The photos below show friends along the river—people much like those described in Clenildo’s Missionary Journey.
In January 2025, Clenildo and a select team set out to evangelize a region where they had never been. Their story starts here.
(I adjusted names and details, but the story remains true.)
Chapter 10: The Weight of Glory
Something Eternal Intertwined
Ten days on the rivers of the Amazon is no small thing. Hours cramped in narrow aluminum boats leave your back aching, your ears ringing from the outboard motor, and your skin burned by the wind and weather. Sleep comes in short bursts on hard wooden floors. Mosquitoes swarm without mercy. Snakes, storms, and strong currents lurk around every bend.
But the presence of the Holy Spirit outweighed it all.
Clenildo and his team discovered that God’s glory doesn’t always arrive with trumpets or fanfare. Sometimes it’s revealed in the sacred silence of prayer beside a clay cooking stove. Sometimes it shines in the embrace of a stranger who becomes a sister in Christ. Sometimes it echoes in the sound of crutches being thrown off a porch—never to be picked up again.
The faces lingered in Clenildo’s heart— Frank, weeping because no one had ever visited him. Haroldo, hurling his crutches into the river. Schoolchildren, hands raised in surrender. A mother, pleading for her children to hear the truth.
Each encounter was a divine appointment—crafted by a God who sees every forgotten corner and knows every forgotten name. These weren’t evangelistic statistics; they were eternal souls moving toward light and life.
When the team returned home, none of them were the same. The Spirit had been poured out—not only on those who received the Gospel, but on the messengers themselves. Something eternal had intertwined with their lives and would never let go. Some were relieved to be home; others could hardly wait to go back.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18
The woman in the photo below is holding an audio Bible so her entire family can hear the Word of God.
We are believers because someone told us about God.
We are believers because someone told us about God. Helping others know Him is one of life’s highest callings. And as we lean in—using our gifts and resources for the purpose we were created for—joy overflows, even in hardship.
Think of Paul, whether in prison or preaching in public squares. Think of David, worshiping in caves or reigning in palaces.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:12–13
When we get into “the zone,” there are no obstacles. Things that used to get us down are “whatever” because of the flow.
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.” — John 7:38
Transformation: Instant and Gradual
Starting a church-planting movement has many phases—from the first spark of evangelism to helping people learn to gather, worship, and live for Jesus. Some transformations happen in a moment; others unfold over years.
Hebrews 10:16 echoes Ezekiel and Jeremiah:
“This is the covenant I will make with them… I will put my laws in their hearts and write them on their minds.”
In the 1980s, up in Eagle Plains, God instantly delivered me from swearing. Learning new responses to temptations such as anger, pride, and contempt took time. It’s still a work in progress, even though a couple of years later, after many failed attempts, I was instantly set free from smoking.
Some parts of our brain are slowly rewired as we learn to respond differently to life. Transformation deepens as we spend time with God—in His Word, in the garden, in reflection—and as we listen to the Spirit’s quiet counsel in daily life.
But if we feed our minds on something else—resentment, gossip, vengeance—how can we learn to love our enemies?
What we feed will lead.
I grew up going to church two or three times a week, yet I can’t recall a single sermon from my first seventeen years. What I do remember is how the church adults treated me.
The gospel is more caught than taught.
The Holy Spirit does the deep work—but often later, through quiet reflection, steady obedience, and shared stories of grace.
This is our calling: to live among people who are different, and to show them how to walk with Jesus—and how to help others do the same.
Deanna’s Journey to Healing
Wednesday nights are family supper nights. This week, Bella made chili.
Deanna received her first targeted-therapy-only session this week. The nurses administer it the same way as chemotherapy, in the same room at the hospital. This medicine scours her body from within, finding and eliminating residual cancer cells. It still leaves her drained, but there are only ten more to go.
Please pray for a successful surgery next week—and a swift, complete recovery.
Lucy, Deanna, & Paul
Cindy and Colleen used to stay at our house when we were kids, home on furlough with their missionary parents. Their dad is my mom’s twin brother. Jody’s late husband, Don, also stayed with us when his missionary parents returned from Mexico.
All three women are widows now—and all passionate Jesus-followers. I often wonder what reunions and stories we’ll share in heaven.
Want Deanna’s weekly behind-the-scenes updates? Reply to this email and I’ll add you to her inner-circle list.
Prayer Requests
A skilful, best-case-scenario surgery for Deanna on Friday, October 31.
For more Brazilian evangelistic teams
For more missionaries, for Brazil, Portugal, Canada, and the USA
For provision and partnership. Together, with God, we can make huge strides forward
In Brazil
Steve and Elba spent the weekend at our home in Brazil, speaking at a leadership conference at the Marabá Vineyard Church.
Another local church held its leadership training event at our Marabá Retreat Center—new generations of new leaders are being formed.
Eating raw oats. “Who knew life could be so good?”
………………
May God increase your capacity to enjoy His abundance this week. It’s the shortest way to a better life.
Closing Prayer
Holy Spirit, Let me know the joy Of working with You today.
Quiet my heart with Your Word, Fill me with Your unexplainable joy.
Partnering in the Work
Starting a church-planting movement takes many people—and the Holy Spirit working through them all.
“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” —1 Corinthians 3:7
If these stories inspire you—or if you share our vision for this kind of kingdom work—we’d be honored to have you join our team.
Your prayers, friendship, and financial support keep us in the field and keep the gospel moving forward.
