This was my third trip to Lucas. Going back to the same place means we get to leverage the relationships we've created for greater effectiveness in ministry and deeper encouragement of the people. Though we were missing some of the students because of the elections, God provided a great time of learning and mutual edification. We were able to spend time in two families' homes and attend an ordination service for a pastor at our host church.
Our team taught the Church History module and it went really well. While in previous modules, the students were took copious notes, here they were captivated by the stories of the saints who have gone before us. Lessons learned from good and bad examples helped them think through theology and practice in their own churches today. As usual, we had great discussions which helped clarify and cement the teaching in their minds.
In addition to enjoying the believers' normal hospitality and kindness, we got to experience a huge helping hand from someone we'd never met before on our way home. Dissatisfaction with the election results meant our regular route to the airport over the highways was shut-down. But the Lord provided a man who knew his way along the back "roads" to the airport and new truck to handle the drive. After a couple of hours of sliding through the mud, we made it safe and sound!
Pray for the believers in Lucas do Rio Verde to: 1) Keep devoting themselves to prayerful study of the Bible for deeper faith and more effective ministry; 2) Think clearly about what is cultural vs. what is biblical, casting off what is unhelpful or even antithetical to God's ways; 3) Rely on God not techniques in life and ministry; 4) Stay committed to the modules through the end of the year; 5) Find lasting joy in knowing God through Christ.
Our team taught the Church History module and it went really well. While in previous modules, the students were took copious notes, here they were captivated by the stories of the saints who have gone before us. Lessons learned from good and bad examples helped them think through theology and practice in their own churches today. As usual, we had great discussions which helped clarify and cement the teaching in their minds.
In addition to enjoying the believers' normal hospitality and kindness, we got to experience a huge helping hand from someone we'd never met before on our way home. Dissatisfaction with the election results meant our regular route to the airport over the highways was shut-down. But the Lord provided a man who knew his way along the back "roads" to the airport and new truck to handle the drive. After a couple of hours of sliding through the mud, we made it safe and sound!
Pray for the believers in Lucas do Rio Verde to: 1) Keep devoting themselves to prayerful study of the Bible for deeper faith and more effective ministry; 2) Think clearly about what is cultural vs. what is biblical, casting off what is unhelpful or even antithetical to God's ways; 3) Rely on God not techniques in life and ministry; 4) Stay committed to the modules through the end of the year; 5) Find lasting joy in knowing God through Christ.