Ammunition for the Enemy

One of our specific mission fields in João Pessoa is the China Taiwan Restaurant. The more we invest the more clearly a line is being drawn between those who are open to God and those who oppose Him. With early morning Sunday meetings, midnight evangelistic studies, Bible English classes, visits in workers' homes, and three Christians working in the restaurant, we are hopeful to reach more.

What doesn't help are the modern day Pharisees that give ammunition to the opposition. The waiters see everything and tell all, especially when it has to do with the behavior of the "religious". They take note of the pastors who sit in a hidden corner and order alcoholic beverages or when one is having a meal with a woman other than his wife.

This past weekend, though, took the cake: a group of pastors came in celebrating the collection they took up, actually counting the sack of money on the dinner table: 2000 reais. They whooped and hollered, the waiters hearing them talking about how they have to go back to that preaching spot, the people there are simple-minded, easy to dupe. Their table was right under the restaurant camera - the video has become a favorite in the restaurant.

Our brother Michel gets tired of them coming to him, saying, "See, that's why I don't want anything to do with church." "They are all the same." "I'm better than that - I don't cheat poor people out of their money."

Michel was silent the rest of the day. He didn't have any answer to give them. I told him to read them Mark 12:38-40:

"Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely".

See, Jesus talks about these people. He says their punishment will be most severe. I feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for anybody who uses them as an excuse to not follow Christ.

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Consecration

We know that God can do anything. The question is what will He do? What will the Lord do in the lives of His people when they consecrate themselves to Him? We hope to find out. Friday, May 22 nd , the Luna congregation had an all night vigil of consecration. We went from 9 pm to 5:30 am, and over 50 people participated, from the ages of 10 to 75 years. In the prayer corner, brothers and sisters signed up for time slots so that we would have prayer without ceasing. The vigil focused on Consecrating our Lives, in Gratitude, in Unity, in Service, and in Sharing . Each part consisted of prayer, singing, Bible Reading and Reflection, and practical activities, like in Service, we washed everyone’s feet, and then everybody joined in making breakfast for the group: homemade bread, fruit, tapioca and eggs, juice, and coffee. In Sharing, we ended with a wonderful meal together in family, talking about people with whom we want to share the gospel. Spend

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Pentecost in Paraíba

"This is Pentecost in Cajazeiras," Rivaldo Café said, "Almost three thousand were baptized in Jerusalem, almost ten in Cajazeiras." A wild comparison, of course, but the excitement that produced it was legitimate. Six young men gave their lives to Jesus and were baptized on Saturday. I was blessed to be there: the sixteen hours on a bus, going and coming, was worth it. I went to teach a weekend couples' seminar on the theme "God Gave Me You". The couples (around 12) were mostly parents of kids in the Right Step Program. The changes in these boys' lives have made an impression on the families, many of which have started Bible studies too. Saturday morning, after the soccer practice, three of the boys asked to be baptized. We headed to the building. Café began filling the portable swimming pool while I talked to the boys about what it means to come into the Family of God. Franze (15 yrs), Luam (14 yrs), Jorcelam (17 yrs)

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