Team 1 is back home safe! Missing the Amazon!

Team 1 landed back in Dallas yesterday. We had an AMAZING time. As I prayed for this trip, I prayed all the things you would think that I would. For many to come to know Christ, for good health for the teams, for team unity, that God would use us, etc… One thing I’d continue to pray is that God would “spoil” us…that He would bless us beyond our imaginations. Well, He did just that. This was a week of adventure to remember!!! We caught alligators, dodged jaguars, swam with pink dolphins, went on jungle tours, canoe rides, searched for waterfalls, and toured the villages, all while loving on the people of the jungle!

I absolutely LOVE the people of the Amazon. They live VERY simple lives and seem content. Some of the folks we met actually moved to the remote villages from the city. There are no cars, no paved roads, no TVs, very little electricity (on a timer from a generator), no computers, no cell phones, just simple lives of providing. They live in actual “Acts 2” community. Our team was able to clarify to them God’s love through the gospel.

Every day we would wake up in a new village. We wake up at 6:45A for breakfast at 7A (not much “getting ready” in the Amazon). The Brazilians on our boat were ROCKSTARS!!! They served us sacrficially and we will not soon forget the way they loved us! We would have a devotional from 8A-9A, and at 9A we were off to love on villagers. The medical team would find a place in the village to open up a temporary clinic. They saw around 200 patients!!! The dental team would convert a room on the boat to a dentist office. They did many tooth extractions, some surgeries, and gave out hundreds of toothbrushes! These teams donated their service and supplies and were able to tie their love to the Gospel.

The women’s team would meet with the women of the villages. They would help them cook, and do their daily duties and get to know them. They would share stories with them and tell them of the love of Jesus! The Men’s team would round up as many men as they could find and play soccer (“fut bol”). Soccer in the Amazon heat was an interesting experience. Goalie was a much desired position. We’d then share the gospel with the men, share our testimonies and tour their village.

The VBS/Children’s teams were my heroes. They loved those kids like crazy. The language barrier was not a problem for them. They constantly played games, did skits, and taught lessons. They were constantly going and their area was always filled with laughter.

Before our departure, we would always have a church service in the village. We would sing, and someone would teach a message centered on grace and the gospel. Many came and many believed! Praying now that God would bless Team 2 abundantly and make them effective in ministry to The Villages of the Amazon.

We went to give and we received. We went to teach and we were taught. We went to love and we were loved. God bless the Amazon!

Philemon 1:6 I am blessed to know this team and I am encouraed by the way they serve our awesome God. Thank you!
-JP