We have had some wonderful days in Salvador. We got here Wednesday evening and every day has been filled with wonderful people, places, and things to do. Of all the good, today has been the best. I am so thankful for what we experienced today; I wish all of our friends, family, and supporters could have been with us today. It has been (what I believe is) a foretaste of heaven.
The day began early, leaving our B & B about 7:40 to go to the bus stop. The bus took us to the church building, where we waited for another bus (chartered) to take us to a school where all the churches in Salvador were to meet. (Actually, some didn't come because plans had been made before the time of the area-wide meeting was announced.) There were about 300 present to worship our God; many of them we hadn't seen in 3 years or more. Among our favorites were Andreia and Albert, children of Piedade, a very special friend. We knew these "kids" when they were very young, and now they are married and both have a child. There is a picture of them with Bev on this page; I think it's at the end (I'm having trouble figuring out how to arrange things on the blog page).
It was such a joy to hug so many necks and share Christian fellowship. After worship, most stayed and ate and just hung around for about 4-5 hours, talking. For Bev and me it was so wonderful. Tim and I both preached. We spoke of how the faith of these Christians, like those in Colossae and Thessalonica, has been spoken of throughout Brazil and even the US. And we encouraged them to continue in the Word, loving one another, and reaching out to others with the Gospel. I was really touched -- humbled and somewhat disbelieving would be better descriptions -- when a brother got up afterwards and thanked us; he said "all of us are the fruit of these families coming from America with the word of God." It's amazing what God can and will do with His people.
Before today, I taught for about 8 hours (the previous 3 days) from the Minor Prophets. I will teach 2 more hours on Wednesday. The study has drawn a lot of interest. Of course, the best part of it for me was before, after, and during the breaks when I got to see and talk with Christians. The love we have for them and they have for us is so amazing. I thank God for every opportunity that I have had to be here. There have been so many good people, memories, and spiritual growth.
Go is so good. I hope you are enjoying His blessings today.
rb
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2 comments:
So Alicia is better (at least out of the hospital; did you ever find out what was wrong?)? Piedade didn't go to the area wide? Have yall seen her yet? Please take more and more pics.
It was really hard being at church today, knowing that you got to hear/see portuguese singers. But enjoy your time.
Love yall.
I'm really enjoying your messages, Ron. May God bless you and Bev with many amazing experiences.
Our wedding is fast approaching....just 10 days until the big event. We are very busy but having a wonderful time being with family and friends. We have friends arriving from Egypt for the wedding next Wednesday and Lukas will also be in on that day. Blessed times.
We love you guys and continually pray for you.
Dianne
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