Trip Journal 2006
Day 1 - Friday, July 14, 2006
This is the journal of our first day of adventure in Brazil.
We have EVENTUALLY arrived to Brazil. It was a long journey full of all sorts of adventures.
If I can give a title to our first day of flight is DELAYS. We had delays for all our flight, but God was there with us all the time
First, in Indianapolis, our plane left approximately one hour and a half late. That gave us time to make more friends with each other and also to learn some Portuguese. It was fun. When we arrived in Miami, the guys worked on their muscles by carrying our heavy luggage to the vans and out of them in the different airports.
The worst moment in Miami was when Malcolm told Pastor Ortiz that he forgot his passport in the front pocket of the plane from Indy to Fort Lauderdale. We just could not believe our ears. That meant he could not come with us to Brazil. He tried to go back to the airport, but the plane had already taken off back to Indianapolis, carrying his passport. We all prayed, and fortunately, the airline assured us that Malcolm could catch the next day flight to Brazil.
The other surprise in Miami Airport was that our flight was delayed 4 hours. So instead of taking off at 8:20 PM, we left at around 1:30 am Friday morning. The good thing about it was that they gave us lunch in a nice restaurant...
Eventually, we took off to Manaus, Brazil. The flight was smooth. But just when we were about to land in Manaus, we were told that there had been an accident in the Manaus airport (fortunately no deaths involved) and we could not land. We could not believe our ears... So, we landed in this small airport waiting for the captain to receive instructions on what to do next. It was nice of the captain to come and talk to us in the plane, and after several hours of waiting, we took off for another airport, Fortaleza. There, after doing the customs, we finally managed to board on the plane for Brazilia. Instead of arriving here at 6 am, we arrived at 7 pm at night.
All wondered why these happened to us... Especially because in our flight there were two other missionary groups... It is because God has marvelous plans for here in Brazil, and the enemy is not happy...
But stay with us, and we will tell you of the rest of our adventure here in Brazil!
Thank you for your prayers and support. The Lord has been so good to us!
Day 2 - Sabbath, July 15, 2006
Today is our first full day here in the capital of Brazil, Brazilia. Our plan is to go and visit all the seven churches of the district where we will build the church in order to invite them to our Evangelistic meetings. They will start this Saturday night, and even if tired, we are so excited to see how many people will come and how receptive they will be to our message.
From what we saw the previous night, Brazilia is full of contrast. The downtown is extremely beautiful, with fancy buildings. But the neighborhood where we are, in the outskirts of the city is a very poor one. The people living here have come from all parts of the country to probably find a better life. We hope to be able to offer them the message of hope in Jesus!
So, this morning, we split in several groups and we went to preach the message of love in the seven churches. The ones who preached were Dale Driscol, Angela McPherson, Rita Fisher, Pastor Ortiz, Daniela Ortiz, and Mike Riley.
The churches welcomed us with all their love. They were packed with people who were looking forward to meeting us. Where Angela preached it was a church in the garage and it was so full that people were actually standing outside in the streets to hear the message.Same thing happened in other places.
At lunch time, we were happy to meet with James and Valerie Gray who arrived Saturday morning with another flight. They are working on a video of our mission trip, and we are so privileged to have them as part of our team. Since they organized themselves other mission trips, we learn a lot from their experience.
After a wonderful potluck at church, we went in groups of 3 or 4 to distribute invitations to the people of the neighborhood for evangelism. Even if we do not speak Portuguese, we learned some phrases and with the help of the our Brazilian adventist brothers, we managed to invite them. This is when we realized in what poverty people live here and our hearts where filled with sadness and desire to bring something better in their lives. Marjorie Driscol even said she feels they should sell their house in the United States to send money to help them.
When night came, we got ready for our Evangelistic meetings. We hold them at the construction site in the open space where soon there will be a church. To our great surprise, the place was packed with people. There were around 300 persons listening to the message of Christ presented by Angela and Mike.
For the Vacation Bible School, we had around 50 children who loved hearing about Jesus. They did a celebration for Jesus, because they chose Him as their friend.
At the end of the day, we were exhausted. All we wanted was a bed to sleep. But we were thankful to God for the miracles He did that day in our lifes.
Day 3 - Sunday, July 16, 2006
Today is Sunday and we need to start working on the building of the church. Everybody is so enthousiastic and ready to go for it. We lost some precious time on Friday when we were supposed to start building, but because of flight delays we could not. However, to our surprise, the church members already started part of the building, and in a way they helped us not to lose anything.
Before starting to actually work, we gathered for the devotional in a little room close to the building site. It was such an inspiring moment. All the group has as a study Steps to Christ, by Ellen White. Daniela Ortiz made a short summary of the first chapter and reminded us of the beauty of God`s glory revealed in nature, His word, and especially in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Everyone was challenged to look during the day for ways in which God reveals His glory to us. After prayer and discussing some organizational items, all proceeded to the work site.
