Aug 5--last day in Brazil. We went to Itacoatiara. Rick gave us a tour. We headed back to base camp.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Heading back to camp and home
On August 4--We did a VBS at school, toured our construction sites we headed home to Rick and Kim's base. We started on the Uraria River, crossed the Amazon River to Urubu River. This is a ten to twelve hours trip by boat. We made it to base and it started to thunder and lighting plus down pouring rain.
On August 5-At 7am we had our last breakfast on the boat. We helped load our luggage into a truck which drove our items up to Rick and Kim's house. We took two vehicles to Itacoatiara which is twenty minutes from base. Rick gave us a tour of Itacoatiara. We did some shopping for souvenirs. We stopped at a restaurant for a coke. Rick took us to a grocery store. We brought Brazilians items to bring home. We drove back to base. We had lunch with the whole team. After lunch the team took showers. At 30m we said goodby to our new friends and headed to Manaus. This is a 3 hour drive. Rick took us to a Brazilian steakhouse. This was our last meal in Brazil. We drove past the stadium where the Olympic soccer games were played at. Rick then took us to the airport. Our flight left at 11pm. We had the red-eye flight to Miami International Airport. This was a five hour flight.The team tried to sleep but we could not. We watched movies instead. We arrived at 420am. We went through immigration and customs. We had breakfast in Miami. Our flight to Charlotte left at 820am. This is a 2 1/2 hour flight. In Charlotte, we had a fast turnaround. We left for Greensboro at 1110am. We made it home at noon time on August 6, 2016.
On August 5-At 7am we had our last breakfast on the boat. We helped load our luggage into a truck which drove our items up to Rick and Kim's house. We took two vehicles to Itacoatiara which is twenty minutes from base. Rick gave us a tour of Itacoatiara. We did some shopping for souvenirs. We stopped at a restaurant for a coke. Rick took us to a grocery store. We brought Brazilians items to bring home. We drove back to base. We had lunch with the whole team. After lunch the team took showers. At 30m we said goodby to our new friends and headed to Manaus. This is a 3 hour drive. Rick took us to a Brazilian steakhouse. This was our last meal in Brazil. We drove past the stadium where the Olympic soccer games were played at. Rick then took us to the airport. Our flight left at 11pm. We had the red-eye flight to Miami International Airport. This was a five hour flight.The team tried to sleep but we could not. We watched movies instead. We arrived at 420am. We went through immigration and customs. We had breakfast in Miami. Our flight to Charlotte left at 820am. This is a 2 1/2 hour flight. In Charlotte, we had a fast turnaround. We left for Greensboro at 1110am. We made it home at noon time on August 6, 2016.
Fun times
Everyday we went swimming in the Uraria River. We jumped in to removed sawdust, dirt and sweat. We worked in 90 degree plus weather everyday. After our first day of construction, some of the team played volleyball with the villagers. Some of the Brazilian team played soccer.
Monday night after supper, the team went gator hunting. It gets dark fast. We hunted from 7pm to 930pm. Dave and Dixie got their gators. Along the Amazon River, villagers are allowed to hunt gators for food. Gator meat taste like chicken.
Monday night after supper, the team went gator hunting. It gets dark fast. We hunted from 7pm to 930pm. Dave and Dixie got their gators. Along the Amazon River, villagers are allowed to hunt gators for food. Gator meat taste like chicken.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Construction projects
Our light construction projects included building walls, making windows for a dormitory and an addition to Jairo and Deborah's house. They are the missionary couple that lives in the village where we worked at.The ladies of our team got to learn how to use a saw. Our measuring had to be correct or we had to start over. Several of us had to make repeats. The ladies of the team did a lot of nailing--we did what the guys did but we were slower. The Brazilian construction crew and our group worked well together. Most of the Brazilian team knew some English plus we used lots of hand signs. Very thankful that the teams had patience with each other. Part of the Brazilian team worked on building the bathrooms for the dormitory the other half started framing the addition to the house plus putting on roof. On Day three and four, we framed walls and put boards on the walls. Day five was Sunday. We went to church -in the morning and evening. Day six, we continued to put up boards on the dormitory. Late in the afternoon, we started putting slats on the boards. Slats are a thin narrow flat strip which covered the holes between the boards. We completed putting the slats up on the dormitory. The Brazilian team continue to work on bathrooms plus started to hang doors. Late afternoon our team started working on the addition. Day seven we all worked on the house addition. We helped frame windows, frame walls, plus put boards on the walls. On Day eight, the Brazilian team continue to put up doors on addition and dormitory. Our mission team wen to a school to put on a VBS.
