Bergquists in Brazil

Stateside Bliss

2012-01-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

On our way to the USA

Arrived safely in LAX! Kelsie's Dad and Step-Mom greeted us and Kelsie's Mom was waiting with dinner!

Hannah's first bath in a tub! Loving it!

We have had a tremendous time visiting family and enjoying all the ease of the well working machine here in the States. It's easier to check in and out of anywhere, easier to clean, easier to stay clean, easier to communicate, drive... etc, etc! But, we feel the struggles. We feel the cloud that has been pulled over the nation in many ways. But I'm not going into that in this blog!

We have so many amazing things God has done for us. From the moment we arrived til now. His provision is never anything less than amazing! We had a great Thanksgiving at Kelsie's moms house! We had her family all around including her Dad and Clyde's Dad too! We spent the entire month of November with family in California. We met amazing friends that are now just apart of our rich family!

Maddy celebrated her 9th birthday in California! The girls and Clyde were treated to a California treat of Disneyland! It was a long day of pure magic! Thank you again Delongs!!!

We also were blessed to spend time with The Springs Community Church in Temecula! The folks there were very real and sweet to welcome us home. We had a wonderful time of fellowship with the missions team there! We thank God for their support and love!

Maddy surrounded by new friends and her miracle gift, an "American Girl" doll!

Clyde shared about the work on the Iriri River and Pastor Bob gave a call for Salvation! It was a very special moment and the presence of the Lord was very present during this service!

After Thanksgiving weekend, we traveled in Poppy's motorhome all the way to Oregon! It was nice to have the freedom to move, watch movies and draw or eat a snack whenever we wanted to. We are so thankful for our Poppy!

Clyde's Dad driving our family back to Oregon in the motorhome!

Once we arrived in Grants Pass, the family reunion was amazing and emotional. The cousins all came over with Aunts and Uncles! The older cousins picked up where they left off 3 yrs ago and the younger ones had to learn all the cousins names and meet Aunts and Uncles again. All in all, they have learned who everyone is.
Makenna celebrated her 11th birthday with a special dress up brunch with her older girl cousins, followed by a horse back ride with her closest cousin, Carissa. It was a extremely cold day, but Makenna didn't complain one bit! She loves horses! I think we may have to consider that for our return to Brazil. It would work on the river, but need a lot of inspiration to go for it! Ha ha!

Cousin Carissa and Makenna at her birthday brunch all dressed up!

Christmas tree hunting with the entire family is tradition and this year they waited for us!

We also enjoyed a spontaneous sibling reunion on Kelsie's side of the family! It was with her step siblings and their spouses and kids that she grew up with from one marriage on her mom's side. It was so fun to see everyone and watch old videos from the early 90's and laugh about hair styles and clothes we thought were so "cool"!

Kelsie and her crazy family

Christmas was special. We spent time with Kelsie's Grandmother and Uncle Denny who are here in Grants Pass. I(Kelsie) call my Grandmother, Nonie! She has been a major part of my life and each day I can spend with her is so special to me. She is in her late 80's and we know that her days are not forever.
Clyde made a spectacular Christmas breakfast with homemade cinnamon rolls, omelets with the works, hash browns and real orange juice! It was perfect with presents to boot!

Kelsie and her uncle and Grandmother, sister and nephew and the kids on Christmas morning!

Later that day we went to Clyde's sisters house. Charity and Matt are a solid couple. Matt is pastoring Edgewater Christian Fellowship and visited us last December on the Iriri river!
The family is very large on Clyde's side. So there were his 3 siblings with their families and a few extended family and friends there. Over 50 people! Food galore and I was full from breakfast!
The evening was fun with christmas carols, games and wrestling matches and ping pong games! And the movie "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry"! A must see!!

A family game of Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light!

Traditional song of Father Abraham in a train around the kitchen and living room!

Long time family friend and supporter, Lily Morgan leading in Christmas Carols

The day of Christmas, our sister in law, Tia, which is Clyde's brother's wife, was in the hospital with her mother, Paula who had stopped breathing on Christmas eve and was taken to the hospital. It was determined that she had a heart attack and she didn't recover. Tia and her family had a heart wrenching holiday. We missed Tia on Christmas and her mother as many times we would include her mom in our holidays. Paula went to be with Jesus on Wednesday the 28th. Tia and her family are grieving and this weekend they are spreading her mom's ashes on the Oregon coast.

On a lighter side, we had a last minute decision to put the 3 older kids in public school. The house we are staying at is 4-5 houses away from one of the best elementary school in Grants Pass. We were also blessed to know that Makenna would have a family friend and supporter as her teacher and many of the teachers there are strong Christians. So Jan 4th was a huge, emotional day for us as a family! But after this week, each day proves to be amazing for each one of the kids.
Maddy loves Music, Makenna loves Music and PE and Nate is still deciding, but his teacher says he is doing very well.
All the teachers are very sweet and communicate with us about the kids during the day to reassure us they are doing great!
It will be a good thing for them as they have had so much time together and with Mom that it has been challenging to do anything that seperates us. Sleep overs, time away, outings have not happened and we feel it important to include this in their experiences to make them strong and test out their faith a bit.
We plan to continue our homeschool journey when we return to Brazil. This will catch them up, give them routine and understanding of what it means to work longer hours to get things accomplished . We are grateful for the amazing opportunity to be the cheer leaders this time!(Pictures to follow)

Thank you for your prayers and love! We are staying in the Haiku House that we lived in last time we were home! It's so relaxing and all the amenities are nice and work well! The house is warm and we are so blessed! Thank you to the Hamann's and most of all, Thank you God!

We'll be in touch!

Count Down to Furlough

2011-10-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how my husband can get involved in some of the biggest projects just before we have to push off to the States or anywhere for that matter! Mind you, we don't have a permanent house so each time we are renting somewhere and packing up and storing our things somewhere! It's a major move each time for me. For him, it's not as big of a deal. Thank goodness he is patient with me and kicks me out the door somehow! It's like the crunch feel! It's hurts me to be pushed, but he gets the job done! His strength, my weakness thing.

This time, we are in a rush to get the pastoral house covered with a roof before we leave for 6 months. Although we do our best to make our plans. The Lord ultimately is boss!

While he is working hard, I am at home, organizing all our stuff and trying to rid of the "little things" and packing up little by little. I am so not professional and still stress each time.(If I count right I think this is our 9th move since we left our home in 2004). So needless to say I will be very ready to get on that plane and have a break from all the packing and thinking.

The kids are excited and then have moments of reluctancy. It's a lot of transition for them, but they do very well. I think I am included in that at times too.

But mostly we are excited to see family and friends and be in different climate. I personally am ready for 100% English and a culture I understand and where I can be understood!

I will feel torn a bit leaving our friends in Brazil who are doing the work without us, but I pray strength and protection over them in our absence. God is with them at all times.

Below is a brief itinerary:

Oct 22-Altamira

Oct 28-Manaus

Oct 31- LAX and reunite with family

Nov 28th? heading to S. Oregon

We don't have return dates yet. That just means we get to ask our Father in heaven for the money to return in His timing . This doesn't mean we are staying in the States. So pray with us to that we can return by mid May, if it's the Lord's will!

Ways to Pray

1. We need a vehicle(7 passenger) for our time in Oregon

2. Finances for return tickets

3. Good health for re-entry

4. Refreshing and Rest!

Thank you for your love and support! If you would like to donate to help with our expenses of furlough, you can donate to our home church in the States. They are helping us immensely in our transition. Send your tax deductable gifts to:

Cornerstone Church

269 West Harbeck Road,

Grants Pass, OR 97527-5635

Please make a note that it is for Bergquist Furlough.

Thank you!

Ministry on the Iriri- Part 3

2011-10-13T07:57:00.001-07:00

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!

The grab pile getting smaller and smaller! The easiest way to Spring clean!!!

Sunday morning service on our porch. We were singing Happy Birthday to all who had a birthday in October!

Community Leader, Milanhia, shared in tears how much our family has impacted their community.

Clyde having a discipleship time with our core group on our porch Saturday night.

Ministry on the Iriri- Part 2

2011-10-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

A little tired, but still cruising on adrenaline!

Clyde was an iron man and slept maybe 2 hours after taking Jocy and the baby to the hospital. He was back on the road and made the 3 hours drive again. He arrived by lunch.

We headed up river a little later than planned and didn’t quite make it to the village we had planned. There were 3 villages to visit and our goal was to go all the way up river and decend from there each day. Instead we stayed at the village in the middle of the other two. It's called Boa Esperanca(Good Hope). We are becoming better friends with this village. A few have come to the Lord in the past few years. But this village has been more of a challenge because of their lack of hunger.

Miami at a student desk grading papers during a test she gave

The highlight for me was seeing the teacher who just transferred there in January. We met her at the village above. She is a sweet young woman who has a heart for God but was very confused when we first met her between legalism and traditions in the churches. Mainly 7th Day Adventists and Catholicism as her parents were of both churches. After a long afternoon of encouraging her, we felt a nice bond with her.

She has been a blessings as a teacher to Boa Esperanca and is very content in the new village. This time we brought a gift to her. “Purpose Driven Life” in Portuguese! She was so excited! The people in the village participated in our worship and testimony time in the new school house. This is the first time they have had a school in their village. I’m not sure how long the village has been established, but I can imagine it’s been a long time. We worshiped and shared songs for all ages by candle light. It was sweet, simple and most of all wonderful to see their participation.

Carlinha and Claudia from Boa Esperanca. Claudia lets us stay at her house almost always.

Carlinha listening to Dona Franca, the grandma in the village tell a story while washing clothes.

We invited our dear friend, Carla Andresa to travel with us to Maribel for this ministry trip. Carla is 20 yrs old and has been walking with Jesus whole heartedly for a little over a year. She came into our lives last year in Altamira. God crossed our paths devinely again when we moved to Uruara’. She has been a major blessing to our church plant efforts in Uruara’. Her father died when she was a very little girl. She doesn’t even remember him, but has one bad photo of him she says. His roots were in the Maribel region and she had never met any of his family. So this trip was special for her and her quest to learn more about her father. God met her in a special way. Many people knew her father and had stories of him and she enjoyed hearing them and learning of his ways and nature. The trip was also an adventure for the city girl who doesn’t know how to swim and had never seen river life. She loved every moment of the trip and every person she met. She is next in line for the next possible trip!

