Hey guys... Don't forget:
Tomorrow- July 28th we're having XG Harvest Groups. The High School AND Junior High are combined from 6-8pm at the Collins' house. The address is 2157 El Seco Way., Pittsburg, CA 94565.
On Sunday- July 29th There's an appreciation lunch for the XG worship team. Meet at Jim and Jeri Tomtania's house at 2pm. Lunch will be provided. Don't forget your swim suit!
Keeping checking the bolgspot for more announcements and other XG updates!
Friday, July 27, 2007
In Case You Missed It...
XG had an amazing time at the Anderson's house this last Friday (thanks Craig and Kelly).
Not only did we have great food and a great pool party, but we had great worship and preaching too!
Jim and Nahela led us in worship. We had some good time of ministry at the end.
Pr. Elana preached another awesome word on being stale in your Christian walk. She talked about how a bag of chips can go stale quick when it's not closed right and the outside air is able to get to it. She reminded us that if we leave ourselves open to being affected by that "outside air" (outside negative influences), if we don't stay fresh, often times we'll become like that bag of chips- STALE. She encouraged us again, to stay connected this summer- make sure we're connected with XG, our XG groups, and in our own personal time with God. Don't let "lazy summer days" make you stale. Keep fresh in your walk!
We also had a "pie" (made of whipped cream) eating contest. Bryan won, getting every last bit of whipped cream. Leilah took Pr. Elana's challenge and jumped in the pool with all her clothes on (and got $5 as a prize). What great sports!
DON'T FORGET WE'RE BACK AT THE HARVEST CENTER THIS FRIDAY @ 7PM-- SEE YA THERE!
Check out some pictures of XG on the Road (Part 2 :) )
Not only did we have great food and a great pool party, but we had great worship and preaching too!
Jim and Nahela led us in worship. We had some good time of ministry at the end.
Pr. Elana preached another awesome word on being stale in your Christian walk. She talked about how a bag of chips can go stale quick when it's not closed right and the outside air is able to get to it. She reminded us that if we leave ourselves open to being affected by that "outside air" (outside negative influences), if we don't stay fresh, often times we'll become like that bag of chips- STALE. She encouraged us again, to stay connected this summer- make sure we're connected with XG, our XG groups, and in our own personal time with God. Don't let "lazy summer days" make you stale. Keep fresh in your walk!
We also had a "pie" (made of whipped cream) eating contest. Bryan won, getting every last bit of whipped cream. Leilah took Pr. Elana's challenge and jumped in the pool with all her clothes on (and got $5 as a prize). What great sports!
DON'T FORGET WE'RE BACK AT THE HARVEST CENTER THIS FRIDAY @ 7PM-- SEE YA THERE!
Check out some pictures of XG on the Road (Part 2 :) )
Jim and Nahela leading worship
Worship in the backyard
Patrick and Willie preparing burgers
Yummy food being cooked
Listening to Pr. Elana preach by the pool
Pr. Elana preaching
Gettin' the food
The boys in line
Hangin' Out
Matthew and Garrett
Chris, Kanoa and Ben
Pool party!
Magda and Tara
Carlos, Kanoa, Jim, Jeri, Andrea and Yvonne
Alyssa and Starlla
"Pie" eating contest
Pr. Elana smashed their faces in the cream :)
Magda and Yvonne playing the game
Leilah jumped in the pool, fully clothed, for $5
There's the prize!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Missions Team is home!
Thank you all for your prayers... The H. S. Missions Team to Brazil is finally home! They all arrived safe, tired and happy. Their flights landed at 12:15 & 12:30.
Praise God!
Don't forget XG tomorrow night, Pr. Jonathan will be speaking and the missions team sharing. XG is back home again at the Harvest Center... come expecting God to do amazing things!
Praise God!
Don't forget XG tomorrow night, Pr. Jonathan will be speaking and the missions team sharing. XG is back home again at the Harvest Center... come expecting God to do amazing things!
Missions Team Headed to SFO
Praise God all the Missions Team members have made it off standby and onto a flight home! They are all very tired and looking forward to being home.
