SEMESTER IN BRASIL -- SPRING 2008

Andréa's Thoughts a Couple of Weeks Ago

2008-05-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

In my last entry, I talked about how God helps to bring me through times when all I can think of is home and it seems like everything would be so much better if I were in the United States. That is so true! But since then I have come to appreciate and even love my situation here and my mind is not so consumed with thoughts of home. Now I find myself thinking about returning home in a few weeks and wishing that I could stay longer so I could learn and grow more.
Things are still frustrating at times. Like when I got lost on the bus on the way to orchestra practice for my practicum this past week. Talking with the bus attendant, driver, and the others on the bus to find my way through a part of the city where I’ve never been was a true test of my Portuguese abilities and my nerves. My speaking and understanding were certainly less than perfect, but I made it to practice……45 minutes late. Things like this continue to test and try, but my excitement for being here and my love for the wonderful Brazilians that I see day in and day out makes me think that I may have reached the other side of culture shock.
I have truly fallen in love with the family that I am living with. They are just that, family. My mãe (Brazilian mom) gets concerned when I get the sniffles and she talks with me about culture and helps me with Portuguese while we do dishes together. My pai (Brazilian dad) brings me popcorn while working on homework. Bruna, my Brazilian sister, watches TV with me, lets me tag along when she’s hanging out with her friends, and certainly lets me know (in love) when I haven’t said something right in Portuguese. I couldn’t ask for a better family! I have loved learning about what it’s like to live in a Brazilian home with this family. They have taught me so much and I hope that they have enjoyed having me as well. These next few weeks I will be savoring my time with my Brazilian family and trying to soak up as much Brazilian learning as possible. I am so happy with what God has taught me here, but I hope that it is not over yet!
By Andréa Woods

Most Precious Ones

2008-05-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

How could you not love them?

For many people, children, at best are a nuisance. For too many others, they are like trash –unwanted, disposable, and easy targets of violence and abuse of every kind. Many of the over two hundred children who live in Cidade dos Meninos, a loving Christian community just outside of Campinas, SP, that provides loving homes, school, social activities, church, vocational training and “hope without limits,” were at-risk children rescued from societies’ discard heap.

Several Intercultural Studies students from Mount Vernon Nazarene University were privileged to do their Intercultural Practicum in this environment. It is hard to imagine any ministry closer to the heart of God than caring for and educating children who have been rescued from violence, abandonment, and hopelessness. Helping to prepare meals, or serving at meal time, or playing with the children after class may hardly seem like significant mission activities. At such times, Jesus’ words “whatever you did for the least of these you have done to me,” reminds us that a smile, an English lesson, a romp on the playground, a stern no to misbehavior, a hug, anything done for these precious ones is ministering to Jesus himself.

On Wednesday, May 7, I had the privilege of getting up before 5:30 AM to catch the local bus to get into the city in time to ride the workers’ bus to Cidade dos Meninos with MVNU students, Laura Erskine, Miranda Stull, Deirdre Mc Cord, Chase Penix, and Scott Brubaker. What a day! It was long, it was tiring, it was mostly non-stop busy. When we came back into the city after dark, my heart got left behind. No, the kids didn’t steal it, I gladly gave it to them. You see I got to play with some of the kids. I tasted the meal several of the teen boys had proudly prepared in their cooking class. I took dozens of pictures of precious little ones, they took our pictures with them, and they posed, smiled, and soaked up the love that we gladly shared with them. We didn’t get to sing and dance with them in chapel because it was held on Friday, but we have been told that as young as they are, many of them have already learned to love and worship God.

In a very profound way, Wednesday was a day of worship for me. Throughout the day I often prayed for the children, I thanked God for the men and women who have understood the significance of their gift to God by taking care of, teaching, and serving the children. No missionary calling could ever be any more important or have any longer lasting results than the investment in the lives of hundreds of children who now have “hope without limits.”

You will know when you grow up ...

