Rio de Janeiro

So the last leg of our South America missionary journey brings us to Rio - a city surrounded by mountains and with a beautiful harbour.   John and Flor Evans met us and took us for steak dinner then a small walk on the island they live on.  On Sunday we met as church, Rio Vivo, a great group of almost 20 people  passionately worshiping with some great gift contributions.  It felt full of  life and I really enjoyed speaking.  Afterwards we had a wonderful BBQ at Jonathan and Becky's and then were taken to the oldest favela in Rio! These shanty like developments are all along the mountains surrounding Rio and are often controlled by drug barons carrying guns.   Luke and Luis's home was right in the middle of this particular favela and certainly was a "city set upon a hill"!  Very inspiring and moving to see them touching so much need. 

Brazil and the Valley of Blessing

Today is our last day at the Valley of Blessing, the home of Antioch Mission. Established forty years ago, it has released hundreds of missionaries, and continues to train men and women. As well as the mission training school it has a number of social action ministries including: a Children’s Home for children with special needs or those who have come from disadvantaged backgrounds; an after-school club providing hot meals and extra studies for children with minimal education, and also a teenage programme providing computer training. We also had the privilege of visiting the drug rehab site, on a farm miles from the town. Many men have had their lives turned around by their prayer only detox!

We have been so inspired by being here, enjoying the warm hospitality of Brazilian Christians and the joy of fellowship. There is a real sense that there is more to come, for both Portugal and Commission to be involved in Brazil.