Jairi

   Last Sunday had the opportunity to return to Jairi, a poor neighborhood. About a hundred people jammed into a room belonging to an old school. Samir had arranged for me to minister. i spoke about spiritual warfare, part of the reality of the Christian life. Afterwards he asked me to give my testimony. Saw a number of my new friends again. Jesus is so faithful even though life is hard. Some of the verses used were Psalm 56:3,4 and 10,11, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Samuel 21:10-12, 13-15. Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 John 4:4, and Psalm 4:8. Bruno and another brother who had lived in Australia for a year and a half helped with translation.
   Monday morning was up early to go to breakfast (cafe da manha) with brothers Jan and Fernando. Jan is a Brazilian of Swedish descent who gave up eldership in a large, thriving church for itinerant ministry. He has a strong heart for the nations ministering both in southern Brazil and northern Europe. I was also impressed by the dedication of Fernando, a younger man with a family who gave up a good job to serve with Jan in ministry. He now tries to live on a quarter of his former salary. By the grace of God we will work together in the future.
  Then Samir and Nilson saw me off at the airport. Thank you God for precious friends and brothers.To my surprise i ran into V, a young sister whom i had met briefly a few days before. As she lives in the city that i was going to we had the same flights to and from Sao Paulo with the corresponding wait at that city's airport. I continue to be amazed by the ease with which the generations interact in Brazil, so unlike the separation typical of American culture.
   Along the way i am learning travel tips for car or plane. Whenever possible stretch or walk, use the facilities, have water available.