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