We are in the North West of Brazil in the city of Olinda after two full days of travel, including four airplane flights and four long
car trips, we are finally settled, for three days, and doing what we love to do. We are telling children about Jesus!
Valley of the Savior
This morning we heard the sweetest sound, children at an orphanage asking God to be their Father and Jesus to be their Savior. However, Valley of the
Savior is more than an orphanage. Once they had 76 children living there and then, they began to realize that most of these children were not true
orphans. Many had broken families that could be mended with faith. Now 66 of the children are back with their parents and supported through a variety
of programs that help their families stay together.
Today, I bought a doll from a mother who had been beaten by her husband. Another part of the ministry of the Valley of the Savior is to train these very
hurt moms, and give them job skills, and hopefully faith in Jesus Christ. Many of us bought small things that they had made. This was their first sale
and such a confidence builder!
A Private School
Our second show was for hundreds of children at a private school and it was very difficult. They were loud, poorly behaved, and the teachers were very
little help. Then a storm came up, scattering some of the children and soaking some of our equipment. It would be easy to be discouraged and think they
did not listen, but in every storm God always sends a blessing. One little boy came up to me afterwards and said, " Thank you very much for the story"
He was listening! Then, while the rest of the team walked back to the house Faby, Gerson and I waited for the van to pick up the equipment.
So many children came by to see us, thanked us and gave me hugs. One little boy begged, "When will you come again?" Our hearts were so encouraged. Even
the director of the school came by to thank us again for coming. Our sadness melted away as the children gave us smiles and greetings. One boy said,
"Congratulations on your show". They were all very excited and we realized that many of them had been listening. Please pray for the school shows that
we are doing. Ask the Lord to help the children listen! For our part, we must pray more.
Catholicism and Voodoo
In a day and a half, we will drive to the interior of this state and work with a ministry called Water in the Desert. It is a particularily dark place for
the Gospel with only 1% of the population confessing Christ as Savior. They practice a mixture of Catholicism and a Voodoo type religion. It involves
animal sacrifices, mediums and lots of superstition.
Near where we will be doing puppet shows for the children, people carry rocks on their heads for miles to gain forgiveness for their sins. They placed
them at the foot of a giant statue, desperate to receive what only Jesus can give. Please start praying now for this place.
Interesting Brazil
Today we ate "Pitomba,"a hard shelled fruit about the size of a grape, it was delicious. Last night we were warned not to swim in the waters of the coast
of Recife, since we would be devoured by sharks. This morning we watched two little boys grab the underneath of the truck in front of as and ride to school.
Last night, we saw statues in front of an office building that was placed there to ward off evil spirits.
Please hold us in your prayers, please pray for the children of Brazil to hear Jesus.
In Jesus,
Linda for the team
for
Sam, assistant director (Ireland)
Hadia Jackson (USA)
Lisa Roerdink (USA)
Gerson (Brazil)
Faby (Brazil)
June 10, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
Slavery
Olinda is a very old city. Around 400 years ago, the Dutch founded the city and the architecture and the cobblestone streets are incredible. They took us
to the highest hill in the old city and showed us such wonderful sights. We saw the beauty of the deep green ocean against snow white beach. However, one
place made all of us very sad. We were reminded again of the effects of sin in this world. They showed us a wonderful old carved cross in a plaza. Once,
slaves were chained together in that place, forced to be the labor that built the city. It was a place of great suffering. Always we remember that there
is no hurt Jesus can not heal, especially old, deep hurts.
New Puppet Teams
This trip, we are partnering with Brazilian national church leaders in the Norhtwest. This afternoon and evening, Igreja Presbiteriana em Peixinhos, in
the town of Olinda, hosted a training seminar. People came from many different churches and even other ministries to learn how to use chalk, puppets,
juggling, and balloons to share Jesus with children.
Our friends from the orphanage ministry yesterday, Valley of the Savior, brought their staff for training. They were so excited about the idea of starting
a puppet ministry. Their enthusiasm was a blessing to us!
Brazilian Hospitality
Everyone has been so kind to us. They go out of their way to take care of us, crowding into a smaller space to make room for us. The homes do not have
plumbing for hot water, but we are warmed by their friendship.
One pastor, where we are going tomorrow, sent word that he was so greatful to God for sending rain. For years, they have had a drought and little food.
