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Written by Kevin Gaskell
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Friday, 01 August 2008 00:00 |
The Park Hill Baptist Church Youth Choir just returned from Florianopolis, Brazil, where we had the privilege of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with countless individuals in this beautiful South American city. This eleven day, once-in-a-lifetime mission adventure provided our team of 61 students and sponsors some incredible, supernatural ministry encounters alongside our SBC International Mission Board
Missionaries, Ron and Alana Greenwich.
These courageous students and their leaders led six Vacation Bible School experiences for over 500 children throughout the Florianopolis region; shared eight concerts in various civic venues, worship services, and a Drug/Alcohol Rehabilitation Center; and was instrumental in laying the groundwork for a brand new church in a nearby fishing village where no other church previously existed. Early estimates have indicated that the number of individuals who prayed to receive Christ were well in the double digits.
Students from the Park Hill Youth Choir had several opportunities to lead children to faith in Christ, in one-on-one situations, as they shared through the Portuguese speaking interpreters provided by the missionaries. The eternal destiny of many souls was altered as a result of the sacrifices made by these outstanding Musicians on Mission. Some most noteworthy Divine appointments included the lady who simply passed by a church where our choir was singing, intrigued by the music she heard, decided to venture inside, and as a result met the Lord of all creation. One afternoon a few of our students were canvassing an area where we would later present a concert and lead Vacation Bible School when they had a close encounter with some young men who were using and dealing drugs. The young Brazilians were very open about what they were doing, yet respectfully heard our young American men share how a much better high than drugs could be obtained by getting high on Jesus. Another young man came to the mall to have his cell phone activated when he came in contact with our choir singing music about the Hope of all eternity. It just so happened this “seeker” had become disillusioned about the superficial nature of his faith, was encouraged by what he perceived was “real” about the message our students shared, and had a sincere desire to get connected with a local congregation which believed in a more profound way the message which our choir conveyed.
Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to all of you for your prayer and financial support, words of encouragement, and willingness to be a part of these mission endeavors with us. The lives which were transformed by the love of Christ would not have been possible without your sacrificial involvement. Without a doubt all of us who were fortunate enough to make this journey together came back different and more committed servants of Christ as we gave our hearts in ministry to the beautiful people of Brazil. God answered our prayers by providing the kinds of experiences which could only be
explained by His powerful movement in our midst. To God Be the Glory!
Let the Nations be Glad,
Joe A. Fitzpatrick
Minister of Music
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Written by Kevin Gaskell
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Saturday, 26 July 2008 10:59 |
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Bom dia or good morning from Florianopolis, Brazil. As I am writing this the rest of the choir is in the process of checking out of their hotel rooms. We are gearing up for a wonderful day at the Market in downtown Florianopolis. We will shop, eat, and have fun as we get ready to say goodbye to our home for the past week. I have enjoyed sharing our experiences with you this past week and I have you have felt the warmth and excitement we experienced through our ministry journey.
Tonight there will not be any additional pictures added to the website because I will not be able to get to an internet connection while we travel out of Brazil. But we will still take pictures. When I get back to Arkansas and have the opportunity, I will upload the last of the pictures.
The pictures on the website are optimized to load quickly and are not adequate for printing. Because I have already recieved requests for the original pictures, I will be putting them onto a photo sharing site in the near future.
When we get home from our travels we will still be going strong because we have a Senior High Youth Choir Reflections Service at Park Hill Baptist Church at 6:30. We invite you to share in our experience in person as you have done online.
Lastly our flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil leaves at 7:35 Central Time. You can track our progress using FlightAware. http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL962
6:05 a.m. American Airlines Flight 962 Arrives in Dallas/Fort Worth
8:25 a.m. American Airlines Flight 3369 Departs Dallas/Ft. Worth
9:35 a.m. American Airlines Flight 3369 Arrives in Little Rock
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/EGF369
Thank you for being with us as we are on mission for God. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. My email address is
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Good day and God Bless!
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Written by Kevin Gaskell
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Saturday, 26 July 2008 10:06 |
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Click the Read More to view pictures taken during a fun day at the beach, then a wonderful lunch by the seashore, and lastly our final ministry concert at the mall
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Read more... [Day 10 Pictures]
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Written by Mike Davis
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Saturday, 26 July 2008 04:37 |
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Ron and Alana spoke tonight during our devotional expressing thanks and encouragement to our young people and told of many stories spoken to them by those in Florianopolis. Ron told of several who asked "Who are those kids?" Ron expressed that he told all that we were here to tell people about Jesus and show Christ's love for each of them. He also spoke of our young peoples ability to stand up and speak and the many talents that they possess. Alana reminded us of two comments she made on our first night; the Brazilan people love you and you will leave part of your heart in Brazil. She then asked if those two statements turned out to be true. They were confirmed by everyone through the tears that almost everyone had for our mission to Brazil.
