February - 2011
Posted by Charles  Hahlen

Wednesday 02/02/2011 2 February

Manaus to the Amazon (and tributaries)
What follows will probably be a bit rambling and chucked full of poor grammar, etc. That being said my prayer is that what follows will be a daily summary of events, impressions, insights (maybe), and other “stuff” that will serve as a record of our journey and perhaps encouragement for others to experience an adventure in the Amazon in the name Christ.

The Magnificent Seven from Lakeview: OK-we’re stretching it already – are here in faith trusting God will use this experience to make us more like His Son, and further His Kingdom in the process. The team includes: Brett and Karen, (Brett is our leader, however reluctantly) Judy, Nathan, Tina, Connie, and of course yours truly. This group was sent out by the Lakeview Christian Church and Southwest Church of Christ in Ohio, to Manaus, Brazil, to work with Central Brazil Mission as they make a “summer” (remember, we are south of the equator) Medical Boat Tour along the Amazon river providing medical and spiritual help to those they find along the way. I should also add that we have been joined by two veterans of this project. Jim Van Curen is a doctor from Northern Indiana, and Jim McGee from Indianapolis.

For us this is definitely a journey into the unknown. Even as I write that this is a journey into the unknown for us I have to chuckle. Earl and Ruth Haubner have obviously got this thing nailed. It is a trip they have made many times, and it shows. They have made us feel right at home and extremely comfortable right from the start. I should say as “at home” and “comfortable” as it gets out here! In reality we are at home and comfortable spiritually. While they obviously are focused and expect us to jump in and help immediately their love and appreciation for us as brothers and sisters in Christ is abundantly shown in the short time we have been here.

Leaving San Paulo this morning (Wed 02/02) we were very tense and frustrated. Due in large part to the Haubner’s and their gracious welcome, by 2 o’clock we were all smiles as the river breeze moves across our faces and the Brazilian sun welcomes us like long lost friends.

It is 4 o’clock, Wednesday, 02/02/2011. As this is being written I am facing the stern, watching the Brazilian flag float in the breeze. I am struck by the vastness of the river. If I didn’t know better I would swear we were cruising Lake Arthur in PA, or Berlin Reservoirs in Ohio. Almost everyone on board is quiet, recuperating from the day (actually the last day and ½). How we got here over the last 25+ hours has been an adventure itself.

Monday night (Jan 31) I watched Channel 5 news in Cleveland, Ohio, and prayed. Getting away from Akron at all – yet alone to Pittsburgh – seemed an impossibility. Although the day Monday was really a very pretty day, two distinct storms were converging on NE Ohio. One was coming through late Monday. The other was to hit during the day Tuesday. Both storms were bringing freezing rain and snow.

As we gathered at the church early Tuesday morning it was quiet and tense. I have to admit the thought of traveling anywhere in this weather, especially by way of van and trailer, had us all a bit concerned. (We weren’t even wanting to consider air travel at this point.) By the time we all got there and had things loaded the first storm had moved on. God Bless preacher Darryl. Away we went. Less than 2 miles from the church things looked bleak. I-77 was jammed northbound. However we continued onward, fighting our way around a “shortcut” we made it to I-76 east and were off to Pittsburgh.
In all fairness credit must be given to the road crews working the Ohio and PA turnpikes. Roads were wet, but snow free.

The flight to New York was uneventful. I have become convinced that JFK airport is designed to confuse people and bring marriages to the brink of divorce. In spite of these evil plans our group stayed focused and found our way to the proper gate. The flight to San Paulo was basically uneventful. As the shortest male in the group I thought my legs would never be straight again. Wow, what a cramped seat! I cannot imagine the pain Nathan and Brett must have endured.

In San Paulo we were literally herded like cattle into long, seemingly endless lines that took us through immigration. We all had some fears about how they would treat the medicines and supplies we brought in, but once we reached the officials for processing it went smoothly. Throughout this process I had noticed that Brett and Karen seemed especially tense, and that anxiety also infected Tina. What I hadn’t noticed was they had misread their boarding passes. They thought our flight departed at 8:50 am local. We claimed our baggage and got to the check-in point about 8:30. (The rest of us knew our flight left at 9:30 am, but we didn’t know to inform the others of their error.) Once we got to the gate and realized we had “lots” of time everyone relaxed.