Here is all the Info I have:
American Airlines Phone #:1-800-222-2377
On Flight 1077:
Ricci Ann, Caitlyn, Shanna, Leif, Jacob, Afton, Alanna, Emmy, Daniel, Amiee, Sean,Cassie & Pr. Jon Jon
On flight 1537: Jenny, Allisun, Alex, Christine & Hannah
Here is all the Info I have:
American Airlines Phone #:1-800-222-2377
On Flight 1077:
Ricci Ann, Caitlyn, Shanna, Leif, Jacob, Afton, Alanna, Emmy, Daniel, Amiee, Sean,Cassie & Pr. Jon Jon
| Detailed Flight Information | |||||||||
| Carrier | City | Time | Terminal | Gate | Baggage Claim | Flight Status Notification | |||
| Scheduled | Estimated | Actual | |||||||
 AMERICAN AIRLINES | Departing: |  | |||||||
| DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth, | 8:55 AM | 9:52 AM | C | C31 | |||||
Arriving: Estimated: | |||||||||
| SFO San Francisco, | | 10:30 AM | 12:18 PM | 3 | 61 | ||||
On flight 1537: Jenny, Allisun, Alex, Christine & Hannah
| Detailed Flight Information | |||||||||
| Carrier | City | Time | Terminal | Gate | Baggage Claim | Flight Status Notification | |||
| Scheduled | Estimated | Actual | |||||||
AMERICAN AIRLINES | Departing: | | |||||||
| DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth, | 10:05 AM | 10:53 AM | C | C35 | |||||
Arriving: Estimated: | |||||||||
| SFO San Francisco, | | 11:40 AM | 12:31 PM | 3 | 62B | ||||
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Missions Team is on thier way home!
The team just left on time...
American Airlines flight 982 from Sao Paulo to DALLAS, TX. - Praise The Lord!! :)
I do not have the information on when they will fly out of Dallas. I will call all parents personally as soon as I find out from Pr. Jonathan all the details.
I believe that these are the flights that they are trying for:
1537 DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth 10:05 07/26/2007
SFO San Francisco 11:40 07/26/2007
AMERICAN AIRLINES
1445 DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth 07/26/2007 12:15 PM
SFO San Francisco 07/26/2007 01:50 PM
Feel free to call me at any time:
Elana- 925-825-4599
American Airlines flight 982 from Sao Paulo to DALLAS, TX. - Praise The Lord!! :)
I do not have the information on when they will fly out of Dallas. I will call all parents personally as soon as I find out from Pr. Jonathan all the details.
I believe that these are the flights that they are trying for:
1537 DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth 10:05 07/26/2007
SFO San Francisco 11:40 07/26/2007
AMERICAN AIRLINES
1445 DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth 07/26/2007 12:15 PM
SFO San Francisco 07/26/2007 01:50 PM
Feel free to call me at any time:
Elana- 925-825-4599
Maximized Missions Trip
Hi everyone!
As you've heard, our return was delayed about a day. The team arrived yesterday morning at the Fortaleza airport (10:30am) and checked-in with no problems. Our flight was confirmed for the regular 2:50pm time, but soon was delayed (we didn't know for how long). After waiting at the gate until 7:45pm, we finally boarded. Can you believe that?! We arrived in Sao Paulo at 11:45pm, hoping to maybe catch the last American Airlines flight that evening, but to no avail. After waiting for all our luggage, and having to re-schedule our flights for tonight, we were finally dispatched to our hotel at 3am. Amazing!
The airline company arranged for our accommodations at a beautiful, 5-star hotel in downtown Sao Paulo. The kids have enjoyed their free gourmet food and 5-star service. This evening, we will be flying out at 11:45pm to DALLAS, TX. We are all flying out together from Brazil, but in Dallas, we are all on stand-by, so we're not quite sure what time exactly we'll be arriving home on Thursday. My guess is that we'll be home by or around noon tomorrow. I will continue to update Elana with the most current information.
The team is doing well, and again, I'm very impressed with their attitudes. A few of the kids are fighting coughs, but for the most part, they're doing great! Our goal is to rest well today, and believe for a smooth return home. Thanks again for all your prayers. We love and miss all of you guys!
> Pastor Jonathan
As you've heard, our return was delayed about a day. The team arrived yesterday morning at the Fortaleza airport (10:30am) and checked-in with no problems. Our flight was confirmed for the regular 2:50pm time, but soon was delayed (we didn't know for how long). After waiting at the gate until 7:45pm, we finally boarded. Can you believe that?! We arrived in Sao Paulo at 11:45pm, hoping to maybe catch the last American Airlines flight that evening, but to no avail. After waiting for all our luggage, and having to re-schedule our flights for tonight, we were finally dispatched to our hotel at 3am. Amazing!
