Uncle Henry shares God-stories about Borneo in Brazil.
Stories
I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; I will certainly remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work, And on Your deeds with thanksgiving. Your way, God, is holy; What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. By Your power, You have redeemed Your people. (NASB, Ps 77:11-15a)
Earlier this year, Clenildo and a few other courageous missionaries embarked on a multi-day trip deep into the Amazon Basin with the intention of sharing their God stories, and to collect a few more. Over the next several weeks, Iâll share their storyâone that reminds us God is still writing Acts-like adventures today.
Into the Darkness with Divine Direction
by Clenildo Campos
Into the Darkness
At three oâclock in the morning on March 7, 2025, Clenildoâs boat cut through the mist-covered waters of the Xingu River. They were heading into uncharted territoryâplaces where no one had ever preached the Gospel before.
The chill wind took him back to childhood fishing trips with his father, who always prayed: âLord, where will we find fish today?â
As they entered the narrow Aquiqui River, darkness swallowed them completely. For heart-stopping moments, it felt as though they were lost in an impenetrable void. Clenildo, as usual, reacted with prayer: âHoly Spirit, show us the way.â
And He didâclear and unmistakable direction in the night.
The Jungle Awakens
Their powerful flashlight revealed dozens of caimans along the banks, eyes glowing red like rubies. When dawn broke, the jungle awoke tooâflocks of white egrets lifting into the sky, their wings catching the first light. Even the birds seemed to lead the way, always flying ahead of their boat.
Sunlight and Open Doors
By seven in the morning, they reached the Iuiui River. Mist dissolved into golden sunlight streaming through the canopy. They scanned the banks for homes. Each time they spotted one, they prayed for the family inside, for the Spiritâs leading, and for doors to open into hearts long prepared.
This wasnât just a mission trip. It was an expedition into the very heart of Godâs love for the forgotten, guided by the same Spirit who once led Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch on a desert road.
(To be continuedâŚ)
Stories Bring Bible Verses to Life
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, âThis is the way; walk in itâ” (Isaiah 30:21).
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared” (Exodus 23:20).
Deanna’s Journey to Healing
The first week after chemo leaves Deanna feeling rough. But days 7â14 are actually more dangerous. She doesnât feel as sick, yet her white blood cell count is extremely low. This means sheâs very vulnerable to viruses and infections.
As I write, weâre on Day 8 of this cycleâholding steady in Godâs care.
Prayer Requests
A fresh storytelling anointing.
For Clenildoâs outreach in extremely remote regions, may God provide every resource and open every door needed to plant churches in the farthest corners of the earth.
Complete healing for Deanna.
A Life Well Lived: Henry Thiessen (1929â2025)
My childhood heroâand lifelong exampleâhas gone home to be with the Lord at age 96. For 25 years, Henry and his family planted churches among the Dayak people of Borneo, leaving behind a legacy of faith that continues today.
Uncle Henry carved out home bases in the jungle where new churches were born and flourished. Half a century later, his son Dan helped found Xtreme Mercy Canada, continuing the same frontline spirit.
Borneo, Canada, and Brazil
After 25 years of ministry in Borneo, Uncle Henry returned to Canada. From there, he traveled twice to Brazil on short-term mission trips with his son, Dan.
I recall one trip when Poli, a notorious cowboy with a violent reputation, came to hear the gospel. Today, he is a pastor. Uncle Henry was eager to be in the middle of it all, while Clenildo pressed on with tireless determination to reach the most isolated villages.
I still recall Uncle Henry, Clenildo, and me together in Boa Esperança. Clenildo later told me he no longer allows phones on these trips. âWhen stories get posted on social media first,â he said, âthey lose their power. Itâs not the same.â
Uncle Henry loved collecting stories by doing things like catching big, black piranhas.
The Power of Stories
(A Reflection on Psalm 77:11â15, by Rick Bergen)
If we tell our stories, they live and they breathe, Faith rises from ashes, new life to bequeath. But silence will bury the truth we have known, Unspoken, forgotten, the seeds are not sown.
How will our children know battles weâve won, If our lips hide the stories of what God has done? The flame of our faith will wither and fall, Unless we remember, unless we recall.
The psalmist cried out, âIâll remember His ways, The wonders, the marvels, His power, His praise. His arm split the waters, the mountains all shook, The earth stood in aweâitâs all in the Book.â
So speak of His mercy, His strong, saving hand; The God who has carried us through sea and land. Our stories are anchors, our witness, our song, When we tell them together, His power lives on.
May your week be filled with Godâs stories: lived, remembered, and told.
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