One member of our team was sick for two days. The Parkers thought she had heat stroke. We worked in 90 plus temperatures everyday. It did not cool down much in the evening. The evening that we headed back to base camp, we had a thunderstorm and rain. It was loud plus down pouring rain. This was the afternoon and evening of Day 8.
One member of our team was sick for two days. The Parkers thought she had heat stroke. We worked in 90 plus temperatures everyday. It did not cool down much in the evening. The evening that we headed back to base camp, we had a thunderstorm and rain. It was loud plus down pouring rain. This was the afternoon and evening of Day 8.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Brazil/Amazon/Parkers/VBS-2nd lesson
Our 2nd VBS was done Aug 4 at a school. We took a boat ride. We had to be at school at 9am.
The Greatest Journey was started by having children pull items out of a backpack. These items are what a person would take on a trip to town. Unpacking for Heaven
Package of tissues-There will be no sadness, pain or tears. God will wipe away our tears.
Money-The streets are made of gold, and the foundation of the city is made of jewels. We will not need any money or treasures.
Flashlight--There will be light all day long, God will be the light.
Water bottle-Where we are going, there is a river of live.
Bandages and medicine-Where we are going, there is a tree with leaves that heal every hurt or sickness. There will be no sickness there.
Picture of Jesus-We will not need a picture or reminder of Jesus. He will be right there with us.
What do we need to pack??Nothing. God has provide it all. What we will need is faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Wide and Narrow Gates Skit--We had two tunnels, each had two adults from our team plus five pairs of children for each tunnel.
A man is on a journey. This person is walking along doing normal things that kids and other people might do. (Swimming, horseback riding, playing tag, going on a picnic with family etc)
The person comes to a crossroads. He can take the wide easy road...(Notice the wide gate. Notices the comfort. See people enjoying themselves, money, antyhing that attacks our interest).
...or takes the narrow, more difficult road that looks like it is going in the right direction. The person shows lots of indecision about what to do.
The man chooses the narrow road (climbs through the tunnel made by students.)
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it."
The Jesus Plan-God loved us so much he sent his only Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins to be forgiven. Everyone sins. Sin keeps us from coming to close to a holy God. Sin keeps us from eternal life. When we believe in Jesus, asking im to forgive our sins, he saves us from what we deserve for our sin. 1 Corinthians 5:21 "God made him who had no sine to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
After VBS, we handed out suckers, toothbrush and toothpaste, crayons and a coloring page to 50 students and 20 adults.
The Greatest Journey was started by having children pull items out of a backpack. These items are what a person would take on a trip to town. Unpacking for Heaven
Package of tissues-There will be no sadness, pain or tears. God will wipe away our tears.
Money-The streets are made of gold, and the foundation of the city is made of jewels. We will not need any money or treasures.
Flashlight--There will be light all day long, God will be the light.
Water bottle-Where we are going, there is a river of live.
Bandages and medicine-Where we are going, there is a tree with leaves that heal every hurt or sickness. There will be no sickness there.
Picture of Jesus-We will not need a picture or reminder of Jesus. He will be right there with us.
What do we need to pack??Nothing. God has provide it all. What we will need is faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.
Wide and Narrow Gates Skit--We had two tunnels, each had two adults from our team plus five pairs of children for each tunnel.