He was so happy because now they had plenty and could feed us. We were more concerned for their years of hunger, but they were more worried about us.
Tonight, we all enjoyed a birthday party. The guest of honor did not even know us, but she included us as friends of her friend.
Prayer
Please pray for us as we travel to the interior of this state tomorrow. There is great darkness there, with less than 1% of people claiming to believe
in Jesus. They practice a mixture of Catholism and a voodoo type religion. Please ask God to open doors.
Linda for
Sam Shaw
Hadia Jackson
Lisa Roerdink
Gerson Simioni
Faby Mendes
Silvana Simioni
June 11, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
A Child´s Thank-You
We had a wonderful day! Our first program was at a new church where the children are very poor. They have many needs, but today many of the children
trusted Jesus to meet their needs. One little boy was so excited that he wanted to give me a personal thank-you. This is what he wrote: (originally in
Portugese)
A is for love
P is for passion
C is for gentleness
C is for heart
If I live,
What do I live for.
I just want to say,
I love you.
Eltom
Pray for Eltom to grow deep in his new faith.
Another Thank-You
We were staying with a Brazilian missionary. His daughter, Susana wrote a note to all of us: “I thank God for having you in my house. For me, it was a
great pleasure. It was really nice meeting brothers and sisters that are part of God´s people.” Her father also gave all of us shoes (flip-flops) and
quoted the verse about how beautiful are the feet of those who spread the gospel.
A Special Show
The rain poured down for hours and we could not go to the plaza as planned. Instead, we met with the children in a covered area at a near by shcool. It
continued to rain, but even in the rain, the children walked to the show. One lady came late, navigating dark streets with a crutch. When did any of us
ever try so hard to come to church?
Six boys from the street came to the show. So many prayed tonight and many promised to come again and hear more stories about Jesus.
The area where they live has a such big problem with drugs, policemen are stationed at the school gates to stop the children from being approached by
drug dealers.
Afterwards, the children gathered around us and thanked us. They hugged us and they loved us. We are rich!
Prayer Requests
The thanks-yous that we received are also yours. As you prayed and gave for this work, we did it together. Please keep praying! Hadia has a spider bite
and Faby and I both have colds. Please ask the Lord to guide us as we leave at 4:00am to travel to interior. Pray!
In Jesus
Linda for the team
Sam Shaw – Assistant Director
Hadia Jackson
Lisa Roerdink
Gerson Simioni
Faby Mendes
Silvana Simioni
June 13, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
Joy!!!
When we arrived in Serra Talhada, of Pernaambuco (a state), a friend met us who would guide us deep into the country. She was so overcome when she saw us
that she began to weep. She exclaimed through her tears, "I can not believe that you came, I can not believe that you are here. We waited so long!"
We drove another hour to reach "Water in the Desert," a national ministry centered at a rural Presbyterian church. Many people had traveled from all over
the state, Baptist, Non-Denominationals, and Presbyterians. As brothers and sisters in Christ, they came with one purpose. They wanted to learn how to
share Jesus with their children!
They greeted us with such joy, hugging and kissing us ignoring our lack of Portugese. They made us feel so welcome that Sam and I struggled to describe
their kindness and love that they poured out on us. Finally, we both agreed that this was what heaven must be like. Surely this is a small taste of the
joy that Mike and so many others we love are tasting!
We struggle to find water, sometimes the beds have bugs, and we often sleep on the floor. The food is usualy white bread, beans and rice, and amazon fruit.
There is only cold water in the shower. The mosquitos are enthusiastic (Lisa has 42 bites.) The days begin early and end late. We wash our clothes in
the sink. And we have such joy as I cannot describe to you! How is this possible? We are surrounded by incredible people who model for us Christ´s love
and sacrifice. All of us are keenly aware that God is doing something wonderful in this place and we are so blessed to be a part of it. Pray! Thank God
for what our friends are teaching us.
Radio Interview
In this area, less that 1% of the people confess Jesus. For about a year, the people have had a Christian radio station. It has the potential to reach
over 250,000 people. We did an interview for the station hoping to encourage the Brazilians to make reaching children for Christ a priority. In many
areas, childrens minstry is still not important. Please pray for this change of heart .
