Friday, November 18, 2005
Prayer matters
John, Naomi and Francesca visit 20 Nov - 5 Dec 2005
Andrew's sister, Naomi, husband John and daughter Francesca are due to arrive on Sunday morning, staying for two weeks. In the first week they have asked us to do the normal things – and we have the usual teaching programme etc. But we want to take time out with them – and need to. In the second week, we are going to Rio and Foz de Iguaçu.
Daniel and Priscila's wedding 3 Dec 2005
We return on Saturday, 3 Dec, for Daniel and Priscila's wedding - a bi-lingual wedding, virtually everything being said twice! Please pray for a real ministering of the gospel, and for Alana, who will be translating Andrew's Portuguese into English! The text has now been chosen - Ecclesiastes 3.
Andrew visit to Belo Horizonte 7-12 Dec 2005
Andrew will be returning to Belo Horizonte to work with the pastors of First Presbyterian on narrative preaching - especially the gospels. (8,9 Dec) On the Saturday (10) the Baptists in the city are holding a day conference on expository preaching, and Andrew has been asked to take one talk. On Sunday (11) he will be speaking at the Reformed Baptist Church in Conselheiro Lafaiete (about 70 miles from BH) in the morning. In the afternoon he will return to Belo Horizonte to speak at the English service of (we think) Ninth Presbyterian before preaching at First Presbyterian in the evening.
Please pray for safe journeys - including between the two cities. Cora will not be going, and Lívia will be away at her sister's wedding, but for Andrew this will also be a good chance for fellowship with Rodrigo before he and Lívia move to Haywards Heath for 18 months on 6th January.
John, Naomi and Francesca visit 20 Nov - 5 Dec 2005
Andrew's sister, Naomi, husband John and daughter Francesca are due to arrive on Sunday morning, staying for two weeks. In the first week they have asked us to do the normal things – and we have the usual teaching programme etc. But we want to take time out with them – and need to. In the second week, we are going to Rio and Foz de Iguaçu.
Daniel and Priscila's wedding 3 Dec 2005
We return on Saturday, 3 Dec, for Daniel and Priscila's wedding - a bi-lingual wedding, virtually everything being said twice! Please pray for a real ministering of the gospel, and for Alana, who will be translating Andrew's Portuguese into English! The text has now been chosen - Ecclesiastes 3.
Andrew visit to Belo Horizonte 7-12 Dec 2005
Andrew will be returning to Belo Horizonte to work with the pastors of First Presbyterian on narrative preaching - especially the gospels. (8,9 Dec) On the Saturday (10) the Baptists in the city are holding a day conference on expository preaching, and Andrew has been asked to take one talk. On Sunday (11) he will be speaking at the Reformed Baptist Church in Conselheiro Lafaiete (about 70 miles from BH) in the morning. In the afternoon he will return to Belo Horizonte to speak at the English service of (we think) Ninth Presbyterian before preaching at First Presbyterian in the evening.
Please pray for safe journeys - including between the two cities. Cora will not be going, and Lívia will be away at her sister's wedding, but for Andrew this will also be a good chance for fellowship with Rodrigo before he and Lívia move to Haywards Heath for 18 months on 6th January.
15 November
- Afternoon and evening at Marquito's family's beach house, at Pântano do Sul.
We had a delightful time as a church celebrating Anna's birthday on the bank holiday - barbecued fish lunch, loads of good conversation, walk on the beach. Here are some photos.
- Afternoon and evening at Marquito's family's beach house, at Pântano do Sul.
We had a delightful time as a church celebrating Anna's birthday on the bank holiday - barbecued fish lunch, loads of good conversation, walk on the beach. Here are some photos.
The Blogger, under the effects of chimarrão. This tea, drunk through a silver tube, and passed round the group in turn, is extremely popular in Southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. In some places it is drunk cold - here, extremely hot.
Samuel with sand dollar. (A sand pound for Brits?)
Fisherman, catch already in beak. The speed with which the neck strikes down onto the prey is sensational.
Fisherman, throwing his circular net. The water is cold here, deep currents welling up as they hit the shoals of the island. He is wearing shorts and three layers of old woolly jumper.
Nov 15 Igreja Batista Palavra Viva, Florianópolis - Missions Conference
Through Rudi, one of his students, Andrew had been asked to preach at the mission's conference of this large neo-pentecostal church, over on the mainland. The event was a joy to attend. The style was not easy for us - very noisy and emotional, but the content was a very pleasant surprise. Unlike many, theoretically more "sound", churches, we found it easy to say Amen to practically everything at Palavra Viva. Thought had gone into every part.
The church is, by its own acount, in a state of reform/transition, with a great desire to get back to the basics of the Christian faith, and especialy to the Bible. It is a privilege to be seen as someone to whom they can look for help in this. A privilege and a responsibility.
