Last Memo from Paris

Amazingly, we have come to the end of our trip. It has been a great month of new (strange & wonderful) food, great visits, and new experiences.

I hope to update the blog when we get home, but here is a final picture of us in Paris--I know, you think it must be tough serving Jesus here, but someone has to do it, and Jonathan and Karen are doing a great job. (Oh, and Jonathan wanted you to notice him in the lens of my shades.) Thanks for the photo op, Jonathan! And thanks for hosting us! Merci.

And thanks to all of you for reading our blog and praying for us and writing comments. We so much appreciate you and your traveling on this journey with us. You would enjoy the websites of each of the families we visited on this trip. Donna listed their sites on the blog of 3/3/08. Please continue to pray for these families and their ministries in Costa Rica, Brazil, Mozambique, and Paris.

Merci. Obrigado. Gracias. Thanks. God bless you.

Grace,
Brad and Donna

Insiders, Outsiders & Photos

We participated at church with Jonathan and Karen today. Actually, we mostly just watched, because it was all in French. I was able to follow along in the gospel of Mark where Jesus told the story of the mustard seed. And I was able to participate in Communion, because that reminder of Jesus is very similar for Christians around the world. But for the most part (because of our language barrier) we were isolated and outsiders.

That makes Jesus' incarnation so clear. He came to earth because as long as he was in heaven and we were on earth, we were aliens to him. We couldn't understand his language. So he came into our culture and context, and brought the love of God with him. (Read John 1:1-18 for the Bible's expression of this.)

The reason we have sent missionaries around the world is to perpetuate the incarnation of Jesus. Whether in France or Mozambique or Folsom, when Christ-followers live out his life, we help others understand the heartbeat and character of God. We have been able to witness this in all these places we have visited: Followers of Jesus making him known to other human beings. Though we are scattered around the globe, we represent the one living God and Savior, Jesus.

***

I thought you might like a few more photos of our journey. So here are some from Normandy on Friday and from church today.

God bless you.
Brad

Out of Africa

I told you about our Safari in South Africa a few days ago, but I finally have a computer where I can show you some photos. Here is some of the wildlife from Kruger Park--including the Franklins and the Hansons after a wild day of tracking big game.

Brad

Sacrifice

We're on a train returning to Paris from Normandy. We arrived in France yesterday and went to the sites of the D-Day invasions today. We visited Omaha Beach and Point du Hoc, among other sites. These places represent such pain and suffering, and the real presence of evil and good in the world.

I could not stand at the site of such a staggering sacrifice without reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus. Like the Rangers who died on a cliff in World War II, Jesus died to bring freedom and life to others. Only Jesus' sacrifice brings these gifts for eternity. Psalm 118 comes to mind. Give thanks to the Lord.

We are staying with Jonathan and Karen Finley here in Paris. They have scheduled a very light ministry load for us--just observing the ministry and sharing some meals with their team. We'll share some thoughts on the church in Paris as we go along. Please pray for us and for the ministry of the Finleys in this city. Thank you.

Grace,
Brad

Safari

Hi Everyone--

Today we took a break and enjoyed a safari at Kruger Park in South Africa, about 90 minutes from Maputo. I cannot tell you how amazing it was. We saw lions, elephants, hippos, crocs, water buck, rhinos, giraffes, wildebeests, and at least ten other species. It was an unimaginable reminder of the creative nature of our God!

I've got some great photos of what we've been doing here, and some great videos, but all my tech support is in Folsom, so I will have to wait on that for a while.

But thanks for reading our blog. And thanks for the comments.

Grace, 

Brad

MozOvos

I have been so excited about Ihla de Mocambique, that I have forgotten to tell you about another cool piece of the adventure in Mozambique. Rodger and Lynne Schmidt have been burdened by two ideas: 1) that the church here must be developed by a community of people, not as lone rangers, and 2) that very few Mozambique churches have been able to support a full-time pastor.

To address these issues, Rodger and Lynne have developed a unique ministry plan here in Maputo. They have invited eight young men to join their team as interns. These men have come from various churches around Maputo, and one even as far away as Tanzania. Yesterday morning Scott Hanson and I had a chance to meet with these young men. They are eager students of Jesus and his church, and I believe they will become a great team of evangelists and pastors who will be able, someday, to shape this country in the name of Jesus.