A man is on a journey. This person is walking along doing normal things that kids and other people might do. (Swimming, horseback riding, playing tag, going on a picnic with family etc)
The person comes to a crossroads. He can take the wide easy road...(Notice the wide gate. Notices the comfort. See people enjoying themselves, money, antyhing that attacks our interest).
...or takes the narrow, more difficult road that looks like it is going in the right direction. The person shows lots of indecision about what to do.
The man chooses the narrow road (climbs through the tunnel made by students.)
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it."
The Jesus Plan-God loved us so much he sent his only Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay the price for our sins to be forgiven. Everyone sins. Sin keeps us from coming to close to a holy God. Sin keeps us from eternal life. When we believe in Jesus, asking im to forgive our sins, he saves us from what we deserve for our sin. 1 Corinthians 5:21 "God made him who had no sine to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
After VBS, we handed out suckers, toothbrush and toothpaste, crayons and a coloring page to 50 students and 20 adults.
Brazil/Amazon/Parkers/VBS
Scene 1: Thanks to Melanie Arthurs planning and organization, the VBS went well. We did the Good Samaritan twice--Sunday morning at a church 10 miles down the river. We took a bout ride at 730am, church was at 8am. The second time was Sunday evening at the Philadelphia base came
Scene 1: The traveler is attacked by robbers. He is robbed and left in pain, unable to walk or get help for himself.
Scene 2: The priest walked by. He is a fine and proud person. He sees the man and hesitates. He then turns up his nose in disdain, walks to the other side of the road and continues on his journey.
Scene 3: The Levite walked by. The Levite is a religious teacher and he walks proudly down the road. He sees the man and hesitates. He then checks his watch, turns up his nose and hurries on his way.
Scene 4: The Samaritan cared for this man. The Samaritan is walking down the road with his donkey. He is a plain person. He sees the wounded man and stops. He checks the man. He sees his wounds and shows concern and care. He cares for the wounds. He puts the man on the back of his donkey and takes him to lodging where the man can rest and heal.
Jesus taught the importance of love. "Which man do you think was a neighbor to the man?" The one who helped. Luke 10"36-37. "The one who had mercy on him". Jesus told them "Go and do likewise". We should love others in need. This is what Jesus did for us. Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sin and to be forgiven. He took the punishment that we deserved. He did this so we could be healed of our impossible sin problem. Jesus saw us and came to help. He did not stay far away. Jesus love for us is amazing. Jesus followed his own command and loved us with the best love ever.
1 John 4:9 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him".
After the skit, we handed out suckers, tooth brushed and tooth paste, crayons plus a coloring sheets.
After the church service, Cayla Veech and six other people were baptized in the Uraria River. Cayla has been a believer for a little over a year.
Scene 1: The traveler is attacked by robbers. He is robbed and left in pain, unable to walk or get help for himself.
Scene 2: The priest walked by. He is a fine and proud person. He sees the man and hesitates. He then turns up his nose in disdain, walks to the other side of the road and continues on his journey.
Scene 3: The Levite walked by. The Levite is a religious teacher and he walks proudly down the road. He sees the man and hesitates. He then checks his watch, turns up his nose and hurries on his way.
Scene 4: The Samaritan cared for this man. The Samaritan is walking down the road with his donkey. He is a plain person. He sees the wounded man and stops. He checks the man. He sees his wounds and shows concern and care. He cares for the wounds. He puts the man on the back of his donkey and takes him to lodging where the man can rest and heal.
Jesus taught the importance of love. "Which man do you think was a neighbor to the man?" The one who helped. Luke 10"36-37. "The one who had mercy on him". Jesus told them "Go and do likewise". We should love others in need. This is what Jesus did for us. Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sin and to be forgiven. He took the punishment that we deserved. He did this so we could be healed of our impossible sin problem. Jesus saw us and came to help. He did not stay far away. Jesus love for us is amazing. Jesus followed his own command and loved us with the best love ever.
