Adventures in Brazil: Part 6

     Yesterday was another packed day in the Lord. They are so full that they are blending into one another, and I am having a hard time keeping track. In late morning Samir & I met Erasmo and his wife Gelsa, an older couple who have been instrumental in the work of the Lord here, for lunch at a nice buffet style restaurant with too many food choices. He told me about his conversion and experiences with the Holy Spirit. For many years he was a professor in a Methodist seminary. He also studied in Switzerland. After a profound experience with the Holy Spirit, his whole perspective changed. He and another professor, who also had a similar experience, started the church with whom I am fellowshipping. Some thirty-five years later, they are still going strong.
     Afterwards we visited a museum of technology with three floors of exhibits. These included hydrology, electricity, the human body, natural phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes, and natural history exhibits with indigenous animals. Then we went to the church building to meet with a group of women. Erasmo has facilitated this group for over thirty years with his wife. He asked me to teach on prayer and fasting. The ladies were attentive through the translation, which was done by my new friend Rogerio.
   Later that same evening Samir and his wife Lu hosted the weekly meeting of their disciples. We had about eleven. Samir had asked me to teach about ministry teams in preparation for a follow-up visit to a suburban church that we visited last week. Spoke about the need to receive and give love, the truth of the Word, and the individual gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to each believer.
   After advice from an apprentice surgeon and brother in the Lord, this morning went for a consultation with another brother in the Lord, who is an experienced surgeon. He recommended an endoscopy, which will occur tomorrow. The cost is minimal compared to the States, and he has trained in Brazil and Japan.