A different kind of beautiful

While here in this megacity in the middle of the Amazon jungle, we are surrounded by beauty in many different forms. Our Father's creative handiwork is on display through colorful wild orchids that can be found growing naturally on the side of many trees and in common house plants we might buy in a pot at the local nursery that grow wild and enormous they take over trees.  But today we also got to see God's fingerprints in a little indigenous invasion community on a jungle hillside.  As we look for what God is doing here and for how we can join Him in August with other families, it has not been difficult to find Him pursuing people for His glory.  

This little community of shacks is made up of indigenous families from up the Amazon River who have come to the city looking for a better life.  It's called an invasion because that's how the settlement begins as needy people come in and just set up housekeeping often almost overnight.  This is a common phenomenon in Brazil and makes for significant challenges as you might imagine since there are times when they are driven off of the land and forced to find another place to dwell.  For the many who are lost, they face a life without true hope, but even those who have found Christ are faced with how to leave behind the empty religion of their ancestors as Christ transforms them from the inside out. 

The beauty we saw in that community today was in the smiling faces of the children and of the believers who are now gathering together as a church is being planted in the ever expanding development. These believers may have very little in the eyes of the world, but they have found their treasure in Jesus and are so blessed to grow together with other brothers and sisters in the Lord. 

Please continue to pray for stamina and discernment as we continue to serve.

Tomorrow's plans include a trip up the Amazon River!

Thanks for joining us on the journey!