Final doesn't always mean the end. It marks a time of prayer, planning and preparation for what God has in store for the future. The final days in the city of São Paulo brought a season of reconnecting with ministry partners and pastors.
Plans for a JEMS basketball team to travel to Brazil in July are currently on hold. This was the topic of discussion with youth leaders in São Paulo. It was disappointing for them to learn that the sports project would not come to fruition this year. Nonetheless the sense of collaboration was not dampened as we will continue to work together in the future.
Photos (L): PJ with leaders of sports ministry from Free Methodist denomination.
(R): With friends and leaders from the Holiness denomination (Click photo to see full image)
Wednesday, March 15th was my last day in Brazil and included an interdenominational pastors' luncheon which was hosted by JEMS. During that precious time together, we were able to reaffirm our commitment to work together and to pray together for the future ministry of JEMS in South America. As in the US, JEMS reaches across denominational lines to work with Free Methodist, Holiness, Presbyterian, Independent, Hosanna, Salvation Army.
I'm grateful to all of these pastoral partners: (L-R, back row): Pr William Maki Suzuki, Pr Paulo Taniwaki, Pr Joel Hayashi, Pr Daniel Yoshimoto, Pr Luiz Hashimoto, Pr Eduardo Goya. (L-R, middle row): Pr Kaoru Aoyama, Pr Mario Maeda, Pra Ester Adiwardana, Pra Noemi Hashimoto, Pra Liana Goya. (L-R, front row): PJ, Pr Daniel Abe, Pr. Hitoshi Saito
Please continue to pray for these pastors and leaders as Brazil faces a huge economic and political crisis. At the same time, it is in these moments when people are experiencing such need that there is an openness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If there is a time for you to consider missions in Brazil, NOW is the time!! Not when people's hearts are satisfied with plenty, but when they are hungry and thirsty for a life that is truly fulfilling!
