Hello from the Xingu Mission!  This monthly Field Report is highlighting the church planting in Macapá. We hope it finds you well.  God bless you.

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On September 19 of 2021, the two churches currently being pastored by Christopher and Denise Meyer returned to “in person” services after being shutdown for a year and a half due to the pandemic and its toll on the city of Macapá, Amapá (a city on the equator in northern Brazil).  What a joy it was for them to finally be able to meet as a larger group again. One of the first things planned and held was a one day, outdoor retreat. The desire was for an opportunity to get everyone together for a time of worship, communion and celebration.  It did not disappoint, it was amazing!

In addition to reopening weekly services in two churches, the Meyers also welcomed their second son, Liam, into the world in October.

Christopher writes:

There has definitely been a lot going on, but Liam has been such a blessing in our lives.

One thing we have discovered since reopening our services is how different things feel now compared to before the pandemic began. Because our city was hit so hard by covid-19 and because many members of our churches have lost people close to them, people are hesitant and wary of being around any group of people. From week to week, it seems like the landscape changes. We go through a period where it seems like the pandemic is under control, and then the next the hospitals are filling up again. For a young church like ours, this has been extremely challenging. I have often felt like we are trying to build something during an earthquake. It feels impossible to build when the ground keeps shifting.

Although this first chapter of our reopening has been complicated and at times discouraging, I feel like my own dependence on God has grown significantly. God is a good father, who has been gently walking me through this. Reminding me that it’s not about what I build,  but learning to walk with him and focus on the steps that he has placed before me.

It has definitely been a challenging time for each and every one of us, coming up on almost 2 years of the pandemic.  We realize that what Christopher writes is reflective of so many in leadership who desire to see healthy (both physically and spiritually) followers of Christ while still reaching out to the unreached, the lost and the marginalized to share the good news of Jesus and the faith, hope and love that is available through him.  It is a balancing act that has been tiring and discouraging mixed with hope, thanksgiving and joy.  The balancing act and these challenging times have been leading us to a greater dependency on God, getting to see him work in wonderful and mysterious ways, and holding us steady in the hope we have in Christ and the unfailing love he has for us.

Please pray with us for the church planting efforts in Macapá and throughout Brazil.  Pray with us for wisdom in navigating these challenging times. Pray with us for spiritual, emotional and physical health so that we are able to serve the Brazilians with love.