Monday, February 26, 2007
Peregrinos
Please pray for the provision of space for us as a church. We have just taken the decision NOT to hire a room in the next neighbourhood, for a number of reasons – cost, inflexibility of the space, and distance from our natural catchment area. But the good news is that as we talked about it last night, it was clear that there is a real urgency in the church now to get out of the apartment. Last night there were 27 of us, with around 7 regulars not present. We have no room for growth. Anyone who arrives late either has nowhere to sit or has to do an embarrassing swap with someone already present. And people want to grow. Kito and I are chasing up some possibilities TODAY. Please join us in the fight, by praying!
IBE
Andrew returns to being a classrom teacher this week. Tuesdays - Old Testament Theology - continuing with last semester's Wednesday class. Wednesdays - Introduction to Theology - a new group. Please pray for this ministry - for a real hunger for the Word, not just qualifications.
Please pray for the provision of space for us as a church. We have just taken the decision NOT to hire a room in the next neighbourhood, for a number of reasons – cost, inflexibility of the space, and distance from our natural catchment area. But the good news is that as we talked about it last night, it was clear that there is a real urgency in the church now to get out of the apartment. Last night there were 27 of us, with around 7 regulars not present. We have no room for growth. Anyone who arrives late either has nowhere to sit or has to do an embarrassing swap with someone already present. And people want to grow. Kito and I are chasing up some possibilities TODAY. Please join us in the fight, by praying!
IBE
Andrew returns to being a classrom teacher this week. Tuesdays - Old Testament Theology - continuing with last semester's Wednesday class. Wednesdays - Introduction to Theology - a new group. Please pray for this ministry - for a real hunger for the Word, not just qualifications.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Carnival retreat - First Presbyterian Church, Belo Horizonte
As expected, a return visit to Belo Horizonte for Carnaval was a great joy. Andrew went on his own, for two days teaching the younger pastors, then an evening with the adolescents, before the marathon of Exodus in 8 sessions at the young people's retreat. All events went well - though the numbers were low with the pastors' training. The retreat was a pure joy - enormous fun combined with enormous seriousness. It would appear that two young people were converted, and others understood certain truths and felt the impact of the book of Exodus in a new way. Much pastoral work was done. What a great group, in a great church! Very thankful to God for an excellent visit.
One real pleasure of the trip was to meet Carlos Galvão. A member of the group at First Presbyterian, he is a keen photographer, and we swapped files at the end of the retreat. A significant number of the photos here are his - especially of the games (all of collage) and of the show (all but one). Thank you Carlos!
Queuing for lunch - churrasco!
Washing up - you all do your own plate, unless on a punishment duty - this lot were as their faces show!
Deep conversations
Recovery from the late nights and massive teaching sessions
Shoulder massage - alternative technique for recovery
Praise
Prayer in pairs - prior to the morning meetings, reading a relevant passage related to the stretch of Exodus under consideration
Bees on, and in, Coke can.
Carlos Galvão - a typical pose
Looning around
Retreat Concert - Short, sharp, and of a high standard...
... until the geriatric rocker at the end.
As expected, a return visit to Belo Horizonte for Carnaval was a great joy. Andrew went on his own, for two days teaching the younger pastors, then an evening with the adolescents, before the marathon of Exodus in 8 sessions at the young people's retreat. All events went well - though the numbers were low with the pastors' training. The retreat was a pure joy - enormous fun combined with enormous seriousness. It would appear that two young people were converted, and others understood certain truths and felt the impact of the book of Exodus in a new way. Much pastoral work was done. What a great group, in a great church! Very thankful to God for an excellent visit.
One real pleasure of the trip was to meet Carlos Galvão. A member of the group at First Presbyterian, he is a keen photographer, and we swapped files at the end of the retreat. A significant number of the photos here are his - especially of the games (all of collage) and of the show (all but one). Thank you Carlos!
Queuing for lunch - churrasco!
Washing up - you all do your own plate, unless on a punishment duty - this lot were as their faces show!
Deep conversations
Recovery from the late nights and massive teaching sessions
Shoulder massage - alternative technique for recovery
Praise
Prayer in pairs - prior to the morning meetings, reading a relevant passage related to the stretch of Exodus under consideration
Bees on, and in, Coke can.