We created teams of natives and members of our group, took the right tools for laying brick, and here we go. Some were mixing the ciment, others were carrying the bricks, several were laying bricks and some others were bringing us water not to be dehydrated. It was the atmosphere of a bee hive were all were working hard and with excitement. Soon, the scafolding was necessary for the brick, and by the end of the day we had finished two thirds of the church.
Based on what Mazias said, the best part of the day was lunch. The food prepared by church members is absolutely delicious. We enjoyed eating the typical South American dish of rice and beans with salad, and drank natural fruit juice. Here it is cheaper to buy the fruit to do the juice than vice verse. Imagine!
We finished working at 4:30 pm and went home to shower and have dinner with our families. At 7:30 we were back at the building site, but this time for our Evangelistic meetings.
To our surprise, we had around 100 more people! They bring people from other places in buses and vans! It is incredible to see how thirsty these people are to hear about God and His love. Angela delighted the youth with another inspiring message and then Mike continued to reveal the mysteries of God’s Word. The children enjoyed hearing the story of Daniel and learned how to talk to God through prayer. There were around 70 children this night!
At the end of the day, we were all exhausted but so thankful for the fact that we are part of God’s miracle in our lives.
Day 4 - Monday, July 17, 2006
Yesterday we managed to raise pretty much all the walls of the church. There are only a few places where we need to still lay brick and afterwards we can start with the stocco. It is amazing how much we could build the first day of the work.
But we can do nothing without Christ who strengthens us, therefore, the first thing on our agenda was the devotional. Mazias and Malcolm led the song service, and then Janice Bunch presented the second chapter of Steps to Christ. We realized once again the need of a sinner of Christ.
Today we finished all the brick work and also pouring some more ciment polls in the building, to make it more secure. It is amazing how fast this was done. Now, we had to start on the delicate work of putting the stacco. Rita Fisher, Bucky, Mike and others learned how to do the stacco, while others made it smooth and ready to be painted.
At night, for our Evangelistic meetings, we had a good group of people coming. Angela and Mike continuing bringing the message of hope to these people. It is so wonderful to see how thirsty people are for the gospel. For VBS, the children met a new friend of Jesus, Joseph, and learned that they can become rich in happiness if they choose to follow the Saviour. When asked if they want to receive the richness of Jesus in their hearts, they all raised their hands.
Looking back at the day, it was absolutely amazing. I wonder what else God has in store for us tomorrow. Stay with us, and pray for us.
Day 5 - July 18, 2006
On Tuesday, after the devotional presented by Tina Pacamalan and Kim McCain, each went to see how to help. The work at the construction got more specialized, therefore not everybody could work there. Some helped with the preparation of VBS materials for the night and others arranged the clothes we brought to give. In the afternoon, we even invited our cooks to come and pick whichever clothes they wanted. It was fun to see them happy to receive.
Since we think the team participant’s families miss them, we also went around to ask some of the team participants their impressions of what happened so far...
Chris Meadows - Bedford:
"I am having a lot of fun and I like it here. What I like the most is our host family; I enjoy playing checker with Gabriel, their boy. I laid brick, and I have sifted sand, and pretty much of everything. I have helped give water to the people working so that they do not get dehydrated. I also helped with the Vacation Bible School. I was a guard for the story of Daniel. This is great."
Shandi Reynolds - Bedford:
"Well... I have a blast here in Brazil. So far I have laid brick, I put stocco on the walls, I filled gaps with ciment... I have so much fun, singing while building and working. I made a lot of new friends. During Evangelism, I was a greeter at the door almost every night, passing out flyers. I like working out with whatever is needed. The best part of the trip was to see everybody singing and working... For my mother, I want to say that I love her, I miss her and I want her to call me today, Tuesday."
Janice Bunch - Bedford:
" So far I have been working with the children and I enjoyed them. I laid brick, helped with the clean up, and I am looking forward to help distributing the clothing. I truly enjoyed the people I am staying with. They are beautiful people. One of these nights, they cooked with a large fish with a head and the tail attached, and it looked at me while I was eating it. But it was delicious. I miss home but I love it here. I hate that days here go so fast."Marjorie Driscol - Columbus:
"I want to tell my kids I love them. We are having a ball, people here are so nice. Our host family is super. All she does is cook. I am going to need two sizes bigger when I am coming home. THe week is going really fast, we've just about finished the building. We'll just have to come back here next year."
Bobby Miskimen - Brownsburg:
"Today is very hot, so we drink lots of water and Gatorade. Right now we're sifting the sand to put in the mix for the concrete. Kenvin and I are talking to the natives, learning words in Portuguese. I enjoy playing soccer after eating lunch. Kids down here are really good at that, especially a boy named Felipe; he can take the ball from pretty much any American. The seats are always full during the meetings. Last night I played the piano for special music. For those home, I love you, miss you, but I want to stay here more... Like I have a choice in the matter."
