Bergquists in Brazil: Ministry on the Iriri- Part 3

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Ministry on the Iriri- Part 3

Some of the Maribel clan wishing us farewell

Nilza, my sweet friend

Gathered around the cashew tree to eat lunch...the dog waits patiently!

We met with the Maribel family on Sunday morning and had a wonderfully long service. It was emotional and wonderful to have nearly everyone there participating in the service. We had a huge lunch for everyone and a huge grab pile afterwards of our things we needed to give away before our trip to the US.

George and Josie, who had the baby in the back seat, dedicated their baby to the Lord.

The community leader, Milania, who is catholic, spoke up and with tears in her eyes shared how she wanted to thank Clyde for coming to Maribel. That he wasn’t just a man of words, but of actions too. He serves with his whole heart. She shared how our family has been such a blessing to the community and how much she and the rest of the community will miss us while we are gone.

This Sunday was a much needed confirmation for us. We have been dealing with discouragement in ministry. We hadn’t been out to live among the river folks this summer because of the commitment we made to build a house for the Uruara‘ family and church. We don’t know the fate of Maribel in regards to being turned into a reserve, but the hope is alive in the river people. They are not sulking, they are looking at the opportunity to restart over again. I have so much to share about just that, but this blog is already too long!

Our time was wonderful, blessed and left even our children saying “I’m not ready to go! I’m not ready to go to the US either. Can’t we wait???” God is faithful and He is leading us! We are looking forward to sharing with so many back home about this mission field on the Iriri river! And we are looking forward to returning to go up further the Iriri to share with river villages and Indian villages who are already awaiting our return!! Praise God!