Claudia's oldest son

One of the houses at Zezinho

Laura and her husband and some of their kids in their home

The climb to Laura's house is cruel! Carlinha and Makenna dreading the climb and carrying our stuff up the hill.

An amazing pineapple in Laura's yard! I was trying hard not to pick it!!!!

We cruised up to Zezinho and had a wonderful time. The family we initially met last year on our first trip there was warm and welcomed us as if we were family. Laura and her husband were great hosts to our team. The message Clyde sent by radio didn’t get out of the radio house for some reason so the entire village had no idea we were coming to do a fellowship time with them. We arrived late afternoon and had enough time to meet the new teacher and visit one neighbor. Pataca and Paulo, from our team, went to invite the other side of the village. A few came and all the school chairs were filled. It was a special night of teaching them some fun kid songs and singing some they had never heard!

We had a great sleep and the next morning we pushed off after lunch!

New River and the Acai party

Makenna doing it like a pro! She worked so hard this day and showed all that she was perfectly capable! Now we have someone in the fam that can show us how to do it!

We headed straight for the last village, heading down river back to Maribel to New River. There we have established great friends and they too consider us and treat us like family. This day we arrived also a bit unannounced and upon a Acai party.

Family from Boa Esperanca had come down to pick Acai and make it.

They had arrived from the jungle with the berries and the ladies were preparing it for the process to make it into the extract.

The water was boiling in huge metal pots on the kindling stove. In the end, Makenna pushed up her sleeves and helped 3 other women who were smashing the berries and getting all the skins off the pit. 82 liters later, everyone had their fair share of acai with farinha and sugar!!! Oh, I’ll always love acai and will miss it terribly while gone from Brazil!

The crowd was fixed on acai, so we understood that we were to be friends and not push on having a service with them. Instead, we hung out, watched them play soccer and at the end we gathered the immediate family together after their family left to go home. We prayed for them and encouraged them in the Lord. Many of the womenfolk have accepted Christ. We’re praying for the menfolk there!

It was a late start home in the dark and very dangerous for hitting rocks or sand bars. But God was faithful and we only jumped on a sand bar 2 times. No rocks!!! A beautiful night starry sky where we sang songs and the little ones slept all the way home some 2 hours.

82 liters of Acai!!! This is worth a couple hundred dollars! 1 liter sells for about US$3.

(this is estimated to be about R$6 per liter converted by US dollars at 1.8)

Rosa, the McCaw, loves Acai!

EVERYONE in our family LOVES ACAI !!!!!!!!

pronouced correctly (ah-sah-ee) the c says a s.

Dark boat ride home and Hannah passed out on top of me in the canoe!

Maribel and New Birth Part 1

2011-10-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

Our recent trip to Maribel was an amazing time.

Typically our kids are groaning about the lack of things to do and the same thing to eat...fish, fish and more fish. We kind of dread the drive, but this trip was anything but dreadful and we ate far more than just fish!

The first meal was a banquet of jungle game for lunch(we’ll just call it chicken) but it was tasty! We headed down to the river and the kids immediately got their river fix!

We spent the rest of the day visiting old friends from the community and towards the end of the afternoon, we had discipleship scheduled for the evening. Clyde went with our friend, Pataca, who is doing a young mens group ages 13-17. I invited a sweet friend, named Nenhina from Solidade(about 3 hours down river) to our house to study with me. She was waiting for her husband to travel up river and get her in their boat, but didn’t arrive on time. Not unusual for river living.

Our studies went well and we headed to bed about 11pm. At midnight the adventure began!

A knock at the door and Neninha’s voice “Pastor, Pastor, George’s wife is in labor”. We hadn’t been living there so we kind of woke up out of a dead sleep trying to remember if she was even pregnant. In deed she was going into her last month of pregnancy and was planning to head to town that Friday to wait the birth of the baby.

Clyde and I got dressed and headed in the car to visit George and his laboring wife to see how far along she was and hoping we could just drive home and wait it out and maybe take her in the morning. We arrived at their place lit by nothing but a canister and wick with diesel that illuminated the main room. Jocy, George’s wife, was dressed and had her bags packed. She was ready. I felt her tummy and it was tight, but still hard to know if it was emergency! We all stood around for a few minutes expecting her to be panting and unconsolable. I asked her to tell me when her next contraction came so I could time them. She got her bag and sat down on the couch looking a little bit tense but fairly relaxed at the same time. I asked her if she had a contraction and she told me yes. Well, we all kind of took the plunge and decided to have Nehinha go along for support and George. They also had a little one about 1 1/2 yrs old. She was sleeping soundly in a hammock and was quickly whisked away by an auntie to her house for the time being!

We drove back to our house to drop me off and grab some coffee for the long haul that would for sure take more than 3 hours since it was dark. We prayed for Jocy and the baby and I waved and they drove off!

I crawled back in my hammock and prayed for the next few hours as I couldn’t stop the adrenaline and thoughts of that road at that hour and lack of sleep.

I woke up the next morning and told the kids where Dad was. They were shocked.

Word came later in the morning about 8am that there was a message on the radio station from Clyde that the baby was born and mom was fine and he’d be back by noon.

My hubby is an iron man! He slept maybe 2 hours and hit the road again so that we wouldn’t be too late on our river trip we had planned.

He arrived on time. The details came out that Jocy had the baby about 2 hours after they left in the back seat of our truck!!! It was quick, the baby was healthy and they waited to cut the cord when they arrived at the hospital. She was a champ! Clyde was trying to catch it all on film and it was just an amazing opener to our time out in Maribel.

God knew we would be there. There was no other transportation for her, baby was healthy as was mom! God was glorified by this couple as they knew the challenges that could of occurred!

Ana Beatrice is a beautiful baby girl and will have quite the story to tell!

Clyde finished pulling over and got the camera in time to get this shot!

The sweet family later in the week when Jocy came back to Maribel with Ana Beatrice

2011-09-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

Nate Turned 6!!!!!

Sept 4, 2008 was a beautiful day of meeting our son.

He is turning into such a little man. Loves learning, remembers things from WAY back when that blows your mind and loves to tease his sisters.

We are so thankful to the Lord for this precious life He has blessed us with.

Enjoy the pics of his bday!

The big 6

Neighbors and Church kids who have befriended Nate

The quick craftsman that he is, he made a tree swing just for the party!! It was a hit!!!

Maribel, InterVinha 2011, Baptisms and more!!!

2011-08-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

A boat ride to the Spainard Island where there is a health post. We went with Dr. Daniel a friend of ours to treat the folks out there. We took in the sun, had a picnic and did some swimming with our good friends Fernando and Ana and their 3 kids!

The next day, Clyde and the men's group from the church we attended in Altamira in 2010 had their retreat at the island. It was a perfect spot for refreshing! Here is Clyde with a Caibo.

God is so faithful and always takes care of our every need! Our truck caused many headaches in July and we were again growing in our faith as we couldn't see how we were going to afford fixing the truck. But when it doesn't work out on paper, and the bills are paid, you know it is simply another moment of mercy and grace from our heavenly father. Kind of like the fishes and the loaves! So the truck was working well enough to make the journey home to Uruara'. It had many new sounds that we have to get use to. It also has many new sounds that just don't sound right, but it's running and we are praising God for it! MAINTENANCE IS EVERYTHING!

It could be that the Lord used that month to refresh us or give us an unplanned holiday. Altamira is away from our immediate ministry work and we have many close friends there. We were able to hang out with friends, go to church, homegroups and Clyde got in a men's retreat, birthday parties and 4th of July!!!. We had some good rest except the stress of the truck. Once the truck was in order, we were set for a busy schedule again.

We traveled as a family to Maribel for the weekend. That was fun to see everyone again.

It wasn't an easy trip in the sense of relaxing. The house we have there we left in the care of someone but in the end it didn't work out. There was no water coming to the house, rats have over run the place and it was dirty! We immediately worked and worked and worked. It was finally clean when we left! HA! But we have hopefully controlled the rat population as we have sent out rat poison to kill them off.

We encouraged the folks that make up the church out there and that was our highlight!

The bummer is, we had to tell them that we would't be moving out there again until after our furlough next year. That was hard because we had every intention of moving back out there, thus planning our furlough until after the ministry season out there. Our reasons are because the Uruara' project is not at a place where we can leave it. I'll share more about that in our next blog!

Lindalva, one of our most special friends who lives in Maribel with her family

After coming back from Maribel, we headed back to Altamira for the Inter Vineyard Regional Conference with several families from Uruara' and a few from Maribel as well. It was a great time of communion, teaching, learning about the Vineyard movement and seeing the growth that our region made, the fruit that it is bearing!

12 Churches represented here from the work in Altamira and surrounding towns and cities including Uruara' and Maraba. Also including 2 pastors from Southern Brazil who came. They see the work in the North as an encouragment to the church in the South! There were many who were not in this picture to represent the works going on, but there are many, many more!

Fabiano Alves, from the Vineyard Piratininga in the Sao Paulo area, is an anointed worship leader and song writer. Fabiano has come to Altamira before to teach on Vineyard values in worship. This time he inspired many of us to compose and the surprise talent that was discovered!! We hope to someday have a CD from the northern Vineyard churches. Please pray for him as suddenly has developed a problem with his voice. It gets strained and he can't sing or hold pitch and there is nothing doctors can do for him. But we believe that God can do anything! His voice can be heard on many CD's cut from Vineyard Brazil including, Mais Do Que Tudo and Tua Voz.

We headed back to Altamira and the schedule never stopped. Our first weekend back we had a baptism and Father's Day in Brazil. We had a wonderful time seeing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We had 8 that were baptized and afterwards, 2 more came and we jumped back in the water to do it all over again! It was really awesome!

Father's Day was also incorporated and that night, the Father's were treated to a special dance the girls did for them. We had cake and celebrated with the dad's that came!

As August is nearly ending, we praise God that we were able to book tickets for the States. I'll write more about that as well. Just know, we're coming home in November!

Blessings to all who care and pray for us, support us as we are so much stronger with you behind us. You form the body of Christ that surrounds us with love and support!

Wherever we go, whatever we do, we want to be lead by the Lord and we feel so honored with your friendship and love! Thank you!

