Accepting Christ in Home Visits

The Americans and Brazilians who are here in Brazil as part of the P-70 Mission project are formed into teams to perform various ministries.  One of these teams is the Visitation Team.  Sometimes this team is given names and addresses of people to visit by local church leadership or the Evangelism Team; other times they go from house to house throughout a neighborhood to witness to people and invite them to our services and to invite the children to Vacation Bible School.

Yesterday morning was typical of many of our experiences here in Brazil.  A Visitation Team composed of myself from PHBC (ParkwayHills Baptist Church), Ann, a wonderful Christian young lady who serves as one of our translators, and Aragão, a local dentist and church leader had been given the names and addresses of three homes to visit.  All three homes were Catholic. 

At one home, a woman who was 72 years old answered the door.  Also at home were her daughter of about 40 and her grandson who was 8.  I opened the visit by asking about the family and if they would like to hear about Jesus using the Evangecube.  They agreed and when I pulled out the cube, they said that they already had one of those.  The boy went to get it.  They said someone had given it to them but that they didn’t know how to use it.  As I went through the presentation and Ann translated into Portuguese, the boy’s mother took copious notes.  When the presentation was completed, Aragão gave his testimony, emphasizing the need to confess sins to God, ask for forgiveness and believe in Jesus.   When he asked if they wanted to pray to receive Jesus, all three of them, representing three generations of that family, said they did.  After they had prayed, I told them there was one more thing about the cube - the part of the cube that emphasizes the importance of love, prayer, Bible study, fellowship and worship, and witnessing. 

Three came to know Christ as a result of that visit.  In the team’s next visit a Mother and her two children accepted Christ, and at the third house a husband and wife did also.  Not every visit we have made has resulted in a decision to accept Jesus, but a great number do.  There is a Great Awakening in Brazil, and PHBC members are blessed by being able to observe it and cooperate with God in His work in this country, where people are desperate to hear the gospel and respond to it.

Submitted by Glenn Sampson, Volunteer American Missionary from ParkwayHills Baptist Church, Plano Texas

Brasil 2011, Sunday, 07.24, Day Eleven

REUNION: Both teams have returned to Montes Claros, actually arriving here in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday - 3:30 am. We went straight to bed for a long morning of much needed sleep in this cool, mountainous clime - then, at 11:00 am, breakfast for all was served at Pastor Jairos' home. Fresh fruit, eggs, bread and cheese. The Mango was delicious. The fellowship divine.

Next came Saturday afternoon, which marked our first break since arriving in Brasil. The Americanos went to a large Mall - and many of the young people and ladies enjoyed shopping, looking about for sales, and proclaiming, "But... It was such a GOOD DEAL!!!" About which I wondered. :-)

Pastor Nildo & Pastor Brad Martin

Saturday night we continued with our 'pre-crusade rally' formula, by setting up a large stage in a vacant lot, just off a busy street called, "Avenida Esteves Rodriguez." Many young people came, along with members of a sister Baptist Church, which is also in Montes Claros named, Igreja Batista de Gallilee." The Pastor of this church, Pastor Nildo, is a very good man and his church is helping us to sponsor Jairos' church here. Pastor Nildo is also the President of the Association of Baptist Churches here in Montes Claros, and I was pleased to talk with him and encourage him with the importance of Jairos' model to reach this upscale, young neighborhood of Montes Claros' west side with the gospel. Something that is quite different than the Baptist model of recent past. I said this is important for 2 reasons, 1.) Because these people are just as lost as those who are of lesser means and education, and 2.) because the base of support that this kind of church will yield will help fund the work to the outer regions of Minas Gerais, as well. He understood. (Pictured above is Pastor Brad Martin & Pastor Nildo)

Speaking of Pastor Brad, I am so pleased to have him with us. Last night I asked him to preach - and he did a wonderful job telling the story of the paralytic man who was brought to Jesus by his friends. He commended his friends in this story for their determination and their stepping out. He encouraged us ALL to do whatever it takes for us to bring others to Jesus, and, for us not to be gripped with our own paralysis of sin - those things that bind us and keep us from stepping out. He did a wonderful job.

