July 14, 2012

Moving back to Maribel has been challenging as always to live in a simple way with the people and yet so rewarding as we have built some amazing relationships with the folks out here.

We arrived July 1st in Altamira to a city that has changed so much that we can’t believe it. Because of the hydroelectic dam, many people from far and wide are coming in by the droves to get work. Rent has soared. The nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath house we rented in 2010 was something like R$700 a month and now it’s more than doubled, maybe even tripled!!!

The amount of cars and motorcycles on the road going somewhere with no regards for the law and anyone else is insane.  Clyde told a story everyday telling me how many close calls he saw or had himself with other motorists. He was ready to get out of Altamira shortly after arriving!

The mission face has changed and the guest house is totally walled off. We had to rent it out as the economy for the States has brought the teams to just a few each year and we don’t have hosts for the house anymore. The quiet community we once had is now very isolated feeling. We have a mission duplex and office and yard. That’s about it. Community isn’t the same like it was. Doesn’t mean the people have changed, but when your setting changes, it does affect some part of your comfort levels! I guess I love community.

We traveled to Uruara’ Saturday July 7th. Clyde ran into a friend from the Iriri River. Neiniha is a sweet gal, who put herself in a place for the Lord to use her when she went along to helped deliver a baby in the back seat of our Ranger, back in September 2011. Neiniha and her 10 yr old daughter, Regina needed a ride to Maribel, so they came along. We squished everything and everybody in for an always snug and bumpy ride. Neiniha was a happy camper because many times she has to get a ride from the fish trucks to Altamira to save money. That means she literally sits on top of the stinky fish truck cab and holds on for dear life through all the bumps and pot holes, dust and sun. She is a trooper!

While in Uruara’, we were pleased to see the pastoral house completed and Poli and Nega and their family living there. The church meets in the spacious living room. If they grow much more, we’ll be planning another add on so they can function better.

We had great fellowship with them there.

Our truck packed to the gil for the trip from Altamira to Maribel

Uruara' welcome home lunch

The pastoral house that Clyde and Poli built before we left to the US and now Poli and Nega live in it with their family! Very spacious to fit 7 hammocks and that is where the church meets too!

 We left there a bit heavy as Poli gave us a heads up that there is a pastor from a church in one of the cities who was invited by a newbie in Maribel to come and plant a church in the village. Since we haven’t been in Maribel for the past 8 months, the community leader allowed the pastor to put up a plaque that says “Future Site of....” and the church name. I’m not going to say the church name because I am not interested in attacking the denomination. It’s God’s people!!  Evangelical churches that are very legalistic and use the “turn or burn” tactic always have a bad taste in many peoples mouths. This news has disturbed us because we are hearing the aftermath of some of this pastors messages to the people. We feel protective of the peoples hearts and want to share Jesus with them so that they fall in love with Him, not run from hell to get into heaven.

When we arrived in Maribel, there it was. Right near our house. 

The village has changed a bit and there are a few new families that moved in.

For the people we have been working with, the welcome was warm. For those who we don’t know too well, it’s a bit awkward. Everyone knows who we are and yet we don’t know them yet. It will take time.

We are seeking the Lord for  His wisdom. He gave us many confirmation and we feel that this is just a mere test for the people and for us.

This is His ministry and we are His vessels. 

We do appreciate your prayers. It feels a bit strange to go where no churches have been and now there is one knocking on the door to come and we feel protective.

We want His will in this. We are willing to share this field, but it would help that the pastor is sensitive to the people and their hearts.

Line trucks are a huge help to the Brazilians who live on the long road to the Iriri River and a huge asset to the river people. This one was packed top to bottom and dust for 7 hours straight!

This is our community of 5 houses up top and many more up and down the river. Our house is the furthest one  just under the ridge line of hills and sky.

Kelsie back in the saddle washing clothes in the river with her best partner, Hannah! The water will go down much more and the washing door will move many times until the water rises again. 

We head to Santarem this week to meet up with the Grants Pass Vineyard missions team. We will take one of the members home with us to Maribel for several months.

Please keep us in your prayers as we travel this week. We’ll try to send out a update as soon as we can!

How to Pray!

The month of August we hope to be making a trip up river to meet and teach at all the villages. We pray for favor, wisdom, stamina, excellent health and for God encounters!!!!

Nathan Chavarria is our short termer we are picking up. Please keep  him in your prayers as he’ll be living and ministering out here with us. He’ll be learning the language as well as teaching guitar to some of willing vessels here on the river!

Pray for Kelsie as she is starting up another year of homeschooling and feels a bit anxious as there are many trials in a day outside of teaching! Routine and patience!!!

Blessings from the Bergquist Family! We miss you all and love you so much more!

BBQ Turtle with Seredipity Seasoning Salt that our friend Cheryl gave us! Thanks Cheryl!!!