Earlier today we began our journey of sightseeing and lunch at a wonderful spot right on the water's edge. Many pictures were taken but I seriously doubt that they can tell of the beauty that God made in this wonderful place. The boy's favorite part of the day was our group photo with everyone posing for 100's of pictures dressed in our choir outfits! (Well maybe that really wasn't the boy's favorite part!) Tonights performance at the Itaguacu Mall was our last and another winner. Many who were shopping stopped by to listen and at least one felt that they were present tonight because God had put them at that spot tonight.
Lorretta, another of the missionaries issued each of us a challenge as we ended the evening: Go home and do what you have done here in our community.
So what can we pray for tonight? Pray for safety as we begin our journey home, pray for a restful night on the plane and on schedule flights, pray for our students as they struggle with the goodbyes and the memories, pray for our Sunday night reflection service praying for a great crowd, and lastly pray for the challenge issued....................Go home and do the same.
Boa Noite |
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Written by Molly Ann Turner & Katherine Cox
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Friday, 25 July 2008 10:03 |
Oi!! Today was the last day of VBS with our kids. At our first site, we really felt that the kids really connected with the music we sung today. Even though they could not understand the words we were saying our faces and motions we were doing conveyed the message. Many of the children after a few days of singing the same songs were actually catching on to the words. It was a very eye opening experience.
At our second site, Ron asked a few of us to give testimonys to the older kids that hung around. Molly Anne, Megan, Eric, and Blake S. all gave testimonys. Afterwards Ron had told us that it really impacted their lives because they realized that there were others out there that were going through similiar situations, and God was there to help them.
Sadly, today was our last day of VBS and we had to say goodbye to all our of the children that we met this past week. A lot of us had really connected with some of the kids and really built strong relationships with them. Our whole group felt that we really set some strong foundations for these kids and their futures. Even though there were lots of tears shed and we are going to miss these kids dearly, we know and hope that we will one day see them again in heaven with our Father. (:
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Written by Mike Davis
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Friday, 25 July 2008 04:21 |
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The last day of Vacation Bible School was pretty much what I expected. Lot's of fun and laughing but in the end it was all crying. Many of our young people recieved gifts from the children to show their appreciation. We had so much fun but our hearts were heavy for the children, many were saved, many lifes were changed; including ours. All of us had that special child that we attached ourselves to and we will continue to pray for them upon our return home. This morning at Frei Damiao we heard from Meri who spoke of the programs at the Center. She spoke of the flood in Jaunuary that flooded the entire community forcing over 600 into the center. The International Mission Board provided funding for concrete blocks to help residents prevent future flooding; however, the need for a sewer system is critical. The children are sick quite often because of the presence of raw sewage underneath houses and on the street. This is a real need for this community.
Tonight it was off to the Angeloni Grocery for a performance and dinner. The kids did a great job and many in attendance were moved by the music and drama.
Lastly, I have mentioned prayer requests on each of my notes, many of those prayers have been answered, Katies little friend that was bitten was back today for VBS, the weather today turned out great after a night of rain. Tonight during our devotion many of our students talked of the changes that were occurring in their lifes.
So, let's keep the prayers coming..........pray for our performance tomorrow night, pray for our fun day tomorrow (we get to sleep in!!), pray for senior Caroline Atkinson as she spoke tonight of feeling that God was possibly calling her to utilize her college degree of Emergency Management to work in communities such as where we are at now, pray as we prepare to say goodbye to our missionaries and interpreters (they have been great) and pray that we as a youth group will come by united and ready to change the world.
We love you PHBC! See you Sunday night............and speaking of that, please encourage all of your friends and family to attend; our young people have a story to tell!
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Written by Kimmie Ruble
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Friday, 25 July 2008 01:22 |
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Today was the hardest day of the entire trip. It was the last day at our vacation bible school sites. Even though it has only been four days, I got incredibly attached to the kids, especially to Anna and Mateos. From day one, they stuck by my side. I don't know why they picked me, but we became very close. They are the two sweetest kids I've ever met. It was so hard to leave them...much harder than I thought it would be. We did our normal routine at the VBS and then gave our final hugs and kisses before we got on the bus. So many of us- kids, youth, and adults, were crying. It was a bitter sweet moment. We didn't want to leave them at all, but we knew that we were leaving them with hope, and we had been the best part of their day each day we were there. Anna and Mateos definitely blessed me. The second VBS was hard to leave also, but we had a good last day. We played baseball for a long time which was a challenge because the kids had never heard of baseball before. It was fun to teach them and play along.