Continue to pray for us as we minister in this city of Montes Claros - that we might "finish strong." I am missing you all - but grateful to hear things are well - and looking forward to a great day on Sunday, July 31, when I return.

Till then ... Bênçãos em Cristo,

Pastor Sam

Children Hear about Jesus

Winding bus rides, beans and rice, VBS, revival. All of these things describe our trip in Brazil. But these are what keep me coming back…

This being my third time to travel with P-70 to Brazil, I have been blessed to experience so many things! Today, in the city of Itacarambi, we got to see the Lord work in a big way as the kids multiplied… and multiplied… and multiplied in our morning VBS. Over 250 children were able to hear about Jesus. As some of you may know, I am moving to Indonesia on Sunday, to work at a school for missionary children, which means leaving this trip early. Although this makes me sad, I know that the Lord will continue to work through our wonderful team and I cannot wait to return next summer to work again with these smiling faces.














Written by Lauren Irons

Life Transformation through the Gospel

It’s 4:05pm in Dallas and we are boarding for what will be a sixteen-hour trip through Miami to Belo Horizonte, Brazil.  We exit the plane and once through customs walk out to a bustling city of life.  Quickly, however, we have found ourselves away from the comforts of home and in the newness of the Portuguese language everywhere. 

This is my first time to travel to Brazil - though I’ve traveled from Vietnam to Iraq to Sudan in my lifetime.  The lack of drinkable water, no air conditioning and hectic traffic are very familiar to me.  However, the energy and spiritual excitement of the people is new.  I have been amazed at how powerfully the Spirit moves among the people of Brazil.

My favorite memory from this week has been seeing children, youth and adults all stepping up into service.  At every new place and opportunity I see a youth holding a guitar and leading worship, carrying a load speaker announcing our outreach activities, or smiling brightly while making a child a balloon animal.  The Gospel has not reached the towns like Itacarambi, where we are now evangelizing an I walk with a refreshed spirit following the visitation team specifically targeting family homes and the evangelism team blanketing neighborhoods with the Gospel through the Evangecube. 

It is so powerful for me to see people like Eduardo and Maria responding.  The Brazilians carefully document each house number and response of need.  Some, like Maria, hunger for a Portuguese Bible, which normally is only kept when borrowing from someone.  Others ask for a visit in the days to come so that someone may further share the Gospel in their living room or front porch.  Greatest, still, are the ones like Eduardo whom pray to receive Christ because the Spirit of God through Jesus Christ has move is great power. 

The need is great in Itacarambi, but the power of God is greater in advancing the Gospel through transformation one life after another!

Nathan Bogue

Nathan is the Director of Aid Sudan in Dallas, Texas,  He is an experienced missionary to many parts of the world, and we are grateful to have him with us.  ParkwayHills has a partnership with his ministry to Sudanese refugees in the Dallas area.  Nathan is a graduate of Reformed Seminary in Jackson MS.,, and a member of 1st Baptist Church of McKinney, where he serves on their Missions Committee.

Seeing God Move in Brazil - Through the Years

Oi from Itacarambi, Brazil!

My name is Danny Hobson.   This is my 5th year to participate in the mission trip to Brazil with ParkwayHills.
I am a member of the Construction team that is led by Dave Davenport.  Most years we have built benches for the churches.   This year more so than ever, the phrase “Be Flexible” has been important.  Logistics can be an issue in an area like this but God can take these challenges and bring true blessings.

At ParkwayHills, I teach the third grade class with Donna Gill.  This year, due to supply issues, I “had” to help with VBS.  It doesn’t help my tough guy image, but I enjoy working with the young kids.  It’s hard to communicate verbally due to my limited Portuguese but easy to show them that I am here because God loves me and that God loves them too.

Vacation Bible School

Since this is my 5th time down, I have worked on all of the construction projects.  On the first trip, we worked on the foundation of the church in Nova Horizonte.  Even though we were busy, there was time in the evenings to meet and play with the kids in the town.  Last year we were able to attend the dedication of that church building.  Words can’t describe the emotions of seeing the dedication in the building that we worked on and seeing the people sitting on the benches we had constructed.   The most important thing for me, was that those little kids that we played with on the first trip are growing up and were sitting there on the benches and hearing God’s word.  We pray that those children will stay close to God and be the future leaders of the churches that ParkwayHills is working with.