But they have few resources. So the second half of the Schmidts' plan has been activated. Namely, we are building an egg farm called MozOvos (Mozambique Eggs). (I say "we" because Lakeside Church is involved through our Lakeside on Mission funds.) The idea goes like this: Maputo consumes 800,000 eggs every day. Almost all of them are imported from South Africa. So the goal is that MozOvos will be an egg farm with 5,000 chickens, or "layers," as we experts call them. They will lay about 4000 eggs per day! By providing for this very practical need, the farm will provide the interns a specific way to earn money while they are studying and preparing for ministry. It will also help train them to run a microbusiness of their own when they become pastors and church leaders. The proceeds from the farm will allow Rodger's vision to be multiplied in other regions of Mozambique, including the area around Mozambique Island! It is a fresh, "Kreative" way to advance the kingdom of Jesus!

I am so pleased with the ministry of Jesus in this place through Rodger and Lynne. They are doing a great job here. Please pray for them and this unique ministry they are leading.

Monday we're taking a break--this is a sabbatical, remember? We're heading into South Africa for a safari!

Hakuna Matata!
Brad

The Island

OK, we've been out of touch for a bit, and I have too much to write tonight. How about a little info regarding our trip to Mozambique Island?

We flew to Nampula--a two-hour flight--then drove to Ihla de Mocambique--a 2 or 3 hour drive. This island was the original capital of the nation of Mozambique. The nation was colonized by the Portuguese 500 years ago. So the Jesuits showed up early on. They built churches and established Catholicism on the island.

Then the Muslims moved in. The Jesuits left, or were driven out, and the new Sultan took control of the island. To this day Islam is the dominant religious background of the island and the surrounding region. However, very, very few people actually practice Islam straight up. What most people seem to follow is a cultural version of Islam that is acceptable in northern Moz. At 5:00 Thursday afternoon we were outside the island's largest mosque. The call to pray was played over the loud speaker and not one person responded or entered the mosque. It seems clear that Islam is more cultural than spiritual to these people.

But followers of Jesus are not strong here either. Eight Catholic churches dot the island. Only one is still operating. And very few people participate. So the opportunity for the gospel is great.

Our purpose in visiting the Island is to help Rodger & Lynn Schmidt determine the potential ministry opportunities here. Rodger has become friends with Hafish, the local Muslim cleric. However, Hafish had received an invitation to the United States to study for a month, so we did not meet with him. That was disappointing, but we still got a great taste of the island and the region near it.

The opportunities in this region indeed are wide open. Only ten Christian missions workers are known to be living in the two provinces that comprise the area around Ihla de Mocambique. This is an area with hundreds of thousands of people. We saw very little evidence that the gospel is impacting this region. It would be a wonderful thing if the Schmidts decided to move to this region. They definitely feel God calling them here. But that will take a while. They are in the middle of an exciting venture in Maputo, in the southern part of the country. And I'll tell you about that next time.

Thanks for praying for us and for our journey. It has been a huge blessing from God. Please keep praying for us.

Grace,
Brad

What Went Wrong?

Today is the halfway point in our journey--and what a day. It started last night when we left Sao Paulo on the Red Eye to Maputo, Mozambique, by way of Johannesburg, South Africa. We arrived in Maputo at about 10:45 this morning, with about two hours of sleep. We got off the plane, walked across the tarmac and waved to Lynn Schmidt who was waiting for us up on the balcony of the airport. We were tired, but it was all good.

Until we showed up at baggage claim, and Donna's bags didn't...

We filed a claim for her bags and then Roger asked: Where's Eric?
I asked: Who's Eric?
Roger: He's the videographer who was on your plane and who is joining us for this week.
Brad: I don't know Eric and have never met him...
Rodger called out through the airport, "Eric!" until this guy smiled at us and joined our party. Nice to meet you, Eric.

We all drove back to the Schmidts' home, had a snack, then Rodger wanted Eric and me to go to the property which the ministry is developing. We got about halfway to the property when Eric said, "I forgot the battery for the video camera at the house." Not so good.

But we drove to the property anyway and as soon as we entered the gate, the van lurched and stopped. We were stuck up to the chassis in the sand. Not good.

So we got out and walked around the property, guided by Rodger. It was all good, so after a while we piled back into Rodger's van, with eight interns who helped dislodge the van, plus Rodger, Eric and me, and headed back toward home. And all was good until Rodger said, "I just ran out of gas." We coasted off the road.

