What a blessing to get another chance to blog again so soon. Things are still going great. The emotions are beginning to surface as everyone realizes that the end of the week is near. I hope the pics posted earlier were appreciated as they did represent the environment your students have been operating in this week. Next week be prepare to offer some emotional support as the students begin to digest the week and go through a debrief period. They deserve the support and help I promise.
Tonight we had our last church service of the week, and today we got to share some time with a class from an English speaking school. Your students were on fire for both opportunities and once again excelled at sharing the gospel with non-believers. The testimonies have been strong this week, probably the strongest we have ever had down here with one of these trips. That does need to be contributed to all other groups however, as well as the AMO team here in Brasil (the s is correct, it is only spelled with a z outside of Brasil). One of the things we do at the end of each trip is debrief the trip looking for ways to improve the next trip. As a result of these debriefings, the testimony training on the front side of these trips has been much more effective. Thanks to everyone who has taken part in this activity, your efforts and input are paying dividends.
We had our second (and final) seminary class today. This week we have focused on leadership and leading by influencing others. The discussions have been great. There has been plenty of input and discussion concerning the topics. Just another sign of the maturity level of this group. God is going to do great things through each and every one of these young adults just because they have put their "Yes" on the table. Their commitment is second to none. One thing that the students were challenged with today is the importance that college will play on their development as great leaders for the church and God''s kingdom. We also discussed being prepared for the challenges that college offers with letting the enemy impact their lives. I think this group is well prepared mentally, emotionally, and mostly spiritually for the college life. That has come from two factors: home and church.
We had the privilege of witnessing two young men that have recently surrendered their lives to God and who are on fire for Christ do something unheard of tonight. They walked 28 miles to be at church with the group and with AMO. They were exhausted and famished once they arrived. What an inspiration they were for our team. Fatigue is beginning to set in for our group as the week wears on, but these two young men gave us all an instant shot of energy. I thought it was ironic that we discussed leadership through influence this morning and before the end of the day God provided a perfect example from two very unlikely sources. God is great isn't He?
Here are a couple more pics. Be as proud of your students as I am.
You have gone over and beyond with your updates and pics! Thank you so much! What an amazing trip this has been! You can truly see God's hand in everything! Make sure Sam makes it in the plane home!
Posted by: Becky Scott | March 26, 2010 at 06:41 AM
Thanks so much, Allen, for these updates and pictures! I wasn't even expecting it this morning. What a wonderful way to wake up! The tears are flowing again! Please give EVERYONE a big hug for me and tell Lizzy we are so proud of her and love her so much!Please tell Randle that his dad has asked about him and is coming over today to read all the blogs and see pictures. May you all have a blessed day in the favelas today as you start to say your goodbyes. Continuing to cover you all in prayer! God bless!
Posted by: Deanna Campbell | March 26, 2010 at 06:57 AM