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Dear Folks,
One of the blessings of living in a third world country is that you learn to see your own culture in a different
light. On a less philosophical and more practical level, you can learn how to do things that before you would
only ask "why would you want to do that?" Like cutting wood with a hack saw (only in tropical countries
do you find wood so hard you almost have to use a metal saw) or how to wash your hands with dirt(!). I recently
learned how to change a tire without a jack. While trying to drive to the island (the water level was down) I
drove over a stob that punched a couple of nice holes in the side of a tire. I had a spare this time, but the
jack went on strike. After attempting all the tricks I could remember from McGyver, a man that was with me said
"we used to put a rock under the axle and dig a hole under the tire". Soon we were on our way. However,
if you try that back home, make sure you pull off the pavement first. It’ll make digging those first few inches
a lot easier.
A less eventful trip was the one I took to Fortaleza. A congregation where I preached some during our last year
there was celebrating its anniversary and asked me to speak at a "mini-conference". They are renting
a storefront on a busy avenue and buying a piece of property nearby. Though having problems of its own, the mother
church is helping with the national missionary’s salary and the land payments and the congregation is paying the
rest. They are being patient to not get in over their heads, but they really need better facilities. Please
pray for them.
Also in need of your prayers are two who were in our congregation. One I have mentioned before. She has moved
in with the other man and finally had to be removed from our membership. Though she lives even closer to the church
now, her girls no longer come. Another member, a man, has been inconsistent for some time. He left for a little
while with some weak excuses but then came back. He now has not only left our church, but has stopped praying
and reading the Bible and has no interest in spiritual things. Pray for these two and their families and that
I may have wisdom and grace in dealing with them.
Another exciting episode in our lives took place a few weeks ago when I was stopped and robbed at gun point. I
was in our old truck (which blows the theory they won’t bother a clunker) at 7:30 am (which blows the theory thieves
are too lazy to get up early). I was running late because I locked myself out of the house, then the car wouldn’t
start so I had to wake up the family to push it off. I decided the way things were going I’d better buy fuel or
I’d run out. I was at a really bad dirt stretch where you can’t go much over 20 mph when this guy jumps out of
the brush. For a second I though he wanted a ride but he was acting funny and was pointing at me. When I got
closer I realized he had a .38 caliber finger. He told me to shut off the engine but I said a couldn’t or it wouldn’t
start again. He told me to get out and give him my money. My cheap cel phone and $5 watch didn’t interest him.
He kept insisting I had more money and "asked" to see the contents of the pouch I wear. So I showed
the calendar and offered him my calculator. He didn’t want that or the lighter or electrical tape either. I showed
him that the wallet only had my driver license and stuff and assured him that I would not lie because I was a pastor.
I explained I was going to town to get money at the bank and he asked if I was going to Petrolina. I replied
that I was and offered him a ride. His response was "No, thanks, I’m going to Sobradinho" (our little
town).
As he began to walk off I encouraged him to leave that life because it would only bring him grief. He said "Pray
for me". I followed after him, calling him back to pray, and though he said to leave, I closed my eyes and
began to pray out loud for him there in the middle of the road. It was a short prayer. When I opened my eyes
he was still there. In typical Brazilian fashion he said "One of these days I’ll visit your church"
and walked off into the bush.
I had often wondered how I would react. I was perfectly calm. Neither my heart beat nor breathing increased.
But I do drive a different route whenever possible. I still pray for him sometimes and ask that you do, too.
Over all it could have been much worse. I was not injured or mistreated, I didn’t have a lot of money, but it
was enough (they get angry if you don’t have any), he didn’t take my documents or cards, and most importantly he
didn’t try to take my Leatherman. The rest of the day wasn’t much better - not the least of which was going 20
hours on 1 banana and a cup of water. I only regretted not asking him to leave me 5 bucks to buy lunch.
One last note of interest, I recently made up a short slide show for the missions conference at a supporting church.
If you’d like to see it too, access www.theathas.org/cbc.htm. Until next time, we are
Yours in Him,
The Athas in Brazil,
Byron, Michele, William, Dalton, and Greyson
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