Truck Blues

2011-07-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a month since I shared about our truck troubles. Clyde had the mechanics rebuild the engine. The trip home to Uruara' went smooth. We spent 2 weeks in Uruara' and had to come back already. We needed to take Nate to Belem to get his passport renewed and meet up with a team from Ohio. It was gonna be a week of fun. We headed out and 60 km down the road, Clyde pulled over. I figured it was a potty stop. When he got out and lifted up the hood, I heard the strange noise. Clyde knew what it was as it was the same sound he dealt with on the last trip he took to Altamira. It was overheating again! Disbelief hit him along with frustration. He just spent 2 weeks and LOTS of money to rebuild the engine. He knew the system and God ordained our stop right next to a spring of water. We filled up our water bottles and had a few extras Clyde threw in the back "just in case". Staying flexible, I didn't really know what was ahead of us, but trusting God it would turn out okay.

This is what "frustrated" looks like

Well, God is always wanting to give us good stuff. Even in the midst of trials, He is good! ALL the time. I haven't walked through death and sickness to testify of His goodness, but in every trial we have endured so far, He has been good and I don't expect that to ever change no matter what the situation. AMEN!!!

One stop we made was at a cacau farm. The biggest cacau we ever saw. It's one of the kids' favorites! (This is the plant that gives us chocolate)

We are living in one of the richest soil regions for growing the cacau tree.

Draining the radiator to see if that would help go a little further than just 3km.

So it took us 7 hours to go about 25 miles of the 111 miles!! God provided shade, water, a kind neighbor at every stop one of these things comforted us. At one point in the beginning, Clyde pulled over after just 3km and he unhooked a hose. A screw fell down into the engine. He couldn't find it. I took the kids up to a palm branch shelter where folks usually wait for a ride on the TRansAmazon Hwy. I gathered the kids and we prayed that God would allow him to find the screw soon and be able to get it back on so we could start the engine. Without it, we couldn't go any further. Within a short time, the screw was found and put back on!

IN EVERYTHING, PRESENT YOUR NEEDS TO HIM! HE WILL PROVIDE A WAY!!!

The dirtiest and cutest kids!

We got to the nearest big town about 5pm. We decided it was best to send the truck on the bed of a bigger rig. First truck we talked to was ready when we were! Miracle! We quickly rounded up tickets to send me and 3 of the kids on a bus to Altamira(some 90 km). We hustled to eat lunch at 5:30pm before the bus took off. We were dirty from the dust and heat and tired beyond words. I personally don't like the buses. We've seen how fast and crazy they drive. The driver seemed nice, professional, but you just have to trust that he had never had an accident or that he would drive with caution or not fall asleep. I placed our lives in God's hands and had tears in my eyes as I surrendered it over to His will. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. The kids and I feel asleep and the drive went smooth all the way til the mission gates! Thank you Lord. We arrived in Altamira after dark. Clyde followed another hour later in tact with Maddy!

Wednesday, it will make 3 weeks that we have been in Altamira waiting for the truck to get fixed. It's been a process of trail and error. They can't figure out why it keeps over heating. Because we rebuilt it last month, it's under their warranty. One big problem is they are not putting our car in priority. Please keep Clyde in your prayers as he is frustrated with the amount of time it's taking.

Keep us in your prayers. We have both been discouraged. Sometimes missionary life isn't all it's seems to be. We don't believe that God wants us to give up but the battle is there and we need the force to overcome no matter what.

Furlough is coming up and it's a big price tag. The truck and selling it and buying another new truck is also a huge price tag. The building project in Uruara' is lacking funds to get Poli and Nega into a house and have a mtg area.

We know we have put our dependance in the Lord as He is the only ONE to fix our temporary problems. It's His ministry. He'll take care of it in His timing!

I thank Him in advance for the preparations He has made for us to meet ALL our needs. I am so mindful that this is not about death of family member, like our friend Pastor Clenildo is facing right now or illness that needs a miracle like our friend's son is needing. I praise God we are walking a different lesson right now. My heart goes out to those suffering!

May the Lord minister to those suffering and feeling helpless. May His light enter their darkness. Are you feeling in the dark? Are you feeling blue?

Lift up your heads!

He IS in control!

2011-06-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to update you on our happenings these past few weeks. Clyde returned from a great trip to Maribel and headed off for a quick trip to Altamira. About 60km into the trip the truck broke down. He called on the SAT phone to let me know what was happening. What should of taken about 4 hours on the 111mi trip took him 16 hours to get the truck to Altamira. A big bed truck passing on the road stopped and loaded the Ford up(challenging procedure without ramps)and took the truck the rest of the way. Mechanics told him the motor was fried. He ended up running around for 2 weeks buying parts as the mechanics needed them and replaced everything on the motor. We joined him by day 10 and spent the weekend with him and waited for the truck to be fixed. We praise God for the funds that have been coming in the past few months. He allowed us the money to pay for the repairs with what was in saving and the extra that had come in from generous folks.

We know that it is totally in His control! The sad news is that the truck still isn't right yet. It's lacking power as we think the turbo needs to be replaced. On the way home, the truck couldn't get up hills without being in 1st or 2nd gear. A few times we had to put in 4Wheel drive. Also, God protected us as we made the trip. When we pulled into Uruara' we heard a strange sound coming out of the back of the truck. Clyde took it in to a mechanic and found out that there were broken parts all in the driver's back wheel and a thin wire holding the brakes together. One fast brake to avoid a pot hole or oncoming vehicle could of sent us in a roll over. Clyde had to brake often with this same scenario!!! God is more than faithful!

Clyde had to take off to Maribel again and the truck sits waiting for parts to arrive.

Please pray with us that this truck will go the distance or whatever it is we need for us to make the trips to do ministry on these challenging roads.

Thank you for your love and prayers!

Car broken down on the TransAmazon Highway about 37 miles from Uruara' on the way to Altamira which is about 74.5 miles further. The distance between Altamira and Uruara' is about 111 miles. When roads are dry and good, we make it in 3-31/2 hours. In the rainy season it can take 4 hours or more. This trip took 26 hours for Clyde.

The truck was brought in on the bed of this truck. It was traveling on the road and was nearly empty! Love how God provides!!! There is no cell reception on the roads and no Triple A services!!

The engine pulled out to start repairs

Clyde waiting patiently for them to start it for the first time with all the new parts. 2 weeks later and a few days.

Look at all those shiny new parts!!!

We are praying now for the wisdom to know which direction to go. New truck or keep driving this one with new parts!

One problem with this truck that we can not resolve is the height or clearance. We have already lifted the truck and we still can not clear many areas on the road to Maribel.

Pray with us that we will hear the Lord clearly on what to do!

Thank you!

The Bergquist Family

Church Fellowship

2011-05-18T14:38:00.001-07:00

Thalia and Mom, Maria both new believers in the past 2 months

Rodrigo and Michelle with Nega's very choclatey Gabriel

Both are back in fellowship

Leunice and Nelson and their daughter Cibele

Leunice is our most recent new Christian and she is praying for her sweet hubby

Relaxing from a very trying week. Socorro is a counselor with Childrens Services in Uruara'

Moses and Elizete and their children. Moses committed his life last month. Elizete is on her way!

Carlinha and Mom, Socorro. Carlinha is on our leadership team.

Poli and Nega with Poliana and Samuel

Enjoying the food and company

Fun in the sun and the jungle

Our next baptism we are hoping to have next month at this same place! It was beautiful! The beautiful thing is, it's less than a mile away from our house!!

The weekend before Mother's Day, Nega and I realized that our hubby's would be out of town doing missions in Maribel on Mother's Day. So we voted for a family outing that turned into a church outing that was an absolute blast. We didn't realize what was so close to us. A friend made arrangements for what is normally a public weekend gathering place and asked for permission for our group to close it down for our use only! Wow, the turn out and the location couldn't of been more relaxing and wonderful for kids and friends to gather!

I took my camera along and had a great time taking pics. Clyde took some too!

We also had some good friends come to visit from Altamira and we enjoyed a great weekend with them!

After the gathering, new friendships have gone deeper. Enjoy the photos!

2011-05-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday Kids Cell Group

Teaching the kids to paint easter eggs

The new addition to make room for more folks during service!

-+In time for Easter!

Clyde sharing on Easter Morning

Kids lined up with the eggs they found to make sure all were accounted for. About 27 children received eggs and a bag of goodies for Easter. Smiles were big and bright.

Easter Sunday was filled with celebration, new traditions, revelation and remembering the cost Jesus paid for all of us to have the gift of salvation.

Saturday afternoon our kids cell group learned about Redemption and how Jesus paid our price and set us free from the sentence of death. They learned a new tradition of painting eggs. They loved that.

Clyde and Poli added onto the roof to make more room for the church and just in time for Easter Sunday. Sunday morning we woke up bright and early and prepared a breakfast table. Each family brought some bread or fruit and juice or cake. We celebrated with new friends and had a wonderful time together praising the Lord and hearing the story of how Jesus went to the cross. Many children came and we put on an egg hunt for them after the service. They giggled and screamed finding their treasures. It was a great joy to see them all so excited. I could sense the pleasure the Lord has when He sees his children delighting in His blessings.

To close the service out, Poli prayed an emotional prayer filled with thankfulness. Later that night, Poli shared a part of his testimony that is very powerful and proves that Jesus is enough!

The work in Uruara' is growing and we feel God's favor on it.

Please pray for the work in Uruara' and for Poli and Nega as they sow into the lives of those calling Vineyard their home.

2011-03-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

I wanted to introduce our amazing Brazilian family, Poli and Nega and their 3 children. Samuel 3 yrs, Poliana 9 yrs and Gabriel 8 months.

Poli and Nega have moved from Altamira. They have been walking with the Lord for the past 7-8 yrs. They have a remarkable testimony of God's salvation. Poli has been a natural evangelist taking part in the motorcycle ministry out of the Central church in Altamira. He's been all over on his motorcycle sharing the Lord with villages on the highways and byways. Now, he and Nega come excited and they are giving all they have to plant a Vineyard church here in the city. We are here to support their efforts until June/July when the roads dry out and we can head back to Maribel.

Along with Poli and Nega heading up the work here in the city of Uruara', the Lord has also called 20 year old Carlinha. She is from Uruara' and was in Altamira studying to enter a state college. She found Jesus and He has been transforming her life. He had other plans for her and she is now living back in Uruara' helping us with the work here. She has a natural love for people and a dedicated love to the Lord. We are so blessed to have her apart of this work.