Tonight we sang at the food court in a big grocery store. It was kind of initimidating at first but ended up being just fine. Afterwards, a man that was listening was talking to Ron and I. He told me that the world was in desperate need of children like us. He was very touched by our program. It was exciting to hear what he had to say.
Today was sad and tiring, but it was ultimately a great end to an amazing week at VBS and I'll never forget my experiences. |
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Written by Laura Shaddox
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Thursday, 24 July 2008 11:33 |
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Wow! Brazil has been an amazing experience for us all. Each day we come in with stories to tell and lives that we can see have changed. Wednesday was filled with many cherished moments. At the first site, CADI, we had a fun time making our crafts, playing soccer, watching the hilarious puppet shows, singing silly songs, and most importantly trying to share our love of Jesus with the children. As I looked around the room I think every single helper had a child in their lap or hugging them or just basically wanting to spend as much time as possible with us. One thing that just broke my heart was when i tried to collect a little girl´s dixie cups from snack time to throw them away. I had seen that she had collected several. She politely turned away my offer and with hand motions explained she wanted to take the cups home for her family to be able to use and then walked home. These children are from true poverty and yet they have such an amazingly sweet and joyful outlook.
At our second sight, the children are a little older than the first site. They love every activity we have planned for them, but i think everyone´s favorite is the music. We have been fairly successful after 3 days to teach them one song in English with motions, and several others with motions and a few words here and there. We asked Tuesday and Wednesday if there were any children who wanted to pray the prayer of salvation and both days there where a great number of new believers!
Wednesday night we went to a men´s drug rehab institution to sing. I believe we were told that seven decisions were made, including our bus driver! :) Afterwards we had a suprise treat of much missed ice cream, and then returned to the hotel for devotionals. One of our great new friends and interpretor, Diego, shared his powerful testimony and just provided a good ending to the day. We have built such wonderful relationships with our translators and missionaries!
Sorry that this trip report was long winded but there have been so many awesome things that have happened even in the short time that we have been here and we want you to know about it! Thank you for all of your prayers. This trip has been beyond our expectations, and a big part of that is due to your prayers. God has provided a tremendous amount of oppurtunities to share Him, and we have seen just a few of the outcomes of our mission here.
In Christ´s love, Laura Shaddox |
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Written by Alex Miller
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Thursday, 24 July 2008 11:14 |
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"Today was a very fun day! VBS was very funn!! All the kids are really nice! They all ran to the bus when we got there and waited for all of us to get off!! They gave us hugs and a lot of them! There was one girl at VBS today, her name is Bruna. We were talking during the bible story and she told me she wanted to accept Jesus into her heart! So at the end of Bible story time whoever wanted to pray to accept Jesus into their heart could! Bruna prayed that prayer aloud for everyone to hear! Afterwards there was a change in her! She was all smiles and full of energy! God made a very big impact on her life!" |
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Written by Mike Davis
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Thursday, 24 July 2008 04:53 |
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VBS Day 3 continued today with decision being made once again with the children. I sense decisions also being made with our young people-and choir sponsors. We as Choir Sponsors look forward to watching what God will be doing in our young peoples lifes as a result of this trip. The kids at each location are waiting on us to pull up and can hardly contain their excitment.
Today at Frei Damaio Katie Ruble's little friend was bitten by some type of insect and immediately her face began to swell. Katie took her to the nurse who then contacted the Doctor. As her face continued to swell a ambulance was called and she was taken to the hospital. Her mothers main concern was how much it was going to cost. Pray for the girl tonight, hopefully we will have an update tomorrow on her condition.
The smles and hard work continued into the afternoon and the weather began to cool, actually we were cold! (Sorry about that, we hear it's been a little warm at home!) It has been so much fun watching our kids interact with the children without using alot of conversation. It's amazing what can be said without actually speaking!
This evening at the Drug and Alcohol Rehab we were served hotdogs with all the fixins! I learned what a corn dog is tonight, it's a hot dog with corn on top of it :(, some liked it, most didn't!
The greatest part of the night was not the special treat of ice cream after the performance at the Rehab Center it was the 7 professions of faith!!! What a glorious night. We also learned that our big bus driver also accepted Christ today!!!
Even more good news came later when we learned of the 4 professions of faith after our Sunday night service and the fact that a lady walking by the church heard the music and came inside, becoming a Christian before she left! What a glorious day we have had.
Pray tonight and in the morning for our last day at Vacation Bible School at the 5 locations. Pray as we present the gospel one last time to the children, pray for our students as emotions will be running high as we say our goodbyes. Pray for us to stay healthy and pray that tomorrow we will have opportunties to share the message as many spots along our route. It's raining right now so also pray for the weather to clear up since we are outside much of the time.
Lastly or next to last............I have to mention my roommate Eric Martin. We have had the best time rooming together and he has been so nice to allow our room to be utilized as a meeting spot for those wanting to use the computer. He truly has a heart for those less fortunate than him and I look forward to watching him grow in his walk for Christ.
Okay so the last thing is this............we feel your prayers! THANKS
md |
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Written by Kathryn Kellog
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Thursday, 24 July 2008 03:24 |
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Oi' from Brazil! Vacation Bible School has been a blast! On Tuesday, at team b's first site, we made salvation bracelets. There were cards written in Portuguese for the children to follow along. I was making a bracelet with my friend Natasha. Alana Greenwich, our missionary, was helping translate Natasha's questions. She had heard about Jesus, but she hadn't heard about His saving grace. I prayed with her to accept Jesus as her Savior. She also learned on Saturday's at 4 there is a kid's get-together. One of the kids told Natasha there might be a trampoline. She was excited and asked Alana if there would be a trampoline this Saturday. Alana said "No" and Natasha replied "That's OK, I would rather hear about Jesus than jump on a trampoline anyways" It was the sweetest thing. She was so excited to learn about Jesus. |
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Written by Spencer Sims
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Thursday, 24 July 2008 03:05 |
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Well, today started off like any other day as we arrived our first VBS site at Sao Sebastiao. When we pulled up, the kids on the street ran alongside our bus and met us at the church. They started to come in, and eventually we had around fifty kids. The children there are so easily entertained and love everything and anything that we do with them. The puppet shows seem to be a favorite with the kids. But not so much with the choir members who have taken on the role of puppeteer! Trust me, holding your arm up for that long can become very painful! Even though the crafts are super easy, they never stop loving creating something of their own. Surpringly, if we allowed them, the kids would color on coloring sheets all day! They also love to just play soccer in the park, draw with sidewalk chalk, jump-rope in the street, or just play. I can feel the love they have for us and will never forget the smile on their faces. Our second VBS site is very similar to Sao Sebastiao. We also had around fifty or sixty kids. The kids at Pinheira are just as joyful and bring happiness to all of us. I can´t believe that tomorrow is our last day! I know that VBS has been such an amazing experience for every single one of us. |
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Written by ylan Sherrer
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Wednesday, 23 July 2008 06:58 |
Today at Frei Damiao, or CADI like we call it, we had an exclent turn out. We had about 50 children. The bible story was about salvation. Then at Passagem we had 55 children all together, which is a lovely number by the way. Barry tried to sing at both sites and enterined the childern which is great. Just to know that sometimes acting a fool can bring joy to them is life -changing.
Dylan Sherrer |
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Written by Joe Fitzpatrick
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Wednesday, 23 July 2008 06:55 |
It is another very pleasant and joyous day here in Florianopolis. Our second day of Vacation Bible School is well under way. The children who were here yesterday have invited their friends resulting in more opportunities to share the love of Christ.
I am sitting here watching the children play in the street as they enjoy jumping rope, playing soccer, creating chalk art on the sidewalks, and tossing beach balls to one another. Many more are inside the Igreja Batista Nova Vida (New Life Baptist Church) in the Sao Sebastiao community of Florianopolis making crafts and coloring pictures which communicate spiritual truths to their inner souls. There is a smile on every face. It seems the people here have innately grasped the concept of Carpe Diem. The children have experienced these "seize the day" moments with hearts of joy as they interact with the students of Park Hill Baptist Church.
It is "Salvation Day" in VBS as we share with them the life-changing message found within the scripture passage John 3:16. Our entire team is wearing blue t-shirts which have this scripture printed in Portuguese on the back. One of the main craft activities today includes making Salvation Bracelets with the children. Our prayer is that these children and the families they represent will come to an understanding of who Jesus is, why He came, and how He can change their lives forever. Please continue to lift our team up to the Lord in your prayers and that the power of His Spirit will be among us. May we see many come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ during these days.
