We spent most of December and some of January in the Northeast visiting the Portuguese speaking Foursquare Churches and sharing with them the words of encouragement God had place on our hearts for them. My heart went out to so many of them as I realized anew the incredible trials and difficulties that they have faced and that each immigrant faces in their new country of habitation.
I have been with dear and precious people who, after establishing a career and family in one nation have been prompted by the Holy Spirit to uproot and leave all to go to a new country and do it all over again. So often they are not received with open arms; they cannot enter into the same career path they had established in their country of origin and are forced to do menial and low paying jobs that "hack" away at their self-image and self-worth in their own eyes. They suffer miserable humiliation at the hands of governments or communities where they find themselves; and some find themselves doubting the call of God.
While visiting these dear and undaunted Portuguese speaking pastors and congregations we have been challenged anew about, "What really is important in this life?" They have laid it all aside and believing God and His promises, they have come and given all to plant churches in our nation, in order to reach not only their own "transplanted" nationals, but to be a blessing to our country. "A blessing to our country?" You may ask; yes! They are entering into the community where God directs them, finding work that most of our citizens prefer not to do, and they begin to intercede for our nation and its spiritual condition and use their strength and resources to open churches to minister to the spiritual needs of their expatriates.
I have seen that they have adopted us whether we have adopted them or not. I personally, can see how that as we join together in communities we can share resources and even facilities; helping us both in so many ways. God is on the front and cutting edge, "OF COURSE", of this plan, and only wants our humble cooperation. I fully believe that the more we partner with every "immigrating" people to help them reach their "transplanted" citizens the greater God is going to heal our hearts as a people and cause us to flourish in a time when "flourishing" is not the norm. I'm a candidate for that!
A quick update regarding our timetable: We are awaiting official invitation from the Foursquare Church in the country of Brazil and we understand that this is forthcoming. If this should be God's plan for us, please agree in prayer that this step will also be completed. After 9/11 all foreign travel, immigration, and obtaining visas of any kind has been noticeably complicated. Hurdles exist that never were a problem before but are now looming hugely before all, including God's people, with a mind and heart to do His will and be a blessing in the receiving nation. This is where God's people come in and must stand in the gap in intercession. Join us as we do this very thing.
Every country, including and especially ours, at this needy hour, needs missionaries. Why? Because the missionary is a voice that speaks to a nation, not of his origin, the Word of the Lord and it is more closely listened to and meditated on in the process. We as Americans listen and meditate more closely on the word and message of those we hear from other countries, No Eh? (Isn't that true?) We didn't devise this system but the Lord of the Church has devised it. Isn't it only in another country that the "prophet" is thoroughly heard and his words regarded? It is true here also. God is amazing!!!
God bless all of you, dear family and friends, as we commit to do our best to keep you updated on the things that God places on our hearts and the progress of His plans for our remaining years of service.
Greeting all of you with a Holy kiss and embrace!
Dale & Patti
Romans 15:13 (Our prayer for you!)