Arriving in Manaus was a great relief. Seeing Earl and Ruth with their broad smiles was even better. We were so relaxed that finding our checked baggage becomes a “game” with teams on each side of conveyer trying to spot our bags first.

I polled the group about what they felt was the “most memorable” thing about the trip from Akron to the boat.

Nathan – “Saying goodbye to my family”. Note: He has been married (I am guessing) about 9-10 years and this will be the longest he has been away from his wife and three children (actually number 4 is present but still “in process”).

Tina – “Darryl driving us to the airport”. Note: Tina is a driving instructor.

Judy – “The camera on the nose of the plane”. Note: Our last flight was equipped with a video system which allowed each passenger to view what the pilot sees out the front or the view downward from the nose.

Connie – “Goodbye ice and snow!” Note: She’s the one always wanting to take the grandkids out to play in the stuff! Go figure!
Brett and Karen – “Long lines at immigration”. Note: Boarding time and Departure time are NOT the same! J
Oh yeah, what about me? I’m not telling! But this sunset is absolutely beautiful!

Thursday 03/02/2011 3 February 2011
San Sebastian / San Helena
Our first day providing treatment. As we were ready to start breakfast we docked in San Sebastian. First order of business was to load on board fifteen or so tubs all containing meds and supplies. These were then sorted and prepped as we moved on to the next village. Large bottles of vitamins are counted out into zip lock baggies containing 2 month’s supply.
After lunch we sounded the horn and patients began to arrive. Nathan and I worked the front of the boat as “greeters” and traffic control. Medical patients are treated “mid-ships” in the center room while the top deck houses the dental office. One young man walked slower and slower as he approached the boat. When he got to the gangplank the reason was clear. “Dentista”. Does any kid like going to see the dentist?
At five pm we moved up the hill to the church building where we had a church service. The children sang in English and Portuguese. We Americans sang in “Portuguese” or a reasonable facsimile of it. Earl led the singing. One highlight – Earl had the kids hum in Portuguese, and then hum in English. (If you don’t get it – think about it a minute.) He also pointed out one especially bright young lady who was humming in “Japanese”J.
Another great part of the service was when Denise told the story of Jonah using one of the young boys as Jonah and another as the “grande fish”. Her actions and motions made it very clear to even the Americans that the story was about Jonah. I also was given a chance to share greetings from the American churches and to share a devotional thought.
Philippians 2:1-5. Have the same attitude as Christ. Love. Putting the interest of others ahead yourself we will shine like stars holding out the love of God. I encouraged all of us to do this with all we meet.
While in the village we saw parrots, kids playing soccer, kids laughing and smiling, parents with huge smiles. It was difficult to walk away and move back to the boat. As it began to move toward darkness we loaded on board, watching the older boys playing soccer in the sand along the river.

Night has fallen, lightening is threatening on the horizon, as we sit here and visit. It was a good day. An exciting day. A very busy day. And -- almost time for dinner!