1 John 4:9 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him".
After the skit, we handed out suckers, tooth brushed and tooth paste, crayons plus a coloring sheets.
After the church service, Cayla Veech and six other people were baptized in the Uraria River. Cayla has been a believer for a little over a year.
Sunday, August 7, 2016
We made it to Parker's. We got settled into our hammocks around 230am. The Parker's boat headed out at 4am for a 10 to 12 hour ride to Philadelphia camp. The river by Parker's home was the Urubu River. We sailed The Urubu River to the the Amazon River then to Uraria River which is where the Philadelphia camp was. After a short sleep and breakfast we gave the Parker's the items we brought down. We had time for devotions. We arrived at Philadelphia camp. Rick took us thru the village and showed us where the construction site was. Dave, Taylor, Cayla, Dixie and Rick swam in the Uraria River our fist night.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Hey hey hey we are in our way! After several delays of or Greensboro flight, we were driven to Charoltte where we made our connection to Miami. We are now heading to Brazil:-)! So sorry that we missed those who came out to pray for us but we can definitely feel them. Did I mention we drove from Greensboro to Charoltte with no traffic?!?! Talk to you soon :-)!!
Monday, July 25, 2016
Brazil-Amazon Team Prayer Calendar
Please use this prayer calendar to intercede
for us while we are in the field. We will work with our missionaries, Rick and
Kim Parker, and the communities they minister to along the Amazon River.
Our team is: Dave Van Schoick, Jason Arthurs, Taylor Bradsher, Dixie Olson, Melanie Arthurs, and Cayla Veach.
Wednesday, July 27
We fly out of Greensboro today! Please join us for a time of prayer at the airport at 8:00 a.m., by the American Airlines counter. Pray for efficiency guiding our group through airports, good health, safe and uneventful travels, that we will make our connections, and that all of our luggage and items will arrive intact. Also, pray God would relieve any fears we have going into a new situation and culture. Pray that we will remain “flexible” for the entire trip!
Thursday, July 28
Today we will be traveling on the river to the community where we will be serving. Pray for safe travels on the river, for bonding with the team and Parkers, and that we as a team grow united in love toward one another.
Friday, July 29
We will work on constructing a dorm today. The dorm will be used for camps, housing students that are participating in the music school, and for the Parkers floating seminary. Also, it will be used for church events and periodically for day camps! (Let’s put it this way, it will be used a lot!) Pray for the physical task we will be performing and that we will accomplish all that He would have us do.
Wednesday, August 3
Today we will work half the day and then lead a children’s VBS. Pray that we will love one another, and that we will bring love and joy to the children, and be a reflection of Jesus to all around us! “And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.” Galatians 6:9
Friday, August 5
We arrive back at the Parker’s base and travel to Manaus that afternoon to catch our flight home. Please pray that our time with the Parkers has been encouraging and that God used us mightily in their ministry. Pray for wisdom as we reflect on our trip and ways God wants to use this experience. Pray for continued safety, that we make our connections, and that all our luggage arrives.
July 27-August 6, 2016
Please use this prayer calendar to intercede
for us while we are in the field. We will work with our missionaries, Rick and
Kim Parker, and the communities they minister to along the Amazon River. Our team is: Dave Van Schoick, Jason Arthurs, Taylor Bradsher, Dixie Olson, Melanie Arthurs, and Cayla Veach.
Wednesday, July 27
We fly out of Greensboro today! Please join us for a time of prayer at the airport at 8:00 a.m., by the American Airlines counter. Pray for efficiency guiding our group through airports, good health, safe and uneventful travels, that we will make our connections, and that all of our luggage and items will arrive intact. Also, pray God would relieve any fears we have going into a new situation and culture. Pray that we will remain “flexible” for the entire trip!
Thursday, July 28
Today we will be traveling on the river to the community where we will be serving. Pray for safe travels on the river, for bonding with the team and Parkers, and that we as a team grow united in love toward one another.