2008-04-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

All my life, people have said to me that I will know when I have grown up, because I will realize that I know nothing at all. I've never really appreciated the saying much, least of all now. The phrase has certainly never hit home this hard. I still hold true to my feelings when I first arrived in Brazil; it has been the biggest learning experience of my life. Every day I learn a new word, idea or practice, and I find joy in this. But I have also never been placed in a more humbling situation.

I am still learning the language; I am still learning about the culture, and while I find myself fitting in more and more, I am also more aware of my cultural differences and the difficulties that are involved in bridging cultural and lingual gaps. In three months I have learned the basics of how to communicate. I can hold out on my own, buy food, go shopping and hold short conversations. And while this is a definite accomplishment for the short time that I have been here, I am still not able to give direction in the church theater group I am a part of, or share a devotional without the help of a translator. I am primarily limited to observing the ministries I am involved with.

I am daily blessed by the kindness of my host family and church. Their guidance, love and generous hearts have made this semester the most influential one of my college career. But I feel ashamed for not giving back to them in the way that they have given to me. I have found myself rationalizing my inexperience and language barriers instead of completely stepping up to the opportunities given to me and offering them over to God. I do not know what God can do with someone who is faced with these cultural challenges, but I am ashamed for not giving him a better chance.

I realize that my education has been here to remind me that I am capable of nothing without God, not to make me self-sufficient. I came to Brazil hoping to depend upon what I had learned through my classes and church experience, but realize that I can do nothing without God's power. He is the only one who can step past these barriers. And with his help and blessing, I pray that he will lead me and use me throughout these next two weeks.

I covet your prayers, and am anxiously looking forward to being with my friends and family again. Your support has given me a steady supply of hope and peace. I love you all.

-Jamie Noel Schmelzenbach

You are never too old to accept Jesus into your life!

2008-04-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

I spent this weekend with my family here in Brazil working with the SOPAO ministry. Friday night we spent time in fellowship and worship together. They asked me to sing a song, so I began with “All for Love.” Then I sang a song that I wrote called “Proverbs 28:12.” A member of our group has been sick, so on Saturday we decided to visit her and her community. When we arrived, we held a prayer meeting right there in front of her store. Oh how wonderful it was to see the young and old come out to this meeting! As the leader of our group, Vera, began to share the gospel, I began to listen and watch the faces of those around become attentive to what she had to say.

Vera’s husband, Luis, began closing this meeting with a prayer and asked the people who wanted to know Christ to step into the middle of our circle and we would pray with them. Three ladies, all probably over 50 years of age, responded. The joy that was beaming inside them could be seen as we began praying with them and you could see tears filling their eyes as they asked Jesus into their lives. Praise God! To close our time together, Vera asked me to sing so I sang the song that I had written. My song had never been as real to me as it was this past Saturday because the words were just what I was experiencing that very day. Here are the words:

People in the world today are seeking your way.
Lord you see the tears they cry and say,
“Don’t fear my child because I am here with you now.”

Chorus:
When the Godly succeed, everyone is glad.
When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
When the Godly succeed, love is shown to the world.
And the faith of those will grow.

When we worship you in all that we do;
Showing love to the world everyday.
Friendships are made when we worship you.

Praise God that we can share His word throughout the world. Even though most of these people didn’t understand what I was saying, we were in a time of praising our Heavenly Father and Worshipping Him. Remember that no one is too old to become a Christian. God works through the young and through the old. As the song says, “When the Godly succeed, everyone is glad.”

Leah Barker 26/4/08

Homesickness!

2008-04-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking for a few days now about what to write on this blog, and I finally decided to just be true to my thoughts and my heart at the moment. We have little more than a month left before we leave to go back to the US. A little more than a month before we can understand everything that is said, know everything we eat, and have schedules that are stuck to and are rarely changed. A little over a month before we are back with our family and friends whom we have missed so much. I've been away from home for long periods of time before, and have not been able to speak to my family very much before as well, so I have been surprised at the amount of homesickness that I've been feeling.