Village School
For most of the young people in the school, this was the first time that they had heard the Gospel. After the program, we were told by a teacher that we
would always be welcome to return. Our new puppet team has an open door! Praise God!
Best of all, the young people really listened. Please pray for them to become believers. There is a good church in walking distance of the school. In
fact, when our van was delayed, everyone grabbed equipment and walked to the school. We had no other way to make the show on time. We must have looked
very funny as we walked down a rocky dirt road, dodging piles of various kinds of manure. When we finished, the van had not returned, so we departed in
the same way.
Street Show
350 plus children gathered under street lights to watch a puppet show. 40 people from the training we had earlier in the day loaded in the the back of
giant truck and came to help. It was an incredible evening. They listened, laughed, and so many prayed out loud. We were in a very poor area, working
with a local church, and it was especially sweet to hear their prayers. Their homes were so small, usually only two little rooms. Drugs are a big
problem and many homes are broken. Faith in Jesus could change this community. Please pray for so many who came to faith tonight to grow in that
relationship.
Prayer Requests
Most people here know nothing about the real Gospel. They know all about the church telling them to be good. and the practice of a voodoo type belief.
Ask God to put His light in this place. Tomorow, we have 4 shows. Thursday, we will finish training this team. Pray for them to learn these skills well.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Hadia
Gerson
Faby
Lisa
Silvana
June 16, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
Street Child
I met a girl today who lives on the street. She has a home, but her mother is always pregnant and by different men. She does not know her father. She
looked to be about 7 years old, but malnourishment can make children much smaller. Her name is Natanaela. The directors of the school noticed her and
encouraged her to come to school. That is the only place where she is fed. We did not see her smile through the entire program. Her eyes were full of
pain. She barely speaks.
I knelt at her feet. Everyone looks down on her. I wanted it to be different this once. I said, "Please remember the stories you heard today. Jesus
really does care for you. He will help you... No matter what happens. Ask Him. I love you."
This life promises nothing for this little one. This is true for all of us, but she understands. Please pray for Natanaela tonight ask God to give her
a warm safe place to sleep. Ask God, in His mercy, to call Natanaela to Himself.
Gambling
Gambling is a big problem in Brazil. It is always a waste of money, but it is particularily sad here as so many poor people gamble. They spend what they
do not have, risking so much for nothing. People believe and are told their hopes and dreams can be satisfied with money. Please pray that these dear
people will see that only Jesus can satisfy these deep longings.
Radio Interview
A local Baptist Pastor had a spot on a radio station. He invited the Presbyterian Pastor that we are working with to bring me by for an interview. We
had a wonderful time talking about Jesus and explaining how He alone can meet the needs of the children. Our Baptist friend was so excited about the
program that he had seen that after people heard his radio report, they immediately began calling the station and asking where they could attend the next
program. Most amazing of all, this was not a Christian radio station and the people listening were not believers some even came to the training session.
Praise God!
Hobsum
Hobsum is a little boy at a school that has so many students, they have four seperate schedules each day. We did shows for every group and Hobsum came to
the second show. When it was time for him to go home, he stayed so he could watch the show two more times. Please pray for Hobsum. He prayed with us and
needs to grow. He is so hungry. he followed us today to another show.
At his school, there is only one Christian on staff. She works in the lunchroom. I promised that I would ask people to pray for her to be a light in this
dark place. There is a good church nearby that can help with follow up and there is much work to do. Hundreds of children prayed out loud. Even though
the directors and teachers were not believers, they loved the programs and begged us to come again.
Training
We have finished training our first new team. They follow us to every show, riding in the back of a giant truck, singing all the way. They look for every
opportunity to help. These are amazing people! They sleep on the floor with us or on small cots. Forty of us eat together each meal, pray and rejoice.
We are eternally grateful for the people of Chestnut mountain PCA who sacrificially bought the team tickets to fly from Sao Paulo to the North. Without
their gift we would have missed six days of shows with these wonderful people. Hundreds of children have prayed with us! Thank you!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Lisa
Hadia
Sam
Gerson
Fabiana
June 19, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
The Police
After finishing an outside show in the center of town, we noticed that there were policemen everywhere. A very tall policeman (6ft 6 inches), wearing a
bullet proof vest, and carrying an extra side arm came towards Gerson, our Brazillian director. He was not smiling. He said, "Where is that story lady?
