Headed back to Manaus

As I write, we’re on the boat clipping down river back towards Manaus. Last night we went gator hunting, please don’t rub it in my face that the girls boat caught one and the guy’s boat didn’t. However, upon realizing they had just beaten us, we promptly motored over and stole it from them. We visited our final village today. The weather was good as there was no rain and we were even given some shade from the clouds in the sky. The VBS team threw down some Daniel and the lion’s den for the kids. The women’s team normally just meets with the older women of the village, but this time they got to hold a meeting with the teenage girls also. Maryann was able to share her testimony with them as she shares a large sports background with the girls. We departed back for Manaus at 1pm. On the boat, we took some time to sit down as a group and voice our thoughts, surprises, and feelings about the trip. Then we built some quality relationships with a half dozen pink dolphins (which actually do exists, but they’re not nearly as photogenic as flipper) and even went swimming with them for a bit.
As far as I know, we’re returning to Manaus with everyone that we left with. Thank you for your prayers so far in our trip, please pray for safe travels for both our teams. Team 2 departs DFW on Saturday to replace us and continue ministering to the villagers of the Amazon river.
Shout out to Em and my fam! See y’all soon!
-Austin Walker
UPDATE FROM TIM--It is hard to believe that the 1st team is heading home Saturday night. Team 2 will arrive ready to work on Sunday morning at 5:15 AM. God has been so faithful this week by opening up doors & opportunity for us to share Christ. In our last village today during the “church” service I asked several questions, “Do you believe the bible is God’s word”? “Do you believe Jesus Christ is God’s son?” “Do you believe that is you were to die today you know 100% that you would go to heaven?” There was only 1 person in the village that raised his hand when I asked about assurance of salvation. I talked about John 14:6 where Christ said “I am the way , the truth & the life…” Eph2:8,9 “It is by grace we are saved through faith…” & Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you will be saved.” I spent some time doing illustrations about grace & faith & discussing That salvation is a free gift. What an incredible thing that the God of the universe would use simple North Americans to bring his good news to the people of the Amazon Jungle.