Which was not too bad until I prepared to get out of the van and discovered, "I've lost my glasses."
Which was not good at all, because I am supposed to teach the interns and preach this weekend at church, and I cannot read without my glasses anymore.

So we walked back to the Schmidts' home and got another vehicle. We drove back to the property, and this gave Eric a chance to remember his battery for the video camera. When we arrived at the property, the lead worker said he had not been able to find my glasses. But I told the Lord, "Lord, I'd really like to have those glasses." I walked back to where we had been stuck in the sand, and there were my glasses, far enough away from where the van had been that the crowd which pushed the van to freedom had not trampled them. So I could see again. That was good.

We called Lynn on her cell phone to report the found glasses and the good video of the property, and Lynn told us that Donna's baggage had arrived with the 3:00 plane. So that was good.

We drove back to the van that had run out of gas, and Rodger filled the tank with fuel. But now we had two vehicles there, which is not a big deal, because I could drive one, except that in Mozambique they do not drive on the right side of the road. But I got behind the wheel and coaxed the van back down the road. Rodger led the way and I followed while Eric shot video and we made it home safely.
Which was very good. Tonight we'll sleep.

Tomorrow we leave for Ilha de Mocambique (Mozambique Island). I think we could use your prayers for that trip!

Grace,
Brad

Heartbreak in Vila Rosa

After our weekend at Camp California, I preached last night at Restoration Church. It is challenging to try to communicate spiritual truths in a foreign culture through an interpreter. But I think God's word came through mostly clearly.

Today we visited in three favelas (slums). The final stop was Vila Rosa (pronounced Villa Hosa). This sprawling mishmash of dwellings presented the most heartbreaking living conditions I have ever witnessed, and I have seen a few. We walked down makeshift paths between cardboard and plywood buildings straddling raw sewage. All electricity is pirated from the government-run electric company. Wiring is not inspected. Neither is the plumbing. Before we met anyone who lives there, we were already grieving.

Then we met Gabriel's mother. She invited us--the whole group included six of us from Lakeside and another six from Restoration--inside her home. This woman lived with six of her eight children in a squatter's hut built from construction debris. The whole "house" was about eight feet wide and 15 feet long. She had scrounged for every scrap of building supplies. She had built the entire house herself, installed the wiring and plumbing, while earning a living pulling a recycling cart through the slums. Meanwhile, her eight year old son, Gabriel, is a "special needs" boy. I don't know his diagnosis, but I guess something like cerebral palsy. He cannot talk or walk or crawl. He understands little. He cannot hold his head up. He spends his days and nights watching the ceiling, because that is what is in his field of vision.

Gabriel's mom invited us into her bedroom, which she shares with her kids, so we could pray for her family. She said anything that comes from Jesus is good. We prayed for her, but I should have had her pray for me. I think her faith is stronger.

And my friends from Restoration Ministries work in these favelas every day. As I spent this day with the RM team, I watched Jesus at work. I have a whole new concept of "love your neighbor."

If you want to learn more about this ministry, check out Lakeside on Mission on Lakeside's webpage.

Grace,
Brad

Camp California

Donna and I are sitting on the porch of a beautiful old home that is now the main house of Camp California. The property was purchased by Restoration Ministries about eight years ago, through a donation from a family in California. It is a beautiful setting about two hours outside Sao Paulo. Today I spoke to about 35 volunteers and staff of RM. They are great people who are pouring out their lives for the sake of the poor in Sao Paulo. The leaders asked me to speak on the subject of sabbath rest. It is a topic they struggle with like many of us do. Their work is so significant and so compelling that they don't stop for breath. You can pray for them to learn to accept God's gift of rest while still doing the great work God has given them to do. We have been very impressed with the two young people the Motas have trained to lead RM. Wellington and Tati both grew up in the ministry of RM. In other words, they grew up in the favelas and were outcasts of their culture. Now they lead a huge piece of the work. They are both great at what they are doing. It reminds me again how important it is to be raising up our young people to be leaders in the Lord's work. Our youth should not be seen as tomorrow's church. They are the church with us today. They should be an integral part of leading what we do. Grace, Brad

Sao Paulo Wow

Hi Friends--
We arrived yesterday (Wednesday) morning after a red eye from Costa Rica through Miami to Sao Paulo. Our host, Paulo Mota, met us at the airport and immediately our tour began. After a Brazilian lunch at the Restoration Ministries Day Center, we went into the Favelas. We visited with a woman who receives dialysis every other day--just like my Mom. However, this woman is just 43 years old, lives in a very, very poor place, and has a life-long history of being abandoned. She told us her story of faith. Her one-sentence story: I did not come to Jesus out of love, but out of pain. Yet as she told her story, the grace of God radiated from her. It is evidence of the grace of God all over again.

