Tuesday, October 28, 2008
someone burst my bubble
yep, it's true... the "bubble" that I live in has been burst - we now have access to the outer world right here at home: internet, TV, and if we had a phone, we'd be able to use that too! of course there are both pros and cons, but at the moment, we are happy as can be with the upgrade. :o)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Dialogue in the Dark
Note: Although posted on Friday, Oct 24, this was actually written on Thursday, Oct 23. Also, it's another long one, but I hope you'll stick with it - or at least skip to the last 3 paragraphs or so.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be blind? I have. I’ve often wanted to “see” what it’s like to be blind, or deaf, or maybe spend a day in a wheelchair. Yesterday, I finally had the opportunity.
There’s an exhibition at the Galleria Mall this month called “Diálogo no Escuro” – Dialogue in the Dark. Here’s how it works – you pay to enter, put all your things – purse, cell phone, glasses, anything that could fall – in a locker, and a lady takes you in a small, dark room. Inside the room, the only light is an “Exit” light, and there is a container full of walking sticks. Everyone grabs a stick, introduces themselves, instructions are given, and it’s time to go in. You follow the wall with your hand as you walk down a “switchback” hallway – designed to keep all light out from the inside. Once you’re completely inside, it doesn’t matter how wide your eyes are open or how close your hand is to your face, you can’t see. Anything. At this point, you meet your guide (who happens to actually be blind), and the experience begins.
We went through 5 different environments – First was a forest, including trees, dirt, plants, a river to cross, a waterfall, a breeze, and the sound of birds. Next we came to a city street, complete with the sounds of traffic, and a parked VW bug. You walk down the sidewalk where there’s a gate at the front of a house with a dog barking out front, and after crossing the street there’s a motorcycle. Then it’s on to the fair, with all its smells and lots of fruits and vegetables to touch. After the fair, it’s time for a boat ride. The boat sways as you enter, and you can hear the sound of your walking stick hitting the wooden floor. The boat sways the whole way “across the lake,” and you feel the motor shake and the wind blow as you cross. Finally, we come to a little restaurant, where you can buy water, soda, chocolate, and/or chips.
At this point, we sat down as a group and “debriefed” after our experience. It really was incredible.
Before going into the exhibition, everyone saw each other. But, having just met, no one remembered well what the others looked like. So, during the hour and a half that we were in the dark, we got to know each other by our voices and the feel of our arms or clothing. I formed opinions, as I guess I always do (without even noticing), of the people by the way the interacted. Gustavo was loud and had something to say about everything, but he included everyone and enjoyed everything – out loud – a very fun person. Raquel was sweet and slightly – but not in a bad way – overwhelmed by the experience. Max was the “class clown” – with a comment about everything. Tulio was quite shy. And so on. Over all, I liked everyone. Really, everyone. In fact, I thought – if someone would be willing to give me a ride home, I wouldn’t think twice about it – it’d beat the bus. And plus, these people were my friends now, right? I felt I knew them could trust them. When we got to the end, our guide did not come out into the light with us – meaning we never saw him. I was tempted to ask if we could see him. I was tempted even to ask if we could go back through the whole thing with the lights on to see what it was really like. I kept my mouth shut, though, and I was glad. Fabio was there for the second time, and he shared something that happened the first time he went: a man in his group said to the guide at the end, “So are you going to go out into the light with us so we can meet each other?” The guide’s reply was, “But we met each other an hour and a half ago.” Silence.
It’s incredible how much our vision dictates what we do and defines how we perceive our world and react to it. I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but when we got out into the light, I didn’t like my new friends as much. I literally thought, “I prefer you all when I can’t see you” – although I didn’t say that. By their appearance, I may have never even cared to talk to most of these people. My new friends dissolved before my eyes. It was incredible. For a second, I wished I was blind.
It might have been a challenge getting through all 5 environments. But now is the real challenge – how do I hold on to what I’ve learned from this experience? How can I let it influence the way I treat others? The way I relate to the world around me? The way I relate to God?
Walk by faith, not by sight.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be blind? I have. I’ve often wanted to “see” what it’s like to be blind, or deaf, or maybe spend a day in a wheelchair. Yesterday, I finally had the opportunity.
