Life In Full Speed

On the Border of Mexico

2011-05-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

Two Window's of Poverty

2010-06-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Reposted:

Today we faced more experiences of life’s realities outside of the United States as our team ministered to children playing in a slum neighborhood just outside the city.

As the van slowly made its way through the narrow bumpy dirt roads, one of our American students mumbled aloud, “our dogs live better than these people”. Likewise in appalling poverty, most of the homes had nothing more than dirt floors, windows without glass and maybe, just maybe, running water. The wires dangling from house to house provided “borrowed” electricity from the city.

For the residents of this slum neighborhood it’s a very rare occasion to have visitors from the USA, so obviously our team was an interesting sight for them, especially when we shared dramas and music in their native language, Portuguese. And in spite of our inability to speak fluent Portuguese, our team confidently reached out with the love and encouragement of Jesus, a universal language of love that is not bound by borders or language barriers.

As I thought about this experience, I began to realize that for anyone who has never experienced this level of poverty, their first reaction would probably be a sense of hopelessness and despair. However, our experience brought us to a place of hope after meeting some of the most wonderful and warm people we’ve ever me before. It was simply amazing.

From our perspective, these people were hopelessly poor beyond imagination. But the truth is, we were amazed to learn that because of God’s love and acceptance, they were satisfied, content and filled with a level of joy that is strengthened in the face of wicked poverty.

As I looked out into a slum of more than 100,000 people, I tried to make sense of it all. “How in the world can these people live like this,” my heart asked. And just like God, He spoke very quietly to my heart, “Richard, these people need nothing you have to have all of me.” Wow! What an incredible revelation. For those residents that know and love God, their reality is simply - God is sufficient.

As we left the slums, I understood very clearly that I couldn't change their living, social or economic situation. All I could give them was the dignity and respect they deserve as God’s creation.

A Birthday Celebration For A Street Boy

2010-04-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

By Adriana Ruiz - Master's Commission Brasil

When you hear about a “Birthday Celebration” what are you expecting to see? I know the first thoughts for most is cake, candles, balloons and gifts. Yet better than the decorations, is the presence of those who love you and celebrate your life. Your friends and family are there and at the end of the night you blowout your candles and make a wish. Birthday celebrations have a different meaning in the streets of Brazil; actually it has no meaning.

Kids that live on the streets know that no one today is celebrating them, instead of having a cake they have paint thinner and instead of having candles they have cigarettes. Our reality doesn’t compare to the streets reality, because it’s so different it seem that we live in different dimensions. While we think that a six year old should be at home being loved by a family and having fun as a child, there is at the same time a six year old boy who is on the streets, wanting a blanket and a bottle of paint thinner to not feel the cold. When one of our kids, Hugo who is eleven, had his birthday he said, “The gift I want is just a big hug from you Auntie.” Many of these children have no mom or dad, no real friends to celebrate with them; the truth is they have no reason to celebrate their very lives. They try to survive everyday from the pain of not being love. They don’t want to exist, since they are already dying on the inside.

The great thing is that last night we went to Andrades’ street to celebrate Tico’s birthday. We brought a big chocolate cake, we sang happy birthday and we told him how loved and precious he was to God. We reminded him that God has not forget him no matter what his reality is showing him. We believe that he felt that God was celebrating him as a son. For us it is an honor to be able to see that maybe there are two different dimensions, but in reality there is just one God!!

It Wasn't What I Expected

2010-03-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

Arriving at the orphanage (Uganda Jesus Village) it was a striking contrast to my expectations to encounter the faces of children who had endured incredible pain to be exploding with beautiful smiles and laughter. This wasn’t what I had expected. We all know the images of African children; their faces tell the story – parentless, abandoned, without food and water; without hope. – But that’s not what we found. And as I soon learned more about these precious children, I discovered that the source of their joy was simply because, in spite of everything that had become their harsh reality, they understand the simple fact that Jesus still died on a cross and saved them from their sins. It was amazing. In spite of their living conditions being very, very difficult, they were yet grateful that Jesus gave them a new life, which gave them hope. In the midst lacking the most basic necessity’s, their hearts contained an abundance of faith and passion for God.

All of this caused me to think about my own life. Compared to these precious children, we have so much and yet we often have grumpy hearts. “Oh, God, but it isn’t fair, I want a better car, I want a bigger house, I want my boss to give me a raise, I want the sun and not rain, and then, oh, it’s too hot, send rain, etc…” In Africa, they have war, they have lack of food, they have so little medical resources, (people die of tetanus from a simple scrape on the knee, women and babies die in childbirth, people die from diarrhea. And at the Iris Ministries in Sudan (another stop on our trip), there are no showers or electricity, yet they too seem to have a lot more than most of us on this side of the planet. In the face of very difficult conditions they somehow have a grateful heart for all God has done. They start shouting and dancing when the moon comes out (in Sudan it only comes out for 15 days) to worship God who created the moon, God that provides.

I thought going to Africa meant I would offer the people there something from my abundance, but in reality I received so much more. God is moving in Africa and I am sure that one day they will be sending missionaries to all parts of the world to spread the Good News. One thing I learned for sure, the Gospel is definitely not about how much stuff we have, it’s about embracing and enjoying a new life that only Jesus can give. It’s awesome!!!

Not a Street Kid any more!

2010-02-11T05:13:00.001-08:00

STREET CHILDREN - there is a simple way to work with street kids, however it does requires somebody to make a sacrifice. Anderson "was" a street kid. Now he's not. See why!

Tucking a child away to sleep - On the sidewalk

2010-01-25T01:30:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tucked a child into bed? If you’re a parent or you’ve baby-sat or perhaps you have a younger sister or brother, you know what I’m talking about. You pull the warm blankets tightly across your little one and tuck the edges around the bed, making sure they are nice and cozy. Perhaps you read a story or sing a song to lull them gently to sleep. You kiss their forehead and bid them goodnight as you lightly close the door behind you. Right?

Today I watched as Marianne (from Norway), one of my teammates with me in Master’s Commission Brazil, tuck a sweet little girl away to sleep. However, her bed was not a warm and cozy one at all. Instead it was the hard, cold, wet sidewalk of a third world country.

Marianne did the best she could to lay the sleeping child’s head against the cold sheet metal wall of the store we all had gathered under in attempts to avoid the rain. Ah yes, the rain, not to mention the thunder and lightning. My God, I have never been in rain like that before. The wind gathers the pelting drops and mercilessly slaps them against your face and body. The thunder shakes you to the core. Yet, Marianne held the child inside her sweater as we sang “Mighty to save” together for her. She was fascinated to hear the song in English and asked us to sing it over and over again.

I tell you my friends; this was not your average lullaby moment. When it was time to go, the little girl had finally fallen asleep in Marianne’ s arms. I swallowed hard to hold back the tears as Marianne laid the sleeping girl on the cold, wet sidewalk alongside a little boy, also fast asleep. I couldn’t believe what I had just seen.

Guys, this is the world we live in! If no one will stand up and do something about things such as this, then how can we expect there to be a brighter day? – Sara Ribeiro, MCBrasil Student

Beggars.... They want your spare change

2009-12-29T04:24:00.000-08:00

Driving around any typical city in Brazil we’ll find an abundance of beggars practically at every intersection of significance. Today for an example, as I wound my way through town it dawned on me that at many traffic signals there were beggars working every automobile that found itself delayed by a crimson light. Their coordination seemed to be so well thought-out, I was wondering if organized labor had become involved in their efforts to collect everyone’s spare change.

Here’s where I’m begging for your help! – At what point do we not give beggars our spare change? I don’t know about you, but for me it’s necessary to exercise a considerable amount of self-restraint as I struggle to avoid analyzing and speculating (only on mere assumptions) as to what sins against society did these beggars commit for which they are now fatally appointed to their intersection. I would imagine this would present a challenge for most people as it does for me. My rational mind finds it necessary to evaluate them, or as I think more appropriate, “Size em’ up really quick!” so that I can somehow determine if they are worthy of my spare change. - We all know the drill, “He’s an ex-convict. He’s lazy. He’s an alcoholic, I'm not going to let him use my money to buy more alcohol just so he can go home and beat his wife and kids. And for sure – God forbid to buy more drugs!” – There’s a thousand questions that instantly gallop through my mind.

But, what about the children, the women and the senior adults that we frequently see dutifully assigned to the intersections? What’s their story? And more importantly, what should be our response? Every day we see equal numbers of children, women and frazzled seniors begging for us to help with life’s basic needs, or so we think. Actually we can never know the truth, other than the fact that their lives through whatever circumstances have been reduced to begging at intersections for our spare change.

So, still begging for your input, if I am going to give away my spare change, who’s the priority and at what point do I stop giving beggars my spare change? – (This beggar stuff is becoming a complicated business.) If we tell them that “we don’t have any money”, did we just lie to them when we know full well we could easily access some of it by simply driving to the nearest ATM machine? Would that be true if we were on our way to Starbucks for our designer’s cup of latte? – Or how about this one? Is it possible for our money to become “spare change” if we are only holding it to purchase our kids the latest version of the iPhone, or we’re rolling over to test-drive the 2010 Beemer that just arrived in the showroom? When does the money we use to refurnish or renovate our already palatial casa (compared to theirs), become “spare change”? Or why doesn’t the money being set aside for that next Caribbean cruise get titled, “spare change”? – Oh boy! Can you imagine the impact to a beggar’s life if the volume of our “spare change” made its way to their intersections? We’ll probably never know, will we?

All of this leads back to my original question: “At what point do we not give beggars our spare change?” – I suppose the more important question becomes “What and where is your spare change?”

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Because wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” – Matthew 6:19-21

A Very "Nasty" Outreach

2009-11-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

WARNING: I received this email (below) while I am here in the USA looking for more sponsors and partners. The content of this email was sent from one of our students in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It’s raw, in real-time and filled with real pain and will be essentially unedited. Please focus and capture the conflict raging within Eli-Ruama’s heart as our team went out again to the streets of Brazil.

With her permission I am sharing this with you, hoping that it demonstrates why your prayers and financial support is so crucial to our work in Brazil. We are not taking lightly the training we are providing – the world can be a very nasty place… and that is exactly where God has chosen to establish Master's Commission Brasil.

Holding nothing back,
Pastor Richard

Hi PR (Pastor Richard),

Tonight we went out again to pick up trash...it was about 7 p.m. when we left. We wanted to see the nightlife and meanwhile do community service by picking up trash. After all that’s what Jesus called us to do. When we left I prayed this would symbolize a prophetic act. Not only clean the streets, but also clean the hearts of the people that we passed. To impact and change the history of this place; this city.

PR, I am so sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we went out, as you know a beautiful team, with huge dreams and hopes of changing something in our lifetime. We began to pick up anything and everything we saw in front of us. Pastor Joshua planned out our route – what streets we were going to clean. There were a total of four people on my team and while were picking up trash a guy walked out of a bar and asked us why were we doing this. “I see that you are all young”, he said. He excused himself because of me and Adriana (we’re girls), and said, "I know I was drinking and sniffing in the bar, but I was a Christian once, and seeing you guys, so young, and you ladies made me remember how it used to be!” I asked if we could pray for him and he said yes, but he was a little embarrassed because he didn’t want anyone to know that we were praying for him. I asked Bruno to pray for him, and He did. It was awesome. And now he agreed for us to pick him up on Saturday and he will go with us to church. WOW!

We kept going and started cleaning in front of the prostitution houses.... LORD JESUS!!!!!!! OH GOD..., PR it broke my heart...I can't stop crying until now, and when I got home I went to pray and I cried to God about it, but it hurts me so much. As we passed the many prostitution houses, men were walking in and out like they were going into a grocery store. Not one or two, but like 10 and 20 men at a time. It was unbelievable how many men were going in. I am so sorry for being so descriptive right now, but I can imagine how many times those women, some even teenagers younger than me, every night are objects of sexual pleasure to those disgusting men. They weren't even ashamed to leave their wives and families at home to come hurt, abuse and scar those women. PR they walked out of those places smiling and laughing like they just left a soccer stadium and their team won the game. GOD PLEASE FORGIVE ME, because if I could, I would kill them all...I hate them PR....that’s all I could think of. My whole body began to shake, I was so angry.

I continued to pick up trash. I feel fortunate to have had wonderful guys from our team with me. In the terrible environment I felt protected. But sadly I could only imagine how many times those women and girls feel scared and unprotected. ...Oh GOD!!!! I was trying to fight back the tears. But my body couldn't handle seeing all that was happening... Funny because some of the people on the team said to me, "Don't cry now", or "I don't like to see you like this, cheer up".... PR tell me, HOW IN HEAVENS NAME CAN I WALK AROUND SMILING AFTER SEEING THINGS LIKE THAT HAPPENING AROUND ME? Are we supposed to accept this as normal? Please explain this to me!

When we returned to the house one of the staff came to talk with me and I burst into tears...I couldn't hold it anymore, and thankfully I knew he wasn't going to think that I was weird for crying. He asked me how it was on the streets but I couldn't say anything, I could only cry. He said, "It will be ok" and all I could say to him was, "NO IT’S NOT!!!!!" In my mind those women and girls were all still there. Those filthy men were still going in and out of what I hate to call the "sexual abuse house". After a while of mumbling through my tears he finally understood why I was crying and encouraged me by saying that God was breaking my heart by what breaks His. “This is only the beginning of knowing God’s heart.”, he said. After that I went out for a prayer walk and asked God to reveal His heart to me, because I desperately want to know his heart. I enjoyed my time with Abba (God) and He helped me work through my feelings. He’s good. And Now I feel like that song that Brook Fraser sings called Albertine where she sings, "Now that I have seen, I am responsible. Faith without deeds is dead"....

So that is my story for tonight...I am very happy to be able to share this experience with you. I feel like the Holy Spirit is doing His work in my life... and please don’t worry – I’m not going to go back and kill anybody, but I will definitely be praying very differently from now on.

Hurry Back to Brazil – Love you!!!!
Eli-Ruama

I am gonna start crying again!

2009-10-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

Today we had a feet washing service .WOW...I am gonna start crying again... WOW! God does some crazy things...

You know when we already know so many things in theory, but in reality they just don’t sink into our hearts? Well, this morning Pastor Joshua talked about how we have a "they" in our lives to help us remove the stone so Lazarus can come out... (John 11:38, 13:4) and He said that what stood out to him was the THEY, Mary and Martha, didn’t need to remove the stone alone... and that there are things in our lives that stinks and smells really bad, like Lazarus. After all, he had been in the tomb for four days....