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| Rick & Kim Parker |
We will work on constructing a dorm today. The dorm will be used for camps, housing students that are participating in the music school, and for the Parkers floating seminary. Also, it will be used for church events and periodically for day camps! (Let’s put it this way, it will be used a lot!) Pray for the physical task we will be performing and that we will accomplish all that He would have us do.
Saturday, July 30
We will continue working on the dorm and will have the opportunity to lead a VBS. Pray for good health, and that God would reveal Himself and open our eyes to ministry opportunities as we work, play, and represent Christ to those we encounter.
We will continue working on the dorm and will have the opportunity to lead a VBS. Pray for good health, and that God would reveal Himself and open our eyes to ministry opportunities as we work, play, and represent Christ to those we encounter.
Sunday, July 31
Today we have the opportunity to attend church with the Parkers and lead a children’s Sunday school. Pray that we communicate the gospel effectively and the language barrier will be broken down by our love and compassion. Also, pray that our interactions with the kids will be seasoned with salt and full of fun and laughter.
Monday, August 1
We will continue working on the dorm, so please pray for good health, to work and play hard, and to remember to stay hydrated. Pray that we will stay focused on building relationships rather than on the task; to remember our “to be” list instead of our “to do” list.
Tuesday, August 2
We will work half the day on constructing the dorm and then do a VBS with the children. Please pray for strength, endurance, health, and a tenacious self-discipline for the team members. Pray that we will not grow weary, but stay strong and encouraged. Please pray that we not become complacent in our work as the hot, tiring, week goes on and that we finish strong.
Today we have the opportunity to attend church with the Parkers and lead a children’s Sunday school. Pray that we communicate the gospel effectively and the language barrier will be broken down by our love and compassion. Also, pray that our interactions with the kids will be seasoned with salt and full of fun and laughter.
Monday, August 1
We will continue working on the dorm, so please pray for good health, to work and play hard, and to remember to stay hydrated. Pray that we will stay focused on building relationships rather than on the task; to remember our “to be” list instead of our “to do” list.
Tuesday, August 2
We will work half the day on constructing the dorm and then do a VBS with the children. Please pray for strength, endurance, health, and a tenacious self-discipline for the team members. Pray that we will not grow weary, but stay strong and encouraged. Please pray that we not become complacent in our work as the hot, tiring, week goes on and that we finish strong.
Wednesday, August 3
Today we will work half the day and then lead a children’s VBS. Pray that we will love one another, and that we will bring love and joy to the children, and be a reflection of Jesus to all around us! “And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.” Galatians 6:9
Thursday, August 4
We are working in the morning before starting back to base in the afternoon. Pray for our health and strength and that we will accomplish all the tasks that are needed. Pray that the Holy Spirit would take what has been done and use it to continue to spread His work throughout the Amazon communities.
We are working in the morning before starting back to base in the afternoon. Pray for our health and strength and that we will accomplish all the tasks that are needed. Pray that the Holy Spirit would take what has been done and use it to continue to spread His work throughout the Amazon communities.
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| Praise God for the Parker's ministry, and the prayers, support, and boat that make it possible. |
Friday, August 5
We arrive back at the Parker’s base and travel to Manaus that afternoon to catch our flight home. Please pray that our time with the Parkers has been encouraging and that God used us mightily in their ministry. Pray for wisdom as we reflect on our trip and ways God wants to use this experience. Pray for continued safety, that we make our connections, and that all our luggage arrives.
Saturday, August 6
We are scheduled to arrive at PTI at 12:09 PM on American Airlines flight 3816. Pray that our hearts will be overflowing with praise and thanks for the Lord’s faithfulness, provision, protection, and works throughout the trip. Please pray for us as we transition back to our daily routines and continue to reflect on our experience. If possible, we would love to see you at the airport when we arrive home!