There’s an exhibition at the Galleria Mall this month called “Diálogo no Escuro” – Dialogue in the Dark. Here’s how it works – you pay to enter, put all your things – purse, cell phone, glasses, anything that could fall – in a locker, and a lady takes you in a small, dark room. Inside the room, the only light is an “Exit” light, and there is a container full of walking sticks. Everyone grabs a stick, introduces themselves, instructions are given, and it’s time to go in. You follow the wall with your hand as you walk down a “switchback” hallway – designed to keep all light out from the inside. Once you’re completely inside, it doesn’t matter how wide your eyes are open or how close your hand is to your face, you can’t see. Anything. At this point, you meet your guide (who happens to actually be blind), and the experience begins.
We went through 5 different environments – First was a forest, including trees, dirt, plants, a river to cross, a waterfall, a breeze, and the sound of birds. Next we came to a city street, complete with the sounds of traffic, and a parked VW bug. You walk down the sidewalk where there’s a gate at the front of a house with a dog barking out front, and after crossing the street there’s a motorcycle. Then it’s on to the fair, with all its smells and lots of fruits and vegetables to touch. After the fair, it’s time for a boat ride. The boat sways as you enter, and you can hear the sound of your walking stick hitting the wooden floor. The boat sways the whole way “across the lake,” and you feel the motor shake and the wind blow as you cross. Finally, we come to a little restaurant, where you can buy water, soda, chocolate, and/or chips.
At this point, we sat down as a group and “debriefed” after our experience. It really was incredible.
Before going into the exhibition, everyone saw each other. But, having just met, no one remembered well what the others looked like. So, during the hour and a half that we were in the dark, we got to know each other by our voices and the feel of our arms or clothing. I formed opinions, as I guess I always do (without even noticing), of the people by the way the interacted. Gustavo was loud and had something to say about everything, but he included everyone and enjoyed everything – out loud – a very fun person. Raquel was sweet and slightly – but not in a bad way – overwhelmed by the experience. Max was the “class clown” – with a comment about everything. Tulio was quite shy. And so on. Over all, I liked everyone. Really, everyone. In fact, I thought – if someone would be willing to give me a ride home, I wouldn’t think twice about it – it’d beat the bus. And plus, these people were my friends now, right? I felt I knew them could trust them. When we got to the end, our guide did not come out into the light with us – meaning we never saw him. I was tempted to ask if we could see him. I was tempted even to ask if we could go back through the whole thing with the lights on to see what it was really like. I kept my mouth shut, though, and I was glad. Fabio was there for the second time, and he shared something that happened the first time he went: a man in his group said to the guide at the end, “So are you going to go out into the light with us so we can meet each other?” The guide’s reply was, “But we met each other an hour and a half ago.” Silence.
It’s incredible how much our vision dictates what we do and defines how we perceive our world and react to it. I’m almost ashamed to admit it, but when we got out into the light, I didn’t like my new friends as much. I literally thought, “I prefer you all when I can’t see you” – although I didn’t say that. By their appearance, I may have never even cared to talk to most of these people. My new friends dissolved before my eyes. It was incredible. For a second, I wished I was blind.
It might have been a challenge getting through all 5 environments. But now is the real challenge – how do I hold on to what I’ve learned from this experience? How can I let it influence the way I treat others? The way I relate to the world around me? The way I relate to God?
Walk by faith, not by sight.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sick
I thought I would post my favorite poem in light of the fact that I got sick last night. :o( I can't say I was as bad off as little Peggy Ann McKay, but I was pretty miserable. I'm still not 100%, but I'm hanging in there... came into the office at 11... I don't know if I'll last the whole day or not, but we'll see...
Sick - by Shel Silverstein
“I cannot go to school today,”
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
“I have the measles and the mumps,
A gas, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I’m going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox
And there’s one more–that’s seventeen,
And don’t you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue–
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I’m sure that my left leg is broke–
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button’s caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
My ‘pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my spine is Weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is failing out.
My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is–what?
What’s that?
What’s that you say?
You say today is … Saturday?
G’bye, I’m going out to play!”
Sick - by Shel Silverstein
“I cannot go to school today,”
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
“I have the measles and the mumps,
A gas, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I’m going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox
And there’s one more–that’s seventeen,
And don’t you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue–
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I’m sure that my left leg is broke–
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button’s caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
My ‘pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my spine is Weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is failing out.