However, everytime I start to get down, I am always reminded of what Jesus said about following Him. "I have no place to rest my head, do not wait until your affairs are in order, expect hospitality from those you meet along the way," etc. This has really challenged my thinking about where "home" really is. For those of us who are saved, home is Heaven, and because we are doing work that has eternal significance, our home is wherever there is work to be done. It is important to have confidence in your calling, and to know that wherever you are called is where you are supposed to be. I am so thankful that God has a plan, and I can have confidence in this no matter how I am feeling.

by Deirdre Mc Cord

A Life Changing Experience

2008-04-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall [not perish] but have eternal life.” As little children growing up in church, this is one of the first verses we learn. In all reality, if that is the only one we know it defines our religion plain and simple. On April 3, 2008, I went out with my ministerial team SOPÃO and we delivered soup to the homeless people in the streets. While awaiting our departure from the soup kitchen to the streets, I read this verse in Portuguese in [one of] the New Testaments they were going to give out that night. When we arrived at our first stop, there were quite a few people waiting. In my mind it was a normal Thursday night and as I began doing my normal thing I heard Vera in the background sharing John 3:16 with the people. As I reflected on this moment, I began hearing Louis explain about making this verse real in their life. As Louis came to a conclusion, he began inviting people to accept Christ at that very moment.

There in the streets, where a ministry team was evangelizing a group of people, 7 people prayed the sinner’s prayer that night. They asked God to cleanse their hearts and transform them. As I looked across the crowd that had just gotten saved, I noticed a woman who comes every week, but this week she was changed. I saw a man crying tears of joy and relief. I heard and understood this prayer and realized that no matter what language you may speak, God understands and accepts all. I understood their prayers that day and it brought goose bumps to my arms. God is good and faithful and no matter where you are, He reaches out for you to take hold. The people received a New Testament that day and they received the Bread of Life, as well as, the bread that would fill their stomachs. Praise God! May you be willing to embrace the love of God and share it with those around you. God is saving people and His word is true everyday.

by Leah Barker

A Funeral

2008-04-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last night a 21 year old young woman died in an accident. She was riding her motorcycle, was hit by a car, and was killed. The funeral was today.

I was shocked when church ended and my family, who are usually the last people out of the church, ran towards me and told me we had to leave immediately. It had been spread through the grapevine for the entire service that a woman had died. The funeral was at 11:30, and we were going.

To be honest I did not want to go. Funerals are hard the American way, but I was completely unprepared for this. The "funeral" was more like what we would consider calling hours, people hugging each other and walking through a line to see the closed casket and give their condolences to the family and friends. The difference however was that the family had not had two days to mourn alone before facing the public.

There was no make-up that could hide the fact that they had been up all night crying. There was no hair style or clothing that could help them to appear less heartbroken. In the U.S. the family has a few days. They are able to compose themselves and they laugh and smile in a bumb sort of a way, concealing the fact that they have no idea what they are going to do tomorrow. People that I had seen before, always laughing, were at that moment completely broken. I did not know the girl who passed on, but it took all of my strength not to cry for those whose hearts and lives were devasted.

I am going to be honest. That funeral was one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever seen, I wish it weren't real. So do they. . .

Only one and a half months left!

2008-04-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Two months down, one and a half to go. Wow, does time fly. Two weeks ago we were on spring break outside of Rio de Janeiro. It was a wonderful time of bonding for our group. While Miranda had to stay back and recover, every day we thought about her. Besides all of the beatiful places we visited, we saw another shantytown - one much worse than the first. It was litered with trash and the poverty was absolutely unmistakable. Then we went to spend three days lying on the beach. On the way home, we visited the Christ-the-Redeemer statue. Many may only dream of such experiences, and yet God blessed the nine of us and gave us the resources to do such dreamed about experiences.

by Laura Reindel.

So You Think You Can Dance?

2008-03-31T14:00:00.000-07:00

by Leah Barker

This has been a question since the beginning of our trip here to Brazil. This is an area that is not looked highly on in the Church of the Nazarene but you know that here in Brazil it is part of the ministry in the Campinas Central Church of the Nazarene. To be honest, I think that America and its media has put such a bad impression of a beautiful gift that God has given people and has turned it into provocative, sexual, and seductive trash. Just because someone can move to a certain beat, and they love doing so, they shouldn’t just give up because others hate it.