I want to meet her!" Gerson was very nervous. Then, the policeman smiled and said, "That was a great story. I am a Christian."
We talked a long time and he offered the services of the police if we needed them. Of the 500 police in this area, one hundred are believers. The policeman
that we met has only been a believer for 4 years. He described himself as a baby Christian, but since he towered over all of us, we thought his reference
to "being a baby" funny.
Blessings
So many blessings...
1. People walked for many miles down dark rocky roads to reach the site of the puppet show. Some walked for up to two hours each way.
2. Everytime I tell the story of Zacheus, I describe the changes in his life. I always talk about how all the money did not make him happy, but
when he came to Jesus, he was happy. After the show, a woman came to me and said with a big smile on her face, "I am happy."
3. We are working with a Brazilian national band and we love their music! They open for our shows and sometimes close. Praise God for these
talented friends. Salt of the earth! Their music is joy.
4. After a show, children line up not to receive a balloon, but to ask for a hug, a touch... love. Of the thousands of children that we have
seen, less than ten times has a child asked for a balloon. They hunger for love, for Jesus.
5. In a remote village, a little boy raised his hand to tell the Pastor that he prayed with us asking Jesus to be his Savior. Four times his
friend pulled his hand down, but he persisted and was the first to come and stand by the Pastor. He looked to be about six years old. Pray for him!
Thank You
God has given us more that we expected or imagined. These friends are already so creative in ministry and will do amazing things with their tools.
They wrote and performed a drama for us as a thank you gift. Even though it was in Portugese, I understood. We all understood. They were dressed like
peasants in the area and walked in behind a man carrying a big cross. The people here suffer, aching to have hope, to know God, but the Catholic church
here does not meet those needs. In the villages, you can see the pain and longing in their eyes and this is what our friends were trying to dramatize.
A haunting song played in the background and repeatedly asked the same questions. "Who will come here to speak about Jesus?" "Who will save me?" "Who
will give me hope?" I was weeping as I watched their story. Please ask God to help us answer their prayers.
The North East is very rural when you leave its isolated cities. The people who live in the country are desperately poor, bound by superstition. So many
places have no church. Please ask God to call missionaries to this place.
Funny Things
At an evening show, we were amazed at all the giant, posionous frogs that were everywhere. The were bigger than kittens! On the way to church Sunday
morning, a cow almost ran down the van. The Pastor caught a chameleon and offered to cook it for us. Sam, who is most often bitten, refered to all bugs
as beasts. Sam, one afternoon found one of the posionous frogs under his pillow. He thinks he had been sleeping with him for days. Gerson found one of
these frogs in his suitcase and we have all shared a cold shower with them.
Faby and Gerson are our Brazilian puppet directors. Their English is very good, but sometimes, they still make mistakes. Gerson told us to hurry because
it was snake time. He meant to say snack. Faby translated for a girl at a street show "Linda, she wants a rug. She wants a rug." I gave her a hug.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Hadia
Lisa
Gerson
Faby
June 21, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
MARINA
Marina is 11 years old, cleans the house, and takes care of her younger brothers all by herself. She also does all of the cooking and washes the clothes.
These tasks are made more difficult by the fact that the house has no running water. At least she has electricity, since some of the homes don't. She
often misses school because of all the work she has to do.
Her mother ran off to Rio with another man. Her father works all the time just to provide the little that they have. She lives in a remote village of
about 25 homes that line a single road. To the Americans, who are reading these words, your carports are 3 times as big as her house. It has a dirt
floor. In the summer temperatures climb to 110. There is no shade. Worse, there is no hope in this place.
Marina came to Jesus about a year ago and has a strong testimony. She prays for her mother, for her whole family. She came to the puppet show that we
did in the middle of the road. We stretched a string of lights across the road. People came from everywhere and so many, many people prayed. Best of all,
Marina smiled. I did not see her laugh, but at least she smiled.
She and I talked for about 15 minutes. I wanted her to know that God will take care of her. I encouraged her to forgive her mother and grow up to tell
many children about Jesus. I asked her to let Jesus take her pain and give her a tender heart so that she could someday take my place.