My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is–what?
What’s that?
What’s that you say?
You say today is … Saturday?
G’bye, I’m going out to play!”
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Jaci Velasquez
I'm listening to Jaci Velasquez right now. Album: Heavenly Place. Released: 1996. That's right - 1996. I'm goin' old school.
I'm exhausted today... I stayed up late to hang out with the fam for Kev's birthday last night. I don't regret it one bit. I baked a cake for his birthday (and one for mom's) yesterday and enjoyed my piece of cake while they dug into theirs thousands of miles away. :o) It was soo great to see the fam... and it will be great to take a nap when I get off work in an hour... Thankfully I have been working on organizing a cabinet here at work today, meaning I'm not just sitting at my desk. That's a good thing - I might have fallen asleep already if I was just sitting.
Monday, October 20, 2008
ridiculous
So whenever something needs to be communicated to us tenants in my apartment building, it is posted in the elevator. The most recent one shocked me... Apparently there have been complaints of noise in the building (not about us, for the record), so a reminder was posted that we should respect our neighbors at all times, especially during quiet hours, blah blah blah. The memo also reminded us that the penalty, by law, for "disturbing the peace" - as we in the States would put it - is... are you ready for this? ... 10 months (minimum wage) salary... a.k.a. R$4,000, a.k.a. US$2,000!!! $2,000!! Is it just me or is that ridiculous?? I could be fined $2,000 for wearing high heals (one item mentioned - twice - on the list of "noisemakers" on the memo) and bothering my neighbor as a result! If you ask me, the crime does not fit the punishment.
I lost 2 hours and I can't seem to find them...
I'm a little upset. I've lost 2 hours this year and haven't gained any. Usually, due to our beloved "Daylight Savings" system, we lose an hour each spring and gain it back each fall. While this remains true, I have added another factor into the equation, and wound up losing 2 hours and gaining none this year. This weekend, Brazil lost an hour (they, too, participate in the daylight savings system). Since I was in the States at the beginning of the year, I lost an hour there too. Two hours of my life - gone. Vanished. Into thin air.
Who ever decided it was a good idea to change Time anyway? I'm moving to Arizona....
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
what a day!
Really, I have to start with last night... definitely a cultural experience... Hugo, Nayana, and I went to a Bible study at church last night. It started at 10pm. Yes, 10pm. Which, "culturally translated," would be about 8pm for us. We started a little bit late, but regardless, it didn't get over until 12:30. But of course that's not too late for sandwiches and soda afterwards. And after that, some people went over to this girl's house to watch a movie. We didn't because, with no car, we had no way to get home. Anyway, we got home close to 1:30, and Nayana and I were going to watch Elf. I turned on my computer and decided to open photo booth... we laughed until we cried at the pictures we took! (I'll have to post them later because I'm not on my computer right now.) Neither of us lasted very long once we started the movie, but that was ok... we woke up at 10:30 this morning and started where we left off. When it was over at noon, we discussed whether we wanted to try to make it to hip hop class at 12:30 or not... by 12:10, we decided it was a go. So we jumped up, threw on some clothes and headed out. As we got around the corner, headed to the bus stop, our bus passed us. Thankfully I noticed and took off running, Nayana following close behind. I made it just in time to hit the side of the bus, and the driver stopped and opened the door for us. Phew! We made it to the studio about 2 minutes before class started! Class was crazy! We started learning some breakdancing moves, did some headstands, and more... It was great, but I'm going to be hurting tomorrow! Fast forwarding a little bit... we borrowed Corenne's car so we could go to the Extra store (Note to Dad: the fondue stand was gone!) and then run an errand for Corenne at Decathlon. On the way to Decathlon, I noticed some steam coming from under the hood of the car, and the check engine light kept turning on and off. We were almost there, so I decided to continue on. When we came back out to head home, the car wouldn't start! An hour and a half later, the tow truck came to take us home. (By the way, the car had just overheated and now turns on just fine - but we deemed it better not to drive it until it's been checked out.) When we got in the cab of the tow truck, the driver gave us both a pack of snacks and water, apologizing that the water wasn't still cold! I couldn't believe it! I told Nay and the truck drver I need to call a tow truck more often.. haha. We finally made it home, well after dark. It was quite a day! Hugo called and invited me over, so here I am... we had some dinner (at 10:20) and now we're watching a movie with his roommates. Tomorrow I plan to participate in a bike race... we'll see how that goes! :o)
Friday, October 17, 2008
sad story
I have a weather "widget" on my computer that gives me a 6-day forecast, as well as the current temperature. The sad thing is - as the day gets hotter, not only does the current temperature go up, the expected high goes up as well. Every day. And I'm proof that it's accurate, as I begin to melt at my desk...