Friday 04/02/ 2011 4 February 2011
Morning: Bom Jesus
This village is bit unique in that the village leader is also the minister of the church. As you climb the stairs to the top of the bank and survey the village two things seems to leap out for attention
1/ Signs posted on all the trees. These small signs are clearly lettered and very visible for all to see. Even an American unfamiliar with Portuguese soon realizes that these are scripture verses.
2/ The Church building is clearly visible and clearly lettered above the door with the words: Projeto Amazonas: Cristo, Vida E Saude. Project Amazonas: Christ, Life and Health.
Although there were probably less than 20 patients here it was a good visit with very friendly people.
We arrived here late last night (about 11 pm) with a bump and a jolt. Soon after the bump I realized the spotlight on the front of the boat was on and wondering if we really did arrive somewhere or had encountered problems I got up and came to the middle deck for a look. There I discovered Tina who also had gotten up out of curiosity. The boat crew was on shore with a machete, a pole and sledge hammer driving a makeshift piling for us to tie off. While observing this process Tina noticed bats flying around the spotlight. Going quietly to the top deck so as not to waken those in the hammocks we discovered that the cone of light was filled with many small insects and the bats were having a feast.
Another discovery came this morning during devotions. Apparently someone in the village caught a fish for us to use in meal preparations. This fish (species unknown to me at this point) was about 8 inches from top fin to belly and all of 36 inches long.
Red Lobster may claim “catch of day”, but I think we have them beat! Speaking of that – the cooks are setting the table, time to Go!..........................
Today was a special day, especially for Dr. Jim. On a previous trip he met and treated a woman who was pregnant. She had been told that she should abort her baby because there was no hope that the child would be born alive.
After examining her and talking with her Dr. Jim told her she should go ahead and have the baby. It seemed to be moving quite well in the womb and heart beat was fine.
Today we all got to meet a cute 8 month old little girl who would have been aborted had Dr. Jim not met this woman. The child was born with some problems, and had to have surgery. Today we examined the incision and found that everything seems normal, and the child is obviously very happy and energetic.
This was a very busy afternoon treating over 50 patients and several large families. Everyone was very tired at the end of the day. When Earl came up through the hatch to the top deck and cried out “supper” we all sat there and looked at each other. We were either too tired to care, or had totally forgotten that hadn’t eaten yet.
Jesus once said, “I have food that you don’t know about. It is doing the will of my Father.”
Because of shallow water we will spend the night docked and move in the morning.

Saturday 05/02/ 2011 5 February 2011

It is 5 am and as far as I can tell only Judy and I are up and about. Judy is looking at children’s books and trying to come up with an idea for a story to tell in church tonight using her balloon animals.

I usually am up fairly early for work back in the states, so this is not unusual for me. I thought I would spend some time writing, but the light from the computer screen plus the fact we are still docked means that bugs are a bit more intense.

Perhaps I should just find a quiet place to relax for a bit? Today may be another exciting day.

It is now Sunday morning – I finished writing yesterday saying today may be exciting – wow!
Getting a chance to write anything was nearly impossible. Immediately after breakfast we moved back to Bom Jesus for a brief stop. While there we had devotions. I should tell you that this isn’t devotions as you would expect in the States. This is almost a full bore Bible Study. We sing and then work through the text verse by verse in both English and Portuguese. Each lesson begins with someone being asked to repeat the memory verse – one person in English and then another in Portuguese. Then Earl asked questions. It reminded me of Dr. Clark back at Johnson Bible College. After this short review of the previous day we split into two groups (by language) and reviewed the study questions together. Then back together for review and any announcements.

After devotions we were off to Livramento. This appeared to be a smaller village. We went up into the village first to look around and see the church building. They had nicer homes because the government is helping to build them. We also got to see some very beautiful flowering plants as well as some that were just interesting.

Once treatment began it seemed to never end. We worked through the normal lunch time and finally finished the treatment day about 2 pm.

As the villagers gathered at the top of the hill to wait their turn to come to the boat we took them a jump rope and some Frisbees to entertain the children. They looked at the jump rope with a skeptical eye. I took the rope and began to do my best imitation of Rocky jumping rope in the boxing movies. The children (and adults) found this very funny. One young man about 7 or 8 found it especially entertaining so as I finished my round of about 20 rapid jumps I tried to hand him the rope. NO WAY! He backed away in terror! Not so funny now, is it J? Soon I had two girls twirling and a third in the middle jumping. By the time I returned with a camera they were attempting 2 at once and the boys were giving their “expert” advice from a distance and daring each other to try.

We thought we might have a wedding to perform! Not really – Tina had treated an elderly man who was complaining of ear problems. He had dove down too deep untangling fishing net and apparently damaged his ear drum. Dr. Jim needed the wax flushed out to see better what was going on. Tina took on the task and bravely worked with water and
Q-tips to get to the problem. This caused the man a bit of pain. It also deadened his hearing a bit with the water in his ear. (a temporary situation). He kept telling Dr. Jim (through Earl’s interpretation) that “she made me deaf”.

