At 8:00 we began preparing for the encuentro – our once a month big celebration service. The ladies peeled mandioca, diced a mountain of vegetables, began the cooking fire and hauled water from the well. At 9:30 about 80 people were gathered. Our circle was big and there weren’t enough chairs for everyone. Adults held little ones on their lap, people on benches were shoulder to shoulder, and some sat two to a wooden seat. I am not sure what the ratio of kids to adults was but I can tell you that there were a TON of kids. These fidgeting 3 year olds and toothless 7 year olds and smiling 13 year olds are the next church leaders. Right now, God is rising up an army of boys and girls who will change San Francisco.
It was beautiful to see so many people participate in the service. We encourage everyone to read a Bible verse or share what they have learned about God during the week and sometimes it is a bit awkward when no one says anything. But today several people shared. There was a theme of leaving the traditions made by man and following only the words of Jesus.
After the service we sipped terere and then ate lunch. The Paraguayan youth are having a great time hanging out with the TIME students. They played UNO and threw the Frisbee; they talked and laughed and drank terere together. Julia and Paul even attempted to learn how to ride a motorcycle.
At 1:00 we shared communion (mandioca and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice) together. I love sitting outside under the huge shade trees worshipping God in Guarani. As we sang I have Decided to Follow Jesus in Guarani, I wondered how many tongues and tribes today were declaring those very words.
Peeling mandioca
chopping up veggies for lunch
Singing praises to our God
Eating lunch
Sippin' terere
2 comments:
Jeff and Amy,
Thank you so much for all you post! I have enjoyed reading them and keeping up with Paul. Please tell him that VBS is over tomorrow and we said a special prayer for you and the team in the missions groups today. I am very grateful that you have opened up your home and village to him, I know he has learned so much. Please tell him he is greatly missed and loved, and to read Isaiah 42. May God bless your family and the families that opened their homes to the students, and may he continue to work in the hearts and lives of the poeple in your area.
In Him,
Matt Page
(Paul's Brother)
I always love to read ALL your posts, but I think the ones about your encuentros are my favorites. That's just the greatest thing, that you all fellowship together like that regularly. Love it!!
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