Today a small group of Lakesiders joined us here in Brazil. We were taken on a longer tour of the favelas and given explanations of the favela "system" (think slums and squatters). Since it rained hard all day, the children's program today was moved into the Day Center. I wish I could show you pictures today of the children and their leaders and their amazing faith (but I have no camera access for this computer). It reminds me how grateful I am for the ministry of Kidsfest, and how so many children are learning to love Jesus through Lakeside. That same kind of ministry is going on here in Sao Paulo. Wow!

The ministry here is led by Paulo and Ireni Mota. They are a couple of passionate and productive followers of Jesus. They have given their lives, and in many ways their health, to reach these children. Pray for them as they are raising up and training a phenomenal group of leaders to carry on the ministry.

Tomorrow and Sunday we will be at "Camp California". The whole staff amd most of the volunteers are coming up to camp. I will be talking to them about rest, building their soul, and teamwork. I don't know how much I can give them, but they are giving us plenty, especially a great view of the ministry of Jesus in this place. There is much to learn on my part!

Donna and I are well, thoroughly enjoying this journey. Last night we enjoyed my new favorite dessert: Papaya Cream! Wow!

Grace,
Brad

Conversations

Hi Friends--
I know Vickie told you we'd be out of touch, but I got access to a computer tonight, so I'd thought I'd drop in a note. After this it might be a few days again, but we'll see.

Thanks for all your comments. I appreciate you reading!

On Saturday evening Donna, Bethany and I had dinner with a young couple preparing to go to the middle east. They are going into a very difficult region to serve Jesus. Toward the end of our visit this young man went over to the counter and picked up his Bible. He turned to Acts 13 and read the passage about the Church of Antioch laying hands on Barnabas and Saul before sending them out as missionaries. He then asked me to do the same for them. (This should sound terribly familiar to you Lakesiders, if you were in church the weekend before we left. If not, listen to the podcast from that weekend.) It was a beautiful opportunity to practice this biblical process. Pray for them as they prepare to go.

Today we returned from the beach with Steve and his family. We had three hours in the car together and listened to Steve's faith story. He reminded me that in the span of eight years he went from an antagonist to a passionate and productive follower of Jesus to missionary! I never stop being moved by the stories of such people. And I am so grateful that Steve is serving Jesus and Lakeside through his work in Costa Rica.

Tomorrow we leave for Brazil on a red-eye through Miami--sounds like a great flight, huh? (We have to say good-bye to Bethany.) We arrive in Brazil on Thursday morning.

More later. Stayed tuned...

Grace,
Brad

A Few Days "Out of Range"

Just wanted to let you know that Brad and Donna are doing well. He won't be able to communicate on the blog for a few days, but probably by the end of the week. Thanks for your continued prayers! Blessings to you!

Vickie

Coffee Mates

We visited the Britt Coffee Company today, about 30 minutes from the house where we are staying. It is a beautifully run company for conceiving and achieving a mission. The coffee is good too.

We spent all afternoon with Steve and Jamie. Had great conversations about life as an alien in a foreign country. Steve and Jamie, like all new missionaries, are learning to deal with culture shock and adapting to their new place. They are doing a great job of this, but I'd love you to be praying for them in the process. Their ministry in the name of Jesus is dependent on their ability to thrive in this new and different environment.

I am learning the enormous value of visiting our missionaries on their turf. I've learned so much about how the church can help and encourage our team members abroad. I can't share details here due to the confidential nature of our conversations, but I am so pleased with the chance to connect with our teams. Thank you for making this possible. Please continue to pray for wisdom for Donna and me as we listen, learn and give whatever counsel might be helpful to our friends and colleagues.

Thanks. Grace,
Brad

Friends Old and New

We spent the day with Steve and Jamie Wright. We toured their language school, their kids' school and enjoyed some time in their home. It was a day of hanging out together. One of the challenges of serving Jesus in a different country is the isolation that the distance and culture create. So we just reconnected. Tomorrow we'll be together again. Then on Sunday we'll participate in church with them. Pray for them as Jamie prepares to ramp up her work with the missionary interns with SonLife--young people doing what Bethany has been doing this year.