Never wanting to miss an opportunity for some good natured fun Earl and Dr. Jim began teasing Tina about this and soon we were telling her about how he would be waiting for her with a gun, spear, blow darts, bow and arrows, whatever we could conjure up. When it was discovered that the man was still on the front of boat visiting with the crew we really turned up the heat almost having her convinced that he was really waiting for her.

As we finished treatment for the day Earl took Tina and her camera to the front of the boat and asked the man if he would like his picture taken with his “nurse”. He was all smiles and gave Tina a huge hug. Again – not wanting to let an opportunity pass we teased her the rest of the day about how he was back in the village telling everyone about his “rich American girl-friend” and how easy it would be for Earl or one of the others on board to perform the wedding.

It is a good thing Tina is so good-natured!

After a late lunch we moved the where there is a grand experiment taking place. A vocational school is being built in the middle of the jungle where village children can come and learn both scholarly material and practical skills such as construction and farming. They would come for a period of 15 or so weeks, return to the village for awhile and then return. This school was the dream of a man who is now deceased, but his son (whom we met) is trying to make this a reality. They have had people from all over the world come to see this school. Via satellite they have internet, and they have running water as well as TV, DVD, etc in the classrooms.

We spent the night docked outside the village near the school and will be working here today. There is a possibility that we will be able to use internet access here to get message(s) back home and we hope – contact some of them via Skype!

Although this has been great – it would be nice to have a contact with home before we begin week number 2.

Sunday 06/02/ 2011 6 February 2011

Last night just as night began to fall several of the team and crew members went swimming off the back of the boat. They reported to the water to be warm and refreshing – probably even better than the showers on board.

As I went to bed many of our Akron area team were engaged in a discussion with Earl about the work of CBM and the impact it is making on the Brazilian people.

From what I have gathered in my own discussions and hearing reports from others this work is proof that the key to a successful mission is a long-term commitment to discipling the local people so that they in turn can reach their own. Earl has said several times that he doesn’t need any more American missionaries (long term), but instead groups like us to supplement the ongoing work that the established churches are doing.

Some of the church that have been established here are currently sending “missionaries” to other parts of Brazil or to areas of high Brazilian population, such as Marietta, Georgia, in the USA.

When asking was learned in the discussion on Saturday night Judy and Connie shared that God is good and provides at key times when needs arise. One example was a time that Earl shared his work at a church in the States and after the service a lady he had never met came out to greet him and slipped him a check. He put the check in his pocket not thinking too much about it at the moment. Later when he looked it was for $20,000.

There was a fairly large rain storm last night and this morning it is still very cloudy and humid. We all commented that it looks like it will rain again soon. Earl (who is accustomed to much warmer temps than mid-70’s) says he thinks it will snow before the day is over.

We stayed docked for now in order to have breakfast and devotions. Our Portuguese lessons are still showing little progress. However, we continue on.

Earl commented that in doing this type of ministry they see results in ways that are “unexpected” in some ways.
A family with several children may come in and it is very noticeable that the younger ones are stronger and healthier than the older ones. This is because the mother was able to get prenatal vitamins and the younger kids were treated with wormer and vitamins. Another example given by Earl I that the mothers have larger and healthier babies than before. These mothers are now experiencing pain in childbirth due to the babies being larger. Before the baby was so small and unhealthy she would have very little pain during birth.

One of the things that happened last night, but was resolved today was the loss of Tina’s glasses overboard. The crew assured her they would recover them, and they did. Breaking out the diving equipment used to make repairs to the boat under water they made a couple of dives and brought them up to her no worse for wear.

After arriving at Caribi we sounded the horn for the villagers to come to the boat. Because of the rain we didn’t get any response. Earl simply said, “Wait, they’ll come”. As the rain slacked off they began to straggle aboard.

Later when the rain stopped Connie and I walked up the beach and to the village with the Preacher’s daughter. We met up with the preacher and his wife who proudly showed us the church building that is almost completed.