Here, my ministry has been working with the Nazateens. There are anywhere between 100-200 teens with whom we have some kind of contact. I specifically work with the teen girls, attending their Friday night Bible studies as well as observe, support, and encourage them as they practice their dance routines. Just like anything else in order to be good they have to practice. It was Easter Sunday with I realized how important dance really was to these teenage girls. In the evening service I arrived and they invited me to watch them perform in the children’s services. So I did and this is what I saw; seven girls putting their whole hearts into glorifying God through dance and song. Before hand, while taking pictures I noticed that this one girl who usually smiled for everything did not want to smile for the pictures, but wow, when she got on that stage the only thing on her mind was God and dancing for his glory. That smile could not be wiped off of her face even if you had wanted to. That is what I call dancing in the presence of God.

This past weekend I was invited to spend the weekend with one of the teens and her family. So, Saturday morning, at 8am we arose and off we went to Ballet practice. Now for me, ballet is not a style that I particularly enjoy watching, but this Saturday I did. The reason was because to Thayla this is her life and dream. She wants to make a life using her dancing ability. She loves to dance all kinds of music and you can tell. When you see her perform she glides right along that platform with love passion in her eyes.

In the Bible, God doesn’t say not to dance; in fact he encourages it in a way to glorify Him. No matter if you like dance or not, try to look it as a way that some use to glorify Him. That is why this particular ministry formed: by a person’s love for dance and love for God. Now two women lead this group and they have impacted a lot of teenagers’ lives. Some may be the only Christians in their homes but their love for God and dance has helped them have a good Christian support system. Let us worship God in any way we feel lead to worship. Praise God we are free and can worship him whenever and wherever.

ORDEM E PROGRESSO

2008-03-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

Andréa Woods

Having been here for two months, the novelty of being in a new country has worn off. That doesn’t mean I don’t still get excited about eating fresh mango and not having to wear a coat when I go outside, but at the same time I’m getting used to things that one can only get accustomed to through time. For example, I don’t expect to walk into a room and be able to speak to someone in English. I’m also familiar now with the social norms of using public transportation, like how far in advance to stand before my stop comes and whether or not to take a seat at all. Beyond these superficial things, the extended amount of time here has helped me to learn that the Brazilian people are fun-loving, hospitable people that truly look to progress as their motto says “Ordem e Progresso.”

Not everything about being here is smooth sailing. But when things are getting tough and it feels like I’m banging my head against the wall trying to speak Portuguese, and it would just be easier to pack up and go home where everyone speaks the same language, God steps in and reminds me that He is with me, loves me and has a plan for me here. God’s obvious faithfulness to me inspires me to serve Him and share His love with those around me, particularly the kids that I work with at ANA (a before and after school program for shanty town children.)

God gave me one of those reminders at the evening service on Easter. I went to church that evening missing my family and being frustrated with my Portuguese progress, but during the praise and worship time I came to the realization that I understood nearly all of the worship songs. I’m still not thrilled with my Portuguese but I was overjoyed that after almost 2 months of being here I could wholeheartedly participate in the worship music. I am so thankful for times like this that are so encouraging. It helps make the hard parts of being here not so bad.

Taking a trip to the beach and Rio de Janeiro wasn’t bad either. Although we missed Miranda terribly, we all had a great time of fun in the sun! We stayed in a couple of apartments in a little tourist town called Arraial do Cabo. We had some good times hanging out on white sandy beaches, making brigadeiro, and seeing “Big Jesus.” It was a great week and I can’t wait to go back to share it with Miranda, but I’m really excited to get back to learning Portuguese and working with the kids at ANA.