He explained how God wants to remove those stones, those rocks, and those barriers, and that He wants to bring us out of dead situation. And the best part is that we don’t have to do this alone. As a spiritual family, we need to be the "they" for each other...WOW!

I've always felt like I needed to be "perfect"; that I needed to help people; to be there for them – but I didn't allow people to be there for me. And many times I've been frustrated because I wasn't able to overcome so many personal weaknesses. And adding to this frustration I would think that I was hopeless and felt helpless. I felt like if anybody helped me, it would be like I was being a burden on their time. I didn't want people to worry about me. I didn’t want to be "another problem for someone to solve". And now I can see how I transferred this to God...I didn’t want to be another problem that God needed to solve.

I have always loved to serve Him, but I didn’t want Him to serve me. In my head I know that it brings joy to His heart to serve me, but I figured that I needed to walk alone or "solve" (heal, overcome hurts) myself, alone. But at this moment my reality has become, I can actually trust the people around me. This reality has taken a huge load off of my back. I feel light and safe in my MC family.

Thank you so much Pastor Richard for not giving up on MCBrasil, because of your perseverance and obedience, my life has been changed. - Love, Eli-Ruama

It’s as complex as it looks!

2009-08-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

With some degree of risk I took this photo inside one of the biggest, most dangerous and complicated slums I’ve ever been in. I was “hiding” when I snapped this shot because camera-carrying Gringos are not necessarily trusted or welcomed in this world where police seldom drive through.

Last week with part of our MC team, we utilized public transportation to get an inside look at this slum community where city officials estimate up to 160,000 people survive everyday.

It was complicated trying to wrap my brain around living conditions that are surrounded by opposing gangs, sewerless streets, windows without glass and doors that maybe shouldn’t be called doors. Bouncing inside the bus while trying to reconcile with my brain and emotions what my eyes so clearly saw, I wondered how in the world could I effectively describe this to you?

For Master’s Commission Brasil, this world is our classroom. From this difficult reality are we working to help transform the lives of young adults willing to learn about themselves, about our amazing God and a global responsibility to love and serve people living in unbelievable conditions as reflected in this photo.

The reason why I’m attempting to describe what is undoubtedly impossible to describe, is simply because it is your financial support and prayer that makes Master's Commission Brasil work. Without you we’ll be heading back to the suburbs.

Thanks for helping us stay here doing what we do. You and your loved ones are very welcomed to visit. We’ll make sure that you do the bus ride that we believe will change your life.

Some missionaries do their own laundry

2009-08-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

My mom should probably get all of the credit for my ability to do my own laundry, especially since it was her idea when we were growing up as children; and that includes teaching us how to iron, sew and cook too. Thanks mom!

So if any of you who think we’re living an easy life, think twice! – But then again, maybe some people are thinking we had to go down to the river to do our laundry. If that were the case, there definitely wouldn’t be a photo of me doing it.

Now, if any of you feel bad that we've got to do our laundry by hand, would you also feel bad enough to prayerfully consider helping us replace the washing machine that recently broke down. Then we won't have to do it by hand anymore! Simple, huh?

Saying Goodbye, Goodbye and Goodbye

2009-08-04T02:24:00.000-07:00

Saying Goodbye again doesn’t get any easier the second time, we recently learned after visiting family and friends in the United States. And it certainly wasn’t any easier saying Goodbye to Rebekah, daughter number three, who we left behind for her first year of college.

It had been exactly two years since we had all of our precious children together in one place, and after enjoying a few days visiting Washington, D.C., we said Goodbye to our oldest daughter Randi who is on a serious job hunt after graduating in June with her masters in Sociology. She stayed. The rest of the family said Goodbye to her and traveled on to California.

Jocelyn and I feel fortunate to have spent three wonderful days in San Diego with daughter number two, Aravis, who recently graduated with degrees in Journalism and English Literature. Because she enjoys the climate and culture of San Diego, we were forced to say yet another difficult Goodbye.

And in order to say Goodbye again, we spent the evening before our departure at my mom and dad's house with family and friends. Jocelyn's mom was there for another opportunity for us to say Goodbye again. There were lots of warm embraces and Goodbyes that evening.

Also traveling with us was our granddaughter Sadye who is growing and changing faster than we can comprehend. – We had to say our Goodbyes to her with Rebekah at the airport. And speaking of Goodbyes, just moments before we boarded our flight, my mom raced to the terminal with a fresh batch of homemade cookies. Yummy! But again, more Goodbyes... these Goodbyes came with tears.

We are learning by experience that saying Goodbye will probably never be a cherished word in our vocabulary. Not in English, nor in our second language, Portuguese, “Tchau”. – There’s something about saying Goodbye that just doesn’t fit right. Goodbye. Geez… that word doesn’t have a warm-touchy-feely feel, does it? Goodbye.

And although it wasn’t our final Goodbye, we also said Goodbye to Gustavo, 20, a former street boy who spent his teenage years living in a house for ex-street children in Belo Horizonte. Gustavo entered Master’s Commission Brasil in the same month that we arrived and has matured to a point which enable him to travel with our family. Because he has worked hard to learn enough English to effectively communicate in most circumstances, he was able to enjoy an extra three weeks in the USA with former Master’s Commission students who have previously traveled to Brazil with us. – That was a great Goodbye!

Can Squirrels have high blood pressure?

2009-07-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

It’s at least 5am and I am sitting on the edge of a bed in Washington, D.C. watching a squirrel dance from limb to limb with effortless ease in an ancient oak tree. As I observe his squirrely antics, I wondered to myself, “What’s that little guy thinking about while he bounces about with what appears to be a gentle grin on its face,reflecting the joy of the Lord?” – I wonder, do little guys like my friend the squirrel inherit stuff like mental disorders or high blood pressure, because from the window I’m looking through, a squirrel’s life looks a lot easier than mine.

As for me and my siblings, high blood pressure was a condition that was genetically and generously passed on at birth…. for us there was no need to work hard for it to show up; it’s always been there like a shark circling in the waters waiting for its moment to strike its prey.

And so here I sit on the edge of a bed at the crack of dawn with my blood pressure slightly elevated, staring out the window at a squirrel and wondering if he or she knows it has high blood pressure. – Thankfully my family does NOT have a history of mental disorders.

But on the serious side (and the bit about the squirrel was definitely serious), I do suspect that at this moment my blood pressure is elevated most likely because I was laying awake trying to work my way through what feels like a gazillion details for continuing the growth and expansion of Master’s Commission in Brazil. There’s no doubt it’s a daunting project and thankfully in the two years since arriving we have experienced wonderful and exciting progress. But, there is still so much more that needs to be done. Yet, in contrast to the enormous needs, we can also remember the many people whose lives we can point to as proof positive that good things are happening. The favor of the Lord has indeed been with us.

Finally, in the physical realm I must continue to effectively manage this curse of high blood pressure, and unfortunately it’s deciding to stay with me. And in the spiritual realm with the continued prayers and sacrificial financial support from family and friends, we are going to continue our efforts to express the love of God to as many people as we can…. and hopefully we can do it with a similar sense of ease as my friend the squirrel.

Please read Matthew 6:19-34

3 Moore Graduations

2009-06-11T02:56:00.000-07:00

If you’ve not heard much from us in the last few weeks, it’s because Jocelyn and I have been very busy celebrating 3 Moore graduations in 3 different cities. – We are tremendously grateful for the Lord’s help and provision for our oldest three daughters, Randi, Aravis and Rebekah.

Randi, who will be 25 in July, just graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Masters degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Women’s Studies. Immediately following her graduation, she and our soon to be seven year old granddaughter, Sadye moved to Washington, D.C. where Randi is pursuing opportunities for writing public policy concerning international rights for women and children. Randi’s long-term goal is to return to South Africa and study for her doctorate in the same discipline.

Aravis, 22, graduated Magnum Cum Laude from the Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego with a dual major in Journalism and English Literature. For almost the first time in her life, Aravis is experiencing the freedoms of life after college. She called me the other day and said, “Dad, this is the weirdest feeling having the afternoon completely free with nothing to do.” I encouraged her to enjoy it while it lasts, because life won''t often slow down anymore.

Aravis and her three college roommates have all agreed to hang around San Diego for the time being and moved into the cutest 2-bedroom apartment only two-minutes from downtown. With the current job market already flooded with last year’s graduates, Aravis is wisely choosing to carefully survey her options before moving too far away from San Diego. For later in the year and beyond, she is considering relocating to New York or Washington, D.C. where she could better apply her trade in writing, as well as being closer to her sisters and niece, Sadye.

And finally there is Rebekah, 18, who graduated also with honors and as the Citizen of the Year by the Escola Americana Campinas. We are very proud of our “Bubba” who finished very strong in spite of changing horses in the middle of the stream (transitioning to an international school) without breaking stride. As parents we were obviously concerned especially for Rebekah who left Elk Grove in the middle of her high school experience. The Lord has certainly proven Himself more than able to meet our children’s needs.

Rebekah has accepted a tremendous scholarship to the American University in Washington, D. C. (there seems to be a “theme” for D.C.) where she will major in Communications and Film. One of her personal goals is to document with film the plight of Meninos da Rua (street children) in Brasil. Rebekah voluntarily added to her college application a short documentary on the life of one of her friends, Gustavo, a former Menino da Rua, titled “One Country – Two Worlds”. Her goal for majoring in Communications and Film is to create documentaries for Christian organizations around the world that are trying to bring to light the incredible social injustices especially to children and women.

Obviously we are extremely proud of our children and their hard work and determination, especially since we have relocated to the missions field. This has been both a very difficult, and at the same time, a very exciting season of our lives. Difficult in that Jocelyn and I have not been able to help our children as much as we have always thought we would, and exciting for being able to experience the faithfulness of God to our family. The Lord has sustained us in many ways, and in many of those ways He has used your life to bless the Moore Family. Thank you. – By the way, there are 3 Moore’s to go! Adriana, Sean and Chris. We most certainly still need you for “Moore”.

The Cockroach Monster!

2009-06-05T06:02:00.001-07:00

This morning I started packing my suitcase for the transition back home later tonight, when I noticed a huge cockroach staring me in the face. The stupid thing had a mustache! It was ridiculously huge! Anyway I tried several times to shake it off my bag, but it hung on as though it believed the suitcase was his. I was getting really mad! Finally with a strong jolt, I flung it against the wall and it landed on the lamp shade.

I had to quickly composed myself because I was about to smash the lamp to smithereens. I quickly grabbed a small plastic bag that was conveniently located near my hand... I opened it just enough and extended it toward the cockroach monster. What happened next you won't believe! ...It was freaky!

You wouldn't believe me if I told you that the stupid cockroach monster jumped on my arm and ran up my sleeve... you wouldn't even believe me if I said that I peed all over myself and screamed like a girl! ...Well it's a good thing that didn't happen!

Do you know what that stupid cockroach monster did? It jumped right into the plastic bag as though he knew he was guilty of invading my privacy. (By the way, did I tell you that the rcockoach monster had antennae at least six inches long?) The cockroach monster just looked at me with such a sad look on its face; it stared at me as though he was trying to apologize to me or something… maybe beg for his life. Anyway, once in the bag, I won't worry you with what happened next. Let's just say that there is one cockroach monster that won't be traveling anywhere... EVER!

There are always hazards to missions work, but it shouldn't keep any of us from going… regardless how big the cockroaches are. Right?

What? – A Segregated English Class?

2009-05-22T06:09:00.001-07:00

We are ever learning the realities of living within a nation divided by distinctions of social-economic and racial class. It's a complicated reality where most Brasilian citizens seem to easily avoid confusing the invisible boundary lines. Here in Brasil we have discovered the subject of social class distinctions are easily out maneuvered, because somehow every one seemingly accepts their assigned class positions, regardless the benefits or lack thereof.

For reasons we yet don't fully understand, we live on a street that has an unusual mix of both social-economic classes, which is actually kind of weird because judging by their homes and professions we are very curious as to how some of these families have escaped the nearby slum neighborhood. In the context of social-economic class segregation, what on earth are they doing living on "our" street?

In the meantime, while we look for opportunities to discover how they've escaped from the slums, we thought it a brilliant idea to offer all of the kids on our street free English lessons (our way of being good neighbors). Great idea! Right? … we thought so too, especially since we know people are willing to pay premium fees for native English speakers; and especially for the eight displaced slum children whose parents are barely able to put enough food on the table. English lessons for these children could be their ticket out of the lowest social class bracket.

But sadly we've learned that our generous offering for free English lessons won't work for all of the children on our street. – Why not? Why can't all of the children on our street attend the weekly class? – Because it will require us to conduct two completely segregated classes mirroring the social-economic class realities of Brasil. And it seems we may be the only people who care.

So for now, because teaching segregated English lessons are impossible to our minds, we will continue offering free lessons for whichever children come first. Fortunately for them, the children whose parents recycle trash showed up first, and by default the unspoken societal rules means they own the class. And without the slightest hint of objection the middle and upper class kids have completely disappeared. Go figure!

While some of our Brasileiro friends either admire our efforts, others giggle at our naivety. Although we refuse to feel stupid for even trying, we are saddened by such harsh realities in the year 2009. – To live and die without enjoying the benefits of the most basic of equal opportunities is a horrible reality for any child born into poverty. – Because of your prayer and financial support we know of at least eight children on our street that will be given an opportunity to learn English. Your money really does matter.

Being Alone With God

2009-05-05T02:52:00.000-07:00

Being at a place, remaining in a season, living a lifestyle of “Aloneness” with God sounds incredibly spiritual, excitingly amazing and totally awesome… but that’s only until a person actually begins to engage the reality of such a lifestyle. It’s then that we realize the degrees to which our flesh and self-will can cry out in stubborn opposition. Our flesh and human nature wishes absolutely nothing to do with “Aloneness” with God because that is exactly the place where we must engage submission and death to self-will.

Our self-will and human nature (our carnality) violently fights without surrender for the control in our lives. Similar to the starving piranhas in the Amazon … they all fight to be fed first. – On the other hand, being alone with God will bring us to brokenness, humility, confession and awe at His majesty… and that’s because the road that leads us into aloneness with God will bring us directly and immediately to the cross of Jesus. There is no other path that leads us to God. – Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

It’s only in the context of God’s sovereign presence can we accurately sense and gauge our human wickedness. And it is entirely by His patience; grace and mercy are we even able to remain alone with Him. And to think that He actually desires to bring us into fellowship and communion is altogether an amazingly mind-boggling thought in itself. – ONLY GOD!

