A new start...
“I've been close to death several times in the hospital. I had a delirium and really got a new chance from God to make something of my life. I couldn't read and write, I learned that here. In March I'm going back to my daughter and granddaughter'. She beams when she talks and she loves Wim and Danielle and the shelter. "And this is my daily bread—the Bible in her hand—that I can read now”.
Wim and Danielle de Keijzer.
We had already eaten together once in a lot of noise from a Brazilian restaurant and that is not easy if you have to put your hand behind your ear every time... even if there is a device in it. So on a quiet Saturday morning we agreed to visit the women's shelter in Prados. Last year we were able to make a donation from Elo for this work and it was nice to get to know the work personally.
Wim and Danielle also have a shelter for men in Ritápolis. Check their website for information about their work. We have known Wim and Danielle from the time they worked in Rio de Janeiro right under the Christ statue and we have been able to keep in touch regularly. In the beautiful mountainous area of Prados is their shelter, where we were met by the women with a delicious meal - almoço.
The work of Agua Viva is a unique mission project, which is recognized by the government, but is dependent on donations from the Netherlands. A young couple came from Dordrecht to help. We met Johan and Joyce at the entrance of the site. As young people they were part of Rob and Mirjam's group (Joshua municipality), so the world is suddenly very small again.
Gustavo and Aline.
It is a difficult time, not only because Omicron infects many people and leads to a lot of unrest, but there is also personal suffering. At the inauguration of Gustavo and Aline as pastors, their good friend was present and came to us to tell us that he still knew us from the time of that time.... Yesterday he tragically died when a horse was hit on the 'highway' and the car that did so then caused a head-on collision. The funeral was at 6 a.m. this morning. The municipality of Atos, which we wrote about earlier, is in mourning. This is Brazil too..... one day you get in the car and the next you are buried. In the tropics, this is within 24 hours of death. We spent another evening with Gustavo and Aline and talked a lot... Today we received the message that the daughter of 11 years did not survive the accident. We pray for the family and the community of Atos.
Last meeting in Santa Cruz.
Sunday evening was our farewell to the congregation. We have been able to spend more time with people than usual and that creates a bond. We had a special time in the municipality and the small municipalities in the region. It is nice to be used by God, but even nicer to see that the Word of God changes people's lives.
Tuesday morning we leave for Rio, to be at the airport on Wednesday to obtain a PCR test. If the test is negative, we can fly on Thursday evening and we will be back in the Netherlands on Friday afternoon. We will let you know from Rio what it has become.
Blessings,
Jaap and Jennie