Duane Wasylyshen - Martinsville:
"First impression: People here are really nice. Our host family wants us to come back very soon. Brazilian hospitals are interesting because I was the only one of the team to be in one. Saturday night, I was feeling sick and they took. I was dehydrated and they gave me three bags of IV. Just a tip: Dehydration is not fun. But now I am fine. I am helping every one not to get dehydrated by giving Gatorade and water. I look forward to the boat and taking the tour on Brazilia on Thursday and playing soccer more."
James Gray - Bloomington:
"Without question, it's a place we find ourselves surrounded by four walls of incredible dryness. The dirt, the soil is so fine, and the least little breaze picks it up and blows it around which to me it's just the opposite of what I am finding in the people that come here in the church and the surrounding facilities. The individuals I've met and got to know are anything but dry. THey are the most warm, sincere, friendly group that I think that Val and I have ever experienced in the mission field. Their acceptance of us, their heart for not only us, but for one another is the essence of where God smiles when He speaks to us of living water. It's certainly not a desert inside these four walls. From what I see, the dirt may be shifted around by the wind, but these folks are as solid as a rock foundation. My prayer would be that all the walls surrounding the church will one day come down that there will be no need for walls anymore, that this oasis will become a focus for this community."
I hope you enjoyed hearing from your dear ones. We will try to interview some more in the days to come.
Looking back at the day, it was absolutely amazing. I wonder what else God has in store for us tomorrow. Stay with us, and pray for us.
Day 6 - Wednesday July 19, 2006
Angela - Martinsville
"Brazil is fantastic because of the people. The scenary is beautiful, the food is great, but the people are absolutely the best. They are not afraid to be happy, to smile or hug you when they don't even know you. You make instantenous friends. I'll really really miss that. It was such a blessing to worship with people who are so enthousiastic and so mission-minded. I've had to stop in the middle of the trip because we are so busy to contemplate how much I am enjoying this. I'm really stoked to really see the Amazon."
Sara Malave - Riverside, La Sierra, CA
"It has been an amazing experience and a true life-changing trip. We have met so many wonderful people and the prayers that God has answered have been a true revelation of His wonderful love for each one of us participating in this trip. Building this wonderful church has helped me realize how God builds our heart and He does so with so much work and love. Being part of building the church has also helped me work within myself to experience God's presence every single moment. As we depart to Manaus, my prayer will be to help and heal with God's help those people that are sick."
Malcolm - Bloomington
"The beginning of my journey was challenging. It was hard for me to travel alone internationally especially. God got me here to Brazil safely just that it took a lot of time. Now that I am here with the rest of the group it's been fun working with Brazilian workers and it's been a blessing in the evening meetings. It shows how greatful I should be about the stuff I've got home."
Bucky - Bloomington
"It's a friendly country, but we are in a poorer area than I thought we would be. The food is good, I made a lot of friends, I wish I didn't have to leave. I was impressed with the alter calls by the Brazillian preacher. Last night at first 18 came front, but he encouraged 5 more to come. After the second call, there were between 6-8 walking down the aisle. 25 people came up front dedicating their lives to Jesus. It's amazing. I am completely impressed."
Trenton Chastain - Bedford
"Everybody is really nice, they like to talk to you a lot. Even if you do not understand their language, they will explain to you until you get it. They are really good at soccer. At the meetings, there are so many people, that there are not enough seats for them. Hi to everyone home, I am doing all right."
Day 7 - Thursday July 20, 2006
On Thursday, we took a break from our regular schedule of building and took our tour to Brazilia. It was so good to relax and visit the beautiful capital. We first stopped to a bridge that has been voted last year as the most beautiful bridge of the world. Afterwards we visited the equivalent of White House and the government buildings. This city has been created to be a capital, and it is very well organized. All the government is in one place, there is another neighborhood with only embassies, and so on.
The teenagers and young adults enjoyed the most going to a Brazilian shopping center. The next stop was a Catholic cathedral with an impressive acoustic. Lastly, we visited the South-American Division headquarters which were really beautiful. It was so much fun.
At night, the Evangelistic meetings were led by the Evangelist of the area, Pastor Bullon who touched all people's hearts. At his alter calls, around 25 people came to the front. The meeting ended up with a baptism. For the children program, the little ones learned about the joy of serving the Lord because He is risen. The glow sticks brought many smiles on their faces.
Today has also been the day when our group has been complete. The dentist has arrived with his wife and assistant. We are glad to welcome in our midst Doctor Barroso, Lyris and Kelly.
Tomorrow it will be our last day of work. We hope we will manage to do as much as possible.
