Skeleton

Saturday's Pictures

Today words fail me. I have been back at where we are staying for over ten hours, and words still fail me. Today God took my world, shook it up, paused, and shook one more time. I’m not sure if there are words for today’s experience. What I do know is that there is action that God desires and demands. I’m just not sure how long it might take me to figure it out.

The morning began with a crew traveling to a the school to see the finished gym floor that was finished last night after six cement trucks finally made it to the site. They also went by a street market and visited a Christian bookstore. They then proceeded to a huge Sams/Cosco-like store to buy supplies for basic-care baskets that we were going to deliver to Esqueleto. Esqueleto is another favela (slum) that literally translates “skeleton.” It is named such because the people actually live on top of Rio’s landfill. The people make their living by sorting the garbage and selling the sorted goods to recycling companies.

When the crew returned from the store, we began sorting and making the care baskets, adding beans, sugar, salt, rice, macaroni noodles, corn meal, oil, and more. It took us less than ten minutes to make up fifty bags to take with us to Esqueleto. We then loaded up the vans and started the one hour drive. Half way there we stopped at another churrascaria, but this one was different from last week. This was like an all-you-can-eat buffet, with ribs, filet, steak and more on the bar. It was very good food! As usual, I tried the food with my new favorite Brazilian drink, Coca-cola. Man, I love Brazil!

We then loaded up and drove to the outskirts of town and into smaller and smaller roads. Suddenly the pavement ended (but the sidewalk didn’t), and then there was trash everywhere. We were at Esqueleto.

What happened for the new few hours is difficult to explain. I’m still processing and trying to figure out words for what I saw. We discretely took pictures, but they fail to show the entire picture of what was going on. Here’s what was easy to see (but not to explain). The church is in Esqueleto. So far, there is nothing but a slab and four walls (with the makings of what look like restrooms as well), but it’s the church. I asked how the church managed to secure property here in Esqueleto, and I was told, “Nilopolis Nazarene.” Why does that not surprise me any more?!?!

Here’s what else is plain: God is calling all of us to action. What that action is, I’m still working on for me. But I know today we were God’s hand and feet as we went into homes, laid hands on the sick, prayed for many needs, and left food, care kits (tooth brushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.) and kits for the children (candy, pencils, crayons, and toys – mostly Wendy’s toys – Thanks, Norma!!!). This is one of those few times in my life that I am speechless. As I work through what happened, I will try to post more later.

When we returned, some cleaned up and went to the first ever English speaking service at Nilopolis Nazarene. Reports were that they had a great time, and that our Brazilian friends did a great job. This ministry will be effective in attracting those in Rio that want to improve their English language – a potentially large number of people.

After the service and a debriefing meeting (11:15PM), about ten of us headed out to a bakery near the church. Betty was right – it was closed. So we stopped at the local pizzeria just down the street on the corner where Pastor Pedro Paulo lives. We dined on some great pizza – even if there was no marinara sauce anywhere to be found. Amy, you would love Brazilian pizza! They also served us complementary soup that was delicious as well. That is until Ken thought he kept finding pig snot in his soup. I’m glad I finished my soup before he made that comment! I thought it all tasted excellent! Oh well…

It’s now 2:15AM (and I’m still full), and the music is still blaring a few houses down. Fireworks are still going off (every night’s New Year’s Eve in Rio!), and a huge bottle rocket just went off about 6 feet over my head. Considering we don’t even have screens on the windows (and they are all open, as they are 24 hours a day), I’m sure that just woke up half the people in the house!

Tomorrow is sight seeing and church.

Pray for your team!

Mark