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The Brazilian Amazon
Containing 1/5th of the world's fresh water is the vast Amazon jungle. Filled with piranhas, alligators, jaguars, posionious snakes and 30 foot long anacondas...and for the past 5 months I have had the opportunity of a lifetime because I have been able to explore and travel to both ends of this huge jungle. I am currently on the AIM program (Associates In Missions) for the UPCI, and have been traveling with career missionary Rev. Bennie DeMerchant.
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A Sunrise On The Amazon |
My Experience With The UPC Of Brazil
In these past months, I have been blessed to be able to minister in a number of the churches in and around Manaus, and into the interior. The opportunities to minister are countless, with the city of Manaus having over 100 churches, and the interior of the Amazon Basin, which we reach by a Sheaves For Christ floatplane, having close to 240 churches. An amazing number, considering that 33 years ago, the only church in all of Northern Brazil was in the DeMerchant's living room. God really has blessed and moved in the heart of the Amazon Jungle! The hard work of the DeMerchants can be seen around every bend in the river and every poor suburb of Manaus.
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Since my arrival on Dec 13th, 1999, I have witnessed well over 100 people recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost. We have studied the Book of Acts and read of the revivals that they have had, but now we are seeing it for ourselves! All over this great world, God is pouring out his spirit like never before. There are currently more people living on earth right now filled with God's Spirit, than any other time in History. Joel told us "In the last days, I'll pour out my spirit upon all flesh" We truly are living in those last days, and we are seeing revival like never before! From Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, the Phillipines, Mexico and now Brazil, we are seeing the revival we have been praying for!
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The Amazon Jungle |
The AIM Program I was approved by the General Foreign Mission's board in the winter of 1999 to become an 'AIMer' to Brazil. After graduating from NCC (Northeast Christian College) in the spring of 1999, and a short stay in Burlington Ontario for the summer, I began to raise support to travel to and live 'on the field' for 6 months. Pastors opened their doors and pulpits to me and allowed me to minister to their congregations and present my burden...and the people gave like I never imagined was possible; From Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Ohio and Mexico, people helped support me and bear my burden. I would like to thank all of the many churches and individuals who have helped make this missions trip possible. These churches and individuals placed their trust, prayers and finances in me, and for that I am very grateful! You may not have been able to physically come to the Amazon, but you played a BIG part in allowing me to come in your place and do my best for the work of God. May God bless and continue to bless you all for your sacrifice.
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