A man who was blind in one eye due to glaucoma came on board with his adult son. There was little we could do for him other than encourage the son to continue making trips to the city for treatment and checkups.

Dr Jim is so much fun with the patients and children. Through Earl as interpreter he finds ways to make them laugh and relaxes them. He will ask a boy with a really nice shirt if can trade shirts with him. Or he will tell a little girl that she has on a pretty dress. Sometimes he’ll ask the boys if they are big and strong.

As Earl and Dr. Jim are interviewing the patient Connie is preparing wormers for the family and a gift bag that has age and gender appropriate toys, etc. Sometimes this process can get a bit overwhelming with a large family. Dr. Jim will tease her about the hold up. Rapido! Rapido! (Hurry Hurry or Faster Faster). We also made note that all the years of giving sheep worm pills back on the farm in Minerva qualified her for this ministry in the Amazon! God works in mysterious ways. J

Some children were swimming near the boat and Dr. Jim asked one little boy (in English) if they should be allowed to do that while he was in here working. Before a translation was even attempted the boy agreed with Dr. Jim with a definite negative shaking of his head.

Another lady came in with a minor buckshot wound that was healing up. Dr Jim of course asked how this happened and was given a brief story of how she accidentally shot herself while moving the gun in a boat. His response: “Well that’s good. That’s better than being shot trying to steal your neighbor’s chickens!” This got a big laugh from the lady and her entire family.

James has a great sense of humor. He works in “reception” and is constantly joking and telling jokes that keeps both patients and workers going throughout the day. This is (I think) his fourth trip. He is a physician assistant and also does physical therapy at home.

Judy is constantly making balloon animals. These have been a very big hit with the children and the adults. She is teaching Karen how to make them also. In services Sunday night she used balloon animals to tell the creation story.

Karen is in charge of height and weight. Brett has been working as the dental assistant. Although he has no training in this field, and does not speak Portuguese, he seems to be getting the hang of it quite nicely.

Our dentist is Sergio. He is from Brasilia. This is his first trip to the Amazon River area. He is a very nice young man who is very conscientious about his work and appearance. Trying to look professional while working he has tried to wear his white lab coat. However, in the heat he suffers immensely by doing so.

Brett had brought some scrubs with him that he was not going to wear, so he gave them to Sergio. Sergio looked very professional today, but much cooler.

We left Caribi late in the afternoon to return to Bom Jesus for church services. It was cool enough on the top deck traveling at 12-15 mph that most of us put on sweaters or jackets. It didn’t snow, but it was definitely cooler!

We arrived just before dark. This is a full worship service so we wore long pants. This church has a beautiful tile floor. Because of the mud most attendees removed their shoes at the door. It somehow seemed a fitting way to enter God’s house. The service was lively and uplifting with Nathan doing the preaching and Brett giving the communion meditation.

The journal I take my notes in has quotes and scriptures at the top of the page.

“I support short-term missions….Such trips provide cultures a taste of the harmony that exists between members of the Body of Christ.” -- Phil Yancey

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit. Ephesians 4:3-4

I am also reading David Platt’s book, Radical, while on this trip. One passage really struck home last night.

“Orphans [sick, poor, hurting] are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do – everything changes.”

We did not get the opportunity to make any internet connections, so no messages home at this point.

One last thing of personal interest to me – One of our fellow travelers this week has been the minister from the Bom Jesus congregation. He got very excited when I was wearing my Lowe’s “Kobalt” shirt. He asked me (in what little English he knew) what that meant. I tried to communicate that I worked where they sold tools.

Last night he took us to his home, and he proudly showed me a Kobalt hammer that a previous team left here with him.

Really gives new meaning to “Let’s build something together….”

Monday 07/02/ 2011 7 February 2011

This was another cloudy and humid morning. The temperature was in the high 70’s F. As we sat on the top deck waiting for devotions Brett noted that back home everyone was probably talking about the Super Bowl: the game and the commercials. It was funny as we all sat there realizing that not only did we have no idea, but we really didn’t care much.