Carlos Galvão - a typical pose
Looning around
Retreat Concert - Short, sharp, and of a high standard...
... until the geriatric rocker at the end.
Silly Games
Football Crazy
Boys
Girls
Boys and Girls These pictures do not ALL represent romantic attachments!
Fancy Dress party on the final night
And so - the bus home - Pássaro Livre is Freebird - Lynyrd Skynyrd, anyone?
Exhausted punters on the bus
While in Belo Horizonte, before the retreat, and afterwards for lunch, Andrew stayed with our friends Hildemar and Marise, and their four boys Hildemar Neto, Paulo, Mateus and Daniel. It was VERY good to be with them. Enough said.
On arrival after after the retreat the boys immediately besieged Vinícius and Isabela's car, in which I had arrrived. "Tem um morcego na piscina!" - "There is a bat by the pool." We all trooped to see - and here it is. Young, small, and probably with some kind of problem.
Self-portrait talking with Daniel in Confins airport, Belo Horizonte.
Another flying thing, on the way home - a Gol 737-800, alongside us, a little higher, for many miles. Our Airbus (we had just been told) was at 38 000 ft. I have never seen this before. Is it right??? Recent events in Brazil make you nervous!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Peregrinos, Sunday 11 Feb 2007
Not a massive meeting yesterday, but a good one, with several new faces. Two non-christian guys, and two newly christian girls. Andrew will go to Belo Horizonte this week, and many others will be away too, for Carnaval, with some going to the Trindade Presbyterian Church's youth retreat. Marquito will preach here to a reduced group. After that, the year will really, finally, get underway, with our return to Genesis.
Not a massive meeting yesterday, but a good one, with several new faces. Two non-christian guys, and two newly christian girls. Andrew will go to Belo Horizonte this week, and many others will be away too, for Carnaval, with some going to the Trindade Presbyterian Church's youth retreat. Marquito will preach here to a reduced group. After that, the year will really, finally, get underway, with our return to Genesis.
Strange fruit
Thankfully not in the Billy Holiday sense! While house hunting, we looked a a property which had a graviola tree in the back garden. Not a common sight in the wouth - but a definite plus for this house. Now where is one with a cupuaçu tree?
Thankfully not in the Billy Holiday sense! While house hunting, we looked a a property which had a graviola tree in the back garden. Not a common sight in the wouth - but a definite plus for this house. Now where is one with a cupuaçu tree?
Magnificent sunset with rainbow, seen from our flat on 6 Feb
Rainbows that do the big sweep of the heavens are not so common here as in Britain - the sun goes down too fast. This one, happening at sunset, with a violent tropical squall was wonderful. We were not the only ones to photograph it.
Rainbows that do the big sweep of the heavens are not so common here as in Britain - the sun goes down too fast. This one, happening at sunset, with a violent tropical squall was wonderful. We were not the only ones to photograph it.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Prayer Requests/Dates for the First Half of 2007
Here is a list of needs and events for the next few months...
Peregrinos: the key decision about place to meet. This is still live, and seems to have dragged on. We also need to see some structure and form to leadership and decision-making, with a really solid structure for teaching and leadership in place before we have a longer period in the UK in 2008. Much teaching and training to be done!
Young Women’s Bible Study: Cora’s studies with the young women resuming in early February: Bible overview (Creation to New Creation) following on from Genesis 1-11.
IBE: Andrew will be teaching Biblical Theology II and Introduction to Theology on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this semester, beginning in March.
Here is a list of journey dates as known:
February 14-21: Belo Horizonte for Carnival retreat – two days training with the younger pastors, followed by Exodus in 8 sessions with the 18-35 group from First Presbyterian. Andrew is going alone this time, while Cora works on assignments for 3 ETCW modules.
March – dates to be confirmed: To Novo Hamburgo in Rio Grande do Sul for a Church weekend and preacher training.
April – dates to be confirmed: To Maranata Bible Institute, Paraná, to teach on exposition. We are moving up to two weeks a year at Maranata.
May – first week: Colloquium Conference in Goiânia, with Jerram Barrs and Hans Bayer
May 11-14: Belem, Pará – Marambaia Presbyterian Church weekend, with preacher training.