Don’t look past the person in front of you

2009-04-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

In our discipleship ministry, Master's Commission Brasil, we believe that change begins now, here, and together with you! With your monthly sponsorship, every young person engaged by our discipleship training is a divine appointment where we have an opportunity to instill confidence that someone cares what they do with their lives. Every day we are working to create as many alternatives as possible to gang involvement, violence, sexual experiences, and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

We have seen many times over how a life can be altered with as simple as a single phrase, an encouraging word, or an act of kindness. – All of our staff and interns have personally realized the blessings of having someone enter our lives by a divine appointment, if only for a moment, to make a lasting impression for the rest of our lives.

For me, I can remember my fifth grade teacher, old Mrs. Barton. Every student on campus was convinced that she was the nastiest old woman on the planet and would hide in the teacher's parking lot to witness her daily landing on her broomstick. – But I knew a different Mrs. Barton. The Mrs. Barton I knew was as tender as she was tough and would spend her lunch and after school to help me and others with homework or just let a boy trying to become a man simply hang around. I can't tell you everything she said to me, although I do distinctly remember something about her "whoopin my behind"; yet there was never a visit where I didn't walk away convinced that I could conquer the world. Mrs. Savannah Barton believed in me before I ever believed in myself, and her thumbprint remains on my life to this very day.

And then there's the vice principle Mr. Sagers. Thinking about it now, and although it was never said then, I am convinced this man had a deep and intimate love for Jesus. There was something about him. I suppose just because he was the vice-principle in charge of discipline everybody was afraid of him, (it's funny how I seemed to always end up in his office), but there was something really special about Mr. Sagers. – Aside from telling you it was a "divine appointment", I can't explain why out of the entire school he asked my brother Philip and me to work for him on weekends, pulling weeds, and painting and picking up trash at an apartment complex he owned. I clearly remember how well paid we were as preteens in the late 60's. Geepers, that dude paid us some serious cash! – But more important to that, was how without saying a single word, there was something he gave us that even then I knew was more valuable than cash… he showed us a dignity and respect that I don't remember ever receiving from an adult. And it felt good too!

Mrs. Barton and Mr. Sagers may not know until we get into heaven how their acts of kindness have changed two lives. (My brother Philip is the superintendent of high schools in Sacramento; and a darned good one too! I wonder how much influence Mr. Sagers had on him.) Their unselfish kindness has made a defining impact on our lives.

As well, we are here in Brasil on a special assignment to influence and impact the lives of as many people possible; but without you it'll be tough. With your monthly support you are deciding to join us in as many intersections of life that we can get into; to be instruments of grace and unconditional love and acceptance… if only for a brief moment. And for as many as we can enroll in our discipleship program, you will be working together with us to interrupt dysfunction, launch a life in Christ or restore and heal with tenderness and words of kindness. I seriously doubt Mrs. Barton and Mr. Sagers knew what the outcomes would be for our lives, but we're wonderfully blessed that they didn't drive through our intersections without stopping. – Will you pull over to the curb and become a monthly sponsor?

We're Interrupting Their Dysfunction

2009-04-11T02:13:00.001-07:00

Your partnership with Master's Commission Brasil is literally interrupting the cycles of dysfunction in the lives of hundreds of children every week. It's like this: the realities of racism and discrimination here in Brasil are significant considering the vast majority of people living in some of the world's ugliest and most dangerous slums are of African descent… in other words, they're black!

Although the typical Brazilian would argue the issue of racism and discrimination, mostly based on their personal feelings regarding race and ethnicity, the overwhelming fact is clear that these social ills exist in abundance despite their denials. And it would take less than 30 seconds to prove my point. Simply look around. Who is driving cars and who is pulling recycle wagons through the streets? Who is sitting in offices and who is sweeping the streets for less than $2 a day? – Advertising billboards silently remind people at every glance what "tone" is most important. Take a peek into any restaurant and you'll almost never see a "black" couple enjoying the savors of Brazilian cuisine. And to help any of you get beyond my definition of racism; let's simply call it "a black child's reality". Ok? Forget my use of the word "racism".

So what's the point? Is it to prove that Brazilians are racists and segregationist? Nope! That's not the point. The point is that millions of children growing up in Brasil have not only the curse of poverty to contend with, but the fact that they are Black makes their likelihood of escaping the cycles of dysfunction even more impossible, if not for God. And that's where Master's Commission is working to make a difference.

Through Master's Commission we are working to transform the lives of children in the poorest communities of Brasil. Our focus on helping children transcend the cycles of limited opportunity is accomplished through developing them into morally grounded, English speaking, and academically accomplished young adults. The fact that they are Black is inconsequential to our commitment to working with the poorest children in the Brazil… we'd do the same if they were all white children; but the reality is that they're not. And we are attempting to describe this social reality to you because we desperately need your help and the willingness to acknowledge that our world is filled with historical proof that racism is real; and that together for these children we can make a difference.

A Strategy that Equalizes

A central part of the Master's Commission strategy provides children the opportunity to learn English. These are children who without a solid education or college degree are destined to repeat the cruel cycles of poverty and dysfunction associated with poor communities. We believe that by learning English children will be able to take advantage of surging employment opportunities through their ability to speak English as a second language.

Can we count on you to support our ministry every month? – With the question of destructive racism in Brasil, I am very much up to a debate; but that debate must take place here in Brasil; in the middle of a real favela (slum) where we are going to be escorted by gun-toting mostly Black teenagers willing to allow you the opportunity of visiting their reality. – Oh, there's no need to be afraid… they won't hurt us… they're our English students.

2009-04-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

One Country Two Worlds

2009-03-20T06:42:00.001-07:00

A Wasted Christian Life

2009-03-14T01:45:00.001-07:00

Having recently journeyed through eleven USA states, I've noticed that even in the midst of our economic collapse it appears that a significant number of Christians have yet to engage God through a genuine brokenness, repentance, and humility. It's almost as though they are living in total denial that their "In God We Trust" fortunes are vanishing live vapor… which leads me to conclude that one of the saddest sights of this world is a wasted Christian life.

As unbelieving as this may seem, there continues to be a preoccupation with building what I affectionately call, "Tribute to God" fortunes and an unyielding pursuit for the things of this world… namely wealth, homes, cars and comfort. For example, it can be arguably discussed that the recent surge in church attendance has come more as a direct result of a fear of losing jobs, homes and investment accounts instead of from a genuine need of God.

The litmus test is really simple; where were these same people before the crisis? Why wasn't God good enough then? Please don't misunderstand; I am in no way questioning any believer's salvation. Nope! Not at all. It's only by the grace of God that any of us have any chance of hope. However, there are two distinctly different kinds of Christians: those who walk by faith and those who walk by sight. The Bible clearly tells us that those believers whose lives are more dictated by sight are ultimately wasting an otherwise supernatural Christian life.

Abraham

Consider Abraham who is called the father of our faith who demonstrated through his life that the more he knew God, the less he was interested in the world and its offerings. With a simple study of his life we will discover that over the course of his life, little by little, he was being separated unto God. The catalyst that worked in his life is the same principle always at work in our lives that demonstrates becoming separate "to" something will also always require separation "from" something. A wasted Christian life is the life that fails to become separate from the world and to God.

I'm wondering if maybe this entire economic crisis has been God ordained to jump start the separation process? If we live out our days here on earth without effectively being separated to God, will that not be a wasted Christian life or what? "Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." 1 Corinthians 6:17

Gustavo's Story - so far

2009-02-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

By Jocelyn Moore

I’ve known Gustavo for half of his life – the better half - meeting him almost ten years ago on our first Master’s Commission missions trip to Brazil. We stayed in touch – visiting the Restoration House for ex-street boys where he lived and sending cards and letters. He has become very special to our family – having brother status - and is now an important part of our Brazilian team as a second year Master’s Commission student. Watching the growth in his life this year reminds me of why we are here and that all of the challenges we’ve faced and are still facing are completely worth it. I am so proud of Gustavo and want to introduce him to you through excerpts of his story that are part of a book project about the lives of our remarkable Brazilian Master’s Commission students who are not allowing the deprivation of their pasts to determine their future, but are being used by God to inspire and bring hope to others.

The city of Contagem, forty-five minutes west of Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais, is the second most populated city in the state with over a half-million residents. It was in this city that Maria Aparecida gave birth to her first child, Gustavo Felipe Juventino, on April 19th, 1989, when she was just fourteen years old…. A few days after his birth, she took Gustavo to her mother’s house and left him there with his grandmother, Dona Laura, in a tiny three-room house with her nine brothers and sisters. Gustavo did not see his mother again until he was twelve.

Dona Laura’s house was an old brick structure that stood isolated near the borders of a favela. There was no front door, so they had an old couch that they stood on end against the doorway at night. There were no lights – no electricity at all – so the family spent their evenings in darkness. Gustavo slept in a tiny room with his grandmother while his aunts and uncles, all nine of them, shared another bedroom.

Gustavo - a year younger than his uncle Wanderson and almost ten years younger than the others - was Dona Laura’s favorite, a fact that caused jealousy among her children and led to them abuse him when she was absent. His grandmother protected Gustavo when she was at home, but as Dona Laura had to work for twelve hours a day and left her grandson in the care of his aunts and uncles, he experienced their jealousy through frequent beatings. What further escalated their rage was the effect of the drugs and alcohol that were constantly in the house.

Dona Laura worked as a zeladora or janitor at a Catholic school in Contagem. Feeding eleven on a zeladora’s salary was inadequate and the family was often hungry. Gustavo remembers a time that when there was nothing to eat for three days, so his uncles – knowing that young children are not viewed as a threat and can more easily gain compassion, sent him door-to-door to the homes of neighbors to ask for food…

… The most defining characteristic of the home Gustavo remembers as a young child was anger. Anger was the underlining attitude in every family transaction, ….The stress of poverty, blended with deprivation, drugs and alcohol was a recipe for conflicts that created misery - especially for those too young to fight back. Gustavo and Wanderson, in efforts to escape the small house where an annoyance from the younger boys stirred up the wrath of the older, spent their days running the streets of the neighborhood unsupervised…

… Life with his older relatives became increasingly difficult for Gustavo and his cousin Wanderson. Gustavo knew that he couldn’t take it anymore, the anger he experienced everyday had made residence in his heart and tormented him in a way that made life unbearable. When anyone looked at Gustavo, he was quick with a harsh remark. At seven years old, Gustavo and his eight-year-old uncle Wanderson made an impulsive decision. They took a bus, free for young children, and escaped to the bairro of Eldorado just 30 minutes away to begin their lives as meninos de rua – street kids.

Brazil has an estimated 10 million children, some as young as four-years-old, who make the streets their home. Like Gustavo and Wanderson, many are fleeing intolerable home situations and see a life on the streets as their only option to improve their lives. Others leave to escape the pressure and violence of the gangs in the slums that recruit young boys who are too young to be prosecuted. Children may even be seduced by the ideal of freedom from rules and curiosity of the larger world outside of a tiny barraco - home- in a favela. What these children in their desperation do not take into account are the dangers of street life and the many people who are quick to exploit unprotected children… (End of excerpt).

After three years on the street, Gustavo ended up at the YWAM Restoration House in Belo Horizonte where I met him and he immediately secured a special place in my heart.

It’s fun to watch Gustavo working with children in church settings and in outreaches. He is passionate in ministering through drama and is patient with teaching new team members. Gustavo’s English is good enough to help with translating and he has grown in areas of responsibility. As I write this, he is the team leader of our MC group who’ve been ministering at a church camp for the past few days. Gustavo has two dreams – to go to college to study physical education and to run a Restoration House for street kids. We are committed to setting up opportunities for our MC students to be stretched in situations that enlarge their world and help them gain valuable experiences that will prepare them for the call that God has for their lives.

We think that Gustavo is ready for an opportunity to increase his fluency in English and receive training in working with children and youth through a trip to the United States this summer. We would like to bring him with our family in June and have him attend some training conferences and camps while he is there. Richard is in the U.S. now and is working to secure some opportunities for Gustavo – and I’m looking for individuals or groups to help him get there. We need to raise about $2250 for his travel expenses for the summer – less if anyone wants to donate frequent flyer reward miles. We are still trusting God for the finances to bring our family to the U.S. this summer, but we want to believe for Gustavo too. If you would like to help with a donation of money or frequent flyer miles, we’d appreciate whatever God leads you to do. If you would like to hear more of Gustavo’s story and would like to invite him to share at your small group, church or youth group – please let me know so that we can set something up.

Even with the economic crisis, I have already seen God’s faithfulness and provision for our family and our team and I know it’s because His people trust His voice and respond. I pray that God is blessing you in your life, your family and your work and is using everything – even the challenges you’re facing – for His glory as you learn to more perfectly follow Him.

Deus e Fiel – sempre!
God is faithful – always!

Jocelyn

P.S. If you’d like to give a donation for Gustavo through Paypal – simply use the link on this page and leave a comment or email me to insure that it gets credited to his account. If you want to help with our trip (Richard, Jocelyn, Rebekah, Adriana, Sean or Chris) please indicate that too.
If you’d rather send a check – or you have miles to donate, please email me for our mailing address in the U.S.

Are You Trying to Change Your Circumstances?

2009-02-15T02:49:00.001-08:00

Hagar said in reply to the Angel of the Lord, "I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai." Genesis 16:8B

If we seek to change our circumstances by fleeing, we essentially jump from the frying pan right into the fire. The harsh reality is that it is often necessary to our eternal outcomes to learn how to succeed and persevere exactly where we are. It is never a change of climate nor a change of scenery that we need… Nope! It's a change of heart that will ultimately bring us the greatest benefit and blessing.

Our flesh (human nature – base instincts) always wants to run away, but God wants to demonstrate His power and ability for our benefit exactly where and when we are experiencing our greatest need. – Life's disappointments are often His designed appointments.

It's when we come to the end of ourselves, (death to self!) that we can begin with God. It may be humiliating to be forced to return to the place of failure, but that is exactly where His power will enable us to find success. Neither God nor the school teacher forces us to take a year over again if we have passed the examinations, it's only when we have failed must we go back to the beginning.

Manna + Maggots = Uh Oh! … Not A Good Thing!