The airline company arranged for our accommodations at a beautiful, 5-star hotel in downtown Sao Paulo. The kids have enjoyed their free gourmet food and 5-star service. This evening, we will be flying out at 11:45pm to DALLAS, TX. We are all flying out together from Brazil, but in Dallas, we are all on stand-by, so we're not quite sure what time exactly we'll be arriving home on Thursday. My guess is that we'll be home by or around noon tomorrow. I will continue to update Elana with the most current information.
The team is doing well, and again, I'm very impressed with their attitudes. A few of the kids are fighting coughs, but for the most part, they're doing great! Our goal is to rest well today, and believe for a smooth return home. Thanks again for all your prayers. We love and miss all of you guys!
> Pastor Jonathan
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Update #9- Tuesday
The team is doing well. They have been delayed coming home. Their flight out of Forteleza was delayed...and they missed their flight from Sao Paulo to Miami. They are spending the night in a hotel in Sao Paulo. They will fly to Houston, TX. tomorrow evening and then home on Thursday afternoon. Keep checking in for more information on their flights home.
Please pray for strength and health as this makes for a very long two and half day travel home.
Thank You all for your prayers... we are still excited to hear all that God has done in Brazil and in the lives of our young people.
Please pray for strength and health as this makes for a very long two and half day travel home.
Thank You all for your prayers... we are still excited to hear all that God has done in Brazil and in the lives of our young people.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Missions Team Update #8
Good Morning-
Yesterday(Sunday) the team ministered at three services. One in the morning and two in the eveing. Pr. Jonathan preached three times, different messages. The team did a little bit of shopping and had pizza after the services and had a great day.
Today(Monday) is the last day of ministry for the Missions Team in Brazil. The team is ministering in favelas(slums)and in a youth service tonight. The favelas are very large and we are praying for many salvations that will bring growth to the church there.
Praise God for the amazing things He has done in Brazil. We are looking forward to the testimonies. Tuesday the team will say thier goodbyes and begin thier journey home. Please pray for safe travel and no delays.
Blessings- Pr. Elana
Yesterday(Sunday) the team ministered at three services. One in the morning and two in the eveing. Pr. Jonathan preached three times, different messages. The team did a little bit of shopping and had pizza after the services and had a great day.
Today(Monday) is the last day of ministry for the Missions Team in Brazil. The team is ministering in favelas(slums)and in a youth service tonight. The favelas are very large and we are praying for many salvations that will bring growth to the church there.
Praise God for the amazing things He has done in Brazil. We are looking forward to the testimonies. Tuesday the team will say thier goodbyes and begin thier journey home. Please pray for safe travel and no delays.
Blessings- Pr. Elana
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Missions Team Update #7 (Saturday)
I spoke this afternoon on the phone with Pr. Jonathan. He said that all the team is doing great. Today they rested and spent the day at the beautiful beaches in Forteleza. They enjoyed a bit of shopping and had a wonderful day. They were getting ready to go to the youth group to minister tonight.
Yesterday the team ministered in the Favelas (slums). The team did dramas and preached the gospel to almost 500 people. Pr. Jonathan said that 100+ people responded to the altar call for salvation and many more were prayed for. The power of God was moving mightely.
Tomorrow they are excited to minster in the three Sunday Services of the church. Please pray for a freedom to minster the gospel and for the prophetic to flow.
Praise the Lord for his grace that has been upon this team as they have traveled. They truly will have amazing testimonies for us to hear when they return home next week.
God Bless- Pr. Elana
Yesterday the team ministered in the Favelas (slums). The team did dramas and preached the gospel to almost 500 people. Pr. Jonathan said that 100+ people responded to the altar call for salvation and many more were prayed for. The power of God was moving mightely.
Tomorrow they are excited to minster in the three Sunday Services of the church. Please pray for a freedom to minster the gospel and for the prophetic to flow.
Praise the Lord for his grace that has been upon this team as they have traveled. They truly will have amazing testimonies for us to hear when they return home next week.
God Bless- Pr. Elana
Friday, July 20, 2007
Missions Team Update #6 - Friday Update
The team is all healthy and happy! Each city they have been, they have made great friendships and seen God move in powerful ways...and it has been hard to leave all the new friends they have made.
Right now the team is in Forteleza where they are having a great time. They are staying together at a home in a rural area of Forteleza.
Today the team had some needed rest time in the morning and spent the afternoon ministering in two favelas(slums). Tonight they went to a prayer meeting at the church and then to a Worship Concert.
Please continue to pray for them as they minister Saturday around the city and Sunday in the church's three services.
They are in Forteleza until Tuesday when they start thier journey home.
