Photo Above: Bandeira - Monte Carlo homes association president
Testimony message from Bandeira - translated from Portuguese.
In the beginning... some understood it as luck; others thought it was a coincidence, but the fact it that I personality am sure that it was God's work; ....I remember in the beginning the first time that I saw Mr. Michel, his wife and Pr. Marcio; it was at the place that was revitalized by them; I was just getting there to fix a metal chimney at a gazebo that I had built at the place to be used by the residents; they came to me and with Débora's help interpreting their words they told me they had a revitalization project for the area. I got very happy, because only I know how much I had asked other people for help, for at least the minimum to maintain the place in usable condition. I got so excited that after that talk I started spreading what was said to all the people in the neighborhood.
Sincerely, I was not in disbelief because I've always had a lot of faith, even tough it was just a promise from a man that spoke a different language and that I had never seen before in my life. I told all of my friends and many of them did not believe it, others doubted it, and some said that I was lying, but I, in my heart knew that the dream that I had been dreaming for many years was about to be realized and materialized because God heard my prayers and He has always known how much I asked for this blessing. He always knew my limitations, my difficulties and he knew even more about my good will to transform abandoned areas into recreational areas, even without resources. But now something great was about to happen and I believed!
Finally... I thought that these people that they were saying were coming from another land would only be bringing financial resources, and of course it would be essential for the field restoration project; my mistake, they brought a lot more than that; God had prepared something much greater.
It was agreed that some volunteers would come from the US. At the beginning I didn't comprehend, but when they arrived at the community I began to comprehend everything! It was not just going to be a revitalization of an area, but the true motive why those people were coming from so far away also had a different purpose. The message of gathering the people of a community as family, spreading the need for God in our lives, in all circumstances, to ease the pain of the afflicted and poor through prayer, to rescue souls for heaven, to have solidarity, to be humble and help your neighbor, I understand.
Maybe I didn't see it in the beginning, because of being blinded by arrogance and so I didn't see that they didn't come to gift me, but to gift an entire society with love, and that the restoration of the field would be a way to get to their objectives. To unite all through a social action, a community as a whole, without religious prejudice, without social discrimination and with a lot of humility.
They rescued souls for God; preached the word of the bible and their teachings spread mercy wherever they went, and they exalted God in everything!
For this and a lot more; I am eternally grateful to my American Super Heroes, the ones that I don't see on television or in the movies, but the ones that I feel inside my heart, and this is what I ask of God...that He would bless all of you in all of your missions forever!!!"
Bandeira
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Above Photo: Joaguina - Campos do Jordāo city council woman
Campos do Jordão July 23, 2017
Translated from Portuguese
First of all I would like to thank God for having placed Pastor Michel and his wife in our lives. Also, Pastor Marcio and his wife. Incredible people, and extremely simple!! In addition to being organized, punctual, they are of a humility beyond normal. Wherever they go they convey love in Christ and hope to the people. I remember the first meeting with Michel and Débora, I felt God's presence. People who are really available to their neighbor!!
The Missions Week had many emotions, wherever the Americans went by, a meeting with Jesus happened. I saw and heard many testimonies of love and gratitude for everything they are doing for our county!!! Every volunteer that came, now is part of our family. The children, teachers and helpers and the board of the Amadeu Carlete Jr School, commented with their families about the American's visit to the school and about the restoration of the play area of the Monte Carlo Lake.
There were a lot of meetings with churches. One of the most special moments was at the Expedicto Camargo Freire School. The youth were impacted with your lives' testimonies. The residents of the Monte Carlo Neighborhood and Region, and the people of the Municipal Chamber and City Hall are witnesses to these moments. There were so many things, that if I were to tell, I would need to write a book, with pages filled with love, solidarity, hope and faith that everything can be better and that all deserve opportunities to do something for their neighbor.
I accompanied Pastor Michel and Débora to the Rainha da Paz Recovery Home. A project that helps men with drug and alcohol addiction. It was moving.
The coordinator, Mr. Gilberto and the men there for treatment were so happy with the grass donation and especially with the visit.
Thank you for everything.
God bless you!!
Joaquina
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