Hey Friends and Family!

This has been quite the month for contrast! On one hand, as we have taken steps of faith by investing in the people and locations that seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us we have seen some growth and momentum in our two churches. People are choosing to welcome Jesus into their lives and begin an earnest discipleship process. We have had some new families begin to participate and new leaders select into the leadership training pipeline. Our current leaders continue to serve faithfully and tirelessly. Our Ministry Times have been fruitful and we have seen physical healing, emotional well-being, and relational restoration. 

At the same time, this was a very difficult month for our family. We had several instances of physical illness, some strong bouts of emotional struggle, running into bureaucratic dead-ends, and some major, unplanned financial expenses. 

We have experienced the reality of the Kingdom of God which is both already a present reality and a not-yet but sure-to-come hope. And yet – in the midst of all of it – the presence of Jesus is sustaining and encouraging us. Like Charles Spurgoen said, “We have learned to kiss the waves that throw us up against the Rock of Ages.”

We appreciate the love, faithful prayers, and support that you all show us. We couldn’t do this without you. 

If you are interested in attending the quarterly partners meeting the link for that is below. Also please be on the lookout for some communication from us around The 300 Campain – which is our effort to grow our prayer support base. 

Much Love, 

Derek, Amanda, Selah, Amaris, Josiah, and Adalee

The Gospels contain this interesting phrase that is repeated three times. 

The Son of Man came to…

“The Son of Man came not be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). 

“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10),

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking” (Luke 7:34). 

Jesus came as the self-emptying servant, willing to lay down his life as a ransom for ours in order to draw back a lost and rebellious people into the loving communion of Trinitarian life through teaching about, proclaiming, and demonstrating that the Kingdom of God is available here and now – and will be fully consummated in the future when he restores all things under the lordship of His Father. 

But one of the primary ways he went about this – was to share meals around tables with many different types of people. He literally eats and drinks and fellowships his way through the Gospels. Some of his most profound teachings about the Kingdom of God are given around intimate dinner table conversations. Some of his greatest miracles take place around shared meals – sometimes with as many as 5000 people!

One of the foremost living missiologists is a guy named Alan Hirsch. He observes that “Sharing meals together on a regular basis is one of the most sacred practices we can engage in as believers. Missional hospitality is a tremendous opportunity to extend the Kingdom of God.” 

Taking our cues from Jesus – Amanda and I maintain an evangelical discipline of sharing at least three meals per week with people from our neighborhood or the broader community. Once per month we also host a come-and-go brunch on our patio. The Brazillian people are wonderfully warm and hospitable, and they love to get together for meals. (And I love Brazillian BBQ and coffee!). Around these tables, we are learning the language, learning to really understand our new countrymen and countrywomen, and we are beginning to have some deep spiritual conversations leading to real opportunities for ministry. 

What we have learned in this practice is that many of our neighbors have had terrible experiences with the Church. There is a need for healing and restoration, an opportunity to see Jesus in a new light, and a place for them at His table. 

Please pray for us as we seek to be faithful to the discipline. That we would learn how to be Brazillian, that opportunities for sharing the Good News would continue to be made available to us, and that God would form a discipleship group in our neighborhood.

Prayer Support – I have been working hard on laying the foundation necessary to recruit a robust prayer support network. We need it! The success of our church planting here is very much dependent upon the faithful and fervent prayer of God’s people. If you know someone that might be interested in receiving these updates and praying with us please send this link. They will get an introductory letter about us and the mission when they sign up. Also please share my signup links if you see it on Facebook.

Financial Support – Our family is currently taken care of thanks to your generosity.  There are always needs here in the churches and if you would like to contribute additional resources please use the link below!