June 12-17: Belem, Pará – MICEB mission conference
July: Training the Trainers – Proclamation Trust training event in London
Here is a list of needs and events for the next few months...
Peregrinos: the key decision about place to meet. This is still live, and seems to have dragged on. We also need to see some structure and form to leadership and decision-making, with a really solid structure for teaching and leadership in place before we have a longer period in the UK in 2008. Much teaching and training to be done!
Young Women’s Bible Study: Cora’s studies with the young women resuming in early February: Bible overview (Creation to New Creation) following on from Genesis 1-11.
IBE: Andrew will be teaching Biblical Theology II and Introduction to Theology on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this semester, beginning in March.
Here is a list of journey dates as known:
February 14-21: Belo Horizonte for Carnival retreat – two days training with the younger pastors, followed by Exodus in 8 sessions with the 18-35 group from First Presbyterian. Andrew is going alone this time, while Cora works on assignments for 3 ETCW modules.
March – dates to be confirmed: To Novo Hamburgo in Rio Grande do Sul for a Church weekend and preacher training.
April – dates to be confirmed: To Maranata Bible Institute, Paraná, to teach on exposition. We are moving up to two weeks a year at Maranata.
May – first week: Colloquium Conference in Goiânia, with Jerram Barrs and Hans Bayer
May 11-14: Belem, Pará – Marambaia Presbyterian Church weekend, with preacher training.
June 12-17: Belem, Pará – MICEB mission conference
July: Training the Trainers – Proclamation Trust training event in London
Greyce's Baptism - 4 February 2007
The first major church event after our return was Greyce's baptism. Historic not just for her but for all of us - we are rather stronger on weddings than baptisms, this being the first. Greyce herself will be marrying Rafael next month, God willing, and we would value prayers for them as a couple.
Her Christian growth under the word has been remarkable, and we expect great things of this couple in the long term, by God's grace.
Kito and Anna outside their home - 3 February
We are very conscious that many have prayed for Marquito and Anna through the last months. After their wedding they lived for a short period in a flat at the North of the island, owned by family, but it was not in any way a suitable location with Anna working in Agronômica. Then, while we were in the UK, they were in our flat - a useful arrangement for all parties. Just as we came back, this little rented house came back on the market. They had fallen in love with it some time ago but were beaten to it by another girl, who has suddenly left. Kito and Anna moved in last week and are blissfully happy in their new home. The house is delightful - perfect in itself, and in a quiet and beautiful neighbourhood, about 15 minutes walk from us. We are all thankful and happy with them!
The first major church event after our return was Greyce's baptism. Historic not just for her but for all of us - we are rather stronger on weddings than baptisms, this being the first. Greyce herself will be marrying Rafael next month, God willing, and we would value prayers for them as a couple.
Her Christian growth under the word has been remarkable, and we expect great things of this couple in the long term, by God's grace.
Kito and Anna outside their home - 3 February
We are very conscious that many have prayed for Marquito and Anna through the last months. After their wedding they lived for a short period in a flat at the North of the island, owned by family, but it was not in any way a suitable location with Anna working in Agronômica. Then, while we were in the UK, they were in our flat - a useful arrangement for all parties. Just as we came back, this little rented house came back on the market. They had fallen in love with it some time ago but were beaten to it by another girl, who has suddenly left. Kito and Anna moved in last week and are blissfully happy in their new home. The house is delightful - perfect in itself, and in a quiet and beautiful neighbourhood, about 15 minutes walk from us. We are all thankful and happy with them!
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Back to Brazil
The time with family and friends was extremely good. Coming back to Brazil was harder. Leaving Tom was especially difficult. (Bec had already left us, heading up to Birmingham two weeks before our departure.) As ever, some aspects of the reality start to bite, even from the plane, as we see the "periphery" of Guarulhos, on our flight south.
We had adjusted climatically more than we had thought, and our first week back was marked by real problems with the temperature, including pains in the legs and badly swollen ankles and feet.
However, after a few days, and some good meetings with the church, we can see why we are here, and are glad to get on with it again. Please pray for us, as ever! Thank you!
