Training number 4 in Rio

Last night, we trained 10 people in one of the slums of Rio. It was encouraging to be around young people who have a desire to see their community know Jesus in a poor area. 

We met in a small room at the local church. Most of these people were high school/college age.

And though it was a lower income area, still many have smartphones - mainly Androids. I explained how the Jesus Fill app works, offering ideas and scenarios for then to share with friends. 

There was probably more passion in my explanation because this week the Jesus Film app is now available in Portugese and Spanish! Meaning, the text within the app will be in their own language. Film titles, descriptions and questions - all in Portuguese and Spanish!

Please pray they are continually inspired and excited to use both the projector and app in the ministry here in Rio.

Curibita

Last nights training went so well!

About 20 people came to the local church for our presentation. Some drove a few hours just to learn so they can take a turn in their city hosting a few Jesus Film showings.

This city is probably the most developed of the 3 we've been too so far. Over half the room had smart devices. I gave a demonstration on how to install and use the app creatively. 

Some of the ideas we hope to happen would be for them to show their friends the soccer testimonies during World Cup games. Watch a few here: http://arc.gt/odmkj

We have at least one more day of trainings. We were up a little before 5am to head to the airport. While we are enjoying out time here, and thankful for the passion of the people we are training, we do need prayers for stamina. Early flights every say for 5 days straight has been pretty tiring. 

Thanks for your prayers! More trainings alter today in Rio!

(Side note: I've been singing this in my head - and maybe out loud too - all morning: http://youtu.be/f7eFE2wPWMk )

Fortaleza

Today began early with watermelon for breakfast. (That means summer is here!!)

Anyways, after our morning flight, we made our way to the next hotel, freshened up and walked around in search of lunch. 

After a quick walk on the beach, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the training. 

What was suppose to take 40 minutes, ended up being almost 2 hours in the car, we finally made it to the church. But it was okay because that is the culture here. I plan to write more in my next prayer letter about my observations during our drive.

Tonight's training went so well! The people were quick learners and seemed excited to have been given this equipment. 

One of the places they plan to use Jesus Film is for the young neighborhood kids. At the end of the night, some of the "ninos" learned about the free pizza and joined us for a little bit. A mini soccer game was started, songs were sung, dancing happened and my team and I left with joy in our hearts.

Please pray for this group of (young) people as they share Jesus with their friends! 

3 flights down

Traveling with 7 adults internationally is an experience to say the least. 

In Miami, our Jesus Film team, met up with two men who are our contacts for the ministries we are working with in Brazil. 

Praise The Lord all the luggage has arrived with us to our final destination for the day! We are currently on our way from the airport to the hotel, before heading to our first training. 

We are scheduled to start at 4pm "more or less... Don't worry! This is South American culture." 

Please join me in praying around 4-8pm (3-7pm EST) for these trainings today! We are expecting 3 cities to be represented - maybe around 30 people? Haha we are unsure... Thanks for your prayers!

Map of Brazil's World Cup host cities

Twelve cities are hosting games during the tournament. We will be training Brazilians from six of these cities!

So, we're going to Brazil...

One thing I've learned from the trip/project/assignment (on a larger scale of life), is hold everything with an open hand.

Also, when working with different languages, cultures and various ministries, margin is necessary and grace and patience are needed. American culture is very "chip-chop-chip!", prompt, expectant and task oriented.

Most other cultures are different.

There's lots to be learned from them actually. And during my (short but busy) time in Brazil, I want to make note of things I observe about their culture.

Stay tuned for updates through out the week of the trip!

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