Back from Brazil

After an exhausting 24 hours of travel and waiting, arrived back home late Thursday afternoon, and soon went to sleep for the night. Friday is a blur in my mind although I remember grocery shopping, and talking to my discipler. Saturday morning arose early and went on an hour and a half jaunt through the country roads to speak to a men`s breakfast group at a church. Barry, my host, was very hospitable and gracious. We talked as the guys trickled in, ending with eight plus myself. we prayed, sang a couple of songs, and listened to a salvation testimony from a brother named Bob. Then I spoke for about fifteen minutes on the theme of discipleship from the perspective of two major themes introduced in Genesis 1; the kingdom, and being made in the image of God. Several of the brothers stayed afterwards. One gave a testimony of how he and his wife had been reconciled and remarried after being divorced for twenty-one years. Another asked me a question of how spiritual gifts fit into discipleship. Sunday was a busier day. After walking and praying in the morning, I went to a memorial service for the wife of a friend. There were about sixty present, from a number of churches. I saw a number of people that I know, including Bob from the day before. About twenty people gave testimonies of how Eileen had impacted their lives. Some had known her for a few months; others for decades. Unlike other similar services that I have attended, this one celebrated a life well lived for God. During the recption afterwards i had the opportunity to speak to a couple ( Wayne & Charlene) whom I know from house church days, and explain what God is doing with me recently. Returned to make a cameo appearance at the birthday party of the older daughter of the family with whom I have lived now for almost five years. Then I drove away to the gathering of my current church home. The students have returned from their summer break and the place was almost filled. Was a joy to greet and be welcomed by the pastors and their wives, and others returning from last year. There are also new Brazilian students. I met one from Brasilia which i had visited recently. Was in time for the first of a series on the gospel of John. Trying to get back into a routine. I had neglected my memory verses but will go through them all today, God willing.