The time with family and friends was extremely good. Coming back to Brazil was harder. Leaving Tom was especially difficult. (Bec had already left us, heading up to Birmingham two weeks before our departure.) As ever, some aspects of the reality start to bite, even from the plane, as we see the "periphery" of Guarulhos, on our flight south.
We had adjusted climatically more than we had thought, and our first week back was marked by real problems with the temperature, including pains in the legs and badly swollen ankles and feet.
However, after a few days, and some good meetings with the church, we can see why we are here, and are glad to get on with it again. Please pray for us, as ever! Thank you!
Time in Europe, Christmas and New Year 2006-7
We reached the end of the year tired out, and were glad to have a longer period to see family and friends and recharge in the UK. Here are a few photos of highlights...
Kew Gardens
Andrew went to Kew. What a place! When you live in the UK you don't value what you have.
Mum's Birthday...
...Carol King with husband, children, their spouses, grandchildren, and the odd boyfriend.
We reached the end of the year tired out, and were glad to have a longer period to see family and friends and recharge in the UK. Here are a few photos of highlights...
Kew Gardens
Andrew went to Kew. What a place! When you live in the UK you don't value what you have.
Mum's Birthday...
...Carol King with husband, children, their spouses, grandchildren, and the odd boyfriend.
Visit to Yorkshire
We love Yorkshire and we love our friends in Yorkshire.
The statue is of J B Priestley, outside the Museum of Photogaphy, Film and TV in Bradford. Any captions?
The grave is for an RAF crew, whose bomber ploughed into the hillside near Uffington White Horse.
Purvs Corner is in Haworth, home of the Brontës.
Haworth Church
The board of Incumbents is of interest. The fiddling around (and negative descriptions) in the Puritan era, and the presence of William Grimshaw in the list make this place fascinating, even before arriving at the Brontë surname.
Saltaire
This "ideal" town, an exercise in Non-conformist, philanthropic capitalism, is an amazing place to visit. Titus Salt - man of big vision, or just big ego? Or the mixture that we all are?
People
What we really want to be in England for is not places.
Paddington Station
Victorian Grandeur and Tranquility
We love Yorkshire and we love our friends in Yorkshire.
The statue is of J B Priestley, outside the Museum of Photogaphy, Film and TV in Bradford. Any captions?
The grave is for an RAF crew, whose bomber ploughed into the hillside near Uffington White Horse.
Purvs Corner is in Haworth, home of the Brontës.
Haworth Church
The board of Incumbents is of interest. The fiddling around (and negative descriptions) in the Puritan era, and the presence of William Grimshaw in the list make this place fascinating, even before arriving at the Brontë surname.
Saltaire
This "ideal" town, an exercise in Non-conformist, philanthropic capitalism, is an amazing place to visit. Titus Salt - man of big vision, or just big ego? Or the mixture that we all are?
People
What we really want to be in England for is not places.
Paddington Station
Victorian Grandeur and Tranquility
Visit to Holland 27-29 January 2007
Kees and Lidia van Kraalingen outside their home in Barendrecht
Kees and Lidia have become dear friends through the Carey Family Conference. Kees has already visited us in Florianópolis while on a Unilever business trip to Brazil. As a couple they are constant in support and prayerful interest. Now it was our turn to visit. We had less than three full days, but how rewarding they were! Total refreshment!
Saturday afternoon in Delft
The New Church
We found the interiors of the Delft churches intensely moving. We feel we have known them for years, through the Dutch masters, but it is another thing to see the application of the reformation to these ancient buildings. Medieval cathedrals are linear affairs, to awe the people, and keep them far from God. They are simply not designed to place simply pews in a horseshoe around the pulpit, font and table. But that is what these good brothers did. Everything is visible in the furniture: the Word controls and defines the sacraments; the people gather around the Word; there is no "sanctuary", nor special pews for special people. From king to kitchen maid, all must hear the voice of the living God - and leave the building to walk in communion with Him throughout the week.
The experience of visiting Delft led to my first sermon on the return to Brazil: Heb 10:19-23, with reference to John 4:19-24. Slides of Delft, and of the Dutch paintings of the 17th century illustrated the application. Under the rule of the real gospel, little dogs and children can play in what used to be the "sanctuary." But on the other hand, for the first time in art, daily life (be it of the rich making music, a kitchen maid pouring milk, or an astronomer with his globe) is seen as sacred and worthy of record. Under the gospel Word we trust in Christ, draw near to God, and live every minute to please him! Nothing remains outside - the (John 4) debate about sacred and secular is no more, for all is holy!