2009-02-10T13:42:00.001-08:00

For especially non-profit organizations, Master's Commission included, the prolonged effects of the world's economic crisis is not good news at all! For months now, we've been anxiously monitoring the daily news reports with rapid breathing expecting to hear the much awaited announcement, "The Nightmare is Over!" But as each day passes, the nightmare grows more nightmarish (if that is a word) as we recently learned about the massive fraud scheme that instantly ruined the financial portfolios of untold thousands worldwide. – That was definitely not good news at all!

Although I feel all alone, I know I cannot possibly be the only person wondering, "Is God trying to tell us something?" – The reason why you're reading this is because last night at 1:15am I suddenly discovered that I was wide awake mentally rehearsing the Bible's account of God's miraculous daily provision of manna from heaven. (For the complete story read Exodus chapter 16)

"… that I may TEST them"

Of notable interest at this sleepless moment is verse four (4), which reads, 'Then the Lord said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not." – Did you notice that? Bread from heaven… a test to determine whether the Israelites would obey God or not? … hmmmmm, that's very interesting.

If we follow the storyline in verse 16, we'll discover very specific and exact instructions concerning this manna from heaven; 'These are the Lord's instructions: Each household should gather as much as it needs. Pick up two quarts for each person in your tent. V17 So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. V18 But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed. V19 Then Moses told them, "Do not keep any of it until morning."

Apparently this test was not about God's ability to provide as much as it was in the ability of the people to obey. – There are some very concerning parallels that require little effort to imagine. My not-so photogenic mind is recalling a number of other instructions in the Bible that may have a direct correlation to this idea of our obedience towards God, especially when being tested. Take for an example the following;

Matthew 6:33 – "Seek first His kingdom and righteous…." (to see context read verses 25-34)
Luke 12:20 – "You Fool!" Concerning the wealthy farmer who had a challenge storing up all of his abundance. Obviously God didn't agree with his priorities and said to him "You Fool! (I didn't) You will die this very night. …" v21 "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." (NLT)
Luke 12:33-34 – Jesus said, "Sell your possessions and give them to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." (NLT)
Acts 2:44-45 – "Now all who "believed" were together and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need." (to see context read verses 40-47)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us (manna from heaven) all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasures as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life."
Mark 10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him (the rich young man), loved him, and said to him, "There is still one thing you haven't done. Go and sell all your possession and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (to see context read verses 17-31)
Matthew 16:24-26 – Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

The "Maggot" connection?

Returning back to the Israelites' test, it continues in Exodus 16:20, But some of them didn't listen and kept some of it (manna) until morning. But by then it was full of maggots and had a terrible smell. Moses was very angry with them."

THE BOTTOM LINE

Considering what's happening with the current USA economic meltdown, did we (the church) flunk a very important test?

What's Your Reason?

2009-01-30T13:22:00.000-08:00

No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without having behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.” – George Washington Carver

Ministry Reportback 2008 – MCBrasil

2009-01-20T04:15:00.000-08:00

2008 was a year to remember… or for many a year to forget. In several ways our faith was challenged as we dearly missed our daughters, granddaughter, family and friends in the U.S, and along with other Americans, suffered serious financial challenges in both our personal lives and in trying desperately to raise support for the work here. Yet, we are grateful for the sacrificial giving of wonderful family and friends.

We are witnessing young people on our team, who were once on the streets, being transformed into beautiful mature adults, passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and beginning to experience some of their dreams being realized. Our team is back from a Christmas "summer break" in which most had opportunities to minister: Edinho and Everson in Bahia and other locations in the northeast of Brasil, Amanda and Suelem in Rio de Janeiro, Anderson in Suriname, Sidney in Africa and Gustavo and Paulo Vitor serving as volunteers in the Restoration House in Belo Horizonte. We are proud of the many different ways they engaged their training experiences to bless many people in places Jocelyn and I may never travel to.

We are grateful for the continued sacrificial giving of wonderful family and friends. We have come into 2009 with a strong assurance that we will see our expansion goals met as our family continues the adventure of following God with all that we've got. In this new year we'll need your prayers, love and continued support like never before. If you are not already a monthly sponsor, we could sure use your support as we enter a new and exciting expansion phase. - Please be encouraged and join us in praises to God as you read our Ministry Reportback 2008.

The Moore Family

Let's start out by saying, "Whew! We made it through 2008 with our lives intact!" At points we wondered if we'd make it, mostly because of our human emotions and moments that challenged our hearts and faith as never before. Moving to another country by itself is complicated enough, moving to another country to plant a discipleship ministry is complication on steroids. Yet, in spite of all of the difficulties, we discovered the grace and provision of God even greater than the moments when we felt circumstances would swallow us alive.

Our children on the other hand have walked through this transition with amazing resiliency and tenacity. We are proud of how quickly they have adapted to the culture and acquisitioned the language. As parents, we are always concerned about our decisions and how they will impact our children. We would never want to put them in a situation or circumstances that would in any way hinder especially their relationship with God.

For my birthday, our second daughter Aravis who attends college in San Diego wrote a "Tribute to Dad" that blessed us tremendously and helped us put this adventure into a proper context. – She wrote: I hope you know that, while some may call you and Mom's decision to move bad timing (with two daughters in college and two in high school), I think it's the best timing anyone could have hoped for. What better time to demonstrate a willingness to embark on a no-holds-barred, people-think-we're-crazy, this-is-absolutely-the-right-thing-to-do adventure than when your children are on the brink of choosing their own adventure? So, thank you for not using us as an excuse not to do what God was calling you to do. It might have been convenient, but what you've done is so much more valuable to all of us. It's valuable now, when we are still struggling through it, and it will be even more valuable later, when we can say that great things were accomplished because we were willing to let them happen. (Even at the expense of convenience.) Boy, I love how God loves us!

Cultural Realities

We are learning in real-time that the realities of social-economic racism and discrimination are very significant considering the vast majority of residents living in some of the worlds ugliest and most dangerous slums are of African descent… in other words, they're black!

Although the typical Brazilian would argue the issue of racism and discrimination, mostly based on their personal feelings regarding race and ethnicity, the overwhelming fact is clear that these social ills exist in abundance despite their denials. And it would take less than 30-seconds to prove the point. We need to simply look around. Who are the people driving cars and who are pulling recycle carts through the streets? Who are sitting in offices and who are sweeping the streets for less than $2 a day? – Advertising billboards silently remind people at every glance what "skin tone" is most the important. Take a peek into any restaurant and you'll almost never see a "black" couple enjoying the savors of Brazilian cuisine. That is simply the reality that we are learning to work in.

And what makes this work such a daunting task is the fact that because of these social-economic realities, the social classes will not mingle (literally), particularly in social settings, including and especially at church. Hang onto your hat, but where it has been attempted, middle-class church members have been known to emphatically state that their children "will not", under any circumstances participate in ministry programs with children from the poorer communities. – Sad… but reality. And in many instances, the cultural mindset of many leaders in ministry supports this kind of social segregation. No, they're not "bad" people. It's just that it's been the normal standard for decades, and Brasilians are not known to fight for issues of social justice. So, if you happen to be among the "haves" opposed to the "have nots", everything is wonderful. "Hey, what's the problem? Life is good."

So, our ministry challenge among the poor is huge, because as we often wonder amongst ourselves, "Who's church are we going to invite these people to?" - That is a huge part of our daily reality. Ministering to people by the hundreds is not hard at all… it's getting them into a healthy church where they can be nurtured and cared for is more the dilemma. – There are millions of children growing up in Brasil who have not only the curse of poverty to contend with, but the fact that they are Black makes their likelihood of escaping the cycles of dysfunction even more impossible. Trying to build a bridge for the church is a huge and daunting task that we believe God will not let us fail. (Note: obviously a huge concern for your prayers.)

MCBrasil Students

Our hope and confidence continues to be inspired whenever we see our students. They are enjoying wonderful growth in every area for which we credit them learning how to apply to their lives both personal and spiritual disciplines. Most of the Brasilian students have very difficult and in some instances tragic stories to tell about their childhood and teenage years. The social-economic conditions that exist here are brutal and unforgiving. In almost every case, these young people, barely in their twenties, have seen and experienced far more than we could ever imagine. The realities of their world are very different than most people living in the USA.

But in spite of the harsh realities of being born and raised in Brasilian slums, every one of our students have worked hard and are enjoying the benefits of their efforts, especially in the area of learning English. In addition to their personal and spiritual development, their ability to apprehend English will be the difference maker for their future lives.

Enhanced Partnership Expansion

And as a direct result of our student's success, we are now enjoying the opportunity to enter into the next phase of our planned expansion for Master's Commission in Brasil. This next phase which has already begun reflects our efforts over the last three years to identify and unite the best practices of at least two other distinct ministry organizations for the benefit of discipling and training young adults. As will be published soon in a new website, we have embarked upon a powerful partnership in Belo Horizonte, a city of 6 million people, combining some of the most effective strategies involving discipleship, mercy ministries, cell group ministry, and leadership principles. We have now permanently repositioned part of the team to Belo Horizonte for this exciting expansion phase. A second move with the rest of the team will be completed in the next six months.

We have the distinct honor of being the lead architects of this project which intentionally focuses on the total outcomes of every student's discipleship and training experience. This intentional focus inherently forces the total partnership to re-think its training strategies and priorities, by placing a greater value on the intended outcomes for every student.

Jocelyn and I were recently evaluating the curriculum of all three organizations and are very impressed by the quality of the total combined curriculum's. Talking with other friends in ministry, we don't know of another project of its kind. The outcomes promise to be powerful and life changing.

Immigration and Visas

Unfortunately as the USA's international relations in many countries continue to become more complicated as each day passes, so does the processes and requirements for bringing American students to Brasil for long term training. We have discovered that the immigration processes faced by Americans are not universally applied to other nations. For an example: we have a student from Canada who was processed with the same exact documents in less than seven (7) days, while the process for our American students has in some cases dragged on for seven months. As you might imagine this is extremely frustrating and disheartening for most young people. Because of this we have lost several students.

To address this difficulty, we have tried several different angles to engage senior consulate diplomats in order to highlight our history and involvement with Brasil, especially with former street children and the number of young people who have been able to spend two-years in the United States with us. – Every Brasilian with knowledge of immigration procedures all agree that our argument for relaxed visa standards is certainly worthy of notice.

Recently our own Congressman, Dan Lungren has graciously agreed to assist our efforts to engage the office of our US Ambassador to Brasil to help us find a permanent solution to our immigration and visa needs. In my email request to the congressman, I stated that we believe it is necessary to knock on the front doors of senior Brasilian diplomats requesting their assistance. Half joking, I suggested we knock first on the front door of Brasil's President Lula. (Hey, it doesn't hurt to ask!)

Wishful Thinking

Some "Wishful Thinking" ways that could dramatically change our day-to-day needs would be for MCBrasil to purchase two-homes or as many apartment units as possible that would serve as student housing and two VW 12-passenger vans. With housing and transportation being the greatest day-to-day ministry expenses, we would like to see a major miracle in these areas. A suitable 3-4 bedroom home would cost approximately US$80,000. – A moderately used VW van will cost approximately US$15,000.

Our Greatest Immediate Needs

In light of the global economic crisis, our greatest needs continue to be adequate funding and monthly support. This is especially difficult in the face of wonderful successes in almost every area. We continue to make significant progress with our discipleship strategies and ministry outcomes… and we are really excited and grateful for the many areas we can point to as successes. But, trying to gain ground fiscally continues to be a booger, especially since the global crisis has hit full blossom.

We are desperate for your continued prayers, replies to emails, and posted blog comments. Please don't stop. But, we are equally desperate for you to make a continued sacrifice of your financial gifts, even if it can be as little as $25 a month, especially in a country where the exchange rate is greater than a 2-to-1 ratio. Your $25 dollar gift becomes more than $55 in Brasil's currency. Now that's putting your money to good use!

You wonderful financial gifts can be mailed to: MCUMI, Inc. - PO Box 279512 - Sacramento, CA 95827-9512

Or you can give securely online using PayPal by visiting our website's Donate Now page. It's just that easy.

With your prayers and continued sacrificial giving 2009 promises to be a very good year in spite of the economic crisis. Any way we look at the challenge, God is still in control.

With our love and appreciation,

Richard and Jocelyn Moore - Master's Commission Brasil

An Economic Tsunami

2009-01-04T04:15:00.000-08:00

With the global economic crisis systematically impacting every nation on the planet as though it were a tsunami, as believers we somehow must maintain a sure and confident trust that our God is still in control. And with that confidence comes the requirement to express our trust through our actions. And believe me, as a ministry that relies on the generous and sacrificial giving of others, that is way easier to say than it is to do day in and day out.

Our FAITH is EVIDENCED by our ACTIONS
Speaking of faith, we are reminded in James chapter two; "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. .... You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did."

As the economic crisis continues to unravel the world, our faith in God must be evidenced in our actions that prove we know Who it is we believe. - Even with everything going on.... He is still God! And we are thankful for the wonderful friends who express their faith through their generous actions of love, support and encouragement.

Come and Suffer

2008-12-28T01:39:00.001-08:00

"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. … that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death." – Philippians 3:7, 10

The Apostle Paul wrote these thoughts in his letter to the Philippian believers after first reconciling in his own life the value of his personal accomplishments and pedigree (see Philippians 3:3-6). As far as wealth, status, position, education… and anything else the world could offer, he was DOA (Dead On Arrival). And he didn't only arrive at this conclusion simply by spiritual exercise, for in verse seven it states that he "counted" or in another translation, "considered" carefully the value and benefit of all of his options. In this context, both words, "counted" and "considered" are rooted in accounting terminology meaning to reconcile, to think through carefully or to reflect on.

Essentially Paul consciously worked through a process of evaluation and comparison between those things offered by the world and a system of institutional religion (he was formerly a Pharisee), against what he had been given in the opportunity and experience of knowing Christ. And as a result, with completely no doubt whatsoever, he eagerly flung those things into the loss column. For the Apostle Paul, he in effect arrived at a point in his life where nothing else mattered. Having and knowing Christ as his Savior and Lord greatly surpassed anything that he could ever own, experience or know through his former life in organized religion. The box was no longer capable of containing his passionate desire to live and die for a cause and a purpose greater than himself. The comparisons would never, even through eternity, balance out or become equal.

"…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to this death." – Paul already knew Christ as his Savior. But now he wanted to know Him more intimately as his Lord. "To know" means to know by experience.

