There are messages to write, the tract needs to be studied and other spiritual preparation.

Day 3. Physical strength. The trip to Brazil is a looooonnnnnnngggg trip - an overnight flight with intermittent sleep. We arrive in Brazil and start going. The food is different, the days are long and the nights are short. Pray for endurance for everyone: the Texans and the Brazilians.

Day 4. Spiritual growth. One of the revelations that I have had about these trips is that We go to Brazil to help minister to Brazilians - however, God uses the Brazilians to minister to us more than we minister to them. Pray for the spiritual growth that will occur in everyone.

Day 5. Spiritual health. We will encounter some rough times - sometimes, we will get discouraged. The trip is a physical trip with a spiritual purpose - it is a mission trip designed to spread the good news of salvation. The enemy will challenge us and will try to defeat us - pray for encouragement.

Day 6. Social - others. In my opinion, one of the reasons for the success of this mission trip is that we already know the people that we will be working with. Marcelo has been in my house in Snyder - I have been in his in Campinas. I have confidence in him, he is a friend. On many mission trips, those who go do not know those whom they will be working with until they meet on the mission field. So, the first couple of days are spent getting to know each other. This trip is different. Glenn has worked with Edimar since 1991. We will work hard - this is not a vacation - but we will also renew old friendships and begin new ones. Pray for us as we share the love of Jesus with old and new friends.

Day 7. Social - self. Remember to pray for yourself. When a wheel is balanced, it runs smoothly. When a life is balanced between wisdom, physical strength, spiritual and social components, then it runs much smoother. Pray for balance in your life. You may be one who doesn't go on the trip with us, but you can still be a valuable part of the trip - you can be a prayer warrior.

Well, that is it - a seven day prayer guide for the trip. After you finish these 7 days, then do it again. You may be able to go through it several times before the end of the trip - I encourage you to do so.
The following is a prayer that includes the elements given above:
Our Father,
I praise you for the successful partnership crusades of the past. I thank you for what you have done, are doing and will do on these trips. I thank you for your Son who died for me.
Lord, I ask for a spirit of discernment, wisdom and knowledge for those involved in this crusade, so that they (we) can do their (our) work well.
I pray that you keep those involved in this trip safe; let them (us) find protection in you. Keep them (us) from danger.
I pray also that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which we have been called, the riches of your glorious inheritance in the saints, and your incomparably great power for us who believe. Help each of us to grow spiritually, to gain your favor.
As they (we) go out, give the people eager eyes to hear your Word for it is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. As they (we) go out into a different culture, help them (us) to understand that culture so that they (we) can be effective witnesses. Help them (us) to communicate effectively, because the unsaved have difficulty believing in someone they have not heard about.
We ask these things in your Name. Amen.

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