Team Arrives in Manaus

Bom Dia! (that's good morning in Portuguese)

The team arrived in Manaus around midnight and we want to thank you for your prayers for safe travels thus far and for protecting the donation bags because, as far as I know, they all made it through security. If you're wondering why some bags wouldn't make it through...all bags must be screened before you are allowed to exit the airport. Typically one or two bags are pulled aside after being screened because the medical/dental supplies are noticed and the security officers want to double check that we're not bringing anything illegal or unsafe into the country. We bring over large containers of ipubrofen, vitamins, antibiotics, cortizone/neosporin type creams, saline solution and other supplies for the medical/dental team. With the labels being in English and the officers not speaking/reading much English, they have the ability to confiscate the items if they aren't comfortable with our explanation of what the items are used for.

So - thanks for the prayers about the dontation items!

Today the team will probably have lunch at an all-you-can-eat Brazilian style barbeque at a churrascaria. Tasty meats of all sorts and Brazilian favorites like Guaraná soda and grilled pineapple that is to die for! They might get the opportunity to do a little site seeing in Manaus before they attend church tonight with the host church which is their door into the jungle. They will get to meet their translators and from there they will hop on the boat for the long journey into the jungle to begin the work the Lord has called them to.

How can you pray for the team today?

- For the Lord to begin forming great relationships between the North Americans and the translators so that they will be a dynamic team working together in the villages.

- For the Lord to continue preparing the hearts of the team (N.Americans and Brazilians) for what they will witness and experience during this trip.

- That the Lord would prepare the hearts and minds of the villagers and that they would be receptive to hearing the gospel and their hearts would be moved to learn more about Jesus if they don't know him.

- Boldness in sharing the gospel tomorrow and that no one on the team would feel insecure or ill-equipped to share Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit would guide their words and lead them in that conversation.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Blessings,Kelli Coblentz