This craving and desperate longing in Paul's life would never be satisfied through the mere attendance of religious services or the adherence to prescribed social, cultural or pious behaviors and norms… he was way beyond any of those things. He was way past the point of return in his devotion and commitment to serving and knowing Christ. In essence, the Apostle Paul's personal mission statement could very well have read; "I want to do something with my life that will cost me something in the way of personal sacrifice. For I cannot and will not live to merely exist."

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." – Philippians 1:21

The Right Reason for the Season

2008-12-22T09:58:00.001-08:00

The reason for this season is sometimes (ok…often) misunderstood. Often we misunderstand the true meaning of the holidays to be kindness, creating joy for others and having faith! But the greater motivation for this holiday season is LOVE! For as we are told in the bible, that God loved the world (the people in it) so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him (Jesus) will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NLT)

The holiday season isn't really about "presents"…it's about "presence"! Make no mistake, great gifts are those things that make people feel loved…a hand written note, letting go of resentments and taking the time to have fun making cookies with the kids, being extra kind in daily routines, watching a family movie, laughing together, playing a board game or just putting your life on hold for a moment to listen and have a fun conversation with those you love.

Those are no doubt great gifts. Those kinds of gifts will last in our memories for a lifetime…they are gifts from the heart. But the real reason for the season will always be about the greatest gift ever given… the gift of life. A gift of eternal life can only be given and received through God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

So as we go through the joys of both giving and receiving gifts that reflect our relationships here on earth, let's not forget to share the greatest gift that can ever be given… the gift of eternal life.

The Reason for the Season… God's wonderful gift to us, Eternal life through his Son Jesus Christ.

“Please, don’t come here for Christmas.”

2008-12-14T05:34:00.001-08:00

Paulo Vitor, affectionately called, "PV" by his Master's Commission Brasil teammates has spent the last two and a half days in the hospital after suffering through a series of epileptic seizures within a very short period of time. Friday evening alone he suffered a total of four seizures; the same night of MC's annual Christmas party that signaled the official winter break offering three weeks of freedom.

At a tender eight years old, Paulo Vitor was left at the front door of a restoration home for street boys and has not seen anyone in his family since. He has struggled with self-worth and believed that the color of his skin and his background were impossible barriers to overcome. Now at 23 he continues to work hard at overcoming the insurmountable social and cultural realities that demand he stays in his social class based only on the fact that he was born in a slum and the color of his skin.

As the time grew closer for the Christmas break, Paulo Vitor with anxious excitement told everyone who would listen he was going to visit his auntie that he had not seen since he was a small child. Finally, he thought, there was a connection to family.

Paulo Vitor's episodes of seizures began this past Tuesday and are being credited to hearing from his only known relative, "Please don't come here for Christmas." – As he received this disappointing news, Paulo Vitor weeping bitterly dropped the cell phone as he slumped to the floor. "I've known 'PV' for twelve years growing up together in the Restoration House", said Sidney Pereira. "Never have I seen him cry; not once", he continued after holding "PV" with brotherly affection while he wept uncontrollably.

Paulo Vitor's life is a story of rejection and abandonment if not for the compassionate ministry of Youth With A Mission – Belo Horizonte. Few people doubt Paulo Vitor would still be alive today if not for YWAM. – Another miracle in itself is the fact that he is now in the Master's Commission Brasil ministry training.

Paulo Vitor's" life would be an extremely more difficult and miserable story to tell if not for the faithful support of people committed to the spiritual development of young adults. It would be far more complicated than simply helping him work through the present disappointment of hearing, "Please don't come here for Christmas". – In spite of the odds working against him, Paulo Vitor is learning how to believe God has a great plan for his life. He has earned the respect of his peers for his consistent walk with the Lord, his diligence to every task and assignment and has grown tremendously in confidence and relationships.

With the Lord's help Paulo Vitor is going to work his way through this disappointment as he has already worked through others. But it makes a tremendous difference when friends like you take it upon yourself to actively participate in another person's life. The difference in Paulo Vitor's life has been you. Will you continue to give so that Paulo Vitor and others like him will have the opportunity of escaping the complex realities of not only being born in poverty, but born in a society and culture where being Black automatically works against you? Please continue to send your financial support to MCUMI Brasil – PO BOX 279512 – Sacramento, CA 95827-9512 or DONATE NOW using Pay Pal's secure on line service. The difference is a life transformed.

Metal Chairs, Clocks and ..... Cups of Starbucks

2008-12-12T05:05:00.000-08:00

As I visit each of our Master’s Commissions teams strategically scattered throughout the city, a recurring comment that I’m hearing from many students are, “I’ve never been in such a powerful church service before in my life… we worshiped God for over two-hours!” For many, especially our first-year students, this is their initial experience at being swept up in the awesome presence of God.

Wryly, many believers conscious of time and comfort, cringe when missionaries visit and recite the “almost” exaggerated tells of believers walking several miles to church and then staying for hours on end; …“How is that even possible?” some have been heard quietly asking. Our MC students are learning firsthand that some of the missionary accounts of spirit filled revivals are actually true indeed.

In the short time that we’ve been in Brazil, we are experiencing worship services with a people who are hungry, desperate and passionate for God’s presence. These people show up for church early and the first things they forget about are the metal chairs and the clock. It’s as though they get lost in the Presence of God… finding everything they need in “He is!”

It’s an amazing thing how people in third world countries keep it real simple. Obviously they aren’t distracted as we are by the countless “benefits” of affluence and comfort that seemingly keep us pretty occupied with, let’s just say... “self” among other things. Nor will you find anyone walking in the door with a designer's cup of “Latte” from Starbucks.

So, “WHAT IF” we replaced our cushy seats with metal chairs and checked our watches at the doors?

… Hey, its’ just a thought.

Finding the “emotional” override button

2008-12-11T10:33:00.001-08:00

(Especially for Pr. Josh, Bruce, Margaret, Janel, Jamie and Yinka)

"We went ashore, found the local believers, and stayed with them a week. These disciples prophesied through the Holy Spirit that Paul should not go on to Jerusalem." – Acts 21:4

The phrase "through the Spirit" actually means that the disciples knew through the Spirit that Paul would suffer when he returned to Jerusalem; therefore as a result being (emotionally) concerned for his safety they tried to dissuade him from going. – It's a frustrating reality to admit that difficult and challenging experiences in life are always being processed (non-stop) and filtered through our emotional sensors, which directly affects our ability to engage and activate faith and obedience. Lots of fun, huh?

I've seen this way too often even in my own life. It isn't helped by the fact that we live in a religious culture with incredibly low thresholds for difficulty. Strap on its twin, "the prosperity movement", and we get a zero tolerance for any degree of difficulty. As a result, at the first sign of trouble every possible measure to avoid difficulty is engaged, except of course for being still, realizing that God is still.... God.

We all have that normal tendency to refuse to believe God could or even would allow such things to occur in a person's life. No way! Most "believers" have never heard of such a thing before…. certainly not at church. But if that's true, how then can we account for Romans 5:3 where the Apostle Paul tells us that we can glory in our tribulations?

Obviously there is an upside to our emotions that play greatly in our day to day relationships, i.e. marriage, family, birth, death, loved ones, etc. Our emotions being created by God, are essential to our day to day living, but when it's not very much fun, the apparent "OVERRIDE" factor comes from our ability to directly hear the voice of God speaking to our hearts.

The OVERRIDE Button

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." – Philippians 4:7 clearly indicates that our feelings (emotions) are subject (subordinate) to the Spirit of God living within us, but also to the will of God. – Now having said all of that, the entire process for obtaining visas is beyond frustrating. Emotionally it is incredibly draining finding ways to keep young people who believe they trust and are following God from becoming emotionally overwhelmed and end up quitting. It has already happened more than I care to re-visit.

At moments my own emotions encourage me, "Quit! Forget it! It's not going to happen!", but then I see them working hard to hear God's voice, to activate real expressions of faith and obedience and they are convinced that God has spoken to their hearts as they continue to stand strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. – Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is totally not possible to please God, and that God rewards those people who are diligently seeking Him. As for my crew that is still waiting for the visas, my question to God is, "Are they not diligently seeking You?" - I've just pressed my "emotional" override button!

Prosperity: "A Key to Wealth"

2008-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

“… where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.” – Acts 14:22 NLT

What we see here is that the discipleship training given by Paul and Barnabas very specifically included some rather harsh realities that we don’t often hear about in our post modern Christianity. There is no doubt whatsoever that their preaching embraced a message of prosperity and blessing; the difference however, is that their message of prosperity was accurately founded in the context of eternity, opposed to what so many “believers” are being fed these days, “prosperity in the context of birth and death while living on this planet.

Today’s definition of Christian prosperity lands frighteningly close to the adage which proclaims, “He who dies with the most toys wins”, which if we’re honest, we know isn’t true at all. In fact, these two realities of “prosperity” are not even found in the same universe. So that’s probably why Paul and Barnabas were not in the least shy to stress to the new believer’s understanding, “they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.” – Geepers! That doesn’t sound very nice at all. Why did they need to add such unwelcome news to the New Believers Class? Ouch!#@$!&^*! – Why didn’t they just come right out and say, “He who dies with the most toys just might end up loosing and become a likely candidate go to hell”? How’s that for being blunt?

But, let me briefly argue my point. I don’t think that it was so much that Paul and Barnabas were insisting that we must enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations as a result of their own perverted reasons for wanting to see Christians suffer. Golly, that was hardly the case at all. What I suspect they were saying was that not only must we enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations, but that we should actually expect and anticipate tribulation and persecution as a normal and essential component in our journey of faith. – If anyone knew what they were talking about, certainly the Apostle Paul did.

The misnomer is caused as we have redefined the description of prosperity to mean; the condition of being successful or thriving; especially economic well-being; which works fine for those outside of the body of Christ, but creates enormous conflict for those of us trying to live for God. Prosperity defined in Paul and Barnabas’ new believer’s class actually had very little to do with a person’s title on their door, six-digit incomes, multimillion dollar suburban tents with large screen TV's and camels with turbo prop enginess strapped to the rear hump.

The prosperity taught by Paul and Barnabas was about intimacy with God and being aligned with His purposes and will for one’s life… and that included suffering, personal cost and sacrifice (aka: “many tribulations”). What we see in this passage is that Paul and Barnabas correctly taught that “kingdom people” will experience trials, suffering and not always an instant victory. God did not promise a life without struggle. In truth, this text reminds us that victory only comes through battle, and triumph only follows trials.

And “many tribulations” is not because God doesn’t want us to have stuff; Jesus already explained in Matthew 6:32 that God already knows about our need for stuff. But instead, in His sovereign will and wisdom, it has been so appointed that we enter the kingdom of God through many tribulations. The truth be told, there is no remedy for this appointment, the matter is already fixed and cannot be altered. It is a part of God’s sovereign plan that has already determined that for all who would live godly in Christ Jesus, would experience tribulation. But why? Why is that necessary? That’s probably the most essential question to be answered if the church in America has any hope to right its current course of self-absorbed preoccupation with none other than itself.

With the current message of prosperity, what’s being left out is the part about a disciple's responsibility to take up their cross daily. When we signed up to live for Christ these were the terms that we agreed on; when we sat down and counted the cost, it was a part of the deal. The difference is, Paul and Barnabas told their disciples up front about this requirement…. many Christians in the USA have yet to be told that their experience in Christ will by necessity include many tribulations.

And it doesn’t matter what rank you’re entitled to in the body of Christ, it is the reality of both leaders as well as the soldiers in Christ’s army to experience many tribulations in their journey through this earthly life. Paul even reminds us in his letter to the Thessalonians when he wrote: “so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4. – And, let us not forget that our own Savior did not expect from the apostles any harder service than what He himself experienced, and neither did the apostles expect from the early believers.

Concerning prosperity, the rest of the story that desperately needs to be told is that it is entirely true that we must count upon many tribulations, with the encouragement that proclaims we will get through it. A balanced view on prosperity will proclaim that our tribulations are a type of Red Sea, and that the Lord will open a way through it, for us to pass over.

Prosperity in the context of eternity allows for Christians to go down into trouble, but because of our God, we will come up again. We shall not only get through it, but get through it into the kingdom of God, which is of a much higher priority and value than merely being blessed in the abundance of material stuff, safety and comfort. – The truth is “many tribulations” have more to do with the reshaping and redefining of our character which determines the outcomes of our eternity. – I think from an eternal perspective, God actually knows what He’s doing by allowing us to experience “many tribulations”. Isn’t it about time we adjust our program to His?

More Money Won’t Fix The REAL Problem!

2008-12-04T03:22:00.000-08:00

When traveling through a developing country like Brasil some things quickly become very obvious; as an example, with the enormous social problems that exist, the simplest answer foreigners think of first is "more money!" Over the years I have painfully learned that although more money would be good, it definitely won't fix the problem.

More money would definitely help the thousands upon thousands of children living homeless on the streets; begging, stealing, robbing and prostituting themselves for enough spare change to buy their next meal… but ultimately it still truly won't fix the problem.

More money could definitely help change out the dirt floors and add some glass to the square holes that are supposed to be windows where millions of families call home. More money would probably put some essential furniture in the house too, like real mattresses and blankets, running water and electricity that's not stolen from nearby power lines… but ultimately it really won't fix the problem.

Americans should already know,… more money really won't fix the problem.

Sad to say, but the material possessions Americans consider lack and poverty would be considered great wealth too many people living in third world scenarios. But even if we could give away all the extra "junk" tucked away in our garages and rented storage units, it still won't fix the problem.

"Well, what will fix the problem?" you might ask. "What's the point?" - My point is simply this, Brasil like any other country needs a spiritual awakening to God's call to be holy and blameless. And right now, all over the world we are seeing people who are hungry and desperate not for more money or more "stuff"… but for what's real and lasting. With a lot of "stuff" in the way, it's hard to see, but nonetheless, an exciting revival is taking place in some of the most unlikely and impoverished countries around the world.

With a firsthand view we are seeing people laboring hard to change their social and economic conditions… but we also see literally thousands who are coming into a true knowledge of their need for God's love and forgiveness that is bringing a genuine and lasting prosperity that money will never be able to buy.

For a lot of Brasilians, the real issue is way beyond economic bankruptcy. A casual glance at the history of Brasil would quickly reveal the spiritual breaches and social comprises that have ultimately lead to poverty and bondage of every imaginable sort. The only true answer is to return to God.

But here is my main point: "Regardless the incredible wealth of the USA, because of our spiritual breaches and moral-social comprises, are we too headed into poverty and bondage of every sort? Money obviously does not make people love God more… we of all people should already know that.

Thankful Even Without the Dinner

2008-11-26T01:09:00.001-08:00

We wish the best for you and your loved one during this holiday season, in spite of the difficulties and challenges brought on by the global economic crisis. Every day we are forced to see the grim realities of extreme poverty and a very ugly social class system that works only for a select few. This serves for us as a reminder of how blessed we truly are, even without my momma's cornbread dressing, sweet potato pie and her "secret sauce" gravy.

We are going to do our best to fake a Thanksgiving dinner, but it's really hard when Jocelyn can't find most of what we need to create the feast, which includes finding a turkey that's bigger than a chicken. No kiddin, every turkey we've seen my six-year old granddaughter, Sadye, can tuck in the fold of her arm like a football and sprint like an NFL running back. Speaking of NFL and footballs, there won't be any Thanksgiving Day football games either. – (They didn't even broadcast the Super Bowl down here, good luck with tomorrow.)

But please don't be dismayed as you gnaw on all of that scrumptious food tomorrow; we're going to be ok. Even if it is our second Thanksgiving Dinner we'll taste from afar, we really are thankful. We're thankful because still in the face of tremendous economic challenges, we know God's faithfulness and His promise to provide. We don't know how, but we know that He will. We're thankful because He continues to reassure us that even if we have to miss tomorrow's great feast, we're still exactly where He has told us to be…. and that feels great. (Hungry… but great.)

So please don't feel sorry for us, we are tremendously grateful to God and for our precious family and friends like you. – But just in case you're wondering, "Yes, you can Fed Ex us a sweet potato pie. Send me an email if you need to call my momma."

Crunch! $@%$#!, BANG, OUCH!!!!

2008-11-24T04:21:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It is an amazingly surreal experience witnessing the economic crisis happening right before our eyes. Yesterday, almost stunned as we try to stay on top of the news, I asked Jocelyn, "How are we supposed to specifically pray regarding this crisis?" – Obviously there are countless millions of people worldwide crying out, "Oh God save us!", as their personal finances get dismantled right before their eyes. Let's pray and believe that the salvation of millions will come as a result of this crisis.

Here in Brasil, we too are experiencing the brutal crunch of the economic crisis and desperately need you to know that your prayers and financial support make a difference here too, especially for our students and the children they are serving every day. As the world continues to deal with this economic crisis, please bear in mind that we still need your generous help…. in a huge way!

We are praying earnestly that we can continue to count on your sacrificial and generous support for the important work being done here in Brasil. Your gifts can be mailed to:

MCUMI Attn: MCBrasil – PO Box 279512 – Sacramento, CA 95827-9512

Or click here to give securely online through PayPal - http://children-mcbrasil.org/mcbrasil/donate.htm

Blessings as you give,Richard & Jocelyn Moore

Feliz Aniversário

2008-11-22T16:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I wish I could be there in Brazil for the wild party I know you're going to have.

I hope you know that, while some may call you and Mom's decision to move bad timing (with two daughters in college and two in high school), I think it's the best timing anyone could have hoped for. What better time to demonstrate a willingness to embark on a no-holds-barred, people-think-we're-crazy, this-is-absolutely-the-right-thing-to-do adventure than when your children are on the brink of choosing their own adventure?

So, thank you for not using us as an excuse not to do what God was calling you to do. It might have been convenient, but what you've done is so much more valuable to all of us. It's valuable now, when we are still struggling through it, and it will be even more valuable later, when we can say that great things were accomplished because we were willing to let them happen. (Even at the expense of convenience.)

I love you! I pray that this year is as full of surprises and leaps of faith as the previous 52 have been.

Love, Aravis (the favorite second daughter)

We’re Interrupting Their Dysfunction

2008-11-02T16:26:00.001-08:00

So what's the point? Is it to prove that Brazilians are racists and segregationist? Nope! That's not the point. The point is that millions of children growing up in Brasilian slums have not only the curse of poverty to contend with, but the fact that they are Black makes their likelihood of escaping the cycles of dysfunction even more impossible, if not for God. And that's where Crianças com uma Promessa is working to make a difference.

Through the Crianças com uma Promessa program, we are working to transform the lives of children in the poorest communities of Brasil. Our focus on helping children transcend the cycles of limited opportunity is accomplished through developing them into morally grounded, English speaking, and academically accomplished young adults. The fact that they are Black is inconsequential to our commitment to working with the poorest children in the Brazil… we'd do the same if they were all white children; but the reality is that they're not. And we are attempting to describe this social reality with you because we desperately need your help and the willingness to acknowledge that our world is filled with historical proof that racism is real; and that together for these children we can make a difference.

A Strategy that Equalizes

A central part of the Crianças com uma Promessa program provides children the opportunity to learn English from our native speaking interns. These are children who without a solid education or college degree are destined to repeat the cruel cycles of poverty and dysfunction associated with poor communities. We believe that by learning English children will be able to take advantage of surging employment opportunities through their ability to speak English as a second language.

Our Focus is Children and Youth… Not Moola!

2008-10-27T02:02:00.001-07:00

Late one evening D.L. Moody, the American evangelist of the 1800's, arrived home from speaking at a meeting. Emma, his wife, was already asleep. As her exhausted husband climbed into bed, she rolled over and murmured, "So how did it go tonight?"

"Pretty well," he replied. "Two and a half converts." – His wife laid silently for a moment pondering this response, then finally smiled. "That's sweet," she relied. "How old was the child?" "No, no, no," Moody answered. "It was two children and one adult! The children have their whole lives in front of them. The adult's life is already half-gone."

That brief conversation over 100 years ago between Mr. and Mrs. Moody has today become even more true when we consider the fact that fully half the world, and especially in developing countries like Brasil, are children and teenagers. – So logically, our ministry focus remains to be on Children and Youth. And what makes our focus all the more urgent is that mission's research continues to prove that almost two-thirds of the people who give their lives to Christ do so before the age of eighteen year old. Saying it differently; thirteen out of every twenty Christians accepted Christ as their Savior when they were a child or teen.

With your help, we will continue to focus our ministry on children and youth. As far as the money is concerned,… and it is a very necessary concern, we will trust you as partners and supporters to continue making investments in the lives of children and youth by your generous monthly gifts. As a ministry team it's really difficult to focus on children, youth and money. I guess that's why we're called "partners". Your part enables us to do our part. And there you have "partners". - Thank you for being a wonderful partner that we can count on to help us do our part with ministry to children and youth.

To learn more about our ministry to children and youth, visit our new website at http://children-brasil.org

Please,... not too much of Jesus!

2008-10-17T14:28:00.001-07:00

This global economic crisis is possibly serving as a very good litmus test gauging the depth and sincerity of countless Christian's living in America. In fact, it's ironic that our currency continues to proclaim, "In God We Trust" – Oh, really?

Last year our dear friends, Greg and Alba Perkins gave me a copy of the book "Good to Great in God's Eyes", by Chip Ingram. Great read! I highly recommend it. – I've been recently going through my second reading and was recaptured with his comments as he wrote, "The Dream Will Cost Your Life". As I re-read the section several times I thought this could be a tremendous encouragement to a wonderful bunch of people, (that would be you) that we love and care for deeply. - This crisis facing our nation can actually be one of the greatest opportunities for us, the church, to show ourselves strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. – Are you ready to receive a different dream? – Enjoy Chip's comments.

"The Dream Will Cost Your Life"

Imagine how futile and ridiculous the ministry of Jesus looked as he hung on the cross – a preacher who didn't exactly find success; a miracle worker who suddenly couldn't work a miracle; a loser of epic proportions. But Jesus had said that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains only a single seed. If it dies, however, it brings forth much fruit (John 12:24). The dream, it seems, will cost us our life.

This is one reason that most of us don't want God's dream. The dream will cost us our life and appear to others as the height of folly just before God accomplishes the impossible through us. There will be a time in the process of God fulfilling his dream placed in your heart when he will take you all the way to the edge, and you must die. (Sound familiar?)

Every dream passes through the cross. Every dream takes you to where you let go of everything and everyone, every agenda and expectation, and then it is only as the Lord resurrects you and your dream that you can go on.

We spend much of our time and energy trying to avoid that place. We want just enough of Jesus to make us happy, just enough to give us peace, and just enough to make things go our way to fulfill our dreams and our agenda. Meanwhile, he wants to take us to the cross, where our own selfish dreams, egos, and plans for "great accomplishments" have to die. The cross brings you to a place of total and absolute surrender to all you have and all you are. You submit everything in obedience to the vision or dream God has given you for your life.

Scripture and history are replete with examples: Martin Luther and other early Reformers refused to recant their convictions even when their lives were at stake. In the early days of modern missions, missionaries packed their belongings in a coffin because the likelihood of returning to their homeland alive was very slim. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who stood for truth (and died for it) in Nazi Germany, said that "when God calls a man, he bids him come and die." Embracing God-given dreams means sacrificing the self-inspired dreams, and that's usually a painful exchange. But the benefits always outweigh the costs.

There can be no resurrection without death. It isn't fun, but it's necessary. If you don't die to yourself, then you'll operate out of your natural talents and gifts, and you'll gladly receive the praise for being smart, savvy, and hyperspiritual. That's not the goal. The goal is that God be glorified in your life by doing something impossible through someone improbable like you.

A "Civil Rights Act" with the Apostle Peter

2008-10-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

We continue to sort through strategies for developing effective ministry initiatives in a country with literally two different worlds; the rich and the poor, which live side-by-side, yet somehow manages to maintain an ability to function on completely different sides of the planet (socially and economically). It is very fascinating to study, but even more frustrating to understand; especially understanding people who are vocationally in "ministry". They make staying on their side of the cultural wall look way too easy… almost effortlessly.

During my daily devotions I was pleasantly surprised to learn how the Lord addressed this issue of racial and cultural segregation. It was a very direct approach and didn’t require much legislation or dialogue because it was an issue of the heart... and that is exactly where God went with the Apostle Peter… a direct hit to the heart.

In Acts chapter 10 (please read the whole chapter) Peter explains to Cornelius and his guests, “Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?". – And so in Peter’s life the issue of race and segregation was immediately and eternally resolved. It was just that simple! Bam! The Lord said it and that was that! The argument was completely over.

Unfortunately this bit of news has not made its way as far as Brasil… at least not yet. And I honestly wonder has it really been understood in the United States. You see, for Peter this was not a thought or an idea that he somehow stumbled upon; and he didn’t hear it at a church growth conference or read it in a book on effective leadership. For Peter, this was nothing short of a divine revelation that caused an incredible collision at the core of his social, political and religious DNA. – This revelation hit at the extreme core of who he was as a person.

This revelation by way did not occur on the back side of a civil rights movement of any sorts; it did not come as a result of lawmakers or the actions of political-social groups… in other words, it wasn’t created because the social climate had become such that it only made sense to “switch over”. No! This was by divine revelation from God, which leads to my point: how many pastors, missionaries and post modern religious leaders currently in pursuit of growing multicultural ministries are doing it in response to a direct and personal revelation concerning the value of man; regardless their color, race or ethnicity? If not by revelation, then what are their motives?

How many of today's current church leaders have had the core of their cultural beliefs severely shattered and humbled by a divine revelation similar to the Apostle Peter? - Maybe that’s the reason why the church in Brasil has not yet been able to successfully bridge the deep social-economic canyon that exists today. In the United States, where it is currently fashionable to grow a “multicultural” church; for those who have yet to receive a divine revelation, what could their motivations possibly be? It certainly cannot be because it is the fashionable thing to do… can it?

You don’t know either… do you?

2008-10-09T03:38:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I am perplexed and even a little unsure concerning the tons of stuff being written about how to be a strong and effective leader; apparently being led by the Spirit isn't good enough. – As I was doing my daily devotions this morning in Acts chapter 10, I was continuing my observations on Peter's experience with the sheet like thing, bound at the four corners, floating down to earth with all kinds of four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things and birds of the air that were in it (I wonder when it says "wild beasts" did that include a big hairy gorilla?).

I found it really interesting that verse 19-20 says, "While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." – I was really happy to learn that just like me, Peter didn't have a clue what was going on. As he stood on the roof of the house trying to figure out what this weird vision meant, unknowing to him God was causing the vision to unfold underneath him as the three men sent by Cornelius were literally knocking on the front door. Peter didn't have a clue what was going on! – Ha! Ha! Ha! … That is hilarious to me! Here we have one of the greatest leaders in the history of our New Testament, and he hadn't figured it all out yet. How come no one writes a book about this kind of leadership?

Apparently from at least God's point of view, for Peter to be an effective leader:

a) It was not a prerequisite or requirement for Peter to have figured it all out. God was somehow in control of the situation regardless how little Peter understood at the moment.

b) God's sovereign plan called for Peter to figure this out one step at time. That's probably because like many of us, it would have been a disaster for Peter to have received a complete blueprint of where the Lord was heading with this vision. Knowing Peter's personality had he a set of blueprints he was way good to go. See ya!

c) It was going to be necessary for Peter to be well outside his cultural and social box to understand this vision. Verse 14 exposes the religious-social box Peter was already in when he replied concerning the vision, "Not so, Lord! For I have never and will never eat anything common or unclean!" – God was doing something new, but Peter needed to be ready to abandon the traditions and norms he had forever embraced.

d) He was going to learn how to be ok with being "surprised" by what the Lord may at any time require.

e) He only needed to "go with the flow" of the Holy Spirit, especially when in verse 20 he was told, "So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." - He was not being asked in the moment whether or not he understood; he was given a set of instructions to engage with faith and obedience.

Now here's my application to us; many believe that just like this moment in history when God was preparing to do something profound in Peter's world, we are once again at a significant moment where God is about to blow our minds with a supernatural change of direction for the church. Something is about to happen, many people will agree on that point. But I am wondering about today's "leaders" and heads of denominations; are we willing to move forward not knowing what's going to happen next? We've got so many organizations with high-tech models and finely tuned strategies for "church" growth, why do we need to bother the Lord? After all we have the benefit of church history to our advantage. Thanks to modern technology we've been able to analyze all of the data and figure it all out. Unlike Peter in verse 20, we have no doubts about where we're going.

