Monday, August 11, 2008

Behold, I stand at the gate...

Many wonderful and moving things happened today, but everyone is so tired, that no on volunteered to write the blog! This might be short and sweet, but tomorrow night we are hoping to post some more photos.

Today was exciting because we finally got to paint the gate. The church building is inside an iron gate that we sanded a few days ago. Today, we put a coat of primer and brand new white paint on that gate, and on the iron door and window in one of the side rooms. It was like the 'Church Makeover' show...it's amazing how much of a difference the fresh coat of paint can make.

We also started sanding the walls of the sanctuary today...wait...back up. Maybe it is good to understand the process we have seen so far. When we came a week ago, the church was a one room (sanctuary), brick shell, with holes where the windows and doors should be. It was a blessing from God when we showed up, not only with our project money, but an extra $3000, $1000 from Glee and Helen's church, $1000 from Calvary outreach, and $1000 from the children's VBS challenge. This is such a blessing because it means that several URGENT things can be accomplished. One, there is not a true roof on the building, because the second floor is in process. So, they are going to complete the second floor, which will be classrooms, and then put on the roof before the rainy season begins in Sept. This is VERY important because if the roof is not on, the water could make the ceiling cave in.

We have also been working hard to make the one big room more functional. The professionals have been working hard everyday, plastering over the brick walls and ceiling (this is why we have been sifting so much sand!) Today, we finally got to start sanding this down, and we are hoping we will get to paint the walls!!! An even greater joy is that Penny, who is our resident artist, was asked to paint a Methodist cross and flame on the wall at the front of the room. She is hoping to start on this tomorrow. What an honor!

The other reason the room is bare is that it has no doors or windows, so nothing can be left in the room because it is not secure. This means that everything was set up for worship on Sunday and then taken down Sunday night. Everything includes mounted oscillating fans, which have to be removed from the wall, and lightbulbs, which they take out when everything is done. Imagine having to literally strip your worship space after EVERY time you use it, and set it up again the next time. The VBS money has been used to buy the doors and windows, and they were starting to put these in today.

Isn't it amazing...it will be a completely different space when they gather to worship on Sunday that it was just yesterday. And yet, God is STILL there. God is so present in this place, it is indescribeable. On Sunday, when I stood up to preach, all I could say was, God is here.

Hmmm....maybe this won't be a short post. It's hard not to be excited about the things that God is doing here. It's hard not to be touched by the children who lead the church here. Yes, children. On Sunday, we watched a two year old with her own (real) microphone help lead worship alongside the music and worship leader. Today, we are all reporting to 17 year old Mario to find out what we should do next and how to do our work efficiently. Tonight, we ate delicious Brazilian barbecue at the Central Methodist Church here in Fortaleza where Pastor Emmanuel is the pastor (as well as being the District Superintendent). We sang and danced and ate and laughed, and bonded as God is calling us all to be in ministry with God's beloved children here in Brazil.

Please continue to pray for our family in Brazil! We are praying for you!

5 comments:

The Johnsons said...

Thanks be to God!!! -- For the work you all are doing to help the people of Brazil, the way they are changing your lives and the way all of you are touching our lives at home by sharing your experiences with us.

What a WONDERFUL start to our day to read about what is happening there. Can't wait to hear the stories, up close and personal :)

Love and prayers to all,

The J's

Anonymous said...

It is so good to see that through you guys God's work is being accomplished.

The Fitzgeralds said...

We wait in anticipation daily for your blog posting. As we read and see your photos we share in this emotional journey you all are on. You are truely working in Brazil but God is using your web site to minister to us all. It's difficult to read through all our tears, but exciting to watch the fruits of your labors both physically and spiritually. There must be more hours in a Brazilian day for all that your team is accomplishing. We think the team's motto is "pray hard, work hard, play play". God's Blessings.

Many of our new neighbors in McKinley and close friends are following your blog and praying for you daily, as we do.

Richard, Debbie & Josh

Ron Hartlaub said...

This post that gives an overview was great to read. I made a copy here at work, so I could share it with my co-workers. Many of these people are the ones who bought country ham and roast beef sandwiches to help fund the trip. It was nice to show them what our team is all about, and what their donations has helped accomplish in Brazil.

I'm so proud of the whole team, and am really looking forward to seeing "before" and "after" pictures. Like the rest of the families that have been posting, it makes my day to hear of your adventures.

I know that all of you may not be excited about your journey coming to an end, but those of us here at home can't wait to hear first-hand about the trip. I'll be praying for your safe return home and counting down the hours. God bless you all for what you've done.

Ron Hartlaub

The Fitzgeralds said...

**Team Motto: "Pray Hard, Work Hard, Play Hard"**