The Commissioning

For the past two days we have been running around a lot. One of the places we visited was Pastor Michelle’s church, Freguesia. This is where God really laid it on my heart to change many things and thoughts that are in my life. The worship is incredible and then Jay taught the Word. I am not sure if it is us being here on a mission trip, but I have felt very connected with God and felt so much. To come so far around the world to experience this was so well worth it. You can try to explain the joy and overwhelming peace, but it is really indescribable. I have also connected with the women on our trip. I have not had very many girlfriends in my life, because I didn’t communicate very well. I guess this is the result of growing up with boys. I was so blessed to lay some of my heart out on the table and the women pick it up and love me anyway. WOW.

On Sunday we attended service at Barra Church. Again, you can’t describe it. As we worshipped, I caught myself listening to the congregation sing in the different languages.
Just imagine the wonderful heart that God had at this moment as we sung the song “How Great is our God”. My heart just melts when I think about it. Again, WOW.

The activities at night were with the Rio Das Pedras. The children were so warm and loving as usual. The children were all together tonight, the adult service downstairs. We had them watch the Jesus film and then made the salvation bracelets. The children seemed really entranced by the film and paid very close attention. At the end of the film, their pastor explained the bracelet and prayed with the group. This night was bittersweet. As they look at you and ask you to stay. All along knowing you really can’t. I was brought small gifts from a few of the children. These gifts that to them are treasures would seem to so many of us as trivial, soap, Barbie school accessories, jewelry… Incredible that they would give when they have really nothing to give, these small children gave all they had. That did think it was neat that my name was Barbie. They also liked my hair and wanted to touch it. The experience was has touched my life and I already am excited about the thought of seeing them next year.




Last night at Rio Das Pedras was a blessing. We started off worshiping and after that pastor Jay ministered to the women and men of the church. It was amazing in that after the word, we were able to pray for the children and men in particular, but also the women of the church. Pastor Sergio, the pastor of Rio Das Pedras was excited in that more men are starting to go to church, and last night to men accepted Jesus Christ in their lives and got saved. It was fantastic. Following some more worshiping music, we gathered all the children and started handing out their gifts. The faces of the children were indescribable. The emotion and the spirit that was floating in the church was outstanding. A guitar was also gifted to the Pastor Sergio. After that, we parted to a host’s house for a celebration of the birthdays of several people whose birthday was during last week and this week. It was a great time to share with our hosts and other members of Barra Presbyterian Church.

-Barbie Reed

Stay with us we will be doing more.