Myself, Jim, Liz (mission team member and translator), and Robert headed out in one group. As we approached a small house, a girl in her 20´s came out to the fence. Her house was very pretty with many plants and flowers around it. Jim introduced himself and asked if she knew who Jesus was. She said she had heard of him. He explained what Jesus did for us on the cross. He went on to ask if she had ever told a lie...any kind..small or big. She kinda smiled and said, "Yes." He said that he had too. He then asked her if she had ever stole anything. She hesitated then kinda shook her head no. Jim admitted that at sometime in life, he had stole. Jim explained that God´s Word says that if we break even one of these commandments then we have broken all of them. We prayed with the woman and she received Christ as her savior.
Another house we came upon had a older boy (maybe 15) watching his younger brother (about 2 years old) while the parents were out working. We talked with him for a little while and then decided to give him one of the soccer balls we brought. The gift lit up his eyes and brought a smile. Later as we came back down his street on the way back, he and his brother were playing with it on the porch of their house. It is amazing how such small things that I know I take for granted can bring a little bit of joy in another's life.
We had dinner around 6pm tonight and then went to the church dedication. As we turned the corner in the bus, we could see the church lit up with its new lights. People were already pouring into the church with many more seen walking down the street towards it. This is always the best part of the mission trip. We get to fellowship with the Brazilians we have been working with all week, plus we see many new faces. The church filled up quickly with many having to stand outside and look in through the windows. The Americans and the Brasilians each led some worship, then we joined to sing "Shout to the Lord" together. A few gave testimonies and then the Gospel was presented. It is amazing to think that just 4 days ago this was just a concrete slab. But tonight it is a church building with walls, a roof, lights, a congregation, the Word of God was being spoken in it and people were responding.
We think there was around 200 people in the church and maybe another 200 outside of the church. It was a great time of worship and excitement to see people led to the Lord tonight. After the dedication ceremony was over, we had to load up on a bus and drive back to Fortaleza. It is always a hard and emotional time to get on that bus and wave good-bye, even though we know we will all be reunited someday.
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