It's been in the 90's all week this week. no air conditioner. and it's not even summer yet....
Hiphopopotamus
I joined a dance class last night - a hip hop dance class! It was so much fun! I'm terrible, but then, I guess if I was good, I wouldn't be taking a class. Hopefully by the next time I see you (whoever "you" are...) I'll be able to show off my mad skills. At the end of the class, the instructor (a white girl about my age... which I think means there's hope for me...) had us all form a circle as we kept clapping and moving to the beat of the music. Then she danced her way to my side and pushed me into the middle. Haha. I threw down my best move and then left the floor the next brave soul. The "next brave soul" obviously knew what he was doing... very much unlike me.... oh well, I had fun.
p.s. I found this picture online - apparently this kid is referred to as "Li'l Crazy Legs." Other than the fact that he's male and black, I hope to be like him one day.
Monday, October 13, 2008
good times
This weekend was great! Besides a bike ride on Saturday with Nayana and Hugo and making chocolate chip cookies (a batch which actually only produced about 9 or 12 cookies because Nayana accidentally set the bowl of dough down only a quarter of the way onto the counter and it flipped upside down onto the floor as a result - which really was ok with me because I wasn't planning on baking any more of the cookies anyway, since I had already been at it for about an hour and a half and still had 2/3 of the dough to bake) ... anyway, besides all that, I got a ton of reading done - which was spectacular! - and I drew a picture. I have been wanting to get back to drawing for a while now. It's been about 4 years since the last time I actually sat down to draw. It's not perfect by any means (as you can see below), but I like to think it's at least half way decent for being the first after a 4-year break. I swear it looks worse on the computer, but oh well...
Spam
I got a spam email today from "Dudley Fernandez." Don't you wish that was your name? I sure wish I knew a Dudley Fernandez.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Stuck in the Middle
I feel a little stuck in the middle at times - not quite on to my "new life" in Brazil yet, but certainly not living the "old" one in the 505. I currently have no cell phone, home phone, internet, or TV. I joke that when I go home, I go home to my "bubble," and unless you come knock on my door (well, technically, you have to ring up on the intercom), I'm sealed in. Honestly, it's sort of nice at times. I read a lot more. And run. And ride my bike. The down side is, I still feel slightly unsettled, like I'm suspended between two realities. Plus, it's easy to get behind on life. For example, I came to the office this evening to get caught up on my personal emails and maybe talk to some people. I got to talk to my dad, but I haven't answered a single email - and it's about time I go home and go to bed! Anyway, I figure things will happen when they happen, but I do get a little anxious sometimes for them to happen sooner rather than later. I wouldn't mind it if you joined me in prayer on the matter.
Monday, October 6, 2008
How Great is Our God!
Let me just start by saying, I think this is going to be a long one. But I believe it will be worth it, so I hope you’ll stick with me until the end.
It’s funny how it doesn’t seem to matter how many times I come to Brazil – the day always arrives in which I just can’t take it and am ready to go home. I miss many of the luxuries of home – air conditioning, a car, internet at home, a wash machine and drier. Really, being without these things is more of a blessing than I realize at times, but it’s hard to keep that outlook when I’m drenched with sweat on a hot, muggy day as I walk to buy the few groceries I am able to handle for the 15-minute walk home.
I’ve been conditioned to expect luxury as the standard, and my lack of luxury (which is really no lack at all – even in the “unluxurious” state I find myself at the moment, I have way more luxuries than I need) right now has left me grumpy once or twice this weekend.
Today was a rough day. I couldn’t necessarily even tell you why. Yes, it had to do with feeling my lack of luxury, but there was more to it than that. I finally decided this evening that I just needed to spend some time with my Lord. So I packed up my Bible, journal, and a pen and went to a café. I had decided I would skip church this evening. I needed some alone time with God. Well, He had other plans…
On the way to the café, I was praying, asking God to meet with me. I even told Him where I was headed, just to be on the safe side. I wouldn’t want him to show up at my house and me not be there. I began reading my Bible, looking forward to a long evening of just me and the Lord. Five chapters later, I didn’t quite know what to read next – nor what exactly to pray at that. I decided maybe I would go to church after all, and timing was just right. I arrived just before the service began.
The message was on the armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-20. What a great reminder that our struggles are not against flesh and blood but against powers and the rulers of darkness. (I imagine they have something – ok, maybe everything – to do with my “down” state today.) The message was great, also a reminder that we must put on the full armor of God daily. But the best part actually came after the message was over…
Pastor Derli gave a testimony of something that had occurred this week. He went to Vitoria – where the other Hope Unlimited campus is located – for two days to do some work there, as he is currently director over both campuses. When he arrived on Wednesday, he noticed a new boy sitting at the entrance. He went up and introduced himself to the boy, “Hi, how are you?” “Terrible,” was the response. “I see you’re new here. My name is Pastor Derli. I hope you know you are very welcome here.” “Pastor! I don’t want to know anything about any ‘pastor!’ You don’t touch me. If you lay your hand on my head, I swear I’ll turn my life over and never stray.” Pastor Derli explained he knew at that moment that this was a challenge from the enemy. The boy said some cross words to Derli, and they soon parted ways.
That night, Pastor Derli was awakened. The enemy visited his room. Derli could feel his awful presence. The Spirit of the Lord woke Derli before the enemy could touch him, and in Jesus’ name he rebuked the spirit and it left. This happened three times. Thursday morning, Derli knew the day ahead of him was not going to be easy. But God had been preparing him during the night.
And during the night, the enemy had been working on the boy. He packed his bags and was ready leave. The psychologist spoke with him that morning. She didn’t get far, and he was still planning on leaving. Derli called and asked to speak with him, right as he was about to leave. He went to Derli’s office, and the battle begun. The boy was very hostile as Derli began speaking with him. He told him again not to lay his hand on his head. The boy told Derli that the last pastor who laid his hand on his head died. Whether or not that is true, he was clearly challenging Derli. The Lord was testing his faith, and the devil was tempting him to run away in fear.
Derli asked the boy why he was so adamant that he not lay his hand on the boy’s head. Marcos Venicius, now age 15, was baptized into an Afro-Brazilian religion known as Umbanda at the age of 3, consecrating his body to the devil. He told Pastor Derli that when a pastor lays his hand on his head, the devil comes and beats Marcos – and it is not nice. The conversation went on, and Marcos finally said, “Ok, you may lay your hand on my head.” Pastor Derli asked if he could call in the psychologist, and the boy said yes – and that he could call in more people. A small group formed in that room, and Pastor Derli laid his hand on Marcos Venicius’ head. The enemy began speaking through the boy, telling Derli he would kill him. They had pulled Marcos’ hands together so he could not use them. He began using his head to fight instead. Finally, through Marcos, the enemy told Derli, “Alright. I’m leaving today. But I’ll be back. And I’ll be back to kill you.” And in the name and almighty power of Jesus, he left.
After 12 years of being subject to the power of Satan, Marcos Venicius gave his life over to Christ and is now at the beginning of experiencing the freedom he has in Him.
God’s met with us tonight in our small church in downtown Campinas. He met with me. I felt His presence perhaps more strongly than I had ever felt it before. I felt Him wrap His arms around me. I was reminded, as I now remind you:
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm…pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…that in proclaiming [the gospel we] may speak boldly, as [we] ought to speak.
It’s funny how it doesn’t seem to matter how many times I come to Brazil – the day always arrives in which I just can’t take it and am ready to go home. I miss many of the luxuries of home – air conditioning, a car, internet at home, a wash machine and drier. Really, being without these things is more of a blessing than I realize at times, but it’s hard to keep that outlook when I’m drenched with sweat on a hot, muggy day as I walk to buy the few groceries I am able to handle for the 15-minute walk home.
I’ve been conditioned to expect luxury as the standard, and my lack of luxury (which is really no lack at all – even in the “unluxurious” state I find myself at the moment, I have way more luxuries than I need) right now has left me grumpy once or twice this weekend.
Today was a rough day. I couldn’t necessarily even tell you why. Yes, it had to do with feeling my lack of luxury, but there was more to it than that. I finally decided this evening that I just needed to spend some time with my Lord. So I packed up my Bible, journal, and a pen and went to a café. I had decided I would skip church this evening. I needed some alone time with God. Well, He had other plans…
On the way to the café, I was praying, asking God to meet with me. I even told Him where I was headed, just to be on the safe side. I wouldn’t want him to show up at my house and me not be there. I began reading my Bible, looking forward to a long evening of just me and the Lord. Five chapters later, I didn’t quite know what to read next – nor what exactly to pray at that. I decided maybe I would go to church after all, and timing was just right. I arrived just before the service began.
The message was on the armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-20. What a great reminder that our struggles are not against flesh and blood but against powers and the rulers of darkness. (I imagine they have something – ok, maybe everything – to do with my “down” state today.) The message was great, also a reminder that we must put on the full armor of God daily. But the best part actually came after the message was over…
Pastor Derli gave a testimony of something that had occurred this week. He went to Vitoria – where the other Hope Unlimited campus is located – for two days to do some work there, as he is currently director over both campuses. When he arrived on Wednesday, he noticed a new boy sitting at the entrance. He went up and introduced himself to the boy, “Hi, how are you?” “Terrible,” was the response. “I see you’re new here. My name is Pastor Derli. I hope you know you are very welcome here.” “Pastor! I don’t want to know anything about any ‘pastor!’ You don’t touch me. If you lay your hand on my head, I swear I’ll turn my life over and never stray.” Pastor Derli explained he knew at that moment that this was a challenge from the enemy. The boy said some cross words to Derli, and they soon parted ways.
That night, Pastor Derli was awakened. The enemy visited his room. Derli could feel his awful presence. The Spirit of the Lord woke Derli before the enemy could touch him, and in Jesus’ name he rebuked the spirit and it left. This happened three times. Thursday morning, Derli knew the day ahead of him was not going to be easy. But God had been preparing him during the night.
And during the night, the enemy had been working on the boy. He packed his bags and was ready leave. The psychologist spoke with him that morning. She didn’t get far, and he was still planning on leaving. Derli called and asked to speak with him, right as he was about to leave. He went to Derli’s office, and the battle begun. The boy was very hostile as Derli began speaking with him. He told him again not to lay his hand on his head. The boy told Derli that the last pastor who laid his hand on his head died. Whether or not that is true, he was clearly challenging Derli. The Lord was testing his faith, and the devil was tempting him to run away in fear.
Derli asked the boy why he was so adamant that he not lay his hand on the boy’s head. Marcos Venicius, now age 15, was baptized into an Afro-Brazilian religion known as Umbanda at the age of 3, consecrating his body to the devil. He told Pastor Derli that when a pastor lays his hand on his head, the devil comes and beats Marcos – and it is not nice. The conversation went on, and Marcos finally said, “Ok, you may lay your hand on my head.” Pastor Derli asked if he could call in the psychologist, and the boy said yes – and that he could call in more people. A small group formed in that room, and Pastor Derli laid his hand on Marcos Venicius’ head. The enemy began speaking through the boy, telling Derli he would kill him. They had pulled Marcos’ hands together so he could not use them. He began using his head to fight instead. Finally, through Marcos, the enemy told Derli, “Alright. I’m leaving today. But I’ll be back. And I’ll be back to kill you.” And in the name and almighty power of Jesus, he left.
After 12 years of being subject to the power of Satan, Marcos Venicius gave his life over to Christ and is now at the beginning of experiencing the freedom he has in Him.
God’s met with us tonight in our small church in downtown Campinas. He met with me. I felt His presence perhaps more strongly than I had ever felt it before. I felt Him wrap His arms around me. I was reminded, as I now remind you:
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm…pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…that in proclaiming [the gospel we] may speak boldly, as [we] ought to speak.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Adventures in Campinas
Well, I can't believe my dad has been here for a week already! It's been great to have him here - and we've done a ton! Here are some pictures to prove it...
out for pizza with the clan. this is Teri, Corenne's friend
downtown
at Taquaral park after a run. (well ok, I ran, he walked)
at the hippie fair - he bought me a beautiful ring!! :oD
we took the gang out for a train ride... great fun!
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