In Memory of Fagno

Maribel suffered a tragedy with the drowning of 20 yr old Fagno. He died in a fishing accident March 3rd. Fagno's family is still suffering greatly and the community of Maribel is still feeling the affects. We praise God for how he ordained Clyde's trip to happen right when Fagno's father received the horrifying news. Clyde was able to comfort the family and also hold a memorial service for Fagno and all those from the surrounding villages. Please pray for Moses and Katia, Fagno's immediate family as they grieve and try to put the pieces back together again. Moses is not a Christian. We keep praying and supporting him in the Lord. May His loving kindness draw Moses to His heart.

Clyde leaves for another trip to Maribel along with Poli on Monday. Please pray that the Lord guides them and leads them to divine appointments with people. Folks there are recovering the loss and I'm sure Clyde will be a visitor welcomed after all that has happened.

Next post will have pictures from his trip and pictures of the new fence that has gone up at the church property! Stay tuned!

Thank you again for your love and support! Blessings, Kelsie

March Update from Uruara'

2011-03-08T08:16:00.001-08:00

We have been in Uruara' for the past month and getting settled in. We finally have some comforts of big city living(well, the population is about 30K, which is good size for us) with icecream, video stores, supermarket and a modest park. Along with that is also some 50 churches! That part is hard for Clyde as he is more for the unchurched. I apologize for not having any photos but our technology has suffered a few big hits and we are currently recooping. I will try to have a picture of the house and a few updated pictures for next blog.

The work here in Uruara' is something new for us. We have come in to help start with a church plant with a Brazilian couple from Altamira. Thier names are Poli and Nega. They have 3 small kids and have been a great blessing to us. The Lord orchestrates our steps and provides in ways we could never imagine. The greatest testimony we can share right now is the fact that we both had to rent houses at different times. We had no idea where each other would end up renting. We wanted the same neighborhood because of the property in which the church will be built.

We moved first and 4 days later, Poli and Nega moved. God set up our houses as such that they live on the next street from us and the coolest part is is that our yards touch!!!!! We have a fence that opens up the path/short cut to each others homes. No body else but us have access to it and so the kids go back and forth all day long enjoying the security and freedom! We both were sooo happy and blessed with this amazing set up! Thank You Jesus!

We have done the door knocking phase of inviting folks to service at Poli's place and getting homegroups started and kids home groups started as well as a Sunday service. So far it is now investing in the folks that are coming. We are not focused on numbers, although from time to time it is hard to not get discouraged when only 1 person shows up. BUT, even if 1 person shows up, it is an opportunity to be used by the Lord.

Once a month Clyde is traveling to Maribel to visit and minister. This past visit we had a special visitor from Canada come to see the work there. Dan Thiessen is on the Xtreme Mercy Canada board(Xingu Mission Canada) and a very good counselor. We had the rare priviledge to have Dan stay with us for a few days and glean wisdom and counsel from him.

He and Clyde left for Maribel and on this trip and encountered things they never imagined.

After arriving, the next morning, they headed up river in the mission boat to visit a few villages so Dan could meet the people. Get a grasp of the culture and work.

Before heading up they stopped in to see a dear friend, Moses, who was on the bank of the river. At the same time, 3 other boats pulled in bearing bad news that Moses' son had just drowned in a fishing accident. He was beside himself ready to take his own life. Clyde was there through the entire process of finding the body. Dan stayed praying for the family and understanding a family in crisis from another cultural perspective. After the body had been found, his body was sent to the school for all the villages were coming to pay their condolences and grieve for the life that was lost. After a short spontaneous service, the body was taken by line truck(a F-4000 with bench seat on the back) to Uruara' at 10pm. Clyde and Dan hopped in with others who were family as it was probably thier only ride back into Uruara'. The roads are terrible, it was raining and the tarps were down trapping in the stinch of the body. To make a long story short, the guys had quite the travel home and made it in the next day. Moses, the dad was in so much shock that he wasn't eating, drinking, sleeping and was eventually admitted into the hospital on the day of the burial. He was declining to the point of not talking. We prayed constantly for him and called on a hour by hour basis to find out how he was doing. By the 4th day or so, he was coming out of his shock.

We continue to pray for Moses because he has not yet asked Jesus into his heart. We are praying that the Lord show His mercy and love for him during this time. His wife is a Christian and has many giftings, together they have 3 beautiful girls ages 9 yrs,3 yrs and 8 months.

Please keep this family in your prayers.

Thank you for your love and support. Keep us in your prayers as we live between two ministries and houses. Transition is in our line of work!

Bergquist's in Brazil

2011-01-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

I have put together this short clip to show what we are doing.

We are heading into a new season of another transition. As the rainy season approaches the remote area we live in(the community of Maribel) gets very difficult to travel in and out of. The roads become impassable and our poor truck gets a major workout each trip we take. We have plans to move to the city closest to Maribel called Uruara'. It's 3 hours when roads are good from Maribel. It's the largest city on the Transamazon next to Altamira. Stores, internet, schools and hospital. This isn't Maribel! Maribel is 5 houses, no churches, no health post, no power or phone lines and no internet, but the door to a work that God has called us to. The goal for us to minister here is working and living in Maribel for the dry season(June-December) and visiting bi-monthly in the rainy season(Jan-June). We have used this first season to build relationships with the river folks who live in Maribel and on the Iriri river. Our goal now is for Clyde to go in at least 2 times a month for a week at a time to disciple, have church and travel to the communities that are also hungry for the Word.

On the other weeks he is with us in Uruara' we'll be working together with a Brazilian couple to start home groups and eventually plant a church that will oversee the work in Maribel and on the Iriri river as well as the highways and biways into Uruara'.

We are excited about this as it means we are making efforts to make more disciples who can raise up more Jesus Lover's.

Pray with us as we make this transition and initiate the home groups in Uruara'.

Our main needs right now is $10K to build a ministry house where our family can live and others can visit when we are not there in the rainy season.

If you would like to help, please help today and visit our donation site by clicking HERE

Our hearts are so grateful to the love and support you have given.

God is on the move to change lives in Uruara' and Iriri region! Help us this new year 2011 get a head start!

Blessings to you and your families as you also make a new start in 2011!

In His Service,

Clyde and Kelsie Bergquist

A Special Surprise!

2010-12-15T18:26:00.000-08:00

Mike, Matt, Jason and Wade in front of the tree Clyde found last year that reminded him of

Edgewater Christian Fellowhip

When we took Nana and Papa Steve back to Altamira to catch their flight, we stayed and caught our breath as we had another team coming to visit just a few days later.

We were privileged to have Edgewater Christian Fellowship plan a trip to see the ministry. Last minute, the team leader wrote and informed us for transportation purposes, there were not going to 3 but 4. We realized this was a possible surprise. We pushed in the back of our minds but when the day of arrival was upon us, we couldn't stop thinking and guessing who it could be.

We were thrilled to see our brother in law Matt come off the plane as the 4th member of the team! It was a great Christmas present to us for sure!

They had some mishaps on their travels, but their spirits were high and ready for the adventure ahead of them.

The way we travel on the Iriri River

We didn't lose anytime as we headed out to Maribel on Tuesday morning. Wednesday we planned to launched a 3 day river trip. Our dear friend, Josh Pflederer and his oldest daughter, Gabriella came along and made the trip more fun. Josh and his beautiful wife, Brin are moving to Manaus to follow God's leading in January. We were delighted Josh could break away and visit one last time as he and Clyde had made a visit together the previous year and had searched out remote areas to possibly start another base together. God has other plans and He is fulfilling them as we speak.

A Happy Camper!

House meeting for communion

The 3 day river trip was filled with sun, fishing for dinner and competing for the largest and most fish as we were in two boats, visiting houses and villages. We stayed 2 nights in a village and had a sweet time of ministry there.

Enjoying His Presence

The first morning after arriving, we had a communion service. Matt shared about communion and how Jesus wants us to eat of Him, partake of Him. It was a wonderful message of acceptance and those who came were filled up. The owner of the home is not a Christian yet, but said that God is working and she feels His tug. We pray for her and our next visit that she will partake of His glorious gift of salvation.

After communion, we headed out in our boats and had a lot to cover in a short amount of time.

We reached a house on a good size rapid.

Beating the Sun and Heat

We ate lunch and played in the rapids and had to kick off to invite people to the house for a 4pm service. We stopped in at some 5-6 houses inviting folks to come. When we got back to the house, we were a half hour late, but the house was packed!!!!! That service was gonna be brief! But God showed up and 2 people gave their lives to Jesus and I was able to minister to the Mrs. of the house.

We scrambled out of there and visited all the houses we could trying to get back to the village where we were staying as we were holding another night meeting there at 7pm. We pushed and made it, but along the way we received a great testimony of God's unexpected surprises!!

A lady came out of her house as we were pulling up in the hottest part of the day. Hannah had fallen asleep on me and I told Clyde "Make it as quick and sweet as possible!" I held her sweaty body with the only shade of an umbrella. After about 10 minutes, Clyde called me up to come and meet the family. Oh, how I just wanted to get going and get out of the heat. But okay!

So I made my way out of the boat. Wade, a new friend and member of ECF offered to carry Hannah's sleeping body up the steep embankment.

When I got up there, the warmth of the family was refreshing! I was kicking myself for having such a bad attitude. Jose' and Maria(Mary and Joseph) were all smiles and shared about how just days before they had sent a message through a friend to Clyde. The message never reached him. Maria explained that she met Clyde in Maribel when she was waiting to be tested for Malaria. Clyde remembered that she looked really bad and felt compelled to pray for her.

She testified that God touched her and she was healed!

Whoot! Whoot! Whoot! So cool! She went on to ask Clyde when he could come back and do a service in their home. She wants more of Jesus! We prayed for them before we left.

The rest of the trip was fun and very bonding with all the guys that came! We felt such a kindred connection with them and knew God had this orchestrated! He is so good! ALL THE TIME!

It was like a scene from a reality show about how to make something from nothing to perform at task and have only a day to do it with success!

These guys really did work hard

This is our well site. What a sight!

The team helped us with our water problems and with all their expertise came up with a bad report. It's not enough water in the new well we had drilled. We need a miracle to get water and make life smoother! Til then we will trust Him for the grace to continue to live there.

Sunday was their last day in Maribel and we had church at a neighbor's house on the river. It was a small group as many families were roasted thier manioc root to make "farinha(fah-drin-yah). It's their staple with fish and rice.The folks that were there were greatly blessed and we had a great time ministering and praying for them.