Sao Paulo Visit

2008-03-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Sao Paulo around 9:00 Friday morning on a bus from Campinas, but it took us over an hour to get from the bus station to the downtown where we parked and began to walk thru the center of town, to Plaza Sé (Plaza Zero), in front of the Cathedral and other main office buildings, and parks. We spent much of the day walking which gave us a good feel for what Sao Paulo is like. People everywhere! Sitting, lounging on benches at the memorials, selling, "making-out," Pentecostal street evangelists, some hurrying through, others going to mass, and who knows what else? About 1:00 PM we walked to the Municipal Market which is located in a beautifully restored building, about 150 years old. It is now mostly a colorful fruit and vegetable market and eatery.

There were hundreds of people there at the cafes, mostly on the mezzanine, with long lines waiting to be seated, to order, or to pay. After getting tables we were able to order the traditional lunch, a bologna and cheese sandwich! But this was no "Oscar Meyer" type of bologna. Each of these babies must have weighed close to a pound with mounds of thinly sliced, Portuguese style bologna. They were wonderful, although at least twice as large as what any person in their right mind should eat. It was well into the evening before anyone was even interested in talking about food again, though.

Mid-afternoon we went to a homeless shelter and got acquainted with their ministry before we walked thru the neighborhood. This shelter feeds hundreds of people daily, provides showers, beds, TV, medical and dental attention, along with evangelistic services and worship. They also help the people get an education, and once free from addictions, they begin the process of reintegrating them back into society. This ministry is located in the center of an area of Sao Paulo called "crack land." During the day and until early evening prostitutes work the area; at night it becomes a major center for drug traffick. No imagination is required to see the horrors of sin.

We walked through the area to what looked like an alley with steel doors. Behind them, though, a lovely home is being built for the babies and small children of the prostitutes. The colorful house has many design characteristics that will make it an ideal place for a nursery and day care for these babies. While the house is a gift, the folks that are building it (also from the homeless shelter) are praying for another miracle, that some church or organization would sponsor it and send a team of missionaries and workers to minister to the at least 50 babies they expect when they open the doors.

Several of our team members were on the verge of tears much of the time we were there and wanted to know how they could come back to begin working with the babies and mothers. I kept thinking there could be few projects more worthy for the University to sponsor than a ministry where childcare, counseling, prayer, loving the young mothers (many of the prostitutes are in their teens), providing early pregnancy health care, and lovingly sharing the gospel message of forgiveness and restoration. Across the street are three hotels that are primarily used for prostitution and drug dealing, but along the sidewalks, open doorways, and stores you can see that business is not confined to any certain location.

Does God care?

Someone mentioned that there are about 8 million cars (besides buses, trucks, utility vehicles) and another 1 million motorcycles in this city of about 22 million people. It seemed like they were all on the streets of the city Friday evening since it took us two hours of riding in an old van without air conditioning, sitting at times in intense traffic jams, breathing noxious fumes, to get from the shelter to the Nazarene church where families were to meet us to take us to their homes. It is amazing how quickly we became family and special guests in these homes. New families, but then, we are all just part of the larger family of God.

Of course a couple of days and nights in a city like Sao Paulo are hardly more than a glimpse into what God is doing in such a place. While the human diversity and beauty is vast, the needs are also beyond description. Much more exciting, though, are the signs of God’s work and grace where so many of his people are found.

Demolition or Construction?

2008-02-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. . . Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers. . . encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. . . always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5)

One day Pastor Geraldo took Dierde and me to our practicum. When we arrived he saw his wife there and said, right in front of us, you are beautiful. A few Sunday´s ago I was having a horrible time trying to get ready to go to church, when I finally came out, instead of Pastor Geraldo asking me why I took so long he said, you look pretty. This past weekend at Sao Paulo our entire group was lavished with compliments on our Portuguese (we are all still struggling). It seems that everywhere we go the Christian community has something encouraging to say to us.

I have also been prayed for. One night my Mãe called me into my brother's room and had me kneel at the bed while the family gathered around to pray for me. They prayed that they would know what I needed, that I would not get homseick, that I would learn a lot. . . the list goes on. It was not just a ``Hey let me throw this up to Jesus for you´´ type of a prayer, it was a real touching heaven kind of prayer.

