Life in the Interior

What is life like in the interior?

We arrived at Santa Luzia before dark, just as the heavens opened and the rains came down. Just before that we had walked around the 15 families of the community and invited them to the cell group that night.

As darkness fell oil lamps came out of hiding and faint glows could be seen eminating from the windows of the houses. We remembered that several items in the boat had to be stored, so I stepped out into the darkness into the rain. Praise God I was acompanied by Edmilson, whos house we were staying in. He guided and supported me as I slipped and slid down the riverbank as streams of muddy water flowed over our feet.

We held the cell group by the lamp light with the family where we were staying. God uses all things for good for those who love the Lord. And this night was seperated for the encouragement of Antonilza and the restoration of her daughter (also a teacher) to the Lord. The presence of God was wonderful as these servants who are destined to become instrumental in impacting this community were marked by His presence.

It was only nearing 10pm that I was aware I hadn't eaten since earlier that day in Maues. Sometimes in the interior, you may have money but no access to food. The couple had fished earlier but caught nothing! They now headout to try again............on their return empty handed they asked God for help.............and suddenly they came upon a sunken canoe with fish feeding within!

At midnight we ate our fill of boiled fish with chilli peppers............I slept well as tiredness took grip and my mind forgot about the massive spiders I had spotted in the palm leaf roofing above our hammocks.

Santa Luzia, the stuff of dreams!

Saturday at 2pm we set off for Santa Luzia. Our 'driver' Pastor Tinho, who had last been this direction 11 years ago. The expectation and excitement were tangible as we headed into the waterways and tributaries of the Amazon. For me, I've waited years for this day...........to go to the river people, those that live in isolated communities along the many tributaries of the Amazon. Recently we've been asking for God to open doors..........but this was an unexpected door. But isn't it often the way, God's plans and ways aren't ours but a whole lot better.

Antonilza, a cell group leader in Maues ended up getting a job in the interior. She felt God was leading and left the comforts of town life to teach in Santa Luzia. She started a cell group and the first evening saw 68 adult visitors. Since then 3 people have given their lives to the Lord.

We went to give our support and encouragement, no tap water.........just river water, no electricity........just oil lamps, no flush toilets...... just 'long drops', no corrugated roofing...........just palm leaves, BUT, plenty of God's presence.

God is using Antonilza to bring the love of God to the community, she is literally showing them the Word of God in practice. Praying for the sick, praying for deliverance, bringing comfort, bringing hope, bringing JESUS!