Brazil - this country, this people I love

NOTE: I MAY BE POSTING PERIODICALLY ON THIS BLOG FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS SINCE WE'LL BE IN BRAZIL UNTIL JULY 10.

It's hard to believe that this evening we'll be flying to Brazil with a group from Highland for the fourth time! If you asked me what one of my greatest experiences in life has been -- near the top of the list would undoubtedly be these mission trips to Brazil. I love this country, the people, the food and the church we work with in Itu on these summer campaigns. And I love the openness of its people to Christ.

Every time we've gone, the Lord has been so faithful in providing all we needed -- and more! -- to go on these campaigns. Funding. Gifted servants. Just when we think not enough money will come through, it all comes a few weeks before we head there. And there's always money left over for the next campaign. God is awesome. God is faithful.

What is amazing is how the Lord not only changes the lives of those we meet and teach and love on. He changes us that go there! Several of us that went the first time (in 2000) have returned. God has especially lit a fire for missions in the young people who have gone. Some of them want to do mission work long-term.

We'll be conducting an evangelistic and discipleship camp. About 100 young people from Itu, Brazil will be there. As always, we would deeply appreciate your prayers. So please do lift us up before the Lord. Susan, Shannon and I will be joining 43 others from Abilene (Aaron has been twice but opted not to go these past two times). Most of all, may our Lord be praised as He does His work through us in bringing many souls to Him.

Yours in Jesus,

Jim