Ministering in the highways and byways.

Our 2006 Brazil Mission team consisted of Lori and Richard DeAngelis, Bobby Dostie, Gregory and Joseph Ferrara, Jessica Hochreiter, Alycia Kolas, Joseph and Jessica Pisacreta, Kerry Thompson, and Pastor Jim, Annette, Rachel, and Isabella Wehrer.

We were so excited as we departed from Grace and Peace on Tuesday, June 27th and traveled to JFK Airport where we met up with David Van Fleet (www.streetlife.org) and the rest of the team from New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. The whole team numbered 20, ages three to 52.

On Thursday, June 29th, we had some fabulous team time in the upper room! Team time generally consisted of musical worship, prayer, intercession, instruction, impartation, and even practical application exercises in the attic room of the church. This was also our first outreach day. We partnered with Ceifa (www.ceifa.jocum.org.br), a division of YWAM in Brazil, ministering on the street outside the brothel. It was an amazing time of worship, drama, and intercession.

On the night of July 3rd, we went to Praca Seche (7th Street), Belo’s version of Times Square. We did a full worship set up and performed several dramas, alongside Ceifa again. One man came out just hoping we would be there. Exactly one year earlier, when he was passing by drunk, he stopped to see what was going on. God ministered to him in such a way that, now, he wanted to testify that he has been sober, working, and following after Jesus since then! Praise You, God! We also met a 12-year-old street kid named Willia, who has been on the street for a year. He left home because his father was so violent. We loved on him, told him about Jesus, and prayed for him. He touched many a heart on the team.

On the eighth day, Tuesday, July 4th, we had our second opportunity to minister outside the brothel. There was a powerful time of prayer and intercession on the street! Many rededicated their hearts to the Lord. Also, Willia showed up again! We were so surprised to see him. Again, we just loved on him. He had such a heart to serve and hang out with us. But the best part – JOCUM (Brazil’s YWAM) saw to it that Willia wouldn’t be a street kid any longer! They took him in (to one of their bases), so now Willia has a safe, godly environment to grow in. Thank You, Jesus!

Friday, July 7th was another busy day. First, we went to an after-school program in a favilla. The area is steeped in gang and drug-related crimes. This ministry reaches out to kids from 3-16 to get them grounded in Christ before the streets get hold of them. They are some of the most beautiful children in the world! After that, we had our third and final visit to the brothel street – a bittersweet experience. Anyone on the teams, past or present, knows how much we come to both love and hate that street. Our prayers are effective, though. Business on that street isn’t half what it used to be. Keep praying that what is used now for evil will turn around for God!

The next day was yet another day of double duty, and double blessing! First we went to minister at a Hippie Fair (huge flea market) in the town of Contagem. There were many people there, and lots of them had such open hearts to receive the Gospel. Prayer times were overflowing! Afterwards, we went to a Teen Challenge drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. It was Family Day, so we were able to minister hope and encouragement to those who attended. One man had been there last year as part of the program, but he didn’t think that he’d be able to follow through. Now he says that as a result of the ministry from last year’s team, he finished the program and is on staff sharing his victory with others! God is good!

And finally, the long trip home from Monday, July 10th at 3:00 am to Wednesday, July 12th at 1:30 pm!