The Bible story is now being taught by our Puppet Team as they play a Portuguese recording sharing the salvation story based on John 3:16 through word and song. Our students and leaders are "seizing the moment and the day" for the glory, honor, and praise of Jesus as we lift up His wonderful Name. I believe with all my heart that as we lift up His Name the Lord will draw the hearts and lives of men, women, boys, and girls to Himself for eternity! To God alone be the glory!
Carpe Diem,
Joe
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Written by Emily Deaver
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Wednesday, 23 July 2008 06:46 |
Today at Frei Damiao, or Fried Mayo as everyone calls it, we had a greeeat turn out. There was around 90 children, which is waaay more than what our site can hold. The bible story was about salvation and all of them received salvation bracelets. There were about 5 or 6 benches full of eager kids listening attentively to everything that Jake and the translator were saying. There was a little girl in the back and I didn't think that she could see so I held her and while Shari was asking if anyone wanted to accept Jesus, the little girl along with almost everyone one of the kids on the benches raised their hands and prayed to accept Christ. This moved me almost to tears, knowing that they have absolutely nothing and the smallest thing such as a bracelet and knowing that God truly loves them gave overwhelming joy. It's life-changing.
Emily Deaver |
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Written by Mike Davis
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Wednesday, 23 July 2008 04:23 |
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Time is really flying by for us here in Florianopolis. We have had great experiences at the VBS locations, TEAMWORK, has been the norm for us. Everyone is plugging in wherever they are needed without being told. This afternoon we were late for two of three VBS spots due to traffic issues (45 minutes late) but the kids were waiting for us and we hit the ground running! We presented the plan of salvation at all 5 locations today and decisions were made at each. I have been so amazed at the children we have ministered to in that when it's play time they play but when it's time to settle down for crafts, music and bible they are wonderful. They love the attention, the smiles and touch of our kids.
Tonight we performed Ipiranga School (or close by). We learned after our arrival that it was not a safe place to be after dark and for sure not to be out on the street. That wouldn't be a problem except it was after dark when we got there and the only way to get out was on the street! One thing our kids have learned this past week is when it's time to get serious and focused and look out for each other they respond immediately. After a great performance attended by many, the school choir consisting of young children performed for us as a way to thank us for coming. The last thing we did at the request of the school was to say the Lords Prayer in English and then they would say it in Portuguese. We then made the dash to our waiting buses................safely. Umh...........I wonder, no actually we all know ........GOD is great. We are on his mission
Pray concerns raised by the kids tonight------Lauren's mom Sondea surgery Wednesday, the lady who had the stroke here and another grandma here in Florianopolis who is having surgery tomorrow (Wednesday).
Also pray for the Sponsors strength to stay strong. The ladies are probably still up getting laundry ready to be sent off tomorrow and sorting through the clean laundry, getting VBS supplies ready, Steve has to be filling Kool Aid bottles, Paul is probably talking to someone he has never seen before and making them laugh, Barry well you know Barry he is snoring, he deserves it he was in rare form today dancing and singing with the kids.
Pray for the missionaries, bus drivers, and interpeters (they have been great and kids love them) Parents your kids haven't let up yet, you should be proud we are!
Lastly, the computer issue will not get any better it appears. If you want to send a email to any of the kids you are more than welcome to send it to me, some are using our laptops when they can. My email is
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Captain D |
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Written by Kevin Gaskell
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 05:58 |
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Click the Read More to view pictures taken at Frei Damiao (Seafood Restaurant)
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Read more... [Day 7: Frei Damiao]
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Written by Kevin Gaskell
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 05:54 |
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Click the title to view pictures taken from lunch at Churrascaria Zunino
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Read more... [Day 6: Lunch]
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Written by Mike Davis
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 04:17 |
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What a great start to our 5 Vacation Bible Schools. I feel like the weather man but today was another beautiful day and as the evening set in most of us had on long pants and jackets...........sorry ARKANSAS HEAT is no where to be found!! Upon our arrival to Frei Damio we experienced hundreds of people living in shacks many with no electricity or plumbing. Raw sewage was in the ditches next to the street. Many of the youth were in tears as we walked the streets inviting kids to VBS. My job today was Kool Aid mixer and I must tell you I did a fine job, my mixture of kool aid to water was perfect!
I have mentioned missionaries Ron and Alana in several other postings but I must tell you we have been so blessed to have Loretta helping us everywhere we go. She is great and really speaks the truth to us and the kids love her. It has been obvious everywhere we have been that the missionaries are out in the community that serve in and are loved by all.
Who are we that God would pick us, allow us, desire us, and love even us? I believe God's desire for us on this trip is to be still and know that HE is GOD and that he is faithful. I am seeing his light shine all over the community. We have been picked and he does love us and the kids are showing that love 24/7.
Tonight in our devotional time many of the youth spoke about what is happening in there lives right now. I must tell you these kids are special, they truly understand what is going on, they are seeing God at work and are a part of it; a big part!
Continue to pray for opportunties to reach others, strength to complete our task, and our safety.
And the question on everyone's mind..........Joe is doing GREAT! He has really been taking it easy as instructed by the many hundreds of you who threatened him if he did not!!
Captain D |
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Written by Kevin Gaskell
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 03:52 |
Today was the first day of VBS, which signals the start to the most intense, yet productive phase of our mission trip. My group, Group C, left the hotel at 8:30. We loaded on the bus and headed toward one of the poorest favelas in the Florianopolis region, Frei Damaio. On the way there we saw a women who had collpased on the side of the road from a stroke, who was being looked after by two of the children she took care of in her tiny house. Later, we found out that an Ambulance did not even come to pick her up, but rather she had to be driven to the hospital by someone in the favela. This was very disturbing at the least. Our VBS site was held at the school of Frei Damaio, and was very productive. We had well over 50 kids come to our site, and the children were well behaved and responsive to the messae we were sharing with them, which was the creation story. After two hours at the school we got on the bus and went to lunch. After lunch, Group C left for Iparinga, another favela in the Florianpolis were drugs and violence are rampant. After arriving we split into 4 groups and went around the community passing out invitations for our concert tomorrow and vacation bible school. My smaller group conisisted of Will, Eugene, Zach, Jake, Mrs. Edwards, and Mrs. Greenwhich. To excite the local kids about VBS we went around the favela making balloon animals and swords. This was very fun. After about an hour of making balloons for the children, we began to delve deeper into the neighborhood, and into the darkness that was waiting in the favela. As we bagan to walk down an alleyway in the favela we noticed two teenagers at the end of the alley. The two teenagers were taunting us, and we began to move closer and closer to them. As we approached them we noticed that their eyes were very bloodshot and their pupils were dialated. We began to tell them about VBS and our concert, and as we beagn to talk to them, they told us that they were high on drugs. We witnessed to them, telling them the dangers and temporary nature of drugs, and the joy and everlasting peace that is found in Jesus. During our conversation, we witnessed a cocaine deal, and also discovered that one of the teenagers we were talking was a member of a local gang and had murdered someone. We talked for around 15 minutes, and our conversation we all left as changed individuals. Drugs are a huge problem in both Brazil and the U.S.A, and we must spread the light of God to those who are surrounded by the darkness of drugs and alcohol.
with love always,
Will McLeane |
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Written by Kevin Gaskell
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 03:51 |
Today was the first official day of VBS!!! The day started off with an early morning departure of 8:30. Groups A and C went to the poorest area of the city. Just a few months ago, the city was hit with a massive flood. Some of the people we talked to said that the water rose up to 5 feet in the area. My group, Group A, was in the CADI center. We had the younger childern, ages 3-8. The sewage was floating in a path that was mostly in people's front yards. It was really hard to see this part of the area but seeing the kids having a great time made everything worth it! The kids were so excited to be there! There were around 70 kids at site and they all listened and had a GREAT time! Then Group A went to a school area that was in a little bit of a nicer area. There were around 40 people at the second site and they had just as much fun, if not more fun, then the first group. Many people made amazing connections today and will continue to build them tomorrow as we continue to share the word of God!!!
Allyse Whitmore |
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Written by Caroline Atkins
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Tuesday, 22 July 2008 00:00 |
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Hi everyone! Greetings from Brazil! We have all had such a lovely time getting to know the people and the sights. This trip, no matter where we visit, always opens eyes to different and sometimes very sad ways of life. Today we got to experience two sides of Florianopolis, one full of joy, the other full of despair. The split into three groups for our first day of VBS this morning, myself being on the amazing team B, with my team heading to the Sao Sebastiao church. At this site and the afternoon site Pinheira, the children were amazing! Even with language barriers, the children had so much fun and so did we! The love these children have was incredible and very inspirational. After our second VBS, Joe took us and team A on a tour of one of the other VBS s | |