Uhhhh, personally I don't know if I'm good with that. As a "leader" I don't always feel so smart, and certainly there is more that I don't know than what I do know. There's no doubt that the Lord has spoken to me in dreams and visions; that's not the issue. Whether or not I'm supposed to figure it all out first in order to be qualified as a leader is more the issue. In other words, can I as a "leader" continue to move forward not knowing everything that people think I should know? – History shows that Peter was an effective leader, not because he had figured everything out, but because he was able to be led by the Holy Spirit who, believe it or not already had a complete plan in place. The issue was whether or not Peter was going to flow with it. – How are you flowing as a "leader"? Come on, be honest with me… you don't really have a clue either, do you? – Ha! Ha! Ha!

There is ALWAYS a more difficult perspective

2008-10-07T04:11:00.001-07:00

While living away from "home" on the missions field, it has become a tremendous challenge to watch our $25 to $50 monthly sponsors dissipate as the US economy continues to take its toll on who politicians have tagged "Main Street" Americans (Why does that label not feel right?). - For you as well as ourselves, we are praying and hoping there will soon be an end to the difficult tailspin affecting so many families.

With that said, here in Brasil we are reminded daily that as difficult as it is in the USA, there's always a more difficult perspective of reality. For example, we can walk less than 90 seconds up our street and find people living in conditions that virtually still don't exist in the United States. We can walk about 7-minutes and find ourselves in the middle of a slum settlement resting in the shadows of a luxury mall that I can guarantee is not visited by the populace of this slum. - Everyday we are visited with true life visuals that serve as reminders that there's always a more difficult perspective.

Here's the last word picture I'll try to create. As we come out of our "winter" season, there honestly were a few nights that we thought were very cold. Although I don't remember anyone in the family complaining about not having any heaters in the house, I do remember wondering as I grabbed extra blankets for the bed; did people living in the slums near us even have extra blankets as an option? While we at least have a real roof, doors that lock, and glass in our windows, what did it feel like for those neighbors nearby whose perspective was still more difficult than ours? As cold as it felt, what could I have possibly complained about? We at least had the option of trapping our body heat with the extra blankets.

And speaking of perspective; I am choosing to continue believing God's promises in Romans 8:28 that guarantees us that He causes all things... yes, even this current economic nightmare, to work together for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purposes. Like many of you, I cannot comprehend how something like this can be happening in our country; it's nearly unbelievable the scope of this problem. But, then again, are we not looking from a perspective of a people who have essentially had it all and may now have a perfect opportunity to learn what so many other people around the world have always lived with as their daily perspective? - If you still have windows with glass that may be a very good sign indeed.

Be thankful and please remember your monthly $25 - $50 still makes a significant difference in where we live.

"In $700 Billion WE Trust?" - Are You Serious?

2008-09-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

The economic crisis in the USA is huge and the world is waiting for the outcome (eventual) signing of a staggering $700 billion bailout plan from our nation’s leaders. Obviously this is only addressing the systemic issues and looks far past the fact that the moral integrity of our nation is more the actual cause for this disaster.

If as an average, go to work – come home everyday citizen we looked honestly at the levels of steep corruption and moral rottenness, we would fall on our faces, ripping our clothes while throwing dust into the air pleading for the mercies of God. The United States of America… we are guilty of great and tremendous sins, not only against global humanity, but more importantly against the very holy and sovereign God, for whom we once pledged, “In God we trust”.

Where are the sounds of wailing and the outcries for national repentance? Why are not the altars filled with people who have beforehand offered lavish sacrifices to the gods of mammon (materialism and wealth)? Where are the masses of Americans who have spent more of their waking hours meditating on their portfolios of investments and real estate holdings? … those who have fondled their automobiles, golf clubs, large screen TV remotes and the railings of luxury vessels more than their Bibles? Why are they not filling our churches in search of the great “In God we trust”? Where is the brokenness and confession of sin?

When will we hear the voices of moms and dads who have honored their careers more than their marriage and family? At what point do we acknowledge the endless millions of mass murders through the convenience of abortions just for the benefit of free flowing fornication and adultery?

Are we so deceived that we truly believe God is looking the other way while Adam and Steve, the married guys, brazenly taunt their creator to His face? Have we as a people and a nation crossed so far over the lines of moral decay and ultimate ruin that we don’t know the difference between what’s right and what’s wrong? – And then don’t forget to take into account that we have meddled with almost every nation on the planet; almost without any regard for their own violations of social justice and basic human rights. I don't think our nation’s international relations and foreign policies are what we think they are. I’m wondering if we as a nation have violated every imaginable law of moral decency.

Genesis 1:31 says, “Then God SAW everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. “ - As we approach the end of the year 2008 and as God now SEES everything that we (the USA) have made… certainly He isn’t saying “this is very good”.

And finally, take notice that the end of the verse says that it was the “sixth day”… what do you think is going to happen on "OUR" day seven if we really believe a $700 billion boost from the nation's coffers will fix our nation’s problems?

Do it! Put Your Head Into the Lion's Mouth!

2008-09-25T05:31:00.001-07:00

With life being what it is, I sometimes I wonder just how good is my faith, …and that’s when I think about stuff like the following:

People who pray “great” prayers actually think God means what he says. Their prayers are PROMISE centered, not PROBLEM centered. Because God is sovereign, omniscient, always good and unable to lie, when He says He’ll do something, He will. Great prayers take the person, the program, and the promises of God seriously.

As with most believers we start praying for serious issues – a wayward child, a financial crisis, a failing marriage – with an attitude of faith. But over time, our natural tendency is to turn our prayers into a worry session in which we tell God how upsetting the situation is, how frustrated we are with His delays, and which details He needs to take care of to relieve our anxiety. We even sometimes will go as far as to remind Him of how faithful we’ve been to go to church, tithe, and read our Bible – and how punching all those spiritual buttons should keep us from experiencing the trial we’re in. – We end up completely absorbed in our problems rather than focused on His promises. (I stand guilty as charged!)

When we look at God through our problems, the problems seem to get bigger and He seems to get smaller. Have you ever noticed that? But when we look at Him through His promises, our faith grows and we begin to see Him respond to it. That doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy (fat chance!); He never offered us a life without suffering. In fact, His word assures us that in the world we will have tribulation (John 16:33) and that all who desire to live a godly life will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12), or how about the promise that all this “stuff” we keep chasing after is all going to burn (1Peter 3:10-13).

I am desperately depending on God to help me “get it” because it’s seems way too easy to talk myself out of believing the truth by focusing on the size of the problem rather than on the power of His promises.

· “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
· “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
· “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
· “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37
· “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
· "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
· “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” – John 15:7-8

The Lord has called us to do something great for Him…. not for us or any man! We are kingdom builders and as we have committed ourselves to building His kingdom, it is critically essential to remain focused on Him and His promises… not the grueling processes that are only a part of the construction.

With my head completely in the lion’s mouth,
PR

Starting 1st Grade at 17 years old

2008-09-17T02:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and friends,

I am passing along a prayer request from our ministry partners at the Restoration House in Belo Horizonte. As I read about this need, the thought came to mind, “How much more difficult is my life in comparison to Davidson’s?” – There are no easy answers, but I am definitely grateful for the staff and ministry of the Restoration House.

Update & Prayer Request for September 16, 2008
Davidson is doing well, but sometimes he gets depressed because of his family. Last night, he had a deep conversation with Edivando (staff member) and said that he is still struggling about his stepfather who killed his mom a few months ago. He said that it is so hard to forgive him and wants to take revenge for his mother's death. He also feels very burdened for his brothers and sisters who are living in the slum. He thinks at 17 that it is responsibility to take care of them.

Davidson at 17 years old just started school last year. So literally he is in the first grade. Obviously he feels it's way too late for him to start. Please pray that God touches his heart so that he can have forgiveness for his stepfather and remove all the burdens that he doesn't need to carry.

A "Christian" Sub-culture? How's that?

2008-09-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Journal Entry - September 4, 2008

"Then the captain (Temple Guards) went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned." - Acts 5:26b

Amazingly these extremely religious people were so focused on protecting the religious structure and systems they had created and organized, that they had become totally incapable of recognizing the sovereign power of God moving and working in their midst. It was right there in their faces, but they couldn't see it. First it was the healing of the lame man, followed by their first hand view of the transformed Peter and John, and now they can't seem to contain the disciples in their jails - what more did they need to see?

And that leads me to this question: "How different is it today?" Having to deal with people who have created elaborate religious structures and systems in order to "protect" God and the integrity of modern day Christianity, I suspect they may have by default built instead another religious institution that feeds on itself within its own bubble (world). Similar to 2000 years past, denominational Christianity has all but disengaged itself from virtually every domain of society in an attempt to grow closer to God, when in effect it has extracted itself from God's equation to impact the world with the truth of His son. Aren't we really bright!

And how did this happen? How did "the church" effectively take itself out of God's strategic plan for influencing the world with the gospel? - Well, I don't know everything in total, but I suspect future historians will be able to clearly illustrate the misguided philosophy of leaders who retreated, withdrew and essentially circled the wagons as they began building their own elaborate sub-culture, beginning with private Christian schools, Christian colleges, Christian retirement centers, Christian camps and even Christian entertainment.

Their motivation was indeed correct, but apparently the Lord may not have been the person giving the orders, because from a basic military strategist's perspective, the leaders had in effect ordered a complete military withdrawal leaving the borders totally unprotected against invasion. So instead of the local church impacting every facet and domain of society, there is the free flow of humanistic and secular philosophies with every strain of weirdness, securely stationed in societies around the world. How else can we explain rampant child pornography, limitless abortions and the marriage of two men? - I think we (believers) are supposed to be the moral conscious of our communities, but instead we have, "spiritually" speaking, headed for the hills. Who's going to successfully argue the fact that God's eternal strategy called for the church to be positioned throughout society influencing and shaping the moral DNA of the heart of men, but instead in the brilliance of leadership, it turned and ran.

Why? How did the disappearance of this generation of Christian leaders occur? I suspect it may have happened like this: the first generation of leaders created an elaborate structure and secure systems which birthed a second and third generation of religious leaders (modern denominations) who had been birthed and raised in an artificial bubble of sorts; i.e., a subculture which had learned how to live outside the mainstream of the very society it had been commissioned to influence. In fact, it looks more like surrender without even a fight.

But great news! In spite of the relentless grip of organized and controlling denominations, there is a generation of young people, a remnant of new leaders being raised up, courageous and willing to take a risk by venturing outside the boundaries of modern denominationalism. These renegades, a rag-time crew of Christianity's misfits without the arsenal and financial resources of a denomination's stockpile, are arming themselves with Holy Spirit power as they enter the fray with everything they've got. They're going out in fear, faith and obedience fully realizing they will in effect be branded as disloyal and AWOL.

Venturing outside the religious bubble is risky, dangerous and in some instances downright suicidal. But why stay inside and die a slow but certain death? Shouldn't living for God be the adventure of a lifetime? Try reading the book of Acts really slow... and while you do, I'm going outside to fight.

Beggars - They want YOUR spare change!

2008-09-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Driving around the typically average city in Brasil we will find an abundance of beggars practically at every intersection of significance. Today for an example, as I wound my way through town it dawned on me that at many traffic signals there were beggars working every automobile that found itself delayed by a red light. Their coordination seemed to be so well thought-out, I was wondering if organized labor had become involved in their efforts to collect everyone’s spare change. By the way, an interesting side note; I drive an 86’ Volkswagen Fusca (Beetle) in really great condition, but somehow it seems to be exempt from the intersection’s raid on spare change. .. maybe it’s me that’s causing the passover. Let’s hope not.

Here’s where I’m begging for your help! – At what point do we not give beggars our spare change? I don’t know about you, but it’s necessary for me to exercise a considerable amount of self-discipline as I try to avoid analyzing and speculating (really only guessing) which sins against society did these beggars commit that landed them in the intersections. I would imagine this would be a challenge for most people. My rational mind finds it necessary to evaluate them, or as I think more appropriate, “Size em’ up quick!”, so that I can somehow determine if they are worthy of my spare change. - We all know the drill, “He’s an ex-convict. He’s lazy. He’s an alcoholic, I not going to let him use my money for more alcohol, or God forbid, drugs.” – There’s a thousand questions that sprint through our minds.

But what about the children, the women and senior adults that we often see working in the intersections? What’s their story? And more importantly, what should be our response? Every day we see equal numbers of children, women and senior adults begging for us to help with life’s basic needs, or so we think. Actually we can never know the truth, other than the fact that their lives through whatever circumstances have been reduced to begging at intersections for our spare change.

So, still begging for your input, if I am going to give away my spare change, who’s the priority and at what point do I stop giving beggars my spare change? – (This beggar stuff is becoming complicated business.) If we tell them that “we don’t have any money”, did we lie to them when we know as fact we could have it simply by driving to the nearest ATM machine? Would that be true if moments earlier we just drove away from Starbucks with our designer’s cup of latte?

Or how about this one? Does our money become “spare change” if we are only holding it to by our kids the latest version of the iPhone, or we’re rolling over to test drive the 09’ Beemer that just arrived in the showroom? When does the money we use to refurnish or renovate our already palatial casas become “spare change”? – Oh boy! What impact could that volume of “spare change” have on the beggars in the intersections? We’ll probably never know, will we?

All of this leads us back to my original question: “At what point do we not give beggars our spare change?” – I suppose the larger question becomes “What is spare your change?”

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Because wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” – Matthew 6:19-21

The True Church - You Can't Stop It!

2008-08-31T11:25:00.000-07:00

Journal Entry - August 15, 2008

Read Acts 4:14
The church grew in spite of the strong objections of those men (religious leaders) who had by then both organized and controlled the religious experiences of most people. - And is that what we are witnessing in many places today in 2008? .... yet the True Church still somehow finding a way to grow in spite of being organized and controlled by today's Chrisitan leaders with complex bureaucratic processes, restrictions and policies.

It's ugly to watch denominational leaders "secretly" stand in the shadows watching their competitors wrestle to gain more market share of a cluster of devoted followers getting passed around. Who's got the lastest fashion? Which church or denomination has the slickest ads to be hip, cool and progressive. Essentially it's all window coverings, because beneath it all they're all just the same. - Who can be first to build the latest mega-church empire?