Altamira base leader, Bud Simone met us to look at the house purchased to start the ministry in Uruara'

The team gathers in the front yard of the property

Front view of the house with Bud and Poly, who is the new leader for the work in Uruara'

We are looking at building an apartment on the side of the house here where the guys are standing. The fence on the side is a dog area and will come down for more room.

We headed back out towards Altamira. The first stop was in Uruara' where we met with the Altamira base leader, Bud Simon and a Brazilian leader, Poly. We ate lunch with them and their wives and afterwards went to a new house that was purchased for them to live and begin a work in the city. We have been asked to move to the city in the rainy season(Jan-June) and work with them to plant a church. We are praying for how and when to make the move. Looking at February for a realistic time frame. We need to build a small apartment next to the existing house. This move will help develop leaders in the city to oversee the work on the Iriri and eventually we will be able to pass it on.

We made it into Altamira early evening with no problems with the car, but the kids in our car, Makenna, Gabriella, Maddy and Hannah were all suffering from what we thought was car sickness. Later we realized it was a virus or food poisoning or something. It ended up being a long night! But we are on the mend. The team left first thing today. My heart was sad to see them go and yet so warmed as we had them in our world and life for 9 days!

Uncle Matt with his nieces and nephew one last time before leaving.

Teams from your own home town are just special! Thank you ECF! Your love and support is so incredibly appreciated! Thanks for EVERYTHING!!!!

Merry Christmas to you and a Blessed and Purposeful New Year 2011!!!!!!!

Nana and Papa Came to Maribel!

2010-12-02T02:13:00.000-08:00

My mom and her husband Steve came all the way from Temecula, California and the beautiful wine country to our rugged neck of the jungle. They did remarkable and I am so proud of them.
They arrived in time for Maddy's 8th birthday. Thier visit was a surprise for the kids and boy were they surprised! Especially our Makenna. We enjoyed a relaxing day at a man made lake and retreat center and then rushed off to do errands before heading on our journey the following morning. We took Mom and Steve on a river trip just a few hours up river from where we live to meet the folks we are building relationships with. Along with us was our dear friend, Tim Kubacki who is a doctor/missionary and our Brazilian friend Alison who came to lead worship. It was a treat to have such a team with us. We had services and medical clinics at 3 stops over the 3 days. Ministry was sweet and the people were so receptive to our family and team. My Mom had a few people touch her heart so strong that she was weepy. But I recognized it as the special thing God does when we encounter Him through the people we are ministering to. It was very cool.
When we reached Maribel again, it was Thanksgiving. Mom and I got to cook together in my humble kitchen with just a few buckets or water. Makenna rounded up a few free range chickens from our yard and took them to a native woman who rung the necks, plucked the feathers and prepared them for me. I haven't gotten to the point of killing dinner yet! Anyways, Mom and I pulled off a pretty amazing lunch. Mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, chicken(which was tougher than tough) imported cranberries and later pumpkin pie and pumpkin crunch!!! After lunch we gathered up all our dishes and laundry from our river trip and spent 2 hours at the river washing dishes and clothes. We rushed back to the house as I had a ladies group planned for 4pm. Mom shared her testimony and met 3 of the ladies who soaked up her testimony and shared some of their stories as well.
We had a special service on Saturday instead of Sunday because we were heading back to Altamira on Sunday. We gathered in a thatched roofed house with only 1 wall. It was so breezy and refreshing. Mom and Steve enjoyed the change. We had service and enjoyed lunch together. After lunch we gathered the Brazilians for a family photo. It went well. Then our family gathered for a family photo. I set up the camera on a timer, got everyone set up and pushed the button. I ran to sit down in my spot which was in the middle of the plank we were sitting on and BOOSH! the plank broke right when I sat down. Clyde, Maddy and Nate got hurt but thank goodness it wasn't too terrible. It was a memory we will never forget. The funny thing was that the camera caught it!
There is so much more to share, but my brain isn't expressing it all that well.
Speaking of well... we had an artesean well dug and we have water, but the pump got plugged up. We had to take it in to clean when we took Mom and Steve back to catch thier plane home. We are praying that the pump will work and we will have water. Please pray with us for the finances to hook it up. It will probably be somewhere around $4000 to have it completed!
God is our provider and we trust Him for all things including this well project. The cool thing is that it isn't benefitting just us, but the neighbors in Maribel too! So 5 houses will have water from one source!
This means too that when rainy season hits, we can wash our dishes and clothes up at our houses and not in the river with the Malaria bugs!!!!
More later...Blessings!

Life in Maribel

2010-11-19T19:31:00.001-08:00

Since out move to Maribel in September, we have worked really hard on getting our new home all cozy, starting to have church services in the homes of the neighbors and learning to live without water.
This has been a very dry summer and record lows for river levels. This has messed with the water table too and there is hardly any water in our well. Besides that, our ministry life is very different and fun. The folks out here are simple and relaxed and are without any church background. It's like starting a nearly ground zero!
The kids are doing well even though they still complain about it being so hard. That is a true statment. This life is hard and I have even more sympathy for those who live out here. But to chose to live out here and be born and raised out here are two different things. We chose to live here because we knew God wanted us to for His purposes. Without that, I wouldn't "choose"!!! It's like eternal camping!!! The community is very small. About 5 houses and the other neighbors who surround the community frequent the house and come to services on Sundays. We have free range pigs, chickens and cows. All of which are mess makers and part of the "cost" to live here on the grace side of things. Overlooking all that, I am quite content here. Just really need water!
We are pursuing a artesian well and praying God for the finances for it. We bucket in our water from the river. I wash all our clothes and dishes every day in the river. I am so grateful for our truck to haul it back and forth because we don't live on the water front! We live about a 1/4 mile from the river bank.
Life is very different. And when I have more time, I'll write what those differences are!
Thanks for praying for us and we will continue to update as we can! Blessings!
PS, my mom and her hubby are here for the next week to see our new home and ministy! Should be fun and interesting to see how they do!!!

God is Faithful

2010-10-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not writing anything for over a year. The reason? Well, after several research trips to Sao Felix and talking to key people, it seemed that Sao Felix wasn't going to be the place God had for us as we thought. I didn't know what to blog! In Jan 2010 we moved back to Altamira for a season to decide what the Lord wanted. He showed us that the river we were trying to minister to was going to be better accessed through Altamira via a little community called Maribel off the TransAmazon Hwy.
Clyde had been on research trip in Dec 09 and it was very exciting to him. He took a few other trips in early 2010 and it confirmed his heart to want to minister there. So in Sept 2010, we moved our family to Maribel, bought a house we couldn't refuse to buy and we are calling it home to our new ministry God is putting us to!
What is it like? Simple! We live in a small community of about 4 houses and a beautiful river with river folks living off the land with no power, no t.v. no running water and no bathrooms. God has stretched us and we are finding that simple is freeing.
The people have no church background. Everything is new. We are starting from ground zero and it is fun! Many cannot read or write. One man named Chico, has been the spiritual leader raised up from the Vineyard church in Altamira for the past 2 yrs. He cannot read or write. He has a talking solar bible and he has learned everything he knows from it. He listens to it so intently and has found a rock in Jesus. We are working with he and his wife and others that have opened their hearts to the gospel there.
We live where there is no internet, phones, cell phones, no power and no stores for 3 hours. We go to the city once a month or so to check in with everyone and give updates. We will keep you posted monthly as to our progress to share the gospel where there is no gospel presence! Pray for us as we are out there.
We appreciate your prayers for:
Health
Wisdom in ministry
Intimacy with the Father
Strength to live where it is harder

Thanks for reading~ we'll try and stay more in touch!

More about Sao Felix

2009-09-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

Our friend Josh Pflederer who traveled with Clyde put together a great video on this trip and I invite you to check it out.
Please go to his blog called "Between Here and There" located on the side of this page! Thanks!

A Letter From Clyde

2009-09-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

After many years of praying, dreaming and visualizing about the mid-upper Xingu River, I was finally able to see part of it for myself.
I took a small team to the ranching community called Sao Felix do Xingu in our new (to us) Ford Ranger pickup and drove some 500 km in about 8 hours.
This was my fourth trip there and each time the road seems to get shorter. When we arrived, we went straight to the dock and talked to our boat driver about our trip. I knew ahead of time that there weren’t that many people that lived on this stretch of the Xingu. He confirmed by naming the families and communities. We were a bit discouraged, but my fellow missionary, Josh Pflederer and I made the decision to go anyway.
The next morning we loaded up the truck with our belongings, food and ice and headed down to the boat ramp to load up the boat and fuel up and head down river towards Altamira.
It always amazes me that their are rivers so huge and long and never dry up. In this case the Xingu River is 1200 miles long with it’s headwaters beginning in the state of Mato Grosso and eventually dumping in the mighty Amazon. I spent the first 2 years living in Altamira(located on the mid-lower Xingu) and the last 2 years in Porto de Moz(located on the lower-mouth of the Xingu). I had always wanted to see the middle to upper section and now we were starting to see that part I had only imagined. I had known that many sections of the Xingu (Amazon for that matter) had been logged for the purpose of the wood itself, but mainly to raise cattle. As we continuted down river we had seen that the riverbanks were untouched and virgin jungle like that of years ago. When I asked the boat driver about the trees along the riverbank, he had said that the land owners aren’t supposed to cut them but beyond the banks were pastures home to thousands of cattle that utilize the land.
After passing through several series of islands we came to a little house up off the banks. I had told the driver that we wanted to stop at every house that had a permanent resident. Many homes are temporary shelters for ranch hands and fishermen and are abandoned in the rainy season when the water is high. So we stopped and proceeded up to the house. We noticed a young mom named Sylvia and her young son. She had been washing dishes in an outside sink. Nothing but a platform with a board and a bucket of water. We greeted her and explained who we were and our purpose in the trip. After 20 minutes or so of talking and finding out where the majority of the people live, we asked if we could pray for her. She responded by telling us that her marriage was very difficult and about over. I asked Aline, one of the Brazilian team members from Maraba’ to pray for her. Aline prayed for her and I prayed for her husband that “his eyes would be opened and surrender to Jesus.” We really sensed the Lord touching Sylvia. It was a great start to the trip.

We continued down the river and stopped at what seemed like a dirt road that met up with the river. There we met and talked to a couple local guys who were “canoe taxi’s”. These guys shuttled people across the river leaving at 7am and returning at 1pm. Each canoe could fit 3 motorcycles and several people. I would have liked to see it be done as it wasn’t a calm stretch of river. There we found out a lot of information about the area called “Pombal”. Up to 400 families live inland off the main road and spread out in several communities. There are also two churches already established.

