To all who mourn in Israel he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61:3 My friend grew up in New York in the … Trading With God
Clenildo sets a fishing net in the Tapajós River. Clenildo told me a story about two of his friends who both died recently because of COVID-19. “Ademir spent his life spreading the gospel in the Xingu Region. When Ademir got some money, he invested it in spreading the gospel. Ademir is a modern-day hero. “I … Clenildo’s Story.
An egret flies over the Santarém fish market. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit wanted the best possible relationship with the people who they had created in their own image. They envisioned heartfelt repentance, reconciliation, and the freedom to celebrate lavishly. Some of the Old Testament leaders understood what God meant. Take David, for … Mercy, Not Sacrifice?
Jesus said God adopts people who make peace. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The angels prophesied Jesus and peace on earth. “. . . Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:9-14). Jesus said He came to … Peace, Conflict, and the Way Forward
Deanna and I continue to work with small groups and individuals. I see this as a season to develop pilot projects and training systems which will multiply in the future. We are looking for keys to unlock a viral-type of church growth in the Amazon. One key will be how to get past people’s assumptions … Who Can Measure Up?
This week our front gate broke. I called a friend who called an acquaintance. A young man arrived on an old motorbike with a bald front tire from way across town. As he was working on the gate motor he answered a few of my conversational questions. “I am a Christian from the Assemblies of … The Gateman’s Stories
Possibly the hardest part of church planting is to successfully develop transformative communities out of people who were far from God. It starts by getting to know them. We have planted churches in unchurched communities. Very soon, in two different communities I am remembering right now, two or three other church plants suddenly appeared from … Engaging Outsiders
Deanna is part of a Really Great Family!I thank God that He blessed me not just to marry Deanna, but to marry into the Hansen family. The Hansen Family was a major player for the first twelve years of the Xingu Mission and the church planting that happened in those years. They continue to be very … Happy Birthday Deanna!
Why Have Big Dreams? Big goals enable us to think and act differently. Why Church Planting? Healthy churches are God’s plan for personal, community, and national transformation. Why Prison Reform? Compassion moves us toward sustainable long-term helpful solutions. Why Africa? Brazilians are eager to help in Angola, Mozambique, and Portugal. What an opportunity! Why Do … Why?
Our 2020 Vision 1. Plant 1,000 churches in the Xingu Region2. Help Brazilians form partnerships to work in Angola, Mozambique, Portugal, and North Africa.2. Prisoner Rehabilitation? – Start in Maraba. Part of a Greater Vision Our vision outlined above is part of a much bigger vision. In 1992 Deanna and I felt called to plant churches … Part of a Greater Vision