Thank you for all your prayers - We believe that we are making a lasting impact on the nation of Brazil. Our prayer is that all our youth will come back fired up for the things of God and with amazing testimonies of all God has done.
God Bless- Pr. Elana
Right now the team is in Forteleza where they are having a great time. They are staying together at a home in a rural area of Forteleza.
Today the team had some needed rest time in the morning and spent the afternoon ministering in two favelas(slums). Tonight they went to a prayer meeting at the church and then to a Worship Concert.
Please continue to pray for them as they minister Saturday around the city and Sunday in the church's three services.
They are in Forteleza until Tuesday when they start thier journey home.
Thank you for all your prayers - We believe that we are making a lasting impact on the nation of Brazil. Our prayer is that all our youth will come back fired up for the things of God and with amazing testimonies of all God has done.
God Bless- Pr. Elana
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Missions Team Update #5
The team is all still doing well. God has graced them with health and powerful times of ministry.
The team finished minstering in Brusque yesterday afternoon and then traveled back to Curtitiba where they had dinner and then traveled all night long by bus to Sao Paulo.
Today the team arrived safely in Sao Paulo after traveling all night. They were a bit tired but good. I recieved word from Pr. Jonathan as they were about to board on time for Forteleza. They arrived safe in Forteleza and met up with Pr. Costa Neto. They took some time out to catch up on sleep before the evening activities. They will be ministering in Forteleza for the remainder of the trip. Thank God for His traveling mercies.
Thank you all for your prayers and keep them coming :)
Pr. Elana
The team finished minstering in Brusque yesterday afternoon and then traveled back to Curtitiba where they had dinner and then traveled all night long by bus to Sao Paulo.
Today the team arrived safely in Sao Paulo after traveling all night. They were a bit tired but good. I recieved word from Pr. Jonathan as they were about to board on time for Forteleza. They arrived safe in Forteleza and met up with Pr. Costa Neto. They took some time out to catch up on sleep before the evening activities. They will be ministering in Forteleza for the remainder of the trip. Thank God for His traveling mercies.
Thank you all for your prayers and keep them coming :)
Pr. Elana
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
XG On the Road Again
Hey guys,
We had a great XG service this past Friday at the Pleasant Hill Park.
Pr. Elana gave a great exhortation called Toxic Youth. It was about making sure to guard your walk with God through the summer and not letting the toxins of the world come in. Don't get distracted these next few months, stay connected to XG and your XG group.
We had great food! Thanks Willie and the boys for cooking up those burgers!
If you weren't there, you missed an amazing game of eXtreme Duck, Duck Goose!
DON'T MISS OUT! WE'RE ON THE ROAD AGAIN THIS FRIDAY. We'll be at Kelly and Craig Anderson's house (2553 Decca Ln., Walnut Creek). It starts 6:30pm. It's a pool party, so make sure to wear your modest swim attire. Can't wait to see you there.
Check out these pictures from last week:
We had a great XG service this past Friday at the Pleasant Hill Park.
Pr. Elana gave a great exhortation called Toxic Youth. It was about making sure to guard your walk with God through the summer and not letting the toxins of the world come in. Don't get distracted these next few months, stay connected to XG and your XG group.
We had great food! Thanks Willie and the boys for cooking up those burgers!
If you weren't there, you missed an amazing game of eXtreme Duck, Duck Goose!
DON'T MISS OUT! WE'RE ON THE ROAD AGAIN THIS FRIDAY. We'll be at Kelly and Craig Anderson's house (2553 Decca Ln., Walnut Creek). It starts 6:30pm. It's a pool party, so make sure to wear your modest swim attire. Can't wait to see you there.
Check out these pictures from last week:
Pr. Elana Preaching
Listening to "Toxic Youth"
Whitney and Krissy
Willie, Margaret, Josh, Whitney, Britnee & Kathy
Krissy, CeCe, Meghan, Jeri, Pat & Lance
Pr. Elana gettin' us ready for worship
Hanging out @ Pleasant Hill Park
Worship
Jim leading worship
Britnee, Kathy, Katie & Barbara
Pr. Elana preaching in the smoke from the BBQ
Pr. Elana
Jim Tuning the Guitar
Margaret (Holding out eXtreme duck, duck, goose dodge ball), Lucas & Josh
Erin, Krissy & Chela
Britnee and Kathy
David, Willie, Margaret, Lucas & Josh
Erin, Krissy & CeCe talking
Chatting with friends
Lucas, David & Willie
Stephen and Kris
Britnee and Kathