Well lived life! can we have that!?

oh man!

Life is short even being long. That is what i have learned through this years. No matter what we do or what we expect to be done WE MUST DO IN THE BEST WAY WE CAN, because we do not know what comes in the next second of our lives. Has past a week and 2 days that a friend of mine passed away. I meet him in july and we got to know each other for 10 days while he was here in Brazil for a mission trip. He was on his 70's but he was full of life. full of joy. full of life lived experience. ( i don't know if that expression exist but if not i just had created, lol.)

we had the most profound conversations i have ever had with someone older than me. We also had some of the hilarious talking and shared few experiences that we have had in our lives, well... i was learning from the master as he have over 15 years difference from my age. But i really enjoy spend that short but excellent time with him.

A short life, but long enough to reach his purposes with quality and courage. Through his talk i could realize how passionate was him on LIVE HIS LIFE while he was on this earth making the most in every aspect. He had travelled for many places on the globe. He had meet tons of people around the world. He had loved his loved ones like no other person could. He had been loved by those he developed a friendship. He made me start thinking how short is life, but even though we can make it longer by enjoy it the best way we can by making the most of every aspect.

I wish i could have spend more time with with Mr. West. We had even plans to see each other in december as i am going to Florida to visit some good friends of mine. But, the Lord had other plans for him and for me as well. I'm still little sad because I will not see him in december no more and visit the places he told me that i should go while I'll be in FL. But it makes me happy the fact i know he is in our Heavenly Father's house right now enjoying his well spent moments on earth.

The second part of the verse of Colossians 4:5 says:"..., make the most of every opportunity." This is one of my favorite verses on the Bible. but that part on this very verse now have a new meaning to me. SPEND MY TIME WITH THE MOST  QUALITY I CAN in every way and every moment of my life. No matter what others will think, or talk, or look at me differently. 

I thank GOD for the opportunity i had in meet Mr. Larry West. And i am sure I will see you again when I go back home brother.

Always in HIM;

- Ermeson

Happy Father's Day

Today is father's day in Brazil. And for me its kinda funny the way i celebrate that important occasion. I use to say that i hv a Brazilian Father - my real dad. And an American father - the missionary that i know for about 10-11 years now. I do not have so many good memories about my relationship with my father, regarding quality time spent. 

As some few of you guys know ... i became christian when i was 15 years old. Since then my life started to change TONS. and i praise my Heavenly Father for his provision and comprehension on the matter - my relationship with my Dad.

Today the first thing I did after wake up was text him wishing a Happy Father's day. I know that my father, he doesn't know how to show / express his emotions or his love BUT God make me sure he still loving me and my brother and my sister... in his own way ... but he does loves us.

There is a passage in the Bible that I learn very early in my childhood, even being a catholic back then. And because of this lesson I would never mess up with my Father (or my mother), as i knew that Gods commended us to obey them and honor them. So in my mind i just set this commandment adding the following part: "... no matter if my father is in a good mood, or bad mood. If he is doing right or wrong things, If i will got spank or not... he is my father and i gotta obey him, honor him and love him no matter what."

well... my father and I we do not get along very well (before i became christian) because of several bad moments we had in the past. But yeah... I still love him, and honoring him and obeying him as i know that everything he does in his own ways is for my own good in the future. 

I missed him today. And as if my American father is not here in Sao Paulo neither it was just an unique GODs spend time. A good father's day spent with my heavenly father on earth.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ²"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

Ephesians 6:1-3

For everyone that i know...

Happy Fathers DAY.

emerson in Brazil.

Getting back on track!

hey hey!!!

I am gonna start with this illustration that i have heard:

"... that are people willing to cook but they don't know how. Then they go and buy a recipe book and good kitchen tools (equipments). They also go ahead and buy all the food material they need for cooking. Some even re-model their kitchen so they will feel more comfortable. 

So... they got all these ... BUT! they don't read the recipe book. And then they wonder why cant they make a good meal!"

The christian life can be like some of those guys i just mentioned. We as christians got all equipment but we forget to read the guide. God has given us talents that will help us to share His good news among the ones we know. Loved ones or not. HE also gave us the manual - the Bible - showing how to use the equipment HE had provided. But some christians have that illusion of mission work its only for missionaries (you know... the ones that went to seminary school and went to a 3rd world country or something like that) but they don't realize that once you became a christian you also step up for a missionary carrier. 

In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus says: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..." . 

So... He doesn't say "send someone" He says "you GO". He says: "YOU get all the talents I had provided to you and do something in My Name". Use it for My GLORY He says.

If you do not use your specific tools properly, Who else will?

All this just for me to tell ya that I am back in Sao Paulo, and I am trying to get back on track (normal life) as my winter break is over, and i gotta go back to work and  to college as well. I fell like my ministry still in Aracaju as i can see me more involved in doing things. But for His own reasons i am in the third biggest city in the world, working in a pre-school, being part of a new church planting and fighting with my self on personal issues that shouldn't be on my heart or mind. 

But like i always say: "Life is good, and i am living it!" , because i know that even going through all THIS...  I am sure HE is shaping me for something bigger ahead in my journey.

Big hug to Y'all...

Allowed  HIM keep blessing your life.

Always in HIM,

- Ermeson

Tuff week!

I was hopping that this week would be a good week for me. Kinda! 

I knew that would be a lil down bc i just come back from a mission trip with peeps that are very close to me. but in a way i was missing Sao Paulo also. As a christian you might know that we always have our UPs and DOWNS and the only difference between a christian and a non believer is that we can always count on HIM to cheer us up. He always make sure we gonna meet the right person to relief ourselves through out jokes, or talking, or eating or even working or going out to a movie or to do something. HE is awesome! 

Things always change. And if you know me well you might notice that i am not a big fan of changes. But ... life is just that. I circle of uncountable changes. This past month HE as thought me lessons like: it doesn't matter how big the change could be... we are always ready to handle it. The point is... HE will never challenge us with something bigger than what we are able to handle though. But for HIS own reasons HE does that. And WHO AM I to question HIS ways?

So... Life is good and I am living it! Lots of good moments YES! (those are really easy). Some bad moments Yeah! (Who doesn't have it). Really TUFF moments!!! Oh brooother! (Family , friends and ourselves... we're not perfect at all - we are humans).

But what make my life worth it to live like I am living right now is HIS love for me.

So... if you could add my name in your daily prayers I would be very thankful.

Always in HIM,

- Ermeson

 

GREAT Oportunities!

Here is some of our guys in ARACAJU doing what the LORD as asked them to do!

Thiago Cintra - 13 de Maio Presbiterian Church

VNMB Volunteer 2009

Mysael Santana - 1st Baptist Church of Aracaju

VNMB Volunteer 2009

Mateus Lopes - 12 de Agosto Presbiterian Church

VNMB Coord. & Volunteer 2009

Love you guys! My pray is for our Lord to keep blessing your lives and make our ministry grow among his people and college student community in Brazil.

Keep up the good work.

Always in HIM;

- Ermeson

  VNMB director

The pay back!

Hey y'all!!!

Do you remember that day when George scared September?

Well... with a lil help of  VidaNova volunteers, our sister September and Brian (her husband) paid George back for that little joke.

Check it out:

\

We work hard for our Lord during this past weeks but HE provided us  A LOT OF FUN as well!

Come and join us next year!

To keep up with its going on down here in Brazil just check it out this blog! or add me on your facebook or follow me on twiter.

- www.facebook.com/ermeson

- twitter: ermesonbrazilsp

Always in HIM,

- Ermeson

dia, 10 ... Day TEN

hello everyone!

Last night we had our last dinner at the Italian Food restaurant in Aracaju. IT was GOOOOOD! mamma mia! =)

Right after that we went to the famous icecream place (sorveteria) right there in the beach... mmmMMM!!! Than we went back home (our hotel) to start saying good byes to our VidaNova volunteer team (Brazilians). Mateus, Eva, Roberta, Lucilia, Mysael, Mariana, Larissa, Tiago... guys you are awesome and I am very proud of each one of you. Y'all raised money to be part of the team + y'all used your talents to do HIS work with no complains at all! Keep up the good work - This is your boss saying. Love you guys a bunch and i hope to see y'all soon - this is your friend talking.

This morning we headed to the airport at 3:00am. The American team and I catch our flight to Salvador and then we said our good byes. But ... wasn't too sad because we are going to see each other very soon. DECEMBEEEEEEEER... yay yay!! But still, I'll miss you guys a bunch also. Steve, Rob, September, Pam, David, George, Brian, Mr Ed, Mr Larry and of course Beth.

" I'all come back here, you hear!" =-)

We had so many Blessings these days from the Lord. And If YOU from Hibernia or VidaNova could have a chance to experience Brazil, plz do. We will be here... just come. Dont miss the blessing that our Lord as in storage for you.

I just got home in Sao Paulo. But my Brothers and sister from USA still traveling. So i would like to ask you to keep in pray for them for a safe travel back in Jacksonville - FL.

I hope to see you soon.

Always in HIM;

- Ermeson

dia, 9 ... Day NINE

Hey hey everyone!!!! Como vai gente!!!! =)

Today we had a BLAST at the girls home now known as "Projeto Esperança" (Hope Project).
We had american barbecue, lots of games, music and fellowship. We got to see some old friends and meet a bunch of new friends at the girls home. It was awesome!!!! I am actually in my hometown but i feel like I am here just visiting. I know its a weird felling but i guess the city of o São Paulo just became part of my heart.
Our ministry (VidaNova) still going on down here in Aracaju and getting ready to expand. I know I am going to miss Mateus and Eva a bunch... my favorite brazilian couple friends. I also will miss the non sense of Roberta and her funny jokes. Mysael... I have no words to say how i am happy and grateful for him to become part of this mission trip and the VidaNova ministry in Aracaju. Tiago... O MY GODNESS!!! TIAGO... YOU ARE THE MAN, cara. I hope to see you soon brother. really SOON! It was just a pleasure to meet you.

For the American team... YOU guys are awesome! This is the best time in the year for me. As y'all already know... HIbernia is my home church in America and yous guys are my family there. LOVE Y'ALL and i am always grateful to my Lord for HIS faithfulness in sent y'all to me as friends.


I guess i gotta go 4 now... September as to blog as well.


Always in HIM,
- Ermeson

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What a precious day in the lord!


Today my heart was broken with joy, as i watched young orphan girls, beautiful children of God interpret dance to Brazilian Christian music. Even though the language was foreign, I was able to understand and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as these beautiful children danced their hearts out before Jesus.

One child who was particularly handicapped and slow broke my heart as I watched her struggle to keep up with the other girls. The unity of the four girls was a perfect example of the body of Christ. For even when the one sister could not keep up they just kept on dancing showing the other one the way dancing around and with her pulling her back into the group in time to the rhythm. I cried for her and cried for the patience and love they expressed as they gently smiled continued to dance and reached out an occasional hand to guide.. Is this not our Lords example to love one another with kindness ,gentleness ,self control. They could have just as easily gotten mad at her or given her criticizing looks, they expressed their love for God in their behavior toward the weaker less able one!

Titus 2 God tells us if we are not living our life walking and living in our actions toward others then we are guilty of blasphemy, by railing criticizing God with our negative actions toward others. read titus an notice the word railing, when you look up the meaning it states to constantly criticize , when we do not express our love toward others in actions then it is the same as cursing our Holy Gods name!!! wow ouo yes just like taking the Lord name in VAIN.


Love from Brazil our last night what a night!
SEPTEMBER OWENS.

dia, 8 ... Day EIGHT

Good day,

Next we were off to the mall for dinner and shopping.  Larry, Pam and I headed off for the food court.  But then when it was time to order, I just don't feel so comfortable with my ability to order in Portuguese.  Larry and I sat down, while Pam  went in search of our translators.  As we were talking, I remembered that God is in control.  So I prayed for Ermeson or Alexandre would walk through the food court or run into Pam.  Within a minute here comes Pam and Alexandre come strolling into the food court.  Least to say we feasted on Pizza.

Life is good and ended with ice cream and visiting late under the patio.  

Love in Christ

Beth

} ------------- {

Hello everyone...

Today we woke up veeeeeeeeery early as we've been doing the whole week. BUt today we were ready to head home (Aracaju). From Paulo Afonso to Aracaju we traveled about 5-6 hours on the road. Last night was great.We had an awesome time for sharing experiences that our LORD allowed us to be part of it. We sang and had icecream at Carmen's House (she is a good friend of our ministry) with our brothers and sisters from Central Baptist Church in PA. It was such a blessing.

As we arrived in Aracaju, we head to McD's! Yay yay!!! We had awesome food for lunch theses days but... i was missing a good sandwich lol. 

Right after the lunch we went to the open market to buy some local goodies. Keep in pray for our team as we are going to share the good news at the orphanage tomorrow. Our plan is to spend the day with the children and make a fun day with barbecue, games and lots of love on them.

DEUS Eh FIEL... (God is Faithful)

We will talk some more soon,

always in HIM;

- Ermeson

>> For pictures click here <<

Hey gente!!!

I can not forget to tell y'all about the scary joke played by George on September, hahaha...

Just give a look at the pictures bellow:

dia, 7 ... Day SEVEN

Wednesday, day 6 (part 2)

Wow, God is good and Deus e' Fiel (God is faithful!) 

It has been an exciting time here in Brazil to see God at work has been a tremendous blessing. I would like to share with you the opportunity we had to be with the ladies of the Gestamor Project. Central Baptist Church funds and organizes the project for approximately 9 months. They can have 15 to 20 expecting mothers that they provide food for, teach them to learn a craft so they can provide for their families and  they have bible study twice a week. This is the second year we as a mission team from Hibernia Baptist had the priveledge to love on these ladies by providing manicures and pedicures, and share our testimony with them. Last year, after our session with these ladies, they had told the Pastor, how they felt unworthy to have theses "Americans" come and wash their feet. "Who were they that we would come and sit and wash their feet." Well I told them as well as this group of ladies, that Jesus washed His disciples feet..and we were to use that as an example. And since these ladies were married, I told them that we were nobody special, we had families and problems just like they do, but God loves us and we wanted to share that love with them. So they too should go home and love their husbands and their children, and share Gods love with them. It is so humbling to sit and wash anothers feet, to not be able to speak to them, but knowing they feel the love of God through that simple at of washing feet.

Thursday (day 7)

This morning we were off to Santa Brigida for the last time. Such a bittersweet time. We assembled into teams once again and went door to door, doing follow up visits and inviting them to come back that afternoon for the Discipleship Training. I have been to Santa Brigida 7 years and this was the first time I had been on this particular street. I am humbled each and every time at their housing situation. No matter how small there home is..they quickly invite you in, as they want to hear what you say. Today, I met a young man who had never heard the 10 commandments and never had read the bible, but seemed to understand his need for a Savior. I told him like I did to several other young men this morning... that they are the men of this town. We are only here for so long, and each year we come, we do many events that always draw the children, but our desire is to reach the men of the town, as they are the leaders in the town. They need to step up and serve their church and God. They are the only ones that will be able to help their town, but it starts with trusting God as their personal Lord and Savior. My heart goes out for these people... they are so eager to hear what you have to say, and yet find it so hard to accept the truth and make a decision. Their were many decisions made today, Praise the Lord, and lives were changed. What a wonderful opportunity to go into their homes and look them in the face and tell them about the love of God. I am so blessed to have that opportunity.

This evening after dinner we went back to Carmen's and Givanildo's home for ice cream and fellowship. This is our time where we recollect the week and "special"moments that we had encountered throughout the week. What a wonderful and sweet time with our "family" from Brazil. And the opportunity to hear others experiences and divine appointments was such a joyful time. 

Pray for the team as they pack tonight, and get ready to leave in the morning, pray for our bus driver that he gets enough rest, and pray for safe travel as we head back to Aracaju. Thank you and God Bless!   

Much love to all, 

Pam Piedlow

    

dia, 6 ... Day SIX

Greetings from Paulo Afonso, Brazil. 

God has done an amazing work here and in Santa Brigita. Through the door to door visits many people accepted Christ today and many more seeds were planted.  The church members are becoming more and more bold in their own witnessing and have begun the discipleship training.  It is encouraging to see how excited Steve is by the growth of the people and the fruit being given by the Lord.  It has been a totally awesome experience and one we will never forget.  The ladies spent the day with young children  sharing Jesus, teaching songs, and playing games that show the love of Christ.  The excitement they showed was overwhelming.  The rest of the day was spent washing the feet of some of the local women.  We shared the humility of Christ in love with an 'ole fashioned pedicure and presented the Gospel.  All in all, God blessed us in more ways than we could imagine.  He was around every turn and in every thought.  The evening brought much rain, but though we couldn't perform the drama, and the music was cut short, we were still able to present a gospel message.  God is so good and we believe that this is a product of all the prayers and hard work by people who love the Lord and want to see people come to Christ.  We look forward to share more with you when we come home.  We love you and thank you for your prayers.  

In Christ, 

Brian and September Owens.     >> click to see more pictures <<

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Apos uma viagem tranquila para Paulo afonso, dessa vez sem onibus quebrado, chegamos em Santa Brigida para realizarmos a missao mais importante das nossas vidas. Levar o evangelho para pessoas nao tao instruidas e com a mente muita fechada eh um pouco dificil, mas nada que o nosso Deus nao nos capacite. Apos a divisao das equipes, formada por mim, Mateus, Roberta, Steve e quero tocar nosso ceu boy, fomos para a visita nos lares. Uma das coisas que mais gostei da viagem foi essa visita mais intima, onde podemos conversar com as pessoas e saber suas dificuldades, ter um contato mais proximo e realmente ver o quanto eh dificil a vidas das pessoas sem Jesus no coracao. Visitamos 3 casas, e o que mais achei interessante foi o fato de uma casa ter 9 imagens de santos e imagens de maria, varios crucifixos e a mulher da casa nao saber quase nada de jesus e do amor de Deus. E voltei me perguntando quantas pessoas nessa cidade apenas vivem em funcao de imagens e de falsos deuses. Felicidade tb foi a mulher de uma casa visitada por nos, ter aparecido no estudo biblico pela tarde e logo pela manha ter aceitado jesus, pownn.. isso ganhei o dia, logo na volta no onibus, tivemos a melhor volta de Santa Brigida, todos contentes e todos  com a certeza q o pouco q fazemos para Deus ja nos alegra mt. Resumindo um pouco, ja q estou como sono e ainda estou no lobby, ta sendo mt boaa viagem, mesmo com a equipe reduzida, com certeza entrou na minha lista de melhores viagens missionarias que ja realizei.

Aquele hug

Mysael Santana    >> click para ver mais fotos<<

dia, 5 ... Day FIVE

Hoje acordamos cedo para mais uma manha de evangelismo em Santa Brigida, mas uma surpresa na estrada atrapalhou um pouco nossos planos. Com aproximadamente metade do caminho percorrido, nosso onibus começou a apresentar um vazamento e tivemos que parar no acostamento. Jolvan, nosso motorista, tentou reparar o problema mas nao teve sucesso sem os recursos necessarios, foi preciso chamar um microonibus de Paulo Afonso para nos levar o resto do caminho.

Chegando em Santa Brigida, por volta das 11 horas, nos dividimos em grupos para visitar alguns residentes, compartilharmos um pouco e convida-los para o trabalho a tarde na igreja. Enquanto isso, Steve, Rob e George foram palestrar em um almoço com negociantes da cidade, conversando um pouco sobre estrategias de comercio e compartilhando a palavra de Deus com o evangecube e distribuindo panfletos evangelisticos e CDs com o evangelho de Joao falado.

A noite tivemos uma experiencia nova, grupos de 4 pessoas com americanos e tradutores foram participar de cultos em algumas casas de membros da Igreja Batista Central em Paulo Afonso, foram momentos muito especiais e diferentes, muitas pessoas ouviram pela primeira vez o plano da salvaçao. E como os crentes nao sabem fazer encontros sem comida, tivemos muita variedade de guloseimas e ainda gastamos bastante tempo com os convidados, um tempo especial.

Deus realmente tem nos abençoado esses dias aqui, nos proporcionando grandes oportunidades de proclamar o seu evangelho.

Em Cristo;

Mateus Lopes

Today we woke up early as usual to go to Santa Brigida. This morning would be our first door-to-door evangelism experience joining the local folks for the E3 discipleship training. Unfortunaly  some kind of leak issue in our bus made us stop right in the middle of our itinerary for about 2 hours until the rescue bus arrived to pick us up.

Around 11 a.m. we arrived at Santa Brigida. Gathered at the church and divided in teams to visit homes, while Steve, George, Rob Ermeson and myself joined a businessmen lunch for an opportunity to share about work and how to become a better businessman. Presenting the evangecube as a tool for our work on the streets we shared the good news on that room as well.

Bback in Paulo Afonso for the evening, we had a different program. We divided into groups of 4 people ( 2 americans and 2 brazilians) and went to  different houses from members of Central Baptist Church. Everybody had a great time and it was a very exciting the new experiences, we had time to sing praises, share our testimony, share the gospel and eat with them, meeting some newcomers and some neighbors that had never heard about the good news of Christ. It was an awesome experience and every one was blessed by God this evening.

"Soli Deo Gloria"

In Christ,

Mateus Lopes

dia, 4 ... Day FOUR

Today we participated in the fada in Santa Brigida.  This is a "market day" where people come to town to sell goods.  People line the streets with booths selling everything from fresh vegetables to auto parts.  We have seen things like old ladies carrying live chickens by their feet, old ladies carrying watermelons on their heads with no hands and we even saw a cow stuffed in the back of a station wagon (last year).  

We like to take advantage of the excitement and activity.  There are hundreds of people in the street so if you want to share Jesus with a bunch of people, this is the place to be.  