It is not only my family that has this attitude towards encouragement and prayer, it is the attitude of the church; and it is convicting. It is so easy to get caught up in trying to impress everyone around us, and miss the biger picture. At first I tried to rationalize it. I said,`` I worry so much about what everyone else thinks because I was critiqued in my home church´´, but then the voice of the Savior rang in my head ``Are you any different?´´ I must confess it is a lot easier to tear people down than to build them up. It is easier still to take prayer lightly, then we don´t have to believe that God can change us; it gives us an excuse. But prayer and exhortation are commands and I believe that they compliment each other.

So, the question is. . . Are we going to build people up in our prayers and with our words? Or, are we going to continue to degrade people with our words, and limit our vision of God´s capability in others lives?

Cultural Immersion (Beyond the Classroom) by Jamie

2008-02-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

Studying abroad in Brazil has been more than just an ``experience`` for me. I am the only one out of our group of 9 that has never left the country before. Every new thought, sight, smell, taste or greeting has been meaningful to me and affirming of my call in missions.

When people ask me if I miss home, I answer honestly. At times I miss family, friends or some of the finer parts of American life (aka pickles), but I wouldn´t want to be anywhere else in the world.

I cannot begin to explain the joy I´ve experienced from living a day to day life of constant learning. Each new cultural experience or vocabulary addition to my Portuguese has been a small victory. One of the biggest things that I have been shown is that there´s no reason for me to wait to start serving. I am excited for the ministries that I have participated in so far, and in the ones I hope to involve myself with when I get home this summer.

The Brazilian people, church, and those that have organized this program have been a blessing to me. Praise God!

Being Stretched ...

2008-02-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Chase Penix

I know this is my first entry, but I wanted to make sure I was past all of the superficial "tourist" observations and could share something of substance. This trip is teaching us to adapt to culture,(which of course is invaluable as a person called to cross-cultural ministry) but even more than that, it is teaching us to serve Humanity as effectively as possible.

We have been required to take an anthropological approach in all our different settings. We are learning to change our approach, depending on the people we work with. I´ve had to work with teens, small children, the homeless, and interact within a family. All groups have a different outlook not only because of their culture, but also because of where they are at in their lives. Because of this, this semester abroad is stretching and molding us as servants and ministers, but also forming us as students in the classroom.

We are learning the different approaches needed in different societal contexts. Tribal, peasant, and urban societies are the main focus. It has been quite an exercise going through the "what-ifs" in my mind as I work through the course. During the reading and class discussion, I have had to force myself to work through different scenarios that come up in every context. Just for fun, tonight when you, yes you the reader, do your devotional, read the story of Ruth and figure out how you can tell a tribesman that polygamy is wrong...

Finally, and most personally, the moment that I have been stretched the most. To fully understand why this was so hard, I need to take you to the previous semester while I was in Costa Rica. With less than a week to go, Amanda Osborne, Laura, and I were on our way home from a pizza shop, when we found ourselves staring down somebody´s revolver. He was obviously high, and wanted our money. So we forked over what little cash we had (we are college students so he was a little disappointed), and took Amanda´s bag that contained her iPod and Social Security Card. Not exactly a great experience.

Fast forward to this semester, last week. We were required to help out with a street ministry handing out soup to the homeless, many of which have serious drug problems. Anxiety is quite possibly the understatement of the year when trying to explain how I felt in the van riding to the serving point. I was going to confront people with the same problems, and more likely than not, the same capabilities as our friend, the Costa Rican gunman. However when I finally began to interact with the people, it really occurred to me that they, including our robber, are exactly the people I have been called to serve. There are very few circumstance that testify to spiritual bondage more than drug addiction. It´s this bondage we are called to approach as Christians, whether we are Stateside or abroad. This is just the beginning of a semester of eye-opening...

We Speak to Nations

2008-02-24T03:25:00.000-08:00

Leah Barker

Hear the sound; the sound of the nations worshipping.
Hear the sound; of sons and daughters singing.
Who will go for us?
Who will shout to the corners of the Earth; that Christ is King?

Hear the sound; the sound of the nations calling.
Hear the sound; the sound of the fatherless crying.
Who will go for us?
Who will shout to the corners of the Earth; that Christ is King?