Continuing down stream we saw a huge “clear cut” area and several “white cows”. We stopped and talked to the landowner and found ourselves impressed by this river mans skills. He was building two boats at the same time. One was a cattle barge and he was using only hand tools. I was impressed as I myself am a carpenter. To build something that detailed with a couple hand tools and a file. I would have a hard time coming close to his detail with all my power tools.
This man also raised cattle, pigs and chickens. He also had several “American” dogs which I think are hounds. I felt a sense of being close to home knowing we shared the same name. His wife heated up some fresh “cows milk” to go with our coffee. Brazilians are so generous, even if they have very little, they always offer a fresh cup of coffee.
Afterwards, we hiked up to the top of the hill behind his house to check out the view. It was spectacular. The Xingu and it’s tributaries and all it’s islands. After we headed back to his house, a local cowboy showed up on his horse. He lived “just over the hill”-(7 km about a one hour ride away). We found out that his wife is a believer and goes to a church in the inland. After sharing with them we continued on our journey downstream and looked for an island to prepare camp and eat dinner.

One of my favorite parts of this trip was seeing the beauty of God’s creation. I wonder what percentage of the world had seen this piece of His handwork-swirling rapids, huge trees, big white birds, river turles, even alligators soaking the rays on the beaches. And the fish we caught! Anytime we started in motion, we put the fishing lines out. Two to three lines about 50 yards out with various colored lures. As we approached the rapids, we’d get a sense of “brace yourselves” and then “BAM” fish-on!!!! Whether tucunare(peacock bass), Caibro(Bicuda) or Cachorra(Dog fish), they were all a blast to fish and try to reel in. Many got off...whether breaking the line or the lure ripping out of thier mouths. It was so exciting watching my young buddy, Francisco, fight and reel in fish for the first time using a “real” fishing rod. He couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear. We had plenty of fish to eat and had lots of food left over. That’s a change if you’ve been on any “Brazilian” mission trips. Our main purpose for this 4 day river trip was to see the “need” of ministry on that section of the Xingu and the reality of the “ribeirinho” river people population. Many people if not most drank only river water. I mentioned to some about our water filters. They seemed to be very excited about clean, filtered water. This could obviously be part of meeting some immediate health issues as well as a great way to continue our relationships with these people.

We finally made it to our destination. Vila Sao Sebastiao by the morning of the third day. A small river community of about 5-6 houses, a Catholic church and a center hall. All built with wood or mud thatch walls and palm thatch roofs. Unfortunately only one family, a couple with thier 7 year old daughter, was there at the time we arrived. After talking with the mom we ventured into the jungle down a path in the direction of the noise of a chainsaw. Finally after a short trip of about 20 minutes, we met the Dad. He was carving out a dugout canoe with his Stihl chainsaw. A brazilnut tree had fallen in a wind storm 7 years earlier and had laid there until this man decided to turn it into something useful. He first had to get the governments permission to use this fallen tree for himself. Government officials actually went to the site and gave him the okay. I was a little surprised at the regulations needed to cut up a “naturally fallen tree” to be used as a “poor person’s canoe”. He continued to mention that the land he was living on for the past 30 years was now becoming a “national environmental park” and was being
threatened to be kicked off. Another issue was the lack of education there in the remote. Although his 7 year old daughter still lived with them, the majority of the river children at a young age are sent to town to study and be raised by a relative or friend or friend of a friend. I see both sides to the story. Either stay as a family and live where there’s no school and be illiterate or move to the city and get an education. I think either way is difficult. In fact it is a very hard life living on the river and off the land. Many stay at their homes for months at a time and hardly ever go into town. I could write a book (maybe I already am).

After 4 days on the river we returned to Sao Felix. We decided to take the fifth day to make a survey trip by road. We passed through several small ranching and farming towns that seemed to be thriving. On several occasions we got stuck in the “cattle drives” on the road. Their were hundreds of cattle at a time often bumping into the truck and hitting the side mirrors.One guy I talked to on the ferry said that there are over 12,000 voters. I can only imagine then between 30K-50K people living in that part of the region. We observed that most of the villages/towns already had several churches and I would consider that they’re being reached. It was a beautiful drive and we covered about 300 Kilometers in about 6 hours. It sure beats a boat when\if the roads are good.

I am so happy to have made this trip and to have seen a better layout of the rivers and land that are closer to Sao Felix. It helps us see how the kingdom of God is advancing in the areas that are more easily accessible.

I’m constantly looking at the maps and asking God and others “Where is the greatest need?” “What is Your heart for us?” “Where do we start?”
In comparing the various regions where we’ve worked, Porto de Moz, for example, the region of the Middle\ Upper Iriri-Xingu is ten times the size. It’s 150,000sq miles. Where and how should we focus to be more efffective in such a vast region? We are excited and nervous at the same time. I plan on doing several more survery trips to seek the Lord’s will for this area! Bottom line is Jesus says “To seek and save the lost.” But, He also says the poor we will always have. We need the mind of Christ. Please be praying with us about these decisions and our next steps as a family and mission team.
The trip was great and eye opening and definitely beneficial as we begin to see a little more clearly the land that God is calling us to.
This week I’m out again on another survey trip, but from the other end. I look forward to sharing my trip with when I return.

In Christ-
Clyde

Update

2009-08-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

It's been busy and slow all at the same time since June. We have been hanging back at the mission in Maraba' these past few months for many reasons.
Clyde was stopped on our survey trip by the government officials and was told he was not legal to drive until he gets a Brazilian driver's license. So he got right on it and ended up taking Brazilian Driver's Ed! Lots of hours in the classroom, hours behind the wheel and hours driving a motorcycle too so he could test for his license for motorcycle.
Well, he passed!!!! I am so proud of him cause it was all in formal portuguese and tough!
Still waiting the new card to show his endorsement. The blessing that came out of doing the course was new friendships.

With having to commit to so many hours to get his license, it was another reason to stay put because our mission leaders, Rick and Deanna and family needed to prepare to leave for furlough to Canada.
In this time we had a team from Richmond Canada come for about 10 days and we had a wonderful time with them. They ministered to the kids here at the new church plant and many kids experienced the Holy Spirit for the first time, including our children. Many were saved and many were touched and transformed in some way. We are still seeing the fruit of this team!
Now we are busy as the Bergen Family are gone, we have stepped up to fill in the gaps. We are working with the Leos(Lions in Portg) who are a Brazilian family that moved from Altamira to be apart of the work here in Maraba' and work with the Bergens. They are a talented couple and it's been pleasure working with them. A few weeks ago the church had it's first baptism service. It was a delight to see the kids come and show growth in their hunger for Jesus. Every single child has a rough family life and they are the first fruits that will bring in their families! AMEN!!

This week, Clyde focuses on the bigger picture as he, along with another fellow missionary, Josh Pflederer, head back to Sao Felix and do a survey trip up the Xingu. They have a small team of Brazilians to go with them. Clyde has been studying maps and coloring and laminating them for the trip. He's excited to see what God has on this trip. Please keep him and the team in your prayers as they will be traveling by boat for several days stopping village to village. The goal is to build relationship, share Jesus and feel out the people for their needs spiritually.
If you haven't already seen our clip on youtube, please visit it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v4r-aJYqQs
Copy and paste in your browser window to view the clip.

I look forward to putting together another video to document this next trip.

Enjoy, God Bless and thanks for your support!

2009-06-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

First Exploratory Trip to Sao Felix

2009-06-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

We have been looking forward to this moment for a long time and finally we did it!
The family took the road trip well. We made good time on the fairly well paved highway from Maraba' to Sao Felix. The trip is about 360km and the last 100 km or so are not paved. We stayed with some friends that Clyde met last year when he went on his exploratory trip in June. We stayed with a couple who are Brazilian missionaries to the Indigenous people called the Kayapo'(Ky-ah-poh) We met a few indians while we were there, but they were city folk who lived in Sao Felix. There are many who live in the city and many more that live out in their villages on the Xingu.
We were pretty much getting a feel for the town and meeting friends. We had the chance to attend our friends' church and meet their pastor and a few of the members who attended the service. It is fun to meet people and network and that is our plan for the next few visits until we hear clearly from the Lord what it is that God is calling us to. Clyde is eager to return and head up the river to see what is out there and meet some Brazilians that live out on the river.
For now, we appreciate your prayers as we continue to seek out His will and plan for our lives as missionaries here in Brazil.

On the home front, we are living cozy in the new house the mission built and enjoying the view of the River Tocantins. The summer is here and it's hot! The kids are plugging away at school and Nate and Hannah seem to pass the time away playing outside and with the neighbor kids. The ministry in Maraba' is doing well and planning for the following year already.

We are on a fundraising campaign to raise funds for a truck for our ministry and our family needs. Please pray with us as we trust God for the finances. Thank you for your prayers and support! We are challenged by the internet here. We will try out best to update the blog as we can! Blessings to you from the Bergquist Family

Living in Maraba'

2009-04-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly 6 weeks in Maraba' already. We've been building a house on the mission property and we're anxious to get in as we've been one big family with the Bergen's. They are so gracious to have us and yet it will be nice to be neighbors.

Maraba' is the biggest city we have ever lived in and so we are trying to get acquainted with it by taking adventures to the store, taking our Brazilian friends who have lived here 6-7 months with us on family nights etc. So far II can get to a few places without help! We live far from town, so it's quite the adventure.

So another 2-3 weeks and we should be in our little house. We can't wait.

Ministry wise, we are not doing near what we did in Porto de Moz, but getting more involved as time goes on.
Clyde is helping do a boys bible study and a young men's bible study. I am thinking about getting involved in a little girls group and helping with a women's group as well. Commitment is tough for me at this stage with the kids, but I want to help. Also, more than this I'm wanting to coach and teach the worship team as they are all new musicians and the worship experience. So we'll see where that goes. For now, I'm doing sunday school and Clyde is on the preaching schedule on Sundays.
The girls enjoy so much being helpers in the sunday school. Recently the girls both danced in the church dance group and did super well.

We look forward to sharing about our move into the house and for Clyde to get off on his first trip to Sao Felix.
Please be praying for us for timing and vision!
Blessings to you all during this Easter Sunday. May the sacrifice of Jesus and His resurrection be the celebration this weekend.