We are scheduled to arrive at PTI at 12:09 PM on American Airlines flight 3816. Pray that our hearts will be overflowing with praise and thanks for the Lord’s faithfulness, provision, protection, and works throughout the trip. Please pray for us as we transition back to our daily routines and continue to reflect on our experience. If possible, we would love to see you at the airport when we arrive home!
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Hi everyone!
The month of June was busy as we spent the weeks within it preparing for our trip. It was a great time of team building, bonding, and getting to know each other
better. We covered a lot of ground as we met in each other’s homes. We shared our
testimonies, learned about working in the heat safely (it can be a little hotter in Brazil you
know), how to resolve conflict successfully, sharing our spiritual gifts, and finding out one another's personality types. It was awesome to find out that out of the six of us we had all
4 personality types represented. The take charge Lion, the detail oriented
Beaver, the peacemaking Golden Retriever, and let’s not forget the playful
Otter. (100,000 cool points to you if you can guess who is who on the team!) :-) All in all, it was great stuff! I like to think of this time of learning and training
as the “theory” part of our trip, preparing us as we get ready to go to the “lab", a.k.a. the
Amazon River!
We also rehearsed the skits we'll be performing while on the river: The Good Samaritan, The Wide and Narrow Gates, and What We Will Need to Pack for Heaven. Ha!, Packing for Heaven, have you ever seen a hearse with a luggage rack?! To say the least, it’s been a busy month, but we feel it has been an encouraging time of fellowship!
On June 25, 2016 our team worked with Todd and Amy Cox of the CARES team at Colonial Apartments in Greensboro, NC. As part of their monthly community events, we handed out ice cream to the residents. It was a real struggle, not to eat the ice cream that is! It was neat experience in that Colonial Apartments houses people from all over the world, right here in our own back yard.
THANK YOU so much for your support, both prayerfully and financially. We are still seeking both but we are trusting God to provide as He always does.
That’s it for now, prayer requests will be coming soon as the time for us to depart draws near! John 15:16: "I chose and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, fruit that will last"!
We also rehearsed the skits we'll be performing while on the river: The Good Samaritan, The Wide and Narrow Gates, and What We Will Need to Pack for Heaven. Ha!, Packing for Heaven, have you ever seen a hearse with a luggage rack?! To say the least, it’s been a busy month, but we feel it has been an encouraging time of fellowship!
On June 25, 2016 our team worked with Todd and Amy Cox of the CARES team at Colonial Apartments in Greensboro, NC. As part of their monthly community events, we handed out ice cream to the residents. It was a real struggle, not to eat the ice cream that is! It was neat experience in that Colonial Apartments houses people from all over the world, right here in our own back yard.
THANK YOU so much for your support, both prayerfully and financially. We are still seeking both but we are trusting God to provide as He always does.
That’s it for now, prayer requests will be coming soon as the time for us to depart draws near! John 15:16: "I chose and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, fruit that will last"!
Monday, June 6, 2016
The 2016 Team - July 27-August 6
 |
| The Guys: Dave Van S., Jason A. The Gals: Taylor B., Dixie O., Melanie A., Cayla V.
Seeking God as we are Amazon-bound! For these remaining weeks we ask for your prayers as we continue to meet in preparation for our time of working alongside our missionaries, Rick and Kim Parker. We look forward to this time of serving with them. Our physical trip goals are to build a dorm for camps, as well as host several VBS day camps. There is much to do!
We pray that all we do and say will bring glory to God, and that we might be a help and an encouragement to Rick and Kim, and everyone within their ministry.
Prayers are requested for our finances, for the specific directions God wants to take our team within the VBS lessons, for preparation of our hearts and minds, and for the people we will be serving.
For those who have agreed to support us in prayer and/or financially, THANK YOU! We are so excited that you have partnered with us and the Parkers to show the Amazon River People the love of Christ.
More to come, including a trip prayer calendar with our daily requests for intercession. :-)
Thank you for praying!
Many Blessings! -Jason |
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