We speak to nations; be open.
We speak to nations; fall on your knees.
We speak to nations; the kingdom is coming near to you.
We speak to the stronghold; be broken.
Powers of darkness; you have to flee.
We speak to nations; the kingdom is coming near to you.
We speak to you; to you.
BE FREE!

This has been my theme song throughout this Cultural Experience. It didn’t really hit me until a few days ago when my team and I had the opportunity to be involved in the Soup ministry at Central Church of the Nazarene in Campinas Brazil. This ministry on [Tuesday and] Thursday nights goes out into the community and distributes soup to the homeless people as well as shares the gospel with them.

These people are broken and searching for answers and all they may see in us is that we are great people who care enough to give them food and to talk to them. This is an example of a nation that is unseen a lot of the times. But we are reminded that God sees them and He cares. As we were out, this little girl came to us with her mom and another lady to receive some soup. When I gave her the soup it was too hot to eat, so instead of putting the bread in the soup I handed it right to the little girl and her face just lit up. I have no idea when was the last time she had eaten, but let me say that her caring eyes and the joy that was expressed by her smile blessed me so much.

If we aren’t open to God and what He has in store for us we may miss a great experience like this one I have just shared with you. This ministry hears the sound of a nation crying for God and they speak to this nation. Let me challenge you today to be open to the world around you. People are hurting and you may be their only connection to God. Don’t be afraid to express your love for God. Keep in mind that even though the powers of darkness may be fighting against you, God is stronger and by faith you can defeat that dark power. God is faithful and He gives us all the hope and love that we need. God has written a song in our lives that needs to be shared; so go and share.

Serving at the Faculdade Nazarena do Brasil

2008-02-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

Some people just think about things, or about doing things, but others just go ahead and get things done. That is how I see the ICS students who are here in Brazil this semester. They don't just want to think about it. They want to get on with it by getting their hands and clothes dirty and learning in the process. This week they pitched in and helped the Brazilian students who were cleaning out an old warehouse, then went on to their Practicum or other class activities. Just in case you were tempted to think that I just watched them or took pictures while they worked, I want to assure you that I also helped out, and even got smacked in the forehead with a piece of lumber in the process (my own carelessness, for sure).

Last evening, these same students went out to help distribute tracts and hot soup to the homeless men sleeping on the streets of Campinas. We were also able to distribute food to several mothers and their children on the street. We purposely did not take pictures. We are not here to collect photos, or memories, or even chalk up intercultural activities on our resumes. This is not a practice run, nor even preparation for the future. We are here now to serve alongside of our Brazilian brothers and sisters who actively represent the Kingdom of God in this place. The students did not hang back, either. They boldly prayed for the people as they were served. They shook the hands and expressed their love and compassion for these men and women who just happen to be more badly affected by their own sinful choices or those of others than most people.

Again, though, we were reminded of grace. But for the grace of God we too could be just as sadly affected by sin, injustice, and evil. We were saddened when we finally ran out of soup and bread around 10:00 PM and had to leave before taking care of everyone's needs. It was such a stark reminder of how many still wait for someone to respond with hope. How many people? How many places? How long must they wait? Where are all of the young people who offer to serve the Lord whereever?

One of my Brazilian brothers reminded me last evening how prone we are to complain about our personal circumstances and "problems." But when we get out on the street and get involved in ministry, it is so much easier to recognize how blessed we are and how grace filled we are as we serve the neediest people in society. By John Hall Jr.

2008-02-20T03:36:00.000-08:00

Andréa Woods:
These first few weeks here in Brazil have given me a very realistic view of life on the mission field. While it is challenging, I am glad that God is here with me to show me how to cope with some challenging things, all the while truly serving Him. Things are beginning to settle down and somewhat of a routine is beginning to be established. I am thrilled to be able to focus on participating in ministry (teaching English to kids at a before and afterschool program!) and getting to study the culture deeply. I am anxious to do God's will here in Brazil in light of my ministry preparation!

