Gratitude is the single best predictor of well-being. We at Xingu Mission are thankful for God and his presence and provision in our lives and ministry. We are also grateful for all those that partner with us.
Along the lines of gratitude, each missionary will share gratitude specific to their ministry this past year. Rejoice with us!
Derek: I am grateful to see some growth in the leadership of the churches and the new small groups reaching their neighborhoods. (Macapá)
Amanda: I am grateful that even without complete language fluency, I have been able to love and serve the churches here in an effective way. (Macapá)
Steve: We are grateful that the Lord has called us to Belem. (Belém)
Elba: I am grateful for the excitement for the future of the Vineyard movement in Brazil. (Belém)
Bob: I am grateful for the leading of the Lord with the outreach ministry “LOVE IN ACTION.” It has been a desire of mine to participate in this type of ministry for some time. We are seeing some fruit of our labors recently! (Macapá)
Christopher: I am thankful for our assistant pastors in both churches. A few years ago, Denise and I really started to feel the toll of pastoring two churches while also raising two small children. We knew that we were dealing with burnout, so we began to pray that God would rise up new pastors who could work with us in the two churches. About a year ago, we licensed assistant pastors at Vineyard Macapá and Vineyard Viva. At the time, we felt peace from God about the decision, but there was still a huge mystery of how it would all work out. Although it took a little bit of time to develop a rhythm with our new co-workers, once we found that rhythm, it has worked out amazingly at both churches. It has taken such a huge load off of Denise’s and my shoulders. We are looking forward to our continued work with these new pastors for years to come. (Macapá)
Denise: One thing that I have been thankful for this last year in ministry is the community that God has surrounded us with. Multiple times this past year, God has brought to my attention the community he built through Christopher and me, not just from a growth ministry perspective, but also from a personal perspective. When we moved to Macapá 8 years ago, Christopher and I didn’t know anyone in the city. We have passed through some lonely times. Our community here has become our family, and not just people that we take care of and minister to, but also are the ones taking care of and ministering to us. (Macapá)
Keith: I’m thankful for God’s grace and presence in bringing about His ministry uniquely through each of us. I am not surprised that He does act in favor of the ministry that He calls each of us into, but for me, it always seems amazing and an adventure to see how, when, and by whom He acts. This element of creativity and the expectation of being confident that God will act somehow produces in me joy, eagerness, great purpose, and calmness, all at the same time, a thankfulness for who God is and how he invites us each to join in His plans, purposes, and action. Even in the thick of straining to see what He is doing next, this thankfulness shines as I reflect on what He has been doing. (Palmas)
Marsha: I am grateful for encouragers and God’s faithfulness. Starting a church plant as a team of 2 is sometimes discouraging and lonely. Encouragers both within our little group in Palmas and supporters outside strengthen us, bring insight, and help us feel not so alone. God, in his faithfulness, allows me to continue steadfast when these discouraging and lonely times come, fully knowing that his hand is upon me and He will fulfill his purpose. (Palmas)
Know that you are a blessing! |