When you are on a trip like this you gain a new perspective on things that seem so important before. At home we would have devoted most of our Sunday to watching and discussing the game. Here we spent the day making the lives of the people a bit better and encouraging the church.

It was also interesting to consider that we spent the bulk of our Sunday in service – then concluded in worship just before bed. Maybe our American churches should consider such a pattern?

Sergio started devotions singing and playing guitar. It didn’t take long for us to recognize that he was singing He Lives. He sang the verses in Portuguese and we would join the chorus in English. We also sang The Old Rugged Cross in the same pattern.

As devotions were coming to an end we got into a discussion of making a “decision” about Christ and a true “conversion”. We soon realized what we were talking about was a difference between identifying with a church in membership and truly becoming a disciple of Jesus. Here in the CBM churches to become a disciple – conversion – there are classes required which teach basic Christian doctrine. Someone wanting to become a member of a church have a 3 month period in which they are basically on “probation”. They have opportunity to learn about the church and the people to see if they really want to be a part of it, and the church can observe their life and witness to determine if they want to be identified with them. Again, a pattern that American churches might consider.

Two other things that are characteristic of the work here:

1. Evangelism is focused on the men. If the men are won first the women and children will follow. Also this provides future leaders.

2. Church membership requires more than just saying “I want to join”. The probationary process avoids many trouble makers and those with false ideas about Christianity.

We arrived in Santa Luzia about 10 am. Lots of babies in this town! It also seemed like most of the children were girls. Several families with 4-5 girls and one boy. Dr Jim being an OB GYN was in heaven. Here we had three babies under 3 weeks old. One was a house call – baby had been born on Sunday.

Here we gave a pink soccer ball to the girl who coaches the girl’s team.

One man came in after we had seen so many moms with babies and Earl jokingly asked him if he was pregnant. He looked at Earl and laughed – then asked him if he had been drinking! Just the way he said it and the gestures involved made it clear what he had asked even without a translation.

One woman came in with 6 girls. We discovered that these girls ranging in age from 14 to 3 years old were all hers. She was 45 years old. Do the math ladies.

This village was so pretty. It sets on a cove that has lots of sand and beach. This had to be one of the prettiest places we have seen. The view from the hilltop above the boat landing was spectacular.

We left the cove to move out onto the river – waving goodbye to the children swimming at the cove’s opening. When we arrived one of the men took a small boat and got a local pilot to help us pick the “path” into the cove and dock. Once we were back out on the river they took the small boat and returned him home.

For the next several hours we travelled back to San Sebastian where we had gotten supplies several days earlier. This gave us all a few hours of welcome relaxation on the top deck: reading, talking, or just enjoying the scenery. We arrived about 8:30 pm local time and discovered just as we docked that Judy’s phone had service. She graciously allowed us all to call home briefly throughout the rest of evening. Nathan called his wife while we were still on the top deck. What a smile that put on his face! Dr Jim called his wife as we were walking into town to get ice cream. It was special to hear his voice behind us saying “I miss you a lot and love you even more”. While sitting outside the ice cream shop I talked to mom. She is probably still in shock that she got a call from Brazil. Tina was able to talk to her kids on the way back.

As we were walking to the shop we were overtaken by a motorcycle taxi that was blowing its horn fiercely. As we stopped and looked we saw Sergio on the back waving and smiling. It pays to know the language! We took advantage of this to send ice cream back to the boat for the crew.

By the way – Nathan’s wife provided us with the all important information – Green Bay won the Super Bowl. Someone it was anticlimactic after the Sunday and Monday we had just experienced.

Tuesday 08/02/2011 8 February 2011

One week ago at this time we were looking at ice and snow preparing to travel to the Pittsburgh airport for our trip to Brazil.

Today we gather on the middle deck of the boat waiting from breakfast and retelling experiences in of the Amazon.

We are docked at San Sebastian watching the morning “commuters” arriving and leaving the dock area. The variety of boats is amazing. We see all sorts from small dugout canoes to large party vessels that dwarf our medical boat. It is an interesting game trying to guess where people are going based on their attire.

The weather is different. We are having rain, but it comes in very brief light showers followed by periods of bright sun.