2009-03-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

What It Means To Travel The Transamazon Hwy

2009-02-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

What is it like to travel 300 miles by bus through the middle of the jungle with 4 kids?

In the State of Para', which is where we live, the TransAmazon highway (famously known) was cut back in the 1970's sometime to connect the cities. I can only imagine what it was like in the early days when they didn't have 4wheel drive and such. Today it's like traveling on the worst un-maintained back road that is pothole infested with bridges that are narrow and sketchy only held together by what looks like rail road ties and a few boards. In the rainy season the mud turns into soup and feels like snow conditions as we fish tail and spin up and down hills. The driver pulls the steering wheel hard and then lets it go to straighten out. It can by compared to an arcade game like Pole Position. In the summer, it's probably way dusty to the point of suffocation.

Anyways, spped is relative to the conditions. It would be like driving from Grants Pass to Portland in 12 hours and being jostled and vibrated in your seat for nearly the entire drive. The only reprieve is the 1 mile that is paved before and after the big towns. The rest is unbelievable.

I had lots of time to think of how to describe this to people back home. We just wouldn't tolerate this kind of travel. I mean a desperate person that has to travel on a budget takes the Greyhound cause it's cheap and takes forever. I pity the Brazilians who have no options so far as the governments don't make this a priority. That's a whole other blog I WON'T go into.

The kids did relatively well. I was praising God that Nate and Hannah slept for major portions of the bumpy trip. They would wake when we stopped but would soon drift asleep when we started up again. I think it was a way to cope.

The part I was dreading was getting stuck and not being able to get out. It was an adventure to say the least. I prayed that it wouldn't rain so that we could get there in a decent amount of time. It was sprinkling when the bus came to pick us up at 4:30 am. I had to stay flexible on my expectations of the trip. God of course is in control and I knew we'd be okay... right?

We got about 4 hours down the road with slipping and sliding and seeing the other cars and trucks slipping and sliding. We ran into a few that had gotten stuck and we just laughed as we kept going, counting it a blessing to keep going and not be stuck with them. I knew our turn was coming and just about 9:30am, we came upon a hill that looked like the "Goliath" of all hills. It's mud ruts where deep and the hill was relatively steep. There was a truck slipping down and Motorbikes sliding down and 2 horses walking up as slow as molasses but not slipping a bit. Hmmmm?

The side of the hill looked good and I was certain he would go on the side less traveled and wait for the horses to get out of the way... but no, the driver gunned it, honked at the horses to move and went straight for the ruts!!!!! We were stuck on that hill for an hour and had several attempt with chains that broke off the back wheels. As we waited in the bus for the to get us out, we saw many trucks sliding down in our direction as we were smack in the middle of the mess. I had all the kids buckle up just incase we were hit, but nobody even got close. Finally we tried again and literally inched our way up the rest of the hill.

We cruised to the next town still slipping and sliding and pulled in to a truck stop that had a restaurant behind it. It was a hoot. The bathrooms were equipped with showers for the purpose of those who literally have to get under the wheels of their stuck truck and get all muddy doing it. It was something else.

They just deal with it cause they know that as soon as the sun comes out it will dry up the mud in a short amount of time. So if your stuck and can't get out, just pray for sun and your on your way in no time. Sure enough, once we hit the road again, the sun had been out a bit and the mud felt like chalk. We weren't slipping near as much. Just the ruts turned into vibration under the wheels. A whole new attitude was created in trying to enjoy the ride. First the mud and fear of getting stuck to now the horrible vibrations that kept you from being able to sleep or read or do anything. The driver was dodging the potholes at the rate of what seemed to have been a race. It's just an experience you can't quite articulate. Well, I'm trying at least.

At about 5pm, we hit the big town that divided up the trip a bit. It's called Novo Repartimento. It means something like "New Share". The town sits at a crossing of the road that can go 3 different directions to the bigger cities.

We stopped for a potty break and grab a soda. The driver was in the driver's seat intensely starring at a guy outside, looking super serious. He excused himself after all of us were on the bus again and ready to go. I didn't understand what he was saying, but he was talking to a couple of guys outside. The driver returned and one of the guys he just talked to came into the van and said "Your going to Maraba'?" "Be careful!" as he pointed to his eyes as to say "look out". Clyde and I started asking some questions. Like "what is that all about?".

The driver started the engine up and began to pull away and talked about the "banditos"(Bandits/Robbers) on the road from Novo Repartimento to Maraba'. It's known for robberies and highjacks in search for cash and valuables like camera's, cell phones, computers etc. They'll have groups scoping out the traffic and send word about good prospects to their friends awaiting on the roads. But there are also undercover guys who work with the truckers and bus drivers to protect those traveling. Our driver has been doing this for many years and has never been hijacked, but has seen buses right after him get taken. We got a little nervous. We just prayed and trusted the Lord for protection. Clyde took his camera off his belt loop and hid it just for precaution.

I wasn't having good thoughts about Maraba' at this point. I just wanted to get to Rick and Deanna's. Every suspicious activity put a panic in our hearts. After several more hours on the bumpy road, I was ready to see asphalt that lead to Maraba'. It finally came at about 7 pm.

When we hit the pavement, I knew we were safe and could enjoy the smooth ride.

Rick had been calling on the driver's cell phone to see where we were. He planned to meet us at a gas station on his motorcycle and lead us to his place. We got there by 7:30 pm and I was so happy to see an end to this journey!!!

We pulled into the gate that lead down the driveway to the house we had seen pictures of. We also saw a outbuilding lit up and packed with people as it was Saturday night service. The driver gave a honk and all the people cheered and yelled as we pulled in.

Getting off the bus was a trip. I felt numb from head to toe from all the vibration. My emotions were dry and fried. Hannah was alert and alive, giving smiles to everyone! I knew she was excited to be off that bus. Nate did well in waking up from the ride and being embrassed by all those who remembered him. Makenna and Maddy remembered the Bergen's and were chatting all about the trip.

It was crazy to finally have the trip over with. Looking back it was hard, but not so hard that I couldn't do it again. Do I want to do it again? Not any time soon!!!

We praise Jesus for His grace and love for us to get us through tough stuff.

Traveling with 4 kiddos wasn't unbearable, but definately challenging!

We'll try and post some more thoughts in the weeks to come!

Blessings, Kelsie

Arrival in Maraba'

2009-02-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Ease and comfort aren't in every situation. But I do believe God gives the grace to get through the tough challenges.

I knew the toughest challenge for us was going to be the saying good bye's in Porto de Moz and traveling there to Maraba'. Which by the way, it was. I think emotionally it was tougher and logistically. We had to pack up the house, say our last good bye's to the people we invested the most in and then travel. It's so much slower once you get outside the airports in Brazil. It's not like hopping in the car and going on a nice toad trip wtih nice rest areas and restautants. Ithere are no conveniences about it. I'll share that in another blog.

All toghether in travel from PdMoz to Maraba' exept for a night over in Altamira was 24 -26 hours of boat and bus travel. I thought the bus went well. We had a great driver, we had friends and we had the posh convenience of having our private bus. But even with that you wouldn't consider it a quick zip. We left PdMoz Friday the 19th at about 6pm in the rain and arrieved in Bitora at 6 am the next morning. I got a cab with the kids and drove 40 minutes to Altamira packed to the gill with our bags. Clyde stayed back with all our house stuff on the boat and waited for a truck to come and loat it up and take it to Altamira later that morning.

The next morning we loaded up the 20 some passenger bus with all our bags again and some of our house stuff like fans and the kids' bikes at 4:30am and were on the road by 5am. We drover 12 hours and arrived in Maraba' by 7:30pm Saturday night the 21st. (See the next blog for details on what it means to travel 300 miles by bus with 4 kids).

Rick met out bus at a gas station to show us the way to thier place. They have a place on the outskirts of the city with an enormous property that reaches down to the river. His vision is big and the city is huge and more industrialized to compensate this vision.

The bus pulled into the gate and down the driveway we saw an outbuilding lit up with people all inside sitting and standing. Deana was obviously gearing the gathering up for our arrival. The driver honked the horn and everyone cheered. It was a great relief to be in Maraba'.

We thank you for your prayers over the past 3 weeks while we get our family down here. The kids did really well. Everyone is healthy and we just praise the Lord for His faithfulness to get us here safe and sound. Now we will be at the Bergen's for a short time until we can find a house and get settled here.

A few things we need in prayer support and action support!

1. FINANCES...Starting up again takes cash. We don't know our budget yet and don't know how our support looks either. We trust the Lord we can get into a place that won't eat up a major portion of our budget with rent and utilities. We start looking for a place Wednesday.

2. TRANSPORTATION...we are really asking the Lord for a vehicle. Clyde would love to have a truck to do his exploratory trips to Sao Felix and it would be nice to have for getting around Maraba'. It's 3 times the size of Altamira. And then of course there is the maintenance for a truck. In the mean time we will look at buying bicycles to get around with for now.

3. THE VISION... It's long term gang! We are needing to really gear up for long term and that means doing things a bit different. We are blogging to make things aware of the needs.

We're praying for a team to work with us on the field, a strong team in finances and in prayer support. As we put one foot in front of the other, we pray that our vision will inspire vision in others.

Thank you again for your prayers and stay tuned to our blog as we update on the progress here as we are in Maraba' and in route to Sao Felix.

Blessings to you!

2009-02-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

We made it!!!!

It's obviously not a small thing taking 4 kids and all our 10 boxes and bags from here to there.
Shuffling through airports, planes, shuttles/taxi's, hotels and boat trips is not a piece of cake. BUT, God is my Father in heaven and when I have a need, I can ask Him like any child would. I love the scripture in Luke 11:11 that talks about if a son asks his father for a fish, would the father give him a scorpion or if he asks for bread, would the father give him a stone... well, I love this scripture because of course a good father wouldn't do that. So why would God do that to us? In everthing in our lives since I have known the Lord, His promise never failed and will never fail in the future. It may not look like what we think, but it will never fail.
We are back in Brazil and it actually feels really good. I wasn't sure how I felt about coming back. I always try to put my trust in the Lord to prepare my heart and the family's heart to make us ready for wherever we are going or what we will be doing. He is SO faithful and I feel so bad that I actually doubt and compain in the natural.

