Day 11. The pace of my trip has definitely picked up from the first week to the second. The group from Midtown got here Sunday, so I have been with them most of the time, helping them explore the city and connect with people. So far, my prayers for the group have been realized. The Midtown group and the Brazilians seem to be experiencing the same commonalities of spirit and purpose that I have felt since my first trip here in 2005. I have been encouraged to hear the depth and authenticity of many of the conversations that have been taking place. I know that both groups have been encouraged and challenged by the interaction. The rest of the trip will be more of the same, and will include a growing dialogue on how the 2 churches can come together and partner even more in the future.
One thing that we are all very excited about is coming up this Saturday. Both churches have come together to buy Christmas presents for a group of children who live in the favela, (ghetto) and we will be going into the favela to spend some time with them, give them the gifts, and tell them about Jesus. Please pray for this, as many of these children have probably never heard about Jesus before!