Today’s devotion has a more personal focus. We are all to consider what lessons we have learned from the study of Galatians 1 this week. In one form or another all of us have experienced the impact of verse 24: “And they praised God because of me.” We all need to learn more about what God has in store for us and to become more sensitive to how he works in our lives daily through various day to day events.

After breakfast and devotions we pull out for a trip to Sao Joao Bastista (Saint John the Baptist). This village is actually not on the river. It is on the shores of a HUGE lake. We enter the lake through a small channel. This lake is so large that it seems like you are still on the river. However, what appears to be shore on each side are actually islands that we are weaving through on our way to the village. During high water season many of these will be under water.

As we approach the village the rain becomes very intense. This doesn’t stop the work – merely delays our start. We blow the horn, but have a longer wait before we see anyone because they have not gotten “ready” yet. Not one comes to the doctor boat before a bath and a change of clothes.

In a previous village the youth of the mothers was notable. Here we are surprised at how many of the women are older. One lady is 44 and is bringing her first child to the boat. The child is one year old. As Dr Jim noted: “There’s probably and interesting story there somewhere!”

The rain slacked off and we suddenly were all but overwhelmed with people from this village. We also noted and joked that whereas the previous village seemed abundant with little girls, the children here were predominantly boys.

On boy in particular stood out. He was a BIG boy. He would make any college football coach take notice. We discovered that he and his family work on a large beef ranch. This explained a bit of his size. Many here do not eat a lot of meat. Fish is much more common and easily obtained.

We moved this afternoon to Urucara. This is the town in which the church sponsored by Lakeview is located. This town is one of about 15,000 in population. It is plagued with many of the problems all cities experience. Here drugs and child prostitution are major issues.

On a positive note, health care is more readily available so we didn’t expect to see too many. Earl had contacted the preacher and we expected to worm a fairly large group of children and see a “few” adults from the church.

Wow! What a busy afternoon! Earl kept commenting he had never seen so many at this stop. He also noted that if these folks were all from the church then this new minister was doing a great job. When the minister was asked about this he was emphatic that they all were from the church. (Later at the church service we did indeed see many of them).

Many of these people were healthier overall. In fact one man had been told by another doctor to lose weight. Why is it doctors around the world tell us men over 50 to lose weight? J Dr Jim told him he should walk more – and not just around the house. He assured the man’s wife that her being a good cook was not the reason for her husband’s problem, he needed to exercise more. Dr Jim’s prescription was for them to take some long walks together. Another member of the team speculated that if they follow his advice of romantic walks in the evening we may be treating another baby next year!

Here in Urucara all the teenagers have cell phones. One thing on note here: We had to be more discreet about discussing birth control and condoms because on a previous trip the people were offended that they were considered promiscuous. They are good church people. The young girls knew that Jesus wanted them to wait until marriage.

After dark we moved up the hill into town to hold a church service. All afternoon Dr Jim had been telling kids he would see them in church tonight. As we gathered before service he is surrounded by about a dozen children all clamoring to be the one sitting next to the big American doctor.

This congregation consists of all ages. Many couples can be seen sitting with each other. The room is set up with 120 chairs, and there is room for many more. Tonight we have about 40 people present.

Denise tells here Jonah story. Tonight’s Jonah is a fantastic at playing the sleeping and snoring part of the story. A new twist is added tonight. James McGee is playing the part of “Grande fish”. James is over 6 foot tall and probably goes 250 pounds. When he scoops the little boy up and carries him off it is a big hit with the crowd.

Judy and the ladies do the creation story with balloons again tonight. This has been one of the most enthusiastic services yet. Once again Nathan preached for the service.
As it approached 9:30 we all arrive back at the boat ready for dinner. As dinner concludes we say goodbye to Urucara and move back to San Sebastian to spend the night there.

