Sunday, March 09, 2014

Brazil Trip 2014: Day 1

After no major travel issues, we arrived safely in Porto Alegre yesterday.  However, with the busyness of getting settled, spending the evening out and about, and getting back to the hotel at around 1, there wasn't much functionality left for me to get an update out! 

Saturday night we had the privilege of being part of the official inauguration of the new building of our church in Vila Safira.  They pulled out all the stops for the occasion!  Complete with balloons and cake, the celebration lasted late into the night.  We celebrated with lots of music, a special skit, baptisms, a message from Pastor Magioli, a video montage of the church's history, and prayers of dedication for the new building and the church's continued ministry.  It was a beautiful evening to reunite with people I've known from previous trips and to meet new friends.

This morning we attended Sunday school and the morning worship service at our first church plant, now 10 years old, Igreja Batista Viva in Vila Nova.  During the service, there was more celebration with Pastor Magioli's grandson's baby dedication and our team's arrival.  One of our team members Estela shared her testimony this morning, also.  

The service was followed by lunch at a churrascaria, a Brazilian barbecue restaurant, where we introduced our team to a little more Brazilian culture!  

We're looking forward to this evening's service and not having to get up very early tomorrow!  

I'd love to hear your thoughts or if you have any questions about what we're doing.  Thank you again for keeping up with us!


Getting checked in with all our baggage!

The new church's sign - It was dark so a decent picture of the new church building will have to be forthcoming.

The inaugural service's program

One of the young people who was baptized last night

Pastor Alexsandro and his family serving in Vila Safira


This is the woman in whose home the church in Vila Safira has been meeting for the past four years.


My lovely friend Ingrid


Our team touring the improved Ministério Pão Vivo Offices at Igreja Batista Viva


Viny and Wanessa dedicating little Pedrinho!

Estela sharing her testimony during this morning's service

A cultural presentation at the restaurant where we had lunch






1 comment:

  1. sounds like a great first day. hope you are getting sleep! :)

    ReplyDelete