In German, Hinterland is sometimes used more generally to describe any sparsely populated area where the infrastructure is underdeveloped. Analogous terms include "the countryside", backcountry, boondocks, the Bush (in Alaskan usage), the outback (in Australian usage), and the interior (in Brazilian usage).
Anytime one leaves the city of São Paulo, there is the feeling of heading into the hinterlands. The backcountry, the vast unknown. Although it isn't that uncivilized, there is some sense of leaving a place marked by comfort and convenience.
Heading south to the state of Paraná, we find a strategic contact for JEMS as the state contains the second largest population of Nikkei in Brazil. Out of the eight Nikkei churches in the state, I was able to visit two churches in the cities of Londrina and Maringá. While there were no organized programs set up to coincide with my presence there, I was able to conduct visitations in homes and workplaces.
(L-R) Photo 1: I was so pleased to visit with Dona Rosa Tanaami, who was one of our first JEMS partners back in the early 90's. Her husband, Pastor Kozo was a long time supporter of JEMS. He passed away in January of this year. Also present was her daughter, Débora and grandchildren.
Photo 2: Visitation in the city of Maringá. A chance to visit and talk to several workers in the hardware store owned by a church member.
Photo 3: Much appreciation to the pastoral and office staff of the Londrina Holiness Church for their reception and care.
Photo 4: A day trip to the city of Maringá resulted in a productive meeting with the pastor and other ministry staff (not pictured).
Returning to São Paulo state
São Paulo is both the name of Brazil's largest city as well as its most populous state. Much like New York, there can be confusion as to whether one is speaking of the city or the state. São Paulo state holds the largest population of Nikkei and is therefore a strategic ministry target for the Japanese churches in Brazil as well as for JEMS. I was blessed to be invited to preach three times in two churches.
Photos above: JEMS is blessed by the partnership we have with local churches in the interior. JEMS has had a longstanding relationship with the Holiness Church in Pompéia, having sent over seven teams to that church. Pictured with PJ are Pastor Guto Umeki, senior pastor and Ivan Shiozawa, who served as interpreter for JEMS teams in the past. In the photo, right, Pastor John is preaching at the Saturday night worship service.
After the evening service was completed, I was whisked off to the neighboring city of Marília, thirty minutes away. I was taken to dinner at 10:30pm. One rule of overseas ministry is flexibility. If you're used to eating dinner at 6pm, you will need to get over that pretty quickly!
Sunday began with morning worship service in the Marília Free Methodist Church. The morning service was bilingual, Portuguese and Japanese with my message being translated into Japanese. Prior to speaking, Pastor Augusto Gonçalves prayed for God's anointing on my message.
Sunday evening was special as the service was geared more for the Portuguese speaking congregation. It would be my third message in 24 hours. It was also an honor to be prayed for by the leadership of the church.
Sunday would be my last day in the hinterlands, and Monday would mark my return to the city of São Paulo. Still more meetings and planning and prayer to undertake in the last three days. Thanks for your commitment to pray through this time.