I was totally dreading the travel to Brazil. Hannah is now 11 months old and more active. Like reaching for the person in the seat infront of us on the plane and wanting to grab thier hair! Nate is 3 and much more chatty and active too. The girls can now take care of themselves a lot better. I was amazed at each one and how well they did. God gave us provision in the sense that we got 5 seats and had another seat on 2 different flights come up empty next to us!!!! My big joke was "buy 5 and get 1 free"! AND, American Airlines never charged us for our baggage like they advertise!!!! We saved a few hundred dollars there! All the little things added up to a huge pathway filled with ease.
The transition into Brazil was suprisingly sweet. We boarded a packed American Airlines and saw the expressions on the passengers faces when they saw our crew boarding. There were a few smiles but many rolling eyes. Our family is "Huge" in American standards. The kids are little still and I know what they were thinking. I use to think the same way! "5 hours of screaming kids??? YUCK" Our culture doesn't tolerate it well.
We made it through and many people commented that they didn't even know our kids were on the plane! "Well done KIDS!!!"
When we got in line the next day to check in to the Brazilian airline TAM, we no more pulled up with our 10 boxes and bags, 4 children and our 7 carry on's and the people in line came alive. The Brazilian women would goo goo at Hannah and started in thier cute little voices admiring her. It was also very welcoming when we could interact with them as "gringo's" and see that they were surprised we spoke thier language so well. I loved it! If Nate was on the florr singing loudly while I was busy with handwriting all 7 labels for our carry on's, they didn't make any comments or make us feel pressured that our child was misbehaving. We could "let it go". As a parent it is a hard balance from the US culture to the Brazilian way. They are polar opposites! So, we correct our children regardless and NAte was distracted by some Brazilian who "helped" us, not just watched and judged.

Ease and comfort aren't in every situation but I do believe God gives the grace to get through the tough challenges. Like for instance, we arrived in Miami and before heading to bed I talked to my sister-in-law, who just got back from India. All 4 of her kids came down with chickenpox and were throwing up on the plane that was 17 hours long plus all the other plane and train transfers they had to go through. They made it and I know it wasn't easy but His grace is sufficient to have gotten them through.

Se we are back and we are packing all our stuff from Porto de Moz and we'll move to the new city of Maraba' on the 19th of February. I'll send an update when we arrive. For now, keep us in your prayers. Blessings to you and missing you already!
Clyde and Kelsie

Pray With Us

2009-01-05T22:49:00.000-08:00

Above are some pictures of Clyde ministering to the Brazilians and also a map of the region we will be moving to. Note Maraba' and Sao Felix do Xingu. These are the areas we are headed.

As we head into the count down to leave for Brazil we find ourselves in an interesting place. Some would call it a pickle but the bottom line is we are asking God for the finances in order to return to Brazil the end of this month.

We have raised a support team that has been super faithful and amazingly generous. We have lived at the bottom line level for most of our time in Brazil and God has made it work for us. We never felt like we needed a lot more to live. Now that we have a vision of our own and are pursuing it, the dynamics are changing. I think many people think that foreign missions and living in 3rd world countries means cost of living is cheaper. In some regards it is true but in more ways it is not true.

As missionaries much of the work we do requires funds to go into the remote areas. We need fuel for boats and food to feed the folks who go with and we like to bless the folks we run into along the way. Remote means it's harder to get there. It requires more resources. We are the catalyst for making much of the first work possible until we start to see the nationals rise up and do the work.

As we head into this new region, we personally are asking the Lord to provide a vehicle so that Clyde can take teams to the interior and to have transportation for our family. Maraba' is a much larger city than we have known. We also need more monthly support to afford the bigger city and possibly pay a higher rent for a home there.

Our Father in Heaven has this call on our lives and we are trusting Him for the finances for this vision He has put upon Clyde to pursue.

Please pray with us as we come down to the final weeks to raise this support.

It's not too big for the Lord. We are challenged to talk about our finances with people. But how will they know if they are not told?

$70 supports our family and ministry for one day! Would you pray about supporting us for a day?

We currently average 17 days of support per month. We are short 13-14 days.

Make no mistake! $10, $20, $25 a month is an amazing gift to missions. We understand that not every family can give a full day of support. Get involved and be blessed! We need sowers!

Email us, we'd love to hear from you!

bergquistclan@xingu.org

Thank you for your prayer support and for reading our blog. May the Lord bless you. We'd love to hear your thoughts and comments too!

New Year Squeeze

2008-12-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

Many of us are feeling the squeeze of time as it slips into 2009 and some of you may sense just the lack of control with the times. My family and I are feeling the squeeze as we spend our last few weeks in the USA. Trying to meet with all our friends and family for the last time. Somehow we can't stop the feelings of sentiment. The moment comes when we have to step into the new season ready or not. We will be packing up our belongings and saying goodbye more this time than ever. Not only are we saying goodbye to family and friends here in the USA, but also when we go back to Brazil. We will be packing up our belonging in Porto de Moz and saying goodbyes to our missionary family(who we love very much) and to our friends there(who we have become such good friends with).

The love and friendships we have built these past few years are so precious and yet God is again taking us to a new place to do a new thing. We are anxious to serve Him and to meet new friends and make a new life once again. Many say we are "troopers" but really it is just the way we live.

I personally feel privileged to serve abroad with my family. As we head into these new times and this new season, we are facing the need to share more about what we are doing.

To raise awareness to those who want to partner with missions and sow into the Kingdom of God. This is a ripe time even as the economy is squashed, we need to remember that God is not! We are children of the Most High and He has provision for us even in famine!

So with the uncertainty of the economy, do not be dismayed. Let's raise our needs to the Lord. Be specific...He can handle it! Cause He already has it planned out. Rest in His love and know that He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it! AMEN!!!

Happy New Year to you and may your faith rise up and believe for more than you have ever imagined!

I'm Thankful For:

2008-12-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for being home this holiday season.

I am thankful for my family being together and the reunions we are having.

I am thankful for our health.

I am thankful for every one of our kids and thier stages they are in.

I am thankful for my husband and the amazing man God is molding him to be!

I am thankful for my sister in law, who has amazing capacity for children and events. She blesses my socks off and there is no way I can repay her! Maybe one day!!

I am thankful for friends.

I am thankful that God has chosen us for such a time as this and that to serve Him is stretching and challenging. I am thankful for the promises He has given us that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. We can rest assured that we belong to Him.

I am thankful for cool weather even though I cannot take it with me to the Amazon.

I am thankful for the people God is using to make our stay so amazing!

I thank you Jesus for always providing and taking care of our EVERY need! You are so faithful! I lift up your Name on High!

Blessings to you during this Christmas season. May the peace of the Lord abound in you and that you can take those moments out to just praise His name for all the wonderful things He is doing, will do and has done for you!

Peace and Joy,

Kelsie

Hear More Stories...

2008-11-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

We had another blog we used until our internet was down more than it was up. Also the photo's had a hard time uploading, so we have a new blog to keep us going. So please visit the old site if your new to following our blog.

Blessings, Kelsie

http://bergquistclan.spaces.live.com/

Who Are the Bergquist's?

2008-11-18T20:23:00.000-08:00

Clyde was raised in a Christian home and rebelled at a young age. He partied and drank and had fun with drugs until he was 18 and hit a breaking point... discontentment. All the things his Dad quoted from the Bible began to replay in his mind. The scriptures had power and he started to read his Bible in the midst of roommates who were practicing witchcraft and drugs and living for themselves in the thick of darkness. Clyde found Jesus! He was brighter and more powerful than anything and it began his romance with the King of Kings.

I, Kelsie was raised by a single mom and was bounced from town to town, school to school never really feeling an attachment to anywhere. I had a strong relationship with my mother who was my only sense of stability. Mom partied and was searching for love in all the wrong places. Although Mom knew what was right, she clung to what she could to raise me right. God had ahold of us and provided. We went to church and I enjoyed worship and music the most. I was never really for the sunday school thing. During middle school, my mom re- married and had instant family and that began the long journey of trials.

The Lord carried me through and I clung to my love for the Lord. He had a plan for me that far surpassed my every dream.

In Sept 1995, Clyde and I began to date and were married in June 1997.

In Sept 1998, we joined a short term mission team from the Grants Pass Vineyard and traveled to the Xingu River. There we met Rick and Deanna Bergen and began a divine relationship with them.

Six years, 2 children and a house later, the Lord opened up the door for us to make the move full time to the Xingu. In May 2004,we began our journey and went to serve with the Bergen's and other missionaries with Xingu Mission. We began to learn the language, hosted the guest house and started building relationships.

In July 2006, we moved to Porto de Moz with the Vanhulle's. Going to primarily help base leader, Richie Bouthillier, from the pressures of being the only missionary doing the work alone, Clyde had an undiscovered passion brewing in his spirit. Managing the water filter project and traveling on filter trips was a great experience for river life and ministry. Clyde put his heart into it and enjoyed it. In Jan 2007, Clyde found himself pastoring the church Richie had planted that was right next door. It was a challenge to be put in a pastoring position as a foreign missionary and to have a flock of mainly youth. But God's hand was in it all and preparing Clyde to be a better leader.

In July 2008, Clyde and I headed home for furlough for 6 months to seek the Lord's will and find some direction. Clyde's heart was being tugged for another region.

In February 2008, we headed to the Altamira base to await the birth of our 4th baby. During that time, Clyde found himself in a meeting with missionaries and Brazilian pastor, Clenildo. Pastor Clenildo shared about this region Clyde had already been dreaming about. He shared how remote it is and how the people are without churches and have no medical treatment out there and so much more. It hit Clyde so hard he could hardly keep quiet. It was a start to a spark.

In June 2008, Clyde took an exploritory trip with a Brazilian friend. They headed to the town of Sao Felix do Xingu. It is at the south end of the Xingu in relation to Altamira.

There they ran into some divine paths and met some remarkable people. Clyde felt fired up inside and yet not sure how it would all come to play.

In July we headed home to the States for six months to seek the Lord for direction. Clyde's heart was tugging for a new region, a new vision.

We are currently here til Jan 29th and at this point we feel led to leave the Porto de Moz base and move closer to the Sao Felix region. We are praying and seeking to raise support for our upcoming move.

Leaving Porto de Moz will be hard as it always is when your sowing into people and relationships. To say good bye will hurt alot, but we are trusting God for the transition for the kids sake and ours.

Please continue to watch for new blogs as we draw closer to our return to Brazil.

Thank you! The Bergquist Family