Worship in Brazil is a very special experience -- how blessed we were to spend our first evening at church! The service we attended at Cenro, the main Methodist Church in Manaus, began with praising and singing, rich voices, wonderful musicians and much clapping and swaying.
Dionesio, the district superintendent for the mission conference of Manaus, is a powerful speaker! Using the story of the widow in 1st Kings, he spoke of suffering and God's redemptive powers. Through storytelling and dramatic reenactment he conveyed (and Gordon translated) how we are always trying to hide our faults, our sin, but only by allowing Jesus into our hearts can we begin with His help to work through these things, and grow closer to Him.
The service last two-and-one-half hours, during which people moved about but stayed connected to Dionesio's charismatic presence. Dionesio has great vision for what is possible with God's help and is quite a force. They held a Vacation Bible School just recently, and 286 children attended with 73 volunteers -- amazing! I can't wait to get to know the families and the children of Santa Etelvina where we will be working! Our day begins early tomorrow, so I will say Boa Noite!
Molly
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