From the Helm – Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Castanhaduba has grown.  From the one-street village I remember of 20 years ago, it now has several streets; 24 hour electricity and piped water to every house in the community.

We arrive later than we had planned. Got set up and finished out the afternoon with a mixture of ministry and watching the Brasil vs. N. Korea game on TV.  All ended well.

- We all stayed in last night.  Rest seemed the best option for the evening…

Castanhaduba has changed to the point that the little church established here in 1989 has lost it’s effectiveness in the community.  Although it is still open, I felt maybe it should simply join with the other evangelicals of the area.  So many times, I’ve seen where holding on to a traditional presence has done little to help those in need – often, it’s been more detrimental than helpful.  Denominationalism in areas this far removed tends to confuse and deeply divide those who need but here the gospel message - pure and free of pressure to associate or align in a particular direction.  My convictions along these lines have caused a riff or two, here and there.  However, it is the way God has moved me to understand the whole matter.  Nothing to get in a mess about.  It’s just the way I see it all.

9:30 PM- The day finally came to a close a bit ago.  Several of us missed a good portion of the evening worship service in order to treat those still waiting for medical and dental.

VBS has been very busy – many children.  Construction completed a large kitchen for a widow down the street.  It’s been a full day indeed.  Our plan is to set sail for Flexal early tomorrow morning.  Flexal has a large population – one larger than I’m normally comfortable with.  I am certain God will make use of us according to His design.  Our team is willing.  I am simply open to the unfolding that occurs.  We’re all tired tonight.  I look forward to the rest that will soon come…

PS – Martin did double-gainer of the top deck of the Beatriz yesterday in Mamuru.  What a sight to see!