At work in Brazil

Each year I look forward to seeing the people that we have met in the years past.  Nothing is more uplifting after a long flight and bus ride than to see the faces of old friends that are there to greet us when we arrive.

I know one of my concerns was “what happens when we leave?”   The pastors, (Resgate) VBS workers, the support team, all people that have become our friends welcome us each year.  They don’t stop working after we Americanos leave.  God is doing great things in Brazil and I am blessed to be a part of this.

Deus Abencoe,

Danny Hobson

Vacation Bible School 2011 in Minas Gerias, Brazil

With the rapid growth of P70, this year was particularly challenging to prepare for VBS.  But, with the help of many friends from Parkway Hills and First Baptist Ft. Worth, we were able to prepare materials for over 1200 kids  – and God has been faithfully bringing them forward each day!

Our morning VBS works as a three-day rotation as the children have recreation time each day, and we share the gospel through puppet stories and crafts.  They are learning who Jesus is, and why He had to die on the cross; Jesus is their friend, and wants to have a personal relationship with them; and even though they are young, they can share Christ with others and become “Fishers of Men.”

I wish each of you could witness our teens and young adults as they become the hands and feet of Jesus – not only are they making a lasting impression on these children, but their lives will be changed forever as well.

There are times that Satan creeps in – making us wonder if what we are doing here really makes a difference…but when I look into the eyes of these beautiful children, I can’t imagine not coming here…. anything that we can do to help these kids find salvation is worth the effort – and it is a joy and a privilege to serve.

 










So to everyone who made the 4,000 plus salvation bracelets and cards, who punched holes in plates, tied fish on string, bound coloring books, verse packets, and on and on… thank you for all your help – and please know that your efforts are being used for God’s kingdom here in Brazil.  Deus Abencoe!

Debbie Irons
 

Debbie Irons

(written by Debbie Irons)

Brazil P-70 Mission Trip 2011 Itinerary

The itinerary for the Brazil P-70 Mission Trip 2011.  See the mission trip map for a view of where the mission trip goes.

Date	Time	Destination
July 14	1:55pm	Arrive at DFW airport 2 hours before departure
July 14	3:55pm	DFW to Miami AA flight 484
July 14	11:15pm	Miami to Belo Horizonte AA flight 991
July 15	8:15am	Arrive in Belo Horizonte
July 15	10:30am	Bus ride from Belo Horizonte to Montes Claros
July 19	10:00am	Bus ride from Montes Claros to Itacarambi
July 23	8:00am	Bus ride from Itacarambi to Montes Claros
July 27	8:00am	Montes Claros to Belo Horizonte
July 27	9:50pm	Belo Horizonte to Miami AA flight 992
July 28	6:50am	Miami to Dallas AA flight 495
July 28	8:55am	Arrive at DFW airport

Mission Trip 2010 Video

Watch a video of the Brazil Mission Trip 2010.

Thanks to all who served and those who prayed for this mission trip.

Day 11 - Heading Home

Heading Home

Sorry not to keep the updates coming, but we have been secluded in the mountains of Minas Gerias in a small town called Rubelita for the past few days. We saw God move in a powerful way as over 100 people made decisions for Christ in this small town.

After two weeks of exciting and fruitful ministry we are heading home. We saw hundreds make decisions for Christ and the need for at least three new churches to plant based on those decisions. May God receive all the glory for His work through His people.














We are sitting in the Belo Horizonte airport waiting on our flight to Miami. Then on to the great state of Texas. Pray for safe travel and wonderful reunions with out families.

Blessings.

