September Amazon Update!
Saturday Night
I do not know what these young people would have been doing last night had we not moved to Marabá 5 years ago.
I do know that many of their friends and family have made very difficult choices, and many of them are no longer here.
This is how God transforms things for good. He changes people, who change neighbourhoods, who change cities, states, and countries.
I am so glad to working with Ivanildo and Monica, Aline and Eliel, who made last night fun for our neighbours. I am also so grateful for every person, and there are very many, who have helped this Marabá project get to where it is today!
Thank you,
Rick Bergen.
Spiritual Retreat
Church Camp
Phil Strout
River Church
Clenildo tells stories that the river people can identify with. Many times God has directly answered prayers to calm storms, give him fish, one time he and Athila caught a deer with their hands. People around there could not believe it. As Clenildo shared stories about how God wants relationship with people, He wants our friendship and He is a living God, the people respond. Leading people to give their lives to God is one thing. Making disciples is a much longer and more involved process. We travelled to two river villages, Cruerá is overseen by the church in Souzel, and Tomandoá by the church in Vitoria.
Three Ordinations
We ordain people for one year. We call this giving them a “license” to pastor. If all goes well, we ordain them for another year. Another “license”. If all goes well, we ordain them permanently.
Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22 NLT
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17 NIV