2 John:4 – Walking in the Truth
When I read 2 John: 4, I can relate to the Apostle John’s feeling for his spiritual children. It gives me as a mom no greater JOY than to see my children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded.
When we moved to Brazil our children were older. Micah had just turned 16 and David was 11 1/2 years old. It is not the most ideal time to move your kids to another country! They had to pack up everything they owned, leave all their family and friends, and make a major adjustment. Brent and I could not have asked them to do this if it hadn’t been a family decision and if we hadn’t been sure that it was God’s timing for us to make such a drastic change. Even knowing these two things we prayed that our children would be feel a part of the mission and know that they too are missionaries. God has been so faithful and has answered our prayers. We are thrilled that our children have indeed been missionaries these past 5 years and continue to walk in the truth as the Father has commanded. Over the years I have posted pictures of Micah and David busy in ministry in Castanhal, but I haven’t posted anything since we have moved to Santarém.
Today, I wanted to share the ministry opportunities David has had this past year in Santarem. David absolutely loves it here. The town is much safer than where we lived before so he has more freedom to walk or ride his bike around town. He not only makes river ministry trips, but there are countless beaches for swimming and camping. He has lots of opportunities to play soccer and there’s a river front in town to stroll. He has lots of friends his age that love the Lord and they do ministry together.
a group of David's friends
friends at the beach
Last year him and about 20 of his friends went 5 hours by boat to a community on the river to minister to one of our churches that was in need of encouragement. They had a worship service, a youth service, they performed a couple dramas, and just hung out. Below is a picture of David in a skit called “The Everything Skit”. The drama focuses on the spiritual warfare being fought for our souls. At the beginning of the skit, a woman indulges in the pure joy and innocence of finding her first love in Jesus, as He shows her all the wonderful things He has done and has in store for her. But this blissful moment becomes tarnished by seemingly harmless distractions, which turn into temptations and ultimately into deadly sins. Then the battle begins with the forces of darkness, as she and others battle with their own personal sins. Then one by one each are set free! Jesus fends off and defeats the demonic attackers who are after their very souls!!! At the end of this skit 24 people received Christ as their savior in this river community. It brought such joy to David and the others.
David and his part in the skit
Jesus has the Victory over sin!!!
David also is part of a cell group of about 10 young guys that meets weekly for a time in the word, worship, and fellowship. Then on another night of the week, that group and some others meet for prayer. The cell groups are divided into areas depending on where you live in the city. We live in the green area, so the picture to the right below is some of the youth dressed in green. Their shirts say, “The roar of the Lion” (each area chooses a slogan). They were going to a huge cell group celebration at church.
The Roar of the Lion
David's prayer group
David has also had the privilege of helping build a church on the Amazon River at the village Correio do Tapará.
the church before they started working
the church at the end of 4 days of work
digging a trench
One of David’s favorite ministries is teaching English to Brazilians. Because of his schedule he only has two students at this time. His students names are Márcia and Gerley.
teaching Marcia
teaching English to Brazilians
Even though David is very busy he still finds time to play soccer with his friends, and he wanted to make sure those pics were included here. He loves to play sports and does miss hockey and bowling from the states, but as long as he plays plenty of soccer he doesn’t miss those American sports too much.
Going to steal the ball!
goalie!
Blocking the goal!
a few guys he plays soccer with
We praise God that David and Micah both have adapted so well to life in Brazil. It is truly the grace of God. We as their parents do not take this for granted. We give God all the glory and praise. Thank you for taking the time to get better acquainted with David’s life.
Best friends
love for one another
surprise pizza party for his 17th b-day
Alligator for dinner
Anyone for alligator? The teams that go out on the rivers to do ministry get to go alligator hunting one night. This poor fellow was the next meal for the team.
We would love for you to come down and see our lives personally. Our doors are always open
I really enjoyed reading about David—what a blessing — sandy
Thanks for updating us on David. I would love to join you for some alligator sometime.
Connie~What a beautiful post! I am still somewhat in the dreaming stages of how my children will grow up as missionaries themselves. So encouraging. That everything skit really gets around. I was in one 2 weeks ago. So powerful. Hope all is well with you, neighbor!
Dear Connie, What a blessing to hear how David is doing how the Lord is working in his life. There is truly no greater joy for us as parents to see our children walking in the truth! Its such an encouragement to me to see what all the Lord has done in all of your lives. We are giving Him the praise!! Cnn’t wait to see you & David next month.
Oh my goodness, how time flies! David is 17??? I want to come visit you guys again sooo badly. Maybe in 2012. We are looking at India for 2011. Love you guys!
yes Lisa please do come and visit us. We will wait to 2012 if that will work for you. we love you too.