Today we got to our booth and quickly sorted all the items we had brought to give away.  Steve and Ermeson went to a local hardware store to buy the big prizes.  They came back with a bicycle, a panini maker and an electric fan.  These don't sound like big prizes but in Santa Brigida, it might take a months salary to buy a bicycle.  

At the booth we set up a prize wheel which the people got to spin to see what prize they would get.  This game is very popular because it is free and we give away pretty good stuff.  To win the big prizes, they have to fill out a card with their name and address which the church uses to follow up. 

While a few members manned the booth, the rest of us worked in teams sharing the Gospel using the 10 commandment card and the Evangecube.  I worked with Ed Martin and Mathias, our interpreter.   The first person we approached was leaning up against the wall at a store near our booth.  We introduced ourselves, made small talk and then asked if he knew about the 10 commandments.  This went well and we presented the Evangecube. Unfortunately he just would not accept the fact that Jesus is all we need for salvation.  He insisted that you must have Jesus as Lord and also keep all the commandments.  We gave him some information about the church and moved on.

The next guy was walking down the street and we stopped to talk to him.  We found out he was a brick mason and we told him about ourselves.  We then asked him if he knew of the 10 commandments and he said no.  I was kind of surprised but we then asked if he knew about the Bible.  He said he believes in God but that he knew nothing about the Bible.  We told him about God's law, and how no one can keep them.  We explained the Evangecube and he said he wanted Jesus as Lord.  He prayed to receive Christ and we talked to him about his next steps.  

At noon we stopped for the drama and the big drawing.  The drama team presented the drama on the street in front of the booth.  Steve explained the drama to the spectators and told them to come to the church if they had questions. He explained that we would be in town tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday doing evangelism and discipleship training.  

We had lunch at the church and then went back into the street to share.  Steve joined our group at this time and we walked down to the store where he had purchased the bicycle. There were 3 boys there who looked around 18 or so and we stopped to talk.  They listened attentively as we talked to them about the 10 commandments and agreed that they had sinned and deserved death as prescribed by God.  We presented the Evangecube and even though they paid very close attention, they said they were not ready to turn to Christ.  They may have been intimidated because by the time we had finished we had drawn a rather large group. We told them about the church and we hope that they will continue to think about what we told them and will contact the church.

We returned to Paulo Afonso, had dinner and then broke up into groups and went to 3 schools.  We were able to go into the classrooms and share about the 10 commandments and the Evangecube.  I am still amazed that we are free to present the Gospel in public school classrooms here and we can't even mention God in our schools at home.  

I missed the trips to Paulo Afonso the last two years and it is very good to get back here and re-connect with Pastor Genilson and all my friends here.  Emerson and the Vida Nova team are as awesome as ever.  There is no way we could have this level of activity without them.  Their heart for missions and love of Jesus is inspiring and challenging to our team.  

Thank you for your prayers, things are going well.

Love in Jesus, 

Brazil Team 2009     >> Click to see more picts <<

dia, 3 ... Day THREE

Hoje pela manha aind aera cedo quando saimos do hotel para chegar ate o vilarejo de Santa Brigida (sertao baiano) 60 km da cidade de Paulo Afonso. Chegamos lah por volta das 08:15 e nos preparamos para realizar a programaçao na Ig. Batista de St Brigida. A igreja estah sem pastor mas o trabalho missionario ainda eh realizado pelos membros remanecentes. Musica, Drama, Coreografia, leitura da palavra e uma revigorate mensagem foi transmitida em um trabalho de equipe entre Brazileiros e Americanos a serviço do Senhor Jesus. O mesmo se repetiu na progamaçao noturna em Paulo Afonso onde ainda podemos acompanhar a batismos e participar da ceia do Senhor. Soh pra nao passar em branco... nosso cardapio hj foi de certa forma bem italiano jah que pro almoço tivemos espagete e para o jantar pizza. Sem mencionar o sorvetinho apos o encerramento da programaçao da Ig. B. Central em PA.

- Ermeson

Today the day started very early as we had to hit the road for 60km till get to the village of Santa Brigida. We should be there at 8:00am to get things ready for the morning service but we arrived there at 8:15 instead. Right now the church has no Pastor but i was amazed as the mission work as been taking care of from the few remain members. Music, drama, choreography, scripture reading, and a fresh message make the best team work result between Brazilians and Americans in the Lords service. It was possible to see the same thing at the evening service with an addition of baptisms and Lords supper at Central Baptist Church (Paulo Afonso). Btw... we had a kinda italian menu today as we had spagetty  for lunch and pizza for dinner. I cant forget to tell ya about the icecream right after the evening service in PA.

- Ermeson

>> Click for more pictures <<

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Para mim e alguns outros membros da nossa equipe, hoje fomos aos confins da terra... e isso torna a palavra cosmos em signifcado. Voce precisa sentir, tocar, cheirar para ver a pequena igreja na cidade de Santa Brigida (sertao baiano) e o povo especial daquele vilarejo. Esse sabado foi maravilhoso. As crianças da Igreja em St. brigida apresentaram uma coreografia que elas mesmas ensaiaram e a ministraçao do louvor pelos musicos do VNMB foi uma bençao. Retornamos a Paulo Afonso logo depois do almoço para descansar e nos preparar para a programaçao na igreja Batista de PA. Essa noite foi para mim uma das melhores programaçoes de adoraçao que jah participei com batismos, Peça de teatro, Musica, uma mensagem divina, bate-papo e comunhao se auto complementando ao programa... Junte-se a nos ao compartilhar as boas novas aqui no Brasil...

- George

Our travels today were to the ends of the earth for me and several members on the team..It so hard to say in words what Cosmos means. You have to feel it, touch it, smell it, to see the small church in Santa  Brigida and the people was very very special. We had a wonderful Sabbath Day. the children put on a drama that they planned on their own and VidaNova's music worship was such a blessing. After lunch we went back to Paulo Afonso for a rest and to prepare for the Sunday Worship at Central Baptist Church in Paulo Afonso. One of the best worship service I have ever attended with Baptisms, Drama , Music, Godly preaching, Conversion and Communion Just complete in every way.. Join us as we go and tell everyone the Good News...

- George

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Foram bons os momentos dedicados as conferencias de Pastores e Homens da Ig. Batista Central em Paulo Afonso. Passamos tres dias falando e discutindo sobre o carater de Neemias e sobre seu senso de liderança. Os homens da Igreja estavam muito anciosos a escutar cada vez mais sobre a Biblia. Foi muito prazeroso poder escuta-los entoar hinos em Portugues. Eles possuem um grande amor pelo Senhor. Hoje a noite um adolescente entregou sua vida a Cristo durante a programaçao da Ig. Batista em Paulo Afonso! 

Soh pra nao deixar passar em branco... o sorvete Brasileiro (icecream) eh otimo!

- David

We have had a great time with the Pastor's/Men's Conference at Igreja Batista Central (Central Baptist Church) in Paulo Afonso.  We spend 3 days talking about the character of Nehemiah and how his leadership was an outgrowth of that.  The men in the church are very eager to hear more and more from the Bible.  It is a beautiful thing to hear them sing hymns in Portuguese.  They have such a love for God.  We also saw teenage boy give his life to Christ in the church service tonight!  On a lighter note... the Brazilian icecream (sorvete) is great!  

- David   

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Dia, 2 ... Day TWO

Iniciamos o  dia como um lindo amanhecer em Aracaju. Um cafe da manha dos campeoes no adoravel Hotel pousada do Sol. Para nossa surpresa, Mama Pam foi a primeira a entrar no onibus. Pegamos a estrada por volta das 7:30. O Rob nos desafiou com uma devocional maravilhosa sobre estarmos preparados com a armadura de Deus. Uma cochilada (ok algumas horas) e fizemos nossa primeira parada na cidade de Gloria ainda em SE. Outra cochilada e ja estavamos na represa de Paulo Afonso - um bela e alta ponte de aço sobre penhascos e cachoeiras.

Chegamos ao Hotel Belvedere por volta das 13:00. David e George seguiram para a radio local para compartilhar com o povo de Paulo Afonso - sobre a rasao de estarmos aqui. Fizemos o Check-in e jah saio s para o GBarbosa local - Whew o Brian e a September ja estavam com cafe! A loja teve que RE-estocar o cafe na pratileira assim que saimos! Lah tambem nos compramos material para nosso truque de mentos + Coca diet. Enquanto estavamos na fila do caixa uma das funcionarias nos falou que tinham escutado o David e o George no programa de Radio e o Brian deu um folheto pra ela. 

A programaçao noturna como sempre sao interessantes. Ano passado foi cabo de guerra, corrida de saco, etc. Esse ano quando chegamos no local todos estavam vestidos com camisas de times de futebol, o local estava decorado com bandeiras de futebol, e nos apresentaram um video sobre futebol - tente adivinhar qual eh o esporte mais popular no Brasil? Eh isso ae FUTEBOL!! Dai tivemos que jogar futebol em times de 5 x 5, Americanos contra Brasileiros. Jogamos numa quadra de cimento - ainda bem que nao era do tamanho official. Tivemos a ajuda de alguns "Americanos", nossos queridos  amigos Sul Americanos do VidaNova. Foi muito divertido e enncerramos o jogo num empate de 4 x 4. Estavamos contentes, sem lesoes - bem, com exceçao do furo na minha calça jeans da minha escorregada para celebrar um gol.

Foi muito bom rever nossos amigos e colocar o papo em dia. Pr Genilson nos deu uma visao de como sera nossa semana. Neste domingo nos encontraremos com nossos irmaos e irmas de Santa Brigida e povoado Barreiras. Ore por mim jah que estarei transmitindo a mensagem. Ore para que Deus possa me usar e atraves de mim falar ao Seu povo.

Deus te abençoe!

Steve Faulk    ... Veja mais fotos...

 

We started the day with a beautiful sunrise in Aracaju. A breakfast of champions at the always lovely Hotel Pasada De Sol. Much to our surprize, Momma Pam was one of the first ones on the bus.  We were on the road about 730.  Rob shared a wonderful devotion and challenged us to put on the full armor of God.  A short nap (ok a couple of hours) and we are making our pit stop in Gloria. Another nap and we are at the Paulo Afonso Dam - beautiful high bridge with waterfalls and cliffs.

We arrived at the hotel Belvadere about 130.  Brother David and George were off to the radio station to answer questions and share with Paulo Afonso - the reason we are here.  Check in and off to Gbarbosa - whew Brian and September know their coffee!  The store had to restock when we got done!  We also picked up supplies for the mentos and diet coke trick.  While checking out, one of the cashiers told us they heard Brother David and George on the radio.  Brian gave them a tract.

Evening activities were interesting as always.  Last year it was tug of war, bag races, etc. This year we show up and everyone has on a soccer jersey, all the decorations are soccer and they show a video about soccer - guess what is the most popular sport in Brazil is?  You got it SOCCER!!  The asked us to play them in a soccer game - 5 vs 5, Americans against the Brazilians.  We played on a concrete basketball court - thankfully not a full sized field.  We had some "Americans" helping us out, our South American VidaNova Brothers.  It was alot of fun!  I think the game ended in a 4 to 4 tie.  We were happy, no injuries - well except the hole in my jeans from my victory lap and slide. 

Great seeing all of our friends and catching up.  Pastor Genilson gave us a brief explanation of the week ahead.  On Sunday, we will meet with our brothers and sisters from Santa Brigida and Barreira.  Pray for me as I deliver the message.  Pray that God will use me and speak through me.

God Bless - those that know tell those that don't!

Steve Faulk  ... See more pict at...

  

 

Dia, 2 ... Day TWO

Oi gente!!!! Bom Dia...

Hoje pela manha estaremos partido da cidade de Aracaju (SE) para o Sertao Baiano(BA) numa viagem de aproximadamente 7 horas pelas rodovias brasileiras. Ore para que nossa equipe de 18 membros + o motorista possa ter uma viagem tranquila e segura. Mais fotos assim que chegarmos em nosso destino hoje a tarde! Abraços.

Hey peeps!!!! Good Morning...

This morning we are leaving our hotel in Aracaju (SE) and heading the countryside of Bahia(BA). We will be traveling for about 7 hours in our bus on the bumpy roads between those two states of Brazil. PRAY for our team of 18 members + our bus driver for safe and easy trip. More picts and info later as soon as we arrive at the hotel this afternoon! BIG HUGS to ALL.

Dia, 1 ... Day ONE

VidaNova Mission Tour 2009

Hoje desembarcaram no aeroporto de Santa Maria em Aracaju a equipe de 10 pessoas da HBC na Florida que parceria com nossos voluntarios estarao na Bahia durante 10 dias.

This afternoon 10 members of HBC in Florida arrived in Aracaju - Santa Maria Airport. For this next 10 days they will be working with our college student volunteers in BAHIA state.

Life is Good and I am Living IT!

Most people do not value enough your own life and sadly miss the fun from the special moments that LIFE present to us. Through this blog you will be able to find some tips of how you could enjoy life better with out pointless moments of fake satisfaction. Value your LIFE... just live IT!

Ermeson F Santos