LESSONS LEARNED SINCE COMING TO BRAZIL

2008-02-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

Dr. Hall: What are some of the cultural lessons you have learned since coming to Brazil?

Andréa W. One thing that I’ve learned since being in Brazil is the importance of properly communicating my thoughts and feelings. This is not only important when communicating with someone of another language but also with those that speak the same language. More culturally focused, I have (or am beginning) to learn that close attention needs to be placed upon the people around me at any given time, especially here in a culture where relationships are of very high importance.

Miranda S. I live with an absolutely wonderful family. I am learning what an average Brazilian family is like. I see how they interact with one another. They are affectionate and the love that they have for each is expressed on a daily basis. They always want to know how your day went and I know when they ask that they really do care to know. For me, this showing of affection and love is new. However, I’m finding how much I receive from it and really enjoy every moment of Brazilian company.

Scott B. I have learned that those that are Christians are very passionate about their relationship with God. They take the church services seriously and always seem to want to do more for Christ. They give thanks to God for their daily health and are humble in their talents –they always say that these talents come from God and should be used for His glory. … They love their “futebol.” Every single person I have talked to has a favorite team and those that they dislike. I enjoy watch[ing] and going to the games.

Laura E. Being timid and shy is not a good thing. It is almost perceived as rude to not want to talk to people not known. Everyone talks to everyone and friends can be made while waiting for the bus, or standing in line. The point is to show others you are interested in them by attempting to speak to them. … Touch is not a horrible thing! If you care about someone at all, you will show it not only with words but also by touching their shoulders and hands. Touch does not always have to be sexual or convey some sort of interest other than friendly affection.

Jamie S. I have learned about Brazilian hospitality. A Brazilian friend will greet you with a kiss, feed you until you can’t eat anymore and then shower you with compliments and gifts. They take their friendships very seriously, making sure to never even let a greeting or a goodbye slip by. To ignore or neglect a Brazilian person in any ways is a very bad move. … But there is one thing that Brazilians do not take seriously. Every morning my host mother makes me late to class. After the first morning, I let go of my American ideal and accepted that I would be 5 minutes late to class every day and 15 minutes late to be picked up. I’ve learned to adjust to her timing and enjoy the ride and her company.

Deirdre Mc. Learning, or what I learn, is up to me. Many students here go to school in the evening and work all morning. My host sister has one of the most stressful schedules I have ever witnessed. One could not possibly live this lifestyle unless he/she wanted to learn. Dedication is key to education.

New Lessons

2008-02-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

Deirdre:
Starting our practicum has been so exciting! I am working with the compassionate ministries outreach that is located right across from the church. I was amazed at how many people show up and call needing assistance. I am anticipating the things that God will show me as I minister to those who desperately need God’s love.

Laura R:
This weekend was quite an exciting one. My host family went on vacation on the 10th of February so I only had three days to get to know them before they left. This past Saturday, the 16th, they returned so I had to, once again, transfer homes. However, I have begun learning to adjust to the changes of each new home. While my ‘real’ family is back home in Ohio, my Christian family is also here in Brazil. As I continue to travel the globe, I am continually reminded of this fact.

2008-02-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

So the best part of this trip so far is the 90 degree weather while everyone back home is suffering in snow and ice... good times good times. But seriously ... The kids (from our Practicum) saw us again today (me, Chase, and Leah) and already they are running up to us. It was great to be able to play with them even though my Portugese is extremely limited. I can not wait until we build better relationships with each student.
Laura Reindel

Mission Field Simulation

2008-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Studying abroad in Brazil for this spring semester has given us Intercultural Studies majors the opportunity to simulate what it will feel like when we are out on the mission field. We all encountered a bit of culture shock the first week, when we participated in a teen camp. New food, new customs, and no English with no background in Portuguese enabled us to understand what it means to adapt into an area other than where we are comfortable. Although it has been a sort of whirlwind going to camp, moving in with our families, starting school, learning the public transportation system, and anticipating our practicum assignments, we have not forgotten that even though we have not graduated, we are still missionaries and are showing God’s love to all those we meet. By Deirdre Mc Cord.