Getting out of the boat as Peter did when Jesus asked him to....

Speaking for the team I cannot say WOW enough! God has certainly had His hands on this mission. We have overcome so much challenge by "trusting" Him to give each of us what was needed to facilitate an incredibly powerful retreat for the volunteers here in Londrina!

When we arrived Friday evening we were all very much out of our comfort zone....I mean VERY MUCH OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONE!!!! None of us slept as our sleeping arrangements were with Brasilian youth with endless amounts of energy!!!

There was much to accomplish with the first night of skits to introduce our theme to the Brazilians. Then a full day of skits and activities all day Saturday & Sunday.

When the cross puzzle was lifted up for all of the volunteers to see on Sunday morning during our team leader´s message on "grace" and how we all get God´s grace even though we don´t deserve it...there was such a powerful reaction from the Brasilians!
Some gasped. Some smiled & seemed at peace. Some cried tears of joy.
IT WAS AMAZING!!!!

There were many moments when the enemy attacked us with injury, sleep deprivation, limited time to make changes and language barriers between us and the Brazilians.
God delivered His message through our team with such grace and mercy. I can visualize seeing His loving hand scooping each of us up and placing us exactly where He wanted us to be to deliver His message and spread His word & love to the Brasilians we are here to serve!
And He did....because WE "trusted" Him to do so!

Our team leader Wendy delivered a powerful message on Sunday evening at church about the story in Matthew where the disciples thought it was a ghost walking on the water and were afraid....when it was really Jesus. Peter was the only one who embraced the crazy idea of getting out of the boat to meet Jesus on the water by walking out to Him.
Peter was afraid...but he did get out of the boat.

Every person at the retreat had to do this. Each person being completely out of their comfort zone doing things that God called them to do. Each person having to "trust" God to fill in the cracks and pieces to make this mission the success it has been so far!
There is so much more to share. So please check back as more detail will be posted on MANY more God winks we´ve experienced during this mission. But for now we are off again to spend more time with the Brasilians who each of us are growing to love and appreciate more than words can say in this blog!
Our team has a "surplus" of hugs and love from the Brasilians....Yes, I did say hug surplus!
Their love for God, family and community is tremendous!
Tchau!