Now I want to ask something of you. Marina and children like her around the world live in the dark and are waiting for you to do whatever our soveign God
has told you to do. Will you pray? Will you become a missionary to the children!
CRAZY WOMAN
Everyone thought Etite was crazy. She roamed among the trees, talking to people no one saw and hearing voices that no one else heard. Etite was demon
possessed. This was a real threat that everyone understood, even people who weren`t Christians. She was mean and scary.
Two years ago, her older son told her about Jesus Christ. When she trusted Jesus as her Savior, she changed. The voice stopped, she became kind, and
started taking care of her family. Her eyes are full of light.
Even though Etite no longer lives in darkness, her life is still diffcult. They are desperately poor, living in a house made of mud and sticks. However,
her real concern is their youngest son Daniel who was sexually abused by a man over a long time. His injuries will require surgery. The man threatened to
kill him and he was to afraid to tell. His attacker remains free, living near him.
Daniel came to one of our puppet shows, smiled, laughed and enjoyed a small part of his childhood. We always tell the children, when you have been
fogiven, you can forgive anyone anything. Pray for Daniel and his family.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Tonight at 3:30AM, we leave for Rio, having finished our ministry in the Northeast. Since this is our second night in a row without sleep, I will give
you the rest of the Northeast stories tomorow. We have a wonderful new team at "Fountain in the Desert."
We will work with children in an area in Rio where drug abuse is a big problem. Please Pray! We stand because you kneel.
In Jesus,
Linda for
Hadia
Lisa
Gerson
Faby
Sam
June 22, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
RIO
Yesterday we went to the to the top of the mountain in Rio and saw the giant statue Christ the Redeemer with His arms outstretched to the city. We prayed,
asking God to call many children to faith in Jesus. This morning in 3 shows at two different schools, we saw Jesus answer our prayers. We heard hundreds
of children ask Jesus to be their Savior. Praise God!
The response of the teachers and the directors was amazing. Many of them were believers and thanked us again and again for the program. They told us
repeatedly that these children really needed to hear this message. The gangs own this area, requiring people to pay protection and patroling the streets
like vigilantes. The Pastors wife had to notify them of our coming. The children have seen murders, so much violence, and drugs are everywhere. When we
told them that Jesus could take away their fear, they listened. One of the teachers was so touched by the Bible story and testimonies that she began to cry.
When we started the morning, we had only one show, but word spread quickly and before long we had two other invitations and more people asking for tomrow.
Keep praying! Your prayers open doors.
One little girl, about 11, was very concerned that the other children had not heard about Jesus in Brazil it is the world cup for soccer and on the day
they play, many children take an unofficial holiday. She begged us to come again tomorow and tell the rest of them. Rarely have I seen a small child so
concerned for her friends to hear about Jesus! We gave her the story that I had drawn and she was so happy! She promised to tell the other children.
Please ask God to help her remember all of the story.
We received hundreds of hugs and kisses and were mobbed after each show by the children who just wanted to touch us, to thank us. The children from the
first show went back to their rooms and returned with pictures and thank you notes. One little girl wrote, “Your story is in my heart. Thank you.”
GOOD BYE
Yesterday we said good bye to our friends "Fountain in the Desert", Pastor Neto and our new puppet team. I always have words but not this time. We all wept
becasue our hearts broke as we left them. They had become more than friends they were family!
We were showered with so many small gifts, many were hand made. These people are very poor but they gave to us. They fed us! They insisted on covering
part of the cost of this outreach (feeding us) because they wanted to invest in the work. Months before we came the ladies baked bread and sold it, saving
all of their money. Everyone tried to find a way to contribute.
They received the puppet equipment with a joy that surely mirrors the joy and wonder of heaven. Mike had planned to make this trip with me and I believe
because he is with the Lord and knows the joy of heaven he is our only team memeber who really understands what I am trying to describe to you! This is a
great blessing.
As we left our friend Bio´s house, he read to us the passage in Philippians 1: 3-9 “How tenderly I love you, only Jesus can know.” These words are also the
words of our hearts.
God has given us more than we could have imagined! Pastor Neto challenged them to take responsibility for this mnistry. He said, “They will go back to
Ireland and America but we must continue. We must finish.” Please ask God to help this new team quickly learn their skills. Please ask Him to pour His
Spirit on this work.
