Dear Friends and Supporters,
Fall has finally arrived in Southern California and this canonly mean one thing; temperatures are heating up inSouth America. I just returned from a two week, 2000 mile road trip back to the states of Bahia and Sergipe.We had such powerful meetings here last month thatwe wanted to return and finish what God started. In every service the power of God was made manifest as hundreds of young and old responded to the tangible presence of the Spirit of God. As with all of our events there is an emphasis on salvation and encountering Jesusin a very real personal way. I am always amazed when I see HIM open the eyes of the desperate and bring life to those who are on the verge of giving up hope. At times the Spirit of God would be so strongly felt that we could not finish the service as people began to cry and weep around the venue. I attribute this directly to the prayers that you and others have offered to heaven on behalf of a generation.
In every service the Spirit of God would manifest with such power that young and old would shake as He met their needs!
The altars were always filled with hurting young people who were desperate for a touch from Jesus..He never dissapointed!
We had many new doors and invitations into a few mainline denominations, something that I have been praying for since my first trip to Brazil. Not only does this expose to others what God is doing in our meetings, but it also gives me access to tens of thousands of teens who are looking to be discipled and taught about their newfound faith. I can then promote our JovembytesApp, giving them opportunity to engage with this free tool. I was thrilled to know that during this past trip our numbers spiked on our download page, confirming to me that our App was not only needed, but being used as well
The times of personal ministry at the altar was incredible.
I had a number of last minute opportunities arise while we were in the city of Aracaju. Numerous newspaper, radio and TV interviews were gladly accepted. But what had to be one of highlights was being invited to speak at a public high school. As usual we brought the snake and explained how small things get big, especially if you feed them. As I finished the meeting and began to speak very personally to the kids, the atmosphere changed and you could feel that heaven had just stepped into the court yard. The teens began to grow very quiet and then began to weep out loud. I was amazed that the grace of God had been made so very obvious to these hungry souls. I turned to look at the administrators and teachers and they were weeping as well. The principal gave me two thumbs up to continue with the message, taking as much time as I needed. I quickly pointed the message to the work of the cross and how Jesus had come to save and set free. Hundreds raised their hands, some accepting Jesus for the first time, others rededicating their lives to Him on the spot.
Ths simple message of the Cross and the promise of the life it offersopened the hearts of the people and the doors of heaven, creating anatmosphere of freedom and joy!
I was excited to see the response of the people to the Word of God and to His powerful presence. One of the hosting pastors was commenting, “we thought you were just a white guy with a snake who told stories.” I laughed out loud when mentioned this, telling him, “well sort of, I do use a snake, but the only story I tell is the one about a God who sent His only Son to die for the world,” he smiled and agreed that this story was all we needed. Although it was a fantastic trip, there were many challenges along the way. I had to utilize two new translators, who were nervous to say the least, a sick Iguana (who eventually died) and a head cold that never got any better. In spite of this and a few other communication issues, it was one of the most powerful trips I have ever been a part of, at least in Brazil. I will be returning in December to Rio for another two weeks of meetings. Please keep this and my current trip to India in Prayer. God is doing some wonderful things and I am believing that I will have the grace and strength to continue being obedient to Him in all areas of my life. Thanks again for helping us reach a generation with the Gospel of Life!
God was working not only in the hearts of the teens, but in their parents as well.
Our last minute meetings at a local high school proved to be a miraculous moment for all in attendence