This evening we had dinner with the Tico family who hosted Bethany for two weeks recently. What a great family who practiced biblical hospitality toward our daughter. The father, Martin, is a Catholic man. He asked that I pray a blessing on his family before we left. What a privilege to share a meal with them and to seek God's grace for him. I don't know what kind of relationship this family has with the Lord, but you can pray that Bethany's witness to them would be bright and helpful.

God bless you,
Brad

Opportunities

Today Donna and I, along with Bethany and our host, Mark, visited La Paz Waterfall. It was a beautiful spot. We had a great day hiking the falls, observing native animals, birds and flowers, and talking. We talked about the mission of SonLife, how Bethany is growing in her faith, and how God brings opportunities to our door.

Mark told us the story of several young couples who are preparing to leave Costa Rica to serve in other parts of the world as missionaries. They are going to places where the gospel is not welcome, and where they will have to work a full-time job besides their ministries. More and more Latin Americans are preparing to go to other nations to carry the good news of Jesus. Mark said that fifty years ago many young Christian leaders were feeling called to go out as missionaries. However, when they asked their church leaders to support them, they were told no, there was enough work to do in Latin America. And the mission movement and the church here stalled. Now, fifty years later, the Spirit of God is moving people out again, and this time they are going. This is great news for the Kingdom of God. When the Lord calls, follow him.

Tomorrow we're with Steve and Jamie Wright, our friends who followed Jesus to serve in Costa Rica.

Grace,
Brad

On the Ground...Running

Hey Everybody--
We arrived safely last night and were met by our favorite missionary, Bethany! Everybody's doing well.

Highlights from today include:

~ Breakfast in town with our hosts, Mark & Karen Edwards, and Steve Wright
~ Lunch with Ernesto and Adrianna Alfaro--we talked about Ernesto's work with students and how some of the parents are coming to faith in Jesus through the student ministry.
~ Toured the SonLife campus with Steve--he directs the building and maintenance here. (John Norris, you would love his shop.)
~ Met David, a young Tico (Costa Rican) who is preparing to serve as a missionary in the Middle East! SonLife is sending a team of Latin Americans to the Middle East, a great opportunity for the gospel.
~ Dinner with the Edwards and Wrights--lots of fun & laughter; a great evening together.

God bless you,
Brad

First Day of Travel

Hi friends,
OK, day one of the journey. I wonder what Paul and Barnabas dealt with on the first day of their trip. For us it was getting up at 4:30 a.m. Now "enjoying" a five-hour layover in Dallas-Ft. Worth before flying to Costa Rica tonight.
But it's worth it. We'll see Bethany tonight and begin seeking ways to encourage our missionary team.
Meanwhile, as we take this journey, I am reading through the book of Acts. Today I read Acts 1, and the story of Jesus' ascension into heaven. A key statement in Acts 1 is that Luke is now writing what Jesus continued to do through his apostles. They did not know yet what was coming, but they were aware that Jesus had entrusted this mission to them. They were about to find out what that would mean.
So are we.
Grace,
Brad

Getting Ready to Go!

Today is Monday...the start of Brad's sabbatical. We ran a few errands this morning and have assembled everything we want to pack on the bed. Oh my. How is it all going to fit? Brad is feeling a little puny from all the shots he got on Saturday. He is taking a nap right now...

We are taking off for the Sacramento airport at 5:15 AM tomorrow and arriving in Costa Rica at 9:00 PM (with a 4 1/2 hour layover in Dallas/Ft. Worth). Thank you again for all your prayers and encouragment as we travel. We'll keep you posted!

Our missionary trip around the world!

Dear Ones,
We are so blessed to be going on this trip. Not exactly around the world but a good portion of it. Thank you for praying for us as we go. Here is our itinerary:

April 22: Leave for Costa Rica. Visiting with Mark & Karen Edwards of iteams (as well as Steve & Jamie Wright and of course our favorite missionary-Bethany Franklin!)

May 1: Sao Paulo, Brazil. Visiting with Paulo Mota of Restoration Ministries (see their website at http://themotas.org/)

May 7: Mozambique. Visiting with Rodger and Lynn Schmidt (see their blog at http://schmidtsinmozambique.blogspot.com/)

May 15: Paris, France. Visiting with Jonathan and Karen Finley (see their website at http://oikos.typepad.com/)

We leave France on May 22. Bethany will be coming home May 25th. (She graduates HS with her class on May 29th).