Assurini

Senor Antonio looks on as Pastor Clenildo serves himself some " Abacaba".  Abacaba is a regional fruit that is made into a juice.  Antonio is a new believer. 

I returned from a short trip yesterday - hot, muddy, sweaty, tired - it was great. 

Let me share a personal reflections about my trip...

I had some time to think and ponder during my short time in the Assurini.  First, a note of clarification.  The " Assurini"  is a region across the river from Altamira.  Assurini is the name of an Indian tribe that had inhabited the area years ago.  Today, it is a region of jungle, interlaced with miles and miles of trails and roads.  There are thousands of settlers that live alone and in small communities in these backwoods.  It is reached by crossing the river on a ferry. 

There is also a tremendous need for the Gospel.  After spending part of the afternoon helping build a church in a local community, I sat in the meeting in the evening.  I was moved by simple thoughts.  30 months ago, there were no Christians in this community.  There was no sense of God, of His presence, of His plan, or of His purpose. 

And there has been a change that has an eternal impact.  It is wonderful to observe men and women undergo a transformation, a softening of hard edges and hard hearts. 

And I thought to myself, this is why I keep going back.  Things aren't easy, things aren't always going well or right, but when they do, like they are in this place, it is a charge of electricity that brightens my day and lightens my load. 

And that is what makes it worth the time. 

Working on building a church out in the bush.  I am the guy behind the camera:)

Comments

[HP]

What a blessing, to see fruit like this. Praying for you.