Bom dia de São Paulo! We made it safely last Thursday evening around 9:30 after a long day of traveling. I’m thankful for how smooth everything went. All of our luggage arrived very quickly, other than our stroller which I hope to get back from American Air here soon. Bro. Zach Bruner picked us up at the airport and we made it quickly to their house about an hour from the airport.
It took us a few days to get acclimated to the sounds of the city when it came time to sleep but other than that we all seem to have adjusted fairly quickly. This past Sunday was Father’s Day here in Brazil. On Saturday while we were making visits it didn’t appear that many dads were committed to coming for the special services that had been planned at Igreja Batista Nova Vida in the Gaucari neighborhood of São Paulo. Praise the Lord there were 17 dads present that Sunday morning. That evening, the kids sang a special song.
One of the highlights for me was preaching my first time here in Brazil. Although it was through an interpreter, it was wonderful to see a group of people that are desirous to hear His Word. Several dads and grandfathers that were present heard the Gospel for the first time both in the morning and night. The church plant is young but it was awesome to see how God is already developing Christians there for His honor and glory.
I’ve had the chance to talk with several missionaries about the need here in Brazil. We’ve been especially encouraged by our time of fellowship with Zach and Sara Bruner. They’ve been an encouragement to us in the reality of ministry and missionary life here in Brazil. We’re thankful for them opening their home to us and the good memories we’ve made together.
Thank you to all those that have emailed, called, or texted us to let us know that you are praying for us. It has been a good trip thus far. We anticipate that the Lord will continue to lead and protect us as we’re traveling extensively throughout Brazil.