The people, the "flock" are not being as much shepherded as much as they are being controlled. Wow! What an ugly thougth that is! And here in Brasil, especially amidst a rapidly growing middle-class, holiness, purity and service don't get nearly the attention as do prosperity and a message that proclaims "It's all about me!" - This isn's good at all! The focus isn't on those people who are living and dying without hearing the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ. The focus in something entirely different. It's a "Pleasure" gospel; a message with a focus that puts center stage each person's comfort and personal security. It says, it will wrap its followers in a spiritual safety net, a cacoon of sorts that is free from the harsh realities of life. The only requiremens are membership attendance and dues, otherwise there are no other requirements or expectations. You're safely tucked into the cacoon, guarded and protected by the leader's proclamation and encantations of blessings and prosperity.

This will not work for me! This will not work for my family! And with all humility and due respect...... this will not work because we just can't do this. Would I be wrong to say this stuff we are witnessing in the name of Christianity is teetering on becoming a cult?

Looking to the God of creation, I am inviting the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct our path. I don't need to know what He's going to do next, nor do I have a need to control it.

Part 2 - God's Sovereignty

2008-08-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

There’s more to the story: (Caution this may be really painful!)

Monday August 25th – Journal Entry

Matthew 10:37-39 – "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Now there just isn’t going to be any easy way to say that. At any angle we try to make that feel right, it simply can’t be done… and that’s probably why it’s not frequently mentioned from the pulpit… it’s a very difficult reality to process. – Here in this text is Jesus’ very first mention of the “cross” to his disciples, and it’s brutal. He didn’t candy-coat it or wrap it in soft pillows. In their minds based on how the Romans were using the cross as a preferred tool for a grueling death, Jesus’ comments must have evoked a vision of a violent, painful and degrading death. In other words, what He just outlined wasn’t very encouraging to his new disciples. Jesus was wanting to be extremely clear that He was demanding total commitment from His disciples – even into physical death if necessary – and making this call to full surrender was a part of the message they would ultimately proclaim to others (i.e.: US!).

This same call to life or death devotion to Christ is repeated in Matthew 16:4, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23, and 14:27. – I suppose this is God’s way of telling us to read the fine print in the salvation contract. It’s all there, up front and painfully clear. In fact, if we re-read v39 we will discover His absolute guarantee: “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Now let me tie this back to God’s sovereignty; “Is your life your own to plan and live as you seem best, or is your life God’s and therefore He has full right to lead and direct according to His pleasure and will… which may include difficulty, hardship, pain and if necessary death? Does He or does He not have the exclusive right to create the plan and script for your life’s story according to His infinite wisdom and sovereignty as God Eternal? – Is your trust in Him as the God of your salvation good enough to deal with any situation or difficulty with the confidence of knowing that He allowed such things to occur… meaning He has not, nor ever will be caught by surprise with any event in your life? When tested with life’s difficulties and challenges, do you possess a bullet-proof faith that confidently knows that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes?

So, please explain to me again, “What is faith?” (Note: By the way, “WHAT IF” Brasil was only a door into a season of your life that lead to another nation? “WHAT IF” in God’s sovereign plan He directed any of us to India or Africa where His plan for our life was more fully revealed there. “WHAT IF” all we got for the rest of our lives was an occasional “visit” back to the USA for brief visits with family and friends and the ultimate attending of their funerals as we live out God’s plan for our lives thousands of miles from home? “WHAT IF?” – “WHY NOT?”

Wow, do we even have a choice? Well, yes… ultimately we will always have a choice. The problem however is not with the choices, but more so in our ability to understand our life from God’s perspective by valuing more those things of greater and eternal value from HIS point of view. I guess I just said, “we don’t get it from God’s perspective, huh? And that’s obviously why its’ extremely difficult to trust Him completely with our lives,… because we aren’t looking at the big picture, we’re too focused on the frame that’s titled, “Here and Now”.

God is sovereign. We are not. Who are you going to trust?

Lucky Ticket #18

2008-08-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

The Reality of a Street Level Missionary

If you ever wondered if your monthly financial gifts to a “Street Level” missionary makes a difference; here’s one experience that may keep you motivated.

One of our missions teams needed to travel to a city for a full week of serious ministry in a neighboring state that required a nine hour bus ride; however our budget demanded we ride the community limousine (with real money we could have taken a two hour flight; but that’s with real money). Believe it or not, the only bus to Belo Horizonte from our location in Sao Paulo, a megacity of 24 million people, departed at 8:30pm. – Imagine that; riding overnight on the only bus out of a concrete megajungle. – And to reinforce the reality of being a “Street Level” missionary was having the luck of purchasing seat number 18.

Oh! That Lucky Ticket! Seat Number 18. – And sitting immediately in front of me in Seat 16, became the reason I am pleading with you to faithfully send your money to us… your Street Level, Bus Riding Missionary’s.

There she sat; a woman of considerable girth and before my carryon’s were even stowed, my nostrils were visited by a most unusual and unpleasant odor. Of course being a man of the cloth, I thought better of the moment and shrugged it off as only my imagination getting the better of me. Besides there’s no way in the world a person could release such a ghastly aroma from their body. No stinking way! But this horrible misfortune became reality for your Street Level, Bus Riding Missionary when before the bus even pulled away from the platform, the Big Girl in seat number 16 let another one rip… and this time there was no imagination required. The pain was real. It burned the insides of my nostrils; and for the next eight hours and fifty minutes it was painfully obvious she wasn’t getting off soon. It was horrible!

We’re riding back next Monday and you bet I’m scared. Please send your money! I’ve tried splashing Listerine up my nose to fumigate the smell, but I’m still having troubles getting away from the painful memory. I hope you’ll understand, but if Big Girl in seat number 16 is anywhere in sight, I’m staying overnight in the bus station to make sure she’s far enough away from me.

Please let me fly once where I can at least control the flow of air.

Street Level and Smelling It

Christianity UNTAMED!

2008-08-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

As Jesus began his public ministry, he left us with a simple invitation; “Come, follow me.” His closing instructions to his disciples could be easily wrapped up in one word, “Go!”. But now, if aliens from another planet were looking through the window of a local church, they would think Jesus’ invitation was, “Come, sit and listen for a long time”, and his closing instruction was, “No!, don’t you dare go out that door!” Somehow many modern day Christians have lost their passion for a fierce and untamed faith.

Christianity over the past two thousand years has in many ways become a religion of conformity where too many people who declare Jesus as Lord have become spiritually domesticated, or said more politically correct, "civilized". They show up for church every week and do those nice things that civilized people are supposed to do. “Don’t be too loud, or don’t make a mess… we are after all “good people”.

You will never be able to convince the New Testament apostles that Jesus endured the agony of the cross just so that we would “act right” in church. Let's think not! Becoming spiritually domesticated is essentially the same as taking an animal out of the wild and methodically training it over time to live comfortably in a zoo. – We don’t believe this is what Jesus had in mind when he said, “Come, and follow me!”

Many churches have sadly become sanitized, sterile, without courage and Holy Spirit power. The call of Jesus demands action. Our Christianity is to be an adventure of trusting God to see the invisible and to do the impossible. To simply say we believe is not enough. For those of us who are willing to embrace the cause of Christ, the cost of participation is nothing less than everything we are and everything we have. We have been made alive to be ignited by the fire of God. Our souls have been redeemed to live with passion, power and a reckless abandon to see His purposes fulfilled.

We have been called by Jesus to live and die with an untamed Christianity. And it’s OK knowing those who are the most religious will be the most offended by our “radical and ridiculous” behavior. (Go figure!)

Many of our churches have sadly become sanitized, sterile and without power. Our only hope is to find the courage to escape this religious prison like box by being willing to risk everything to live free… with an untamed faith that follows hard after Jesus.

Five Star Hospitality

2008-08-30T17:54:00.001-07:00

As if on cue from a Hollywood stage crew, our Brazilian hosts warmly welcomed their American guests with great interest and sincerity. Within moments of arriving we were presented the finest of what our hosts could offer. Nothing but the best rice and beans would be shared with these weary travelers from a distant land.

By the way, did I not mention that our wonderfully warm hosts that provided this “Five-Star” hospitality live within the sprawling slums of Brazil’s megacities? Yes indeed, believe it or not, Five-Star hospitality was provided within a “home” with dirt floors, glassless windows and stolen electricity from the nearest power line. “How’s that possible”… you might wonder?

It is so amazing to experience how true and sincere hospitality is not dependent on a person’s address, the quality of the food, nor their fine china; but more importantly upon the condition of their heart. It is totally amazing that even in the midst of total and complete poverty; within the heart of our hosts we find sincere and genuine hospitality.

Sadly, “Five-Star” hospitality is a nearly extinct within our modern American culture, a concept totally foreign to the vast majority of today’s suburban youth.

In contrast with our comfortable suburban homes, it is absolutely mind-boggling that Christians in our own communities struggle with hosting cell groups or simply inviting another family over for dinner.

I’m just thinking aloud.

Acknowledging God's Sovereignty

2008-08-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday August 24th on Acts 4:27-28
27 "Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen."

We're looking at a powerful picture of God's sovereignty. It's amazing! God has written history according to His eternal plan, which we usually don't comprehend. The crucifixion of Jesus was no exception. - Oh Boy, how we go the extra miles to avoid at all costs anything and everything that resembles hard, difficult or, please, the Lord forbid, persecution. "Oh please not persecution!"

Our modern day soft and sissy Christianity can't do hard, it doesn’t even acknowledge or comprehend that those things we work so hard to avoid may actually be written into God's script concerning our life. - "That may have been good for Jesus, but I ain't Jesus", someone will undoubtedly retort. - So nowadays, as we work to determine the Lord's plan and will for our life, and because we do not often comprehend or possibly accept the fact that by God's sovereign will, He has already decided beforehand such difficulties and trials will be included for whatever purpose, we lock up in fear, doubt and faithlessness. For us to move forward in the face of our fears just isn’t possible.

Now two things come to mind: a) essentially our actions will reveal our true ability to trust in the Lord to protect, provide and direct. And, b) Ultimate Obedience. Will our response expressed through obedience, regardless the cost or sacrifice, become impossible to accomplish because fear and doubt will be allowed to eclipse what we know in our hearts what the Lord had at one point spoken. What had initially inspired us to at least attempt walking on water, has now changed, causing us to pee all overselves in doubt and paralyzing fear. - This dilemma the Apostle Paul understood as he wrote, "And the Lord said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor 12:9

Our intense focus on what we can touch, feel, see, smell and hear (essentially our natural senses), completely locks out our spiritual ability to assess or discern the spiritual realities as discuss in Romans 4:17 where Paul writes, "...as it is written, I have made you a father of many nations in the presence of Him who he (Abraham) believed - God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not now exist as though they did, v18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, So shall your descendants be. V19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, although already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. V20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, v21 and being fully convinced that what He (God) had promised he (God) was also able to perform. V22 And therefore is was accounted to him for righteousness."

Now concerning our trust and faith in God, the writer of Hebrews adds in chapter 11, v1"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen." V3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." And then in v6, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God), for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him."

So, at least for now, the ultimate questions return to, a) What do you know in your heart of hearts the Lord has spoken to you, and b) With that spoken word are you willing to accept His sovereign will/plan regardless the cost or the sacrifice. -- Boil it down to this; are you able to place your complete trust and confidence in a Sovereign God to ultimately take care of you?

It is necessary to count the cost.

"Who told you to stop and pray?" - signed God

2008-08-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder why we are often described as sheep? It is definitely not the most flattering of terms to describe “believers”, but I suppose if it’s what God chose… then it must somehow fit.

Here’s the story: Moses had just convinced millions of Israelites to flee Egypt and within a very short distance, they walk up against a dead end road. Literally, they end up pressed against the wet Red Sea with nowhere to go. You know the story… they immediately start their belly aching and murmuring (probably more like cussing) accusing Moses for misleading them into what they so firmly believed was a “dead end road”. Haha! Isn’t that just like God? – How many times have you started out in what you thought was faith and obedience and almost immediately got parked in what felt like a “dead end road”. And true to human nature, we all start with the belly-aching, complaining and the murmuring routine.

Now, the reason I’m writing this is to ask this question: “Have you ever considered how the Lord repeatedly brings us into ‘dead end roads’?” Has it ever crossed your spiritual mind that just maybe God brings us to what we perceive are “dead end roads” on purpose? – Think about it. Didn't God do it again at the end of their 40-year camping trip through the desert? Just because they didn’t learn the lesson the first time, the Lord brought them back to a “dead end road”. This time Joshua was the leader and immediately walked them straight to the Jordan River....... at flood stage! Humanly speaking it would have been impossible for them to cross without a miracle.

Anyway, let’s return to what God said to Moses when he started crying out like the faithless Israelites – pay attention because I think this reveals God’s sense of humor. Notice what he said to Moses; (Exodus 14:15-16) Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! (Essentially God said something like this; “Moses, who told you to stop going and pray to me?”) v16 Use your shepherd's staff – hold it out over the water, and a path will open up before you through the sea. Then all the people of Israel will walk through on dry ground.

Can you imagine the sight? I think this is really funny and very applicable to our lives as “sheep”. The Lord uses a leader to finally get us up and moving on a tremendous journey of faith and obedience. But then comes the first “dead end road” and were ready to kill the leader. “That stupid leader! How in the world did he convince us to do something so ridiculous? Why just look at that obstacle! We’re all gonna die just like the dream-killers said we would.” – “I’m turning back before it’s too late!” ----- We all know the drill!

Anyway, what I think is really funny (actually more sad than funny), is how so many people end up acting like they’re praying and stuff, when God is asking them, “Who told you to stop going and pray to Me?” – it may look spiritual and all good to family and friends, but the Lord is not impressed, especially when He already told you what to do and where to go. We’ve got to get clued in that He is going to almost always bring us to a “dead end road”… Why? – Now that there is an intelligent question for a sheep. If you paid attention to the stories in Sunday school, God is always planning to show Himself strong on our behalf. Like our Daddy in Heaven, He wants to show off in front of us so that we will always trust Him and confidently move forward regardless the obstacle or what looks like a dead end road. All He’s asking us to do is to NOT stop moving forward, but in spite of our fear, grab faith, obedience and a determination to trust Him completely by keep moving.

So the moral of the story is this; if you heard the Lord tell you to get out of whatever “Egypt” you’re in (home included), then get moving and don’t look back. At the first sign of a “dead end road” start worshipping instead of cussing. Whatever you do, don’t stop and definitely don’t close your eyes and start praying, because the Lord isn’t going to be happy about that… and what He may say to you may not be as funny as what He said to Moses. As for me, well I’m going to try walking on water.

Love,
PR -