FUNNY THINGS
We are in a new place and now share a room with a Gecko. The place is at the foot of a mountain, outside the city and looks like the wild plant growth you
expect to see in the Amazon. We love it!
The mosqutos here also love Sam. Wherever we go, they find him!
My name means beautiful in Portugese and they keep telling me that I am beautiful. One lady asked if I was a model. The call me beautiful Linda, lindo
Lindo. I love this country.
In Jesus.
Linda for
Gerson
Faby
Sam
Lisa
Hadia
June 23, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
SPIRITUALISM
The town we were in today is a suburb of Rio and the Mayor of Rio is a leader of the spiritalist church. There is even a spiritualist training center
directly accross from the Pastor´s house where they offer a "systematic study of spiritualist principles."
Each area has its own colors and colors are very important here. The color for the Rio area is blue, but the Mayor changed all of the school uniforms in
this town to orange, a spiritualist colour. The Christian parents refused to allow their children to wear this color. As we looked at the hundreds of
children that gathered for the show, almost everyone was wearing orange. This is a reflection of how few Christians there are in this area.
Spiritualism teaches that you can talk to the dead and receive power for your own life. Whatever you want, you can have. It is a form of Satan worship
and honors everything that is evil. Most of the teachers at one our shows were spiritualists. Your prayers made a big difference!
At most shows, we hear children praying out loud, thanking God for sending Jesus and calling on Him to save them. However, in the darkest place with very
unhappy teachers, the children shouted their prayers! We saw God´s great power to save! Most of the children at these shows were being raised by their
grandparents as their parents are drug addicts. Pray for these children!
TEAM
This is the sweetest team! Not once have they complained! Nothing changed their sweet spirit, not ice cold showers, beans and rice for every meal, heat,
or sleepless nights. They have all had their eyes clearly focused on Jesus and the children, not themselves. The worse it was the more they smiled and
laughed! I love Gerson, Faby, Lisa, Hadia and Sam!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Gerson
Faby
Lisa
Hadia
Sam
June 26
, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
Imagine a little 9 or 10 year old girl in Rio selling herself on the street. The price is 50 cents or simply something to eat. By the time these little
girls are 13, they are mothers. Some have parents whose extreme poverty and lack of faith motivates them to ask theIr little daughters to do this. Many
are street children and are just doing the best they can, trying to survive another miserable day. Many foreign visitors come to Rio just to take advantage
of these children.
Imagine having grown up in a Christian orphanage in Rio and celebrating your 13th birthday. On that day or within the year, you will be told that you must
leave the orphanage. The government of Brazil has decided that 13 or 14 is old enough for a child to survive on their own. Of course this is not true,
but it is what happens to orphans across Rio both in Christian and other kinds of orphanages. Christians take many of these children into their homes, but
the director of an orphanage admitted that many go to the streets. Most will die by 17 0r 18. It is a hard, short life.
We have an opportunity to touch the lives of these children. Our plan is to partner with a conservative Presbyterian Seminary, where Baptist, Presbyterians,
and many other evangelicals study. This school is full of Brazilian men who are willing to go into the worst places and share hope with the children. We
must train and equip them.
More as they go they will see the problems clearly and hopefully can involve their churches. If you do not see a problem, you will not seek to solve it.
We hope that these men´s involvement with the children though ministry will birth new ministries aimed at helping these little ones have hope!
Also, as these men work in difficult places, they will learn to look for these same hard places across Brazil. They will seek out these places and their
people will grow from learning to serve in the dark areas. Many churches will potentially be more effective for the kingdom because they have this
opportunity for training.
We need a church to adopt this project in their budget for spring of 2007. The $5,500 we are asking for will cover the place travel of Sam Shaw (Assistant D
director of The Agape Puppets) and myself to Rio. More, it will enable us to place over $2,500 of puppet equipment and story telling supplies in their
hands.
It will cover the cost of bringing Faby and Gerson, our Brazilian Directors to Rio. They will bring with them two more puppeteers and another translator,
Silvana. Also, we will use part of the money to buy the training supplies that we will need to teach the seminary students and cover our food costs.