Through Rudi, one of his students, Andrew had been asked to preach at the mission's conference of this large neo-pentecostal church, over on the mainland. The event was a joy to attend. The style was not easy for us - very noisy and emotional, but the content was a very pleasant surprise. Unlike many, theoretically more "sound", churches, we found it easy to say Amen to practically everything at Palavra Viva. Thought had gone into every part.
The church is, by its own acount, in a state of reform/transition, with a great desire to get back to the basics of the Christian faith, and especialy to the Bible. It is a privilege to be seen as someone to whom they can look for help in this. A privilege and a responsibility.
The time of praise was busy, bright, noisy and emotional.
After a time of singing, a theatrical presentation with a very hightened emotional level highlighted the need to be ready to go with God's word.
Andrew preached. He had been asked to speak so as to "wake people up to missions." The need of the church perhaps wasn't the kind of electric shock that some congregations require - but a steady help with content and direction. Certainly noisy enthusiasm was not lacking - it was a new experience to have to make space for the hallelujahs and prolonged hand-clapping outbreaks. That must be why the sermon took 75 minutes...!
The conference had featured reports on the spiritual state of each great continent. The morning we were there was focussed on Europe. To open on a cultural note, we saw presentations of dance from Spain, Portugual and Germany. There followed a careful and moving analysis of the statistics, and a reminder of the rich legacy of the past. To hear someone say, "If you have a Bible in your hand today, in your own language, thank God for John Wycliffe" moved us to tears.
The report on Europe closed with an encouragement to pray for the spiritual state of the continent, while we heard the Scots Guards' version of Amazing Grace. It was deeply moving to hear Brazilians talking in this way about our dark continent.
After the meeting, Bishop Flori asked Andrew if he can help the church plan a systematic Bible-teaching programme.
7 - 14 November - Goiânia
We have already posted during the conference - suffice to say that it ended well, being one of the most consistent, word-centred conferences we have attended in Brazil. Many news contacts were made, and old friendships strengthened. In particular, possible future ministry seems to be opening up to Pastors in the interior of Bahia, Rondônia and with another denomination (other than presbyterian) in Goiâs.
We returned absolutely exhausted on Monday, and to be frank, are still recovering on Friday!
We have already posted during the conference - suffice to say that it ended well, being one of the most consistent, word-centred conferences we have attended in Brazil. Many news contacts were made, and old friendships strengthened. In particular, possible future ministry seems to be opening up to Pastors in the interior of Bahia, Rondônia and with another denomination (other than presbyterian) in Goiâs.
We returned absolutely exhausted on Monday, and to be frank, are still recovering on Friday!
First view of Goiânia, three hours or so from Brasília. The city skyline is still distant, on the left. Founded last century, the population rivals any British city, bar London.
On the road from Brasília 1 - a roadside stall selling Jabuticaba. These amazing black fruits grow straight from the tree trunk on small stalks. The flavour is very fine, if you don't mind the texture of the (spit-outable) interior core - a kind of cotton-woolly mass. Not our favourite, but we can understand why people like it.
On the road from Brasília 2 - a roadside stall of pickled peppers. No sign of Peter Piper though... At the top right are slabs of rapadura - hardened raw sugar, like very firm, very sweet fudge.
Gil. When we look back on God's providence in the link with First Presbyterian and other churches in Goiânia, we have to be amazed. It started when Gil, one of the First Presb pastoral team, went to the FIEL conference in 1998. Andrew preached once. Gil wanted to hear more, and thereupon started to encourage the church to invite Andrew to preach. A first visit in 2002, for the church anniversary and to teach at the seminary, was a very good time. Subsequently we have been three times - two Encontros da Fé Reformada, and once for the Carnival retreat. Through the recommendation of the Senior Pastor, Jôer, the link was established with First Presbyterian Belo Horizonte, leading to three ministry visits this year. And now Rodrigo and Lívia from that church are heading to the UK, to Haywards Heath, no less! (See photo and more details below.) How wonderful are these connecting links of friendship, fellowship and cooperation! We are especially thankful to Gil who, in a most quiet and humble way, has been a constant and fervent son of encouragement to us. He and his wife Débora are now involved in a daughter church in the Joá neighbourhood.
The habit at the conference in Goiânia is for the speaking team to go out every night after the evening meetings for food and fellowship. This is wonderful, although having a certain impact on the waistline and tiredness of the speakers!
Elias and Fokjelina Medeiros. This lovely couple, Brazilian and Dutch, have been working at Reformed Seminary, Jackson, for many years. We very much appreciated Elias' strong hearted encouragement for believers to evangelize using the Bible. How amazing that such an idea has become strange and radical!
Buzzing bookshop. A vast quantity of literature was sold.