How we need to recover such reformation spirituality in Brazil! Having heard a neo-pentecostal pastor describing how each part of the church building, moving towards the "altar", is more holy and has more of God's presence, it is tempting to despair. But what God did in 16th century, catholic Europe, he can do again in 21st century, "evangelical" Latin America. Of course, the irony is in the word, "evangelical."
The Milkmaid - Vermeer van Delft c1658
The Old Church
Sunday Morning Papendrecht Independent Baptist Church
Kees and Lidia's church was a real joy to visit. Serious and sober, yet non-traditional and certainly not sombre, around 350 gather each Lord's Day in a large secondary schol. In locale and numbers it reminded us a lot of our dear friends at Bedford.
Here one can sense the rich heritage in the Dutch reformed tradition, wedded to to a willingness to break out of what is in general an appalling strait-jacket. We loved it. Andrew preached, with great liberty, from Psalm 24. Kees interpreted. The sad news is that there are very few such churches in the Netherlands. May God raise up more!
Sunday Afternoon Walk - Cold, Wind, Cloud, Sun and Windmills
Bridge near Rotterdam
The Dutch make and eat cheese
Monday: Amsterdam
Kees and Lidia van Kraalingen outside their home in Barendrecht
Kees and Lidia have become dear friends through the Carey Family Conference. Kees has already visited us in Florianópolis while on a Unilever business trip to Brazil. As a couple they are constant in support and prayerful interest. Now it was our turn to visit. We had less than three full days, but how rewarding they were! Total refreshment!
Saturday afternoon in Delft
The New Church
We found the interiors of the Delft churches intensely moving. We feel we have known them for years, through the Dutch masters, but it is another thing to see the application of the reformation to these ancient buildings. Medieval cathedrals are linear affairs, to awe the people, and keep them far from God. They are simply not designed to place simply pews in a horseshoe around the pulpit, font and table. But that is what these good brothers did. Everything is visible in the furniture: the Word controls and defines the sacraments; the people gather around the Word; there is no "sanctuary", nor special pews for special people. From king to kitchen maid, all must hear the voice of the living God - and leave the building to walk in communion with Him throughout the week.
The experience of visiting Delft led to my first sermon on the return to Brazil: Heb 10:19-23, with reference to John 4:19-24. Slides of Delft, and of the Dutch paintings of the 17th century illustrated the application. Under the rule of the real gospel, little dogs and children can play in what used to be the "sanctuary." But on the other hand, for the first time in art, daily life (be it of the rich making music, a kitchen maid pouring milk, or an astronomer with his globe) is seen as sacred and worthy of record. Under the gospel Word we trust in Christ, draw near to God, and live every minute to please him! Nothing remains outside - the (John 4) debate about sacred and secular is no more, for all is holy!
How we need to recover such reformation spirituality in Brazil! Having heard a neo-pentecostal pastor describing how each part of the church building, moving towards the "altar", is more holy and has more of God's presence, it is tempting to despair. But what God did in 16th century, catholic Europe, he can do again in 21st century, "evangelical" Latin America. Of course, the irony is in the word, "evangelical."
The Milkmaid - Vermeer van Delft c1658
The Old Church
Sunday Morning Papendrecht Independent Baptist Church
Kees and Lidia's church was a real joy to visit. Serious and sober, yet non-traditional and certainly not sombre, around 350 gather each Lord's Day in a large secondary schol. In locale and numbers it reminded us a lot of our dear friends at Bedford.
Here one can sense the rich heritage in the Dutch reformed tradition, wedded to to a willingness to break out of what is in general an appalling strait-jacket. We loved it. Andrew preached, with great liberty, from Psalm 24. Kees interpreted. The sad news is that there are very few such churches in the Netherlands. May God raise up more!
Sunday Afternoon Walk - Cold, Wind, Cloud, Sun and Windmills
Bridge near Rotterdam
The Dutch make and eat cheese
Monday: Amsterdam
