Final encouragement from Brazil

We spent our last few days in county in Rio de Janiero. It has been fantastic to rest for a few days and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation here as well. The views have been amazing and we’ve spent much time with a missionary family that has been in Brazil for just 6 months. They told me about their struggle as they learn the language and attempt to evangelize while doing so.

I have learned so much this summer about myself and the God’s calling to us. If you ever considered missions and have said, “I don’t feel called to do ministry or mission work,” you are mistaken. 

We are ALL called to go and make disciples. God may have placed you in the city where you grew up or in a city on the other side of the world, but He called to you to share the Gospel wherever you are. 

When talking to my former college pastor a few months ago, we were talking about the idea of vocational ministry. I told him that I was considering ministry, meaning vocationally, of course, but he made a correction that has stuck with me ever since. He said, “Well, our whole lives are our ministry, you’re just deciding whether you want to do it vocationally or not.” 

My final encouragement to you before I come home in a few days is this... GO! You may not have the opportunity that I did to go overseas, but there are lost people all around you. Tell them about the understanding, healing, giving, loving God of the universe! Do not let them miss out on the gift of eternity with Him in Glory!

-Spencer

Project 1:11

Brazil

Last day with the kids

On Wednesday, we spent our last day with the kids. It was the most bittersweet feeling I have ever experienced. To see the love that the kids had for us, truly appreciating it as it was the last time, and seeing their faces drop when we reminded them that it was our last day was truly tough. That being said, it was a day full of smiles and hugs as we had the kids sign our shirt like true professionals.

-Spencer

Project 1:11

Brazil

Power over Spiritual Warfare

It was a moving experience spending our final few days with the kids. On Monday, we got the opportunity to visit and pray for some families and their homes. We gifted a Bible to a woman who told us that she had never had one in the house before. Then, we prayed for Grace and her home. She told us that she had been having visions and battling spiritual warfare, having trouble sleeping at night as she felt she was in danger. Since we visited her, she has reported great sleep and peace of mind.

Join us in praying for Grace to continue to experience victory in her personal life!

-Spencer

Project 1:11

Brazil

Daily Needs Provided

This past Sunday, we visited a church that reminded us of God’s presence in this country. We stayed for two services and experienced some great things at both. We were fed an amazing lunch and were sent home with dinner and some chocolates, but that is not even close to the best part. 

At the second service, one of the worship leaders told the story about how, after the first service, someone felt compelled to buy her groceries and lunch. She spoke about how she was currently living month to month selling recyclables to make ends meet. According to our translator, it was the “nicest grocery store” she had ever been to. She is totally on fire for the Lord. We prayed for her and got a picture with her! 

Please pray for our friend... that she will continue to walk in obedience to the Lord & that He will continue to meet her needs.

-Spencer
Project 1:11
Brazil

Daily steps of obedience

In the homeless shelters, we had the opportunity to give away two Bibles! The lady who was receptive last week said that her prayer time has been helpful and looks forward to getting into the Word. Our friend Marco has dedicated time each night to read “at least one page of the Bible” as well. 

We have been spending time at a local school. Recently, we had the end of June Festival party. As the children were being released for break after Friday, it will likely be the last time we get to see those kids. It was bittersweet as we spent more time with them that day than we ever had. We have full confidence that God’s love will continue to be shown to them even after we leave.

Pray for perseverance in minister over the coming weeks.

Pray for the health of the kids & ourselves on & off the pitch (soccer is a major part of our ministry outreach)

Pray for boldness in sharing with lost souls.

-Spencer

Project 1:11

Brazil

Daily opportunities to share

Hayden and I recently visited two more churches. At the first one, he helped with worship and I preached. At the 2nd one, we filled similar roles but also shared our testimonies.

We visited the homes of two loving Christian households. They mentioned some lost people in their lives, and we encouraged them to continue to pursue discipleship. We know that through prayer and obedience, nothing is impossible with God and the Holy Spirit will eventually convict those souls back to Him!

Our main context in our ministry is beginning to show fruit as well. We have recently been given some more specific goals in the community which is an answered prayer. We have had a few chances to share the Gospel with children and hope to meet the rest of those families in the near future. The kids are truly so much fun to be around daily.

Pray for the continued growth of all the churches that we have visited.

Pray for the lost souls of the families we met recently.

-Spencer

1:11 Project

Brazil