Jim Thomas

Day 6 - Porteirinha (Day 2)

Porteirinha- Day 2

What a hectic, but great day in Porteirinha. School is still in session (which was a surprise since students are usually on winter break when we come). Since the majority of our work occurs using the local school, this proved to be a challenge. Leading VBS with several hundred high school students wanting to talk to Americans is very difficult. Nevertheless, we felt led to embrace instead if ignore. While part of our team led in normal activities, Pastor Jim, Chris Davenport, and our worship team arranged with the school principal to host a rally with the students. We led in worship and presented the gospel to around 150 teenagers. Many of those students came back to the evening rally where we saw many people make decisions for Christ. Please pray for tomorrow as we continue to minister in Porteirinha and love people for Jesus. God bless.

Jim Thomas

Day 5 - Good Bye Sao Francisco

Good Bye Sao Francisco














In the previous blog it was mentioned that the second night in Sao Francisco (SF) was the largest evangelical rally in the 130 year history of the town. Now it is the second largest! Our final night in SF was outstanding. We saw 70 people make decisions for Christ on the second night and as many or more make decisions for Christ on the final night. As a result of the number of decisions (the town only had 30 people in the local Baptist church), the Brazilian Baptist leaders are committed to start two new churches in SF. Praise the Lord!

We held our first rally in Porteirhina tonight. Porteirhina is a city of over 30,000. The rally was held at magnificent town square. Many of the town's people came out to hear the Americans and the Brazilian team. One of our team members led two men to Christ and they in turn shared their new faith with two friends and led them to Christ.

There is a statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the town (like in Rio de Janiero). Tonight the people were encouraged that the real Jesus was looking over this town and this Jesus was not made of stone, but was risen and alive and wanted to give them new life.

Please pray for our team as we prepare to start VBS and visitation in this new city tomorrow. Also pray that many will come out to the evening rally tomorrow night to hear the gospel.

More soon. Gloria O Deus!

Jim Thomas

Day 4 - Sao Francisco, Breakthrough!

Breakthrough!

There was a spiritual breakthrough in the city of Sao Francisco yesterday (day 3 of our time here). It began that afternoon as one of the members of FBC Ft. Worth shared the gospel during an afternoon rally and many came to faith in Christ. With few from the city attending the evening service the night before, hopes were high that more would come last night. Praise the Lord that many from the town came to the service which ended up being the largest evangelical rally in the 130 year history of the town. After the message about half the crowd gave their hearts and lives to Jesus!

Tonight is the last evening rally in Sao Francisco. Pray that more would come to faith in Christ. Pray that the Word of God would be proclaimed boldly. Pray that Jesus would receive all the honor and praise. Your prayers are sustaining us and mean more than you know.

Tomorrow: On to town number 2 of 3.

Jim Thomas

Day 3 - Sao Francisco, Preach Christ!

Preach Christ!

Day 2 in Sao Francisco proved challenging as our visitation team and VBS team invested in the lives of the community. This community is a new venture for the P-70 project and the first time in far west Minas Gerais. There is a small Baptist church here of around 30 members, but the town is run by the catholic priest and those outside Catholicism are not welcome. This reality has closed some doors of ministry, but God is bigger than such things and we have already seen spiritual walls come down. Here are some highlights:

• VBS attendance grew from 75 yesterday to more than 90 children today.
• We travel to smaller neighborhoods in the afternoons. Yesterday around 200 children came out for an afternoon VBS.
• Though few from the town came to the first evening service, many have come to faith through personal visitation and the afternoon rallies.
• We were provided an hour radio broadcast where Pastor Jim preached. This is the main radio station reaching over 50,000 people. Later that morning one of the visitation teams said a girl approached them saying she had heard the Americans on the radio and wanted to receive Christ as her Savior.
  

We praise God for all he is doing. Please continue to pray that spiritual strongholds will come down and that Jesus will be glorified in this city. Pray for this evening's rally. Pray for the community to come, hear, and respond to the gospel. Pray that Christ will be preached in all we say and do! Amen and Amen!

Jim Thomas

Day 2 - Minas!

We have arrived safely in Minas Gerais Brazil. We met some of our Brazilian friends from Rio at the Belo airport and are now traveling north to Sao Francisco for the first night's rally. It seems to be mission season in Minas as we met two other US mission groups, from Miami, OK and Joplin, MO, on the flight from Dallas. We stopped for lunch at a truly Brazilian restaurant and ate till full. Wonderful meat and fruit! Pray for continued safety and a wonderful first night sharing the gospel of Jesus.