What is our plan? We want to spend a week training and equiping Seminary students in Rio. We want to do many evangelistic outreaches with them so that
they can learn how to best share Jesus with the children. We want to touch the lives of these little ones that are not seen or loved. This week we will
share with thousand of children and more will continue to hear when we go home.
Will some church please adopt this project as a mission outreach for 2007.
Please pray as we only have two remaining days of ministry and we want to love many children in His name!
In Jesus,
Linda for
Sam
Lisa
Hadia
Gerson
Faby
June 28, 2006 Brazil
Dearest Friends,
IDOL WORSHIP
Near where we worked in the Northeast, there is a statue of a famous priest. A form of idol worship has developed around this statue. The priest taught the
people that they must pay for their sins by doing different painful things and so when he died, they added a climb to his statue as another step in their
payment for sin.
There is a large, sharp rock that is cut in half. You must walk through a very narrow opening at the far side to be forgiven. You must fit through this
hole at all costs, no matter the cuts and pain, if you are to be forgiven. This is what he taught them.
There is a special water that they must drink, as well as a statue of Jesus on the cross that they must touch with their hats. They do not dare to touch it
themselves. Also, they must carry a rock on their heads for a long distance. The size of the rock reflects the amount of their sin. All of this must be done
once a year or there is no forgiveness.
We did a show in a town square in the Northeast where I told the story of Nebuchadnezzar and his golden statue that he made so that people could worship him.
They told me that if I had told that story in a place a little closer to the statue, I would have been stoned. Some of his followers were in the crowd that
day, but not too many.
Our new puppet team at Fountain in the Desert will go to the very dangerous place and share. In fact, they have already been going to this place. Please ask
God to protect them and open many people´s hearts to the truth!
If you want to see a short video clip of what I have described, go to our Agape Puppets Brasil website at http://www.amordefantoche.com.br.
Then click on TV fantoche (puppets).
Go to these three clips:
Romeiros um Juazeiro
Min.sal da Terra I
Min.sal da Terra II
Araras
There is a place in Araras, a very pretty small town, where no one wants to live. The town is wonderful, but there is always a part of every town that has
problems. The Directors of a school in that place invited us to come and do two programs for their young people, ages 11 to 15.
These young people live surrounded by violence of all kinds: rape, beatings, and murder. They live with parents addicted to drugs. There is simply nothing
that they have not seen. Their behavior reflects their surroundings.
The Directors and teachers were stunned by the way they behaved at the puppet show. They told us that they were envious of the complete attention that they
gave us. Church children do not behave as well. Both Directors told me, without talking to each other, “Your team has brought light to this place.” Then,
they invited the pastor to come regularly and speak to the young people.
I struggle to find the words to describe to you the great miracle that we saw God do with these young people. They were so hungry to have love, hope, and
peace. They listened to the stories of Jesus and the testimonies with a desperation that only comes from knowing your real need. After the show, teenage
boys came up to me, thanking me and hugging me! Please ask God to grow their faith!
Where can you go to stand in the dark and be light for people who do not know Jesus?
E-mails
As we have been in Brazil, we have received encouraging e-mails in response to the reports that we sent. They came from all over the world and we thank you
for taking the time to write to us. One friend in Germany, Bjorn, told us that he had been sharing our stories with his small group. It is incredible to
think of all the people who prayed for the children of Brazil. Praise God for your faithfulness!
Funny Things
Food is so different in every country. Even ordering a hamburger will not be what you expected. Our hamburgers were five inches square, on flat bread and
are always served with an egg on top. Hot tea is different, too. Licorice tea is not what you expect. Bigradeiro is an incredible pastry, rich with
chocolate and better than you can imagine. Hadia and Lisa were serenaded by two boys at one of the schools in very interesting English: “You are so
beautiful. . . to meeeeee!”
Prayer Requests
This afternoon, Wednesday, we begin our journey home, arriving Thursday morning. Please pray for safe travel home. Please ask the Lord to sort out the many
details that we always have to deal with when we travel. Praise God for an awesome trip to Brazil!
Please celebrate the birth of Masana (elegant love) born to Masaji and his wife in Japan. Masaji was a student at Covenant College and spent many years in
our home. Mike and I loved him like a son. Ask the Lord to give his daughter great faith!
In Jesus,
Linda for the team
Sam (Assistant Director)
Gerson
Faby
Hadia
Lisa
