Today was another excellent day for our team. After breakfast at the hotel, we went to church at Recrieo. I’ve only worshipped in other countries a few times, and each time has been both unique and powerful. Today was no different.
The church we attended was very nice and was located in an affluent part of the city. It was the first time on an overseas mission trip that I’ve attended a church with air conditioning, not to mention a sound system and a computer to project words of songs and scripture.
We sang several choruses to begin the service. Two of them were songs I recognized, so I sang along in English. A couple, I did not, so I did my best to follow along in Portuguese. In addition to Portuguese and English, we were seated next to the interpreter for the deaf members of the congregation, so we had the opportunity to sing in English, hear in Portuguese, and see in Sign Language. At one point, I was overcome by emotion as I kept thinking, “I am so small, and God is so big.” While this is true at all times, it somehow seemed more real to me today as I worshipped in three languages with a group of believers many thousand miles from home, all while knowing that at that moment my family was heading to church back in Tennessee. How many people around the world might have been singing the song we were singing, and in how many different languages? I’ll never know, but I’m sure God was pleased.
After a baby dedication, the pastor began his message, speaking out of Ecclesiastes and Psalms on the theme of family. After talking about how many people put their job first and neglect their family, he closed with saying that even having a great family life was not enough. True happiness can only be found in having a great home life and in having a wonderful relationship with God.
The service concluded with a time of prayer for families. While many stood to indicate there was a need or hurt in their family, everyone joined them in prayer. All in all, it was an amazing service that we shared with many beautiful people. The freedom with which Brazilians show their emotions continues to be refreshing.
After a quick bite to eat, we headed to our afternoon playing site. We played against Vasco Barra, another prominent club in the area. We played two games, winning both. After the match, we exchanged gifts with the Vasco coaches and players. Emily shared what Christ meant in her life, and did an outstanding job. After the share time was over, our team had the opportunity to interact with the Vasco team and fans. The rest of the consisted of enjoying another team meal and seeing many partake in the “sport” of shopping. Today was the least physically taxing day we’ve had.
I continue to be impressed with, and exceedingly proud of, our team. Although today was a short day, there have been some long days, and the players are handling it well. Physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, the team is using reserves that previously may have been unknown.
It is written in
Hebrews 12:1 that, “…since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
The team continues to run well. The finish line for this portion of our journey is in sight.