Jim Thomas

July 2010 - Off to Brazil - Day 1

Our group of 23 missionaries gathered this afternoon at DFW in departure for Minas Gerais, Brazil. After 1 1/2 hours waiting on a repair to our plane, we arrived in Miami in time to make the final boarding call for Belo Horizonte. We are scheduled to land in Belo around 8:15am before trekking toward north Minas. Everyone is good of spirit and excited with the adventure. More updates and pictures to come.

Jim Thomas

Brazil MissionTrip 2009

See the video presented in the Sunday morning worship service at ParkwayHills Baptist church the Sunday after a mission team returned from the Brazil Mission Trip 2009.

Click here to see the video.

Mission Trip Video Drama

A drama was presented in the Sunday morning worship service at ParkwayHills Baptist church the Sunday after the mission team returned from the Brazil Mission Trip 2008. The drama was used to present the gospel during the Brazil P-70 mission trip 2008. The drama was presented at the ParkwayHills Worship Service on July 27, 2008.

Click here to view the drama.

Brasil - Day 14, "Home - to never be the same"

I do not know how this can be so, but it is... for this year's trip to Brasil was - once again - the best mission trip we have taken to this region - EVER. When God puts things together they are something else, and God certainly put this year's mission trip to Minas Gerais together - including the team, the city's we visited, the Brazilians with whom we worked, the funds, your prayers, and... the results, which will last into eternity.

We began the "long journey home" on Sunday morning (07.20.08) by way of visiting one of the city's and churches we will work with next year. The city is named, Indihabira (pronounced as "In Die a Bira"), and there we had a brief but meaningful service and lunch, exploring next year's possibilities. The city sets alongside a range of mountains that slope gently up and away from the town, and are separated by verdant pastures and meadows. Horses and other livestock graze along the hillside, and in this very clean, cozy town we plan to offer next year a VBS, Sport's Activities, a Medical Clinic and evening worship and evangelistic services - just as we did this year.

The most amazing thing about this whole operation (the P70 church planting and strengthening initiative) is what I must call, "God's timing," so evident in every way. For everything about this region and our experience - including the people, economy, pastors, churches, the movement of God's Spirit, and even the municipal and governance structures - are ripe for a great harvest of souls and new churches. It is the most amazing thing I have witnessed in all of my ministry life and a true blessing to be a part of it all.

On Monday we spent a 'relaxing day' at a country retreat center called, Hotel Fazenda Eldorado, where many enjoyed horseback riding, relaxing around a pool, jogging, hiking, and the gorgeous scenery - either from a hammock on the porch or through a walk around the compound. The place, which is set in what seems to be the middle of nowhere, was a far cry from our past 10 days but a blessing for us all. Before loading the bus that evening we sat on a deck overlooking the river and shared about our days. There were tears of joy as we expressed what these days had meant to us all.

Then, the journey home!

Through the night we bused approx. 800 kilometers to Rio de Janeiro, where we enjoyed a bit of 'sight-seeing' and shopping while waiting on our evening flight home. From Rio to Sao Paulo to DFW, we did just that - arriving home this morning (07.23.08) at 6:00 am, exhausted but full from a 'journey' that had meant so much to us all.

So we thank you for your prayers and your support. It was an amazing 14 days, and none of us - neither the team nor the people of the places we visited - will ever be the same.

Deus te Abencoe, indeed

Pastor Sam

Mission Trip Photos

More photos (click here)...

Written by Hannah Lewis

These past few days have been a great experience for me.I have learned so much on this trip.Not only have I learned more about God but I have learned about these kids and how they live.VBS has been going really good. After a long morning of teaching VBS we would go out to other towns and have a miniature VBS with a group of different kids. It was a lot of work but I’m really happy I came to Brazil. This trip has been …words cant describe.These days have really shown me no mater were you are or what language you speak you can always share the love of God-Hannah Lewis