Sabbath

Sunday's Pics

Today was Sunday – our Sabbath. And we had a good day of rest and worship. After a quick breakfast, we headed over to the Nilopolis Church for Sunday School and a brief worship service following. In true Nilopolis fashion, we walked to church! On the way there we walked through a weekly street market where you could buy everything from fresh fish to shrimp, crabs (still alive!), meat, all sorts of fresh fruit and veggies, meat, and even Shrek the Third on DVD (speaking Portuguese! Man – those movies come out on DVD quick in Brazil!).

Upon arriving at the church, we walk to the back, and take a look around. According to members of the team who have been here before, there have been many changes and improvements. It was neat to see their food court and center/hub, where everyone met everyone with a hug (and sometimes even a kiss to the side of the cheek. Some of our men got their first kiss from a man today! ).

We met Laubianca, who we learned was to be our Sunday School teacher for the morning. Laubianca spoke great English, and explained that she had been teaching Sunday School since last year in English, encouraging those who wanted to improve their English speaking skills to join her. With our 20+ and their 20+, we filled up the room! Pastor Jim and I attended the class through the open windows in the back of the room!

After Sunday School, everyone but me went to the sanctuary to attend a small worship service. Laubianca and her friend accompanied me to observe the children’s ministry areas of Nilopolis Nazarene. Well, that was my understanding of it, anyway. When I walked into the younger children’s church areas (2-5 years old), Laubianca spoke Portuguese to the teacher for a while, then told me she would interpret while I introduced myself to the kids. She then wanted to know what I would be doing with the kids – singing or telling them a Bible story, or such. Oops – that made my heart jump a beat! I explained to Laubianca that all I was desiring to do was to join and observe the children and their regular teachers worked with them. I then introduced myself to the kids, bringing greeting from our 80+ kids in Hutchinson, and then joined them in singing many cool, upbeat songs. Needless to say, this middle-aged white boy was no competition with dancing with some of those Brazilian children!

I then left to go join the other older children in their children’s church. They too sang and danced to very good music (I need to find out who the Brazilian women was singing the songs – they were great!), and then settled down to listen to a story about Jonah. After they were finished, I brought them greetings as well, and then took questions. I have never been asked so many interesting questions in my life! I had a blast!!!

I then joined up with the rest of the group, purchased a Coke at the food pavilion for the trip home, and set out for lunch. After lunch many of us guys joined AJ in a game we named “Palma Bird.” I will have to take pictures or shoot video to show you what it is (think shuttle cock meets hackey sack played with the hands) – it’s too unusual to even try to explain here. The afternoon was spent talking, playing games, resting, and walking. It was a great break.

After a quick snack to tide us over to dinner, we headed back to the church for the main service – the 7:00PM service. When we got there, the 5:00 service was still going strong! When they left, we entered the Nilopolis Church of the Nazarene for a great evening of worship. Soon after the service started, the church was completely full – even the extra rows of plastic chair the ushers had added. Then the singing began. WOW – Brazilians can sing!!! Even though I only recognized a few songs (and poorly attempted to sing some of them in Portuguese), you could definitely tell what the people were singing about. It was great! By the way, the congregation stood during the first set of worship music. Thirty-three minutes of standing with no breaks! I love Brazil!

After the offering (where three hymns were sung), Pastor Jim invited Olivia, Clayton (both from San Jose) and Marvin B to the platform to share the story of what God had done in their lives. These three did a great job telling the people of God’s grace and mercy, as well as forgiveness. They were followed by Ken W singing the evening special. When Ken was finished, Pastor Jim got up and preached a great message on offering our lives as a sacrifice to God. When he was finished, Pastor Pedro Paulo opened the altars, and in no time they were filled with people seeking God and his direction in their lives. It was fantastic. And slightly long. Like 2 and a half hours long. Other than the fact that we were sitting on wooden pews, the time flew buy!

At the conclusion of the evening’s service (and when we could drag Adam R away from all the girls that wanted their pictures by him), we headed home for a late dinner. At 10:45 we finally ate a delicious meal.

Tomorrow we start work! We will go to the school and start working on some major projects there first. I can’t wait – it’s going to be neat working side by side with professions as well as those from the church who have taken time off and/or vacation days to be there with us.

Well, it’s 2:20AM, and there is still a street concert going on just 2 blocks away! Rio never sleeps!

Keep praying for your team!
Mark