From the Helm – Tuesday, March 09, 2010

4:30 AM - Yesterday, we finished the first chapter in I Peter!  What a deal…  The pastors are so filled with questions; we’ve gone as slowly as has been necessary to relieve all doubts.  This has been good for all of us.  I have learned so very much.

- I took the night off from the evening services last night; was in bed by 8 o’clock.  Woke this morning rested and refreshed.  I must have needed it without realizing it.  This has all been so very good.

I had lunch with my dear friend, Johnson Ellis, yesterday aboard the Linda Esperanca.  They’ve brought a team of young people to minister to the immediate area around Parintins this week.  Johnson is more a brother to me than anything else.  We met here in the Valley on one of our trips many years ago.  Then bond between us seemed to set immediately.  It’s amazing to me how God crosses the paths of His children in beautiful and lasting ways, at just the right season of life – never by coincidence…

- In contrast to a life I once lived, but is still within the grasp of fresh memories, today is yet another opportunity to follow as He leads.  I remember when the dawn of a new day meant only another extended time of drudgery and confusion.  God’s peace has replaced all that.  That, by His grace and mercy.  Today, Lord, I am grateful for the breath You’ve granted me.  The unfolding of the days are entrancing ventures in a life made possible through surrender of all to Your guidance.  Thank You so very much for Your consideration of this simple servant.  Thank You, indeed…

7:00 PM – The remainder of the day went well.  The day’s lessons ranged from our “identity” in Christ to marriage and the church.  I’m no expert on marriage and today I probably gained some knowledge as to why…  It was all good, indeed.

I just returned from a meeting with sister Tereza from Maues.  She came to town to let me know she was moving back home to Bahia.  This came unexpectedly to me but I was soon at ease that the work will continue, in the hands of the 3 she has been working with over the past several years.  It’s in good hands, mainly because it’s God’s work and not that of man.  I look forward to working with the new tem alongside 1^st Middleburg in late August.  I’m excited to be part of it all.

Foroxa and Marciano from the Wai-Wai’s sat with Ricky and me this afternoon expressing their gratitude for the RBBI and brother Ricky.  It was humbling for us both.  These are amazing men.  Amazing, close friends of mine.  I look forward to going home with them Thursday morning.  I look forward to arriving in the place my heart has never fully left.  Odd sensation for me.  Maybe it will be easier to describe when it becomes fully clear to me as the days unfold.

Ricky and I are headed to our favorite burger joint on the river for a nightcap of file burgers and passion fruit juice.   What a way to end the day.