Luciano and Luciene and their daughter Mila - our wonderful hosts for the conference week, once again. Last time we saw Mila she was just a (large) bump - now she is a truly fascinating toddler! Lu and Lu are Brazilians working as Presbyterian Missionaries (supported from the USA) to found and run Colloquium, a Schaeffer-type project to evangelise and promote Christian thought on diverse aspects of culture. We are not in the same ministry, quite, but are enormously interested in, and encouraged by, all that the two Lus are doing. Their (portuguese) site is http://www.colloquium.com.br/ See also the (English) web site of their mission: http://www.covenantseminary.edu/pmi/lp.asp
These tiny bees, living in the gate post of Lu and Lu's home, are too small to sting, but apparently make wonderful honey! Note the blurred bee shooting off "on business" at top left.
A rather depleted Sunday morning congregation, Vila Nova Presbyterian Church, Goiânia.
Sunday evening congregation, First Presbyterian Church, Goiânia.
It happened that the younger teenager group from First Presbyterian, Belo Horizonte, came up for the weekend following the conference. Knowing the group already, it was great to see them. Specifically it was a wonderful provision to have lunch and a good talk with Rodrigo and Lívia, from BH, and to meet her parents and sister. In early January R and L will move to Haywards Heath, England, in preparation for entry in the Cornhill Training Course in September. The next time we meet as couples will be at Heathrow, God willing. Here are R and L, and her mother, Zeneida, and sister, Liane, after the evening service.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Andrew writes... The Encontro da Fé Reformada is now over half way through - but 75% of my work is still to come, with three talks today and tomorrow. It is proving an excellent conference - pray that the final day doesn't spoil it!
A poster advertising the conference in a pizzeria.
A panorama of the conference - Thursday night - Jôer speaking.
The conference opened on Wednesday night, with Ludgero Morais (Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Belo Horizonte) speaking from Ephesians 1:1,2. Very challenging and clear on the fact that God speaks TODAY through the finished word he gave THEN.
Elias Medeiros (Reformed Seminary, Jackson) is speaking on Expository Preaching in Evangelism and Missions. A great challenge yesterday to see the Bible as THE evangelistic tool. Elias has two of his three talks still to come.
Jôer Corrêa Batista (Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Goiânia) spoke on "The Life of the Preacher" - in fact an excellent exposition of Acts 20.
Mauro Meister (Andrew Jumper Post-Graduate Centre, São Paulo) gave two talks on Preaching Christ from the OT - one on the principles, and the other a wonderful exposition of Isaiah 42.
Carlos Del'Pino (Presbyterian Seminary, Goiânia) spoke on contextualisation in expository preaching - an excellent treatment.
The Rev. Blogger, just getting going on Friday night, 9:18. Half an hour on principles of exposition, three quarters on Mark 6, the feeding of the five thousand.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Presbyterian Church of Brasília
We flew up to Brasília on Saturday evening – an uneventful flight after a busy day getting ready. The Sunday in the city was part of the preparations for the conference in Goiânia – the church in Brasília being part of the group of churches and organizations supporting the Encontro da Fé Reformada. The Sunday preaching seemed to go very well, with great attention. One morning service and two evening meetings with the same sermon is a bit of a marathon, but worthwhile. The evening also saw the formation of a new church, planted by this one, in the Lago Norte area of the city, so a number of people went there in there, including Cora.
Milton, from Goiânia, came over on the Sunday afternoon, and we had a good journey with him on Monday, arriving in time for a late lunch. We are now ensconced at Luciano and Luciene's - home from home, and the headquarters of the Colloquium project, so always a place of serious and lively conversation.
We flew up to Brasília on Saturday evening – an uneventful flight after a busy day getting ready. The Sunday in the city was part of the preparations for the conference in Goiânia – the church in Brasília being part of the group of churches and organizations supporting the Encontro da Fé Reformada. The Sunday preaching seemed to go very well, with great attention. One morning service and two evening meetings with the same sermon is a bit of a marathon, but worthwhile. The evening also saw the formation of a new church, planted by this one, in the Lago Norte area of the city, so a number of people went there in there, including Cora.
Milton, from Goiânia, came over on the Sunday afternoon, and we had a good journey with him on Monday, arriving in time for a late lunch. We are now ensconced at Luciano and Luciene's - home from home, and the headquarters of the Colloquium project, so always a place of serious and lively conversation.
Cora with our hosts for the weekend - Flávio, Bianca, Luiz Felipe and Letícia. We had a delightful time with this family; all too short, given that we arrived late on Saturday, and left on Monday morning. Flávio is an elder at the Presbyterian Church of Brasília.
The Presbyterian Church of Brasília – church building. This is one of the largest Presbyterian churches in Brasília and supports missionaries in a number of countries. We actually met one of their workers in Roraima in April, and he happened to be here this weekend. Andrew preached on Psalm 19 in the morning and 1 Peter 1 in the evening - both texts relating to the theme of the conference for the week - the preaching of the word. The church is helping the First Presbyterian of Goiânia in the organization and finances of the conference.
The morning congregation. A significant number of people were sitting outside the windows.
One interior wall of the church has been built as a rock face, with water constantly flowing down it, maintaining a variety of ferns and other plants. Given the extremely high humidity in other parts of Brazil, it seems strange to be in a city where such measures need to be taken to make the air wetter.