Wednesday 09/02/ 2011 9 February 2011

You cannot come to rain forest and not expect to see rain. But, WOW! this is really rain. We woke to a very heavy and steady downpour. No wind, just straight down rain. All the tarps are down on the top deck and everyone and everything is pulled toward the middle of the deck. The rain coupled with the later night going to bed has everyone (including Earl, amazingly) moving a bit slower today.
We gather for devotions to the sound of Sergio “unplugged”. He has turned out to be quite the worship leader with his gentle strumming of guitar and beautiful renditions of familiar songs in an unfamiliar language. Several of our team have been able to learn enough Portuguese to be comfortable with songs and brief conversations. I still struggle, but I been able to recognize most songs.

We open our time together with “Shout to the Lord” then move to “Orbigado Jesus” (Thank you Jesus). This song is not one I have ever heard before this trip, but even in words I don’t completely understand it is a beautiful song of worship.

We also sang “Senhor Tu es Mais caro que a parta” (to best of my knowledge that is correct – Lord You are More Precious than Silver). Also, “Nos te adoramos Oh, Deus Emanuel”(All Hail King Jesus, All Hail Emmanuel) .

Today the question was posed: What have you learned from Galatians that you didn’t know before? Especially while living in another culture.

We discussed the importance of knowing the context of a passage in order to clearly understand the principles and how they apply to any given situation (culture). We then read Chapter 5 in both English and Portuguese.

Christianity is not about a code of ethics or rules. It is all about the freedom to pursue Christ and grow like in as we live in relationship with him. (Disciples following their Rabbi). Key verse is chapter 5:14. The law is summed up in this: Love your neighbor as yourself.

The Morning was spent in various chores. Laundry, sorting out our possessions in the room and beginning to repack, rearranging and sorting the meds and supplies for the next trip.

There was supposed to be a cookout today, but the rain has changed those plans. Well, not really the rain. As one of the “missionaries” said: “Haubner had plan, Wesley had plan, God had other plans”. Connie commented that all we had to do now was discover what God’s purpose was for the other plans. Dr Jim noted that this is our task on a daily basis.

Wesley is a missionary. He is a Brazilian working with CBM to reach other parts of Brazil. The work of CBM has been very biblical in the approach. The Haubner family learned the language and culture, they came and lived amongst the people, they converted and disciple some key people. Those key people have been sent out from where they are to reach others in their own nation. Each church established has a minister who is a Brazilian (not an American). These ministers live in their village and work along with the people there as one of them. Each new church is also established with a mission mentality. They work to raise money and people who can go to other villages and towns to reach more for Christ. One church had flags of many nations around the walls of the building to remind them of their duty to reach the world for Christ. Earl had villages and preachers available right now to start a new church. For about $5,000 and a couple of construction trips the church could be up and running. The fields are indeed ripe for harvest.

About mid-day we met Ronaldo’s wife, Lucy May. Ronald had travelled with us early in the first week then returned home to Bom Jesus. He came to San Sebastian to say goodbye to us and meet up with Lucy May. It was a sad think to see my coffee-drinking buddy walk up the bank into town. He was the one who first showed me early that first morning on the boat where to find coffee and a cup. A true man of God!

Lunch was served about 1:15 pm as we pulled out of San Sebastian. With lunch we begin the journey back to Manaus. Twenty-four hours on the boat. We have the next 24 hours off, do what you want, go where want, just don’t get off the boat! The time has been spent reading, napping, playing games, debating various theological issues, and simply watching the scenery pass by.

We did make one quick “stop”. We coasted up to a dock in one town and couple “jumped aboard” then off we went. This couple is the captain’s (Dennis) mother and father.
It was clear that while dad was proud of the skill his son showed in coming into the dock he still had some “words of advice” even if we couldn’t understand them. Dad used to be captain of our boat, and within minutes you can tell that he still considers it as “his boat”.

As night fell and we considered bedtime Judy and Karen discovered that by shining your flashlight on the shore you can see various eyes glowing back at you. Puma, Jaguar, monkeys, all are possibilities.

Thursday 10/02/ 2011 10 February 2011

Even though this is “sleep in morning” most everyone is up and around – grabbing breakfast at 7 am. Light rain again. The fellows from the topside report that between rain and the wakes of other boats rocking water out of the water tank on the roof not much is dry up there. Coffee is very popular this morning.