Day 8 - Friday July 21, 2006
Today is our last day. We want to start painting the church. But since there is not much to do on the construction site, we split in groups to do other things. One group is preparing gift packages for the children that participated in VBS. Another is arranging the medicine with the dentist and his assistant. Others enjoy being with their native friends. The treat of the day was the massage given by two ladies who are professionals and offered to give us free massages. It was awesome.
At night, the Evangelistic meetings were closed by pastor Bullon with an altar call for more people to choose baptism. For VBS there were 108 kids who learned about their Prince, Jesus, that is coming soon to take them home. At the end, they received the long-waited gifts and it was awesome to see their excitement opening them.
But I will let you read more about impressions in what several of our team members wrote:
Michael Haus - Cedar Lake, Michigan:
"It's very amazing to experience a different culture. Most of the people are poor, but they are happy without possessions, a thing some of the Americans need to learn. All the food is totally unique, and tasty. The Evangelistic meetings are very good and touching a lot of lives. When they pray, they say Amen many times through prayer, which it's kind of nice."
Ron Winkplepleck - Bloomington:
"Brazil is a beautiful country with a lot of fun, loving people, a lot of great hospitality... I have enjoyed the trip very much. I made a lot of friends, met a lot of nice people, and liked building the church. I will hate to leave behind so many friends I made."
Laurel McPherson - Martinsville:
"All the people are very friendly and nice. They are helpful when you don't know how to lay block. Even if you don't know how to do it, they are still nice. This is my first mission trip where I was part of building something. It was really awesome how the team got so much closer once we started building together. THe meetings have been very fun, kind of cool at night. It was much colder than I thought. It is sad to know that the meetings are almost over. Yesterday we went into Brazilia, and we got to jog across the most beautiful bridge. We took lots and lots of pictures. Went to a really high tower, you could see the whole city. I want to say hi to all my friends, family, mom, dad and my boyfriend Kevin. I miss you guys so much."
Ryan Blythe - Indianapolis
"I really enjoyed the people. They are friendly and hospitable. Our host does everything she can to make us happy including making spagetti, pudding. All their friends and family come just to meet us. The building is fairly simple since Brazilians know the hard stuff. I enjoyed helping them carrying masa and tijolo."
Mazias de Oliveira - Bloomington
"It is wonderful to come to a different part of my country I have not been to before. The people here in Brazilia, better yet Paranoa, are just as loving and humble if not more than the people from the rest of this great nation which brings me to believe even more stongly that Brazil is indeed the best country of the world. It has been challenging but still a blessing to translate for sermons and just about everyone else as well. I am very content to be one of God's tools in His mission. I am very eager to go to Manaus but very sad to leave my new family here in Brazilia. They have touched me in such a way that they will always be in my heart."
Dale Driscol-Columbus
"It's an interesting country. This part of Brazil is very dry at this time of year at least. People are very very friendly. Our hostess has been very cordial and helpful. THe building looks very nice and large for the people of this area and it's going quite well. The Brazilian speaker is outstanding and the presentations by Angela were very good."
Day 9 - Sabbath July 22, 2006
Today was our last day here in Brazilia. We have mixed feelings of sadness to leave our new friends and family in Christ, but at the same time of excitement to go for the boat experience. The members of the church we built invited us to have the Sabbath program. For Sabbath School six persons of our team presented the ideas of the Sabbath School lesson Sara, Marjorie, Janice, Kris, Ryan and Angela. It was so sweet to get again the reassurance that God is in control of our future. For the main service, Pastor Ortiz preached about Jabez’ prayer and challenged us to extend our territory.
The most exhilarating moment this Sabbath was the afternoon program. More than 500 people gathered to witness the baptism of 61 persons. It was meaningful for us not only to see new believers making an open covenant with Jesus, but also Shandi and Trenton rededicating their lives through baptism.
After baptism, we said good-bye to the church by offering some gifts to the cooks, masons, host families, drivers, Bible workers, pastors, local Conference president, and others. It was a touching moment. The church did not want to go... At the end, after a 3 hour and a half program, we all united in singing with Valery about the blood of Jesus who makes us one big family.
Mike Riley - Bloomington:
It was interesting to see some of the beautiful buildings, bridges, and towers on our "tour day" in Brazilia, but the aspect of our visit that I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to become acquainted with the people that we lived and ate with, worked beside, and worshiped with. Brazillians are fun-loving, cheerful, caring, dedicated, and very spiritual. It was so exciting to work besides fellow [South, North, & Central!] American brothers and sisters in Christ, and to have a small part in God's project to raise a new church to spread His love to His children. My heart was especially thrilled the expressions on the faces of the 61 people that were baptized at our last meeting together in the newly built church.
Tomorrow, very early in the morning, we will set off for Manaus where we board the boat to go down the Amazon. We will not be able to write from here updates, since on the boat we will be separated from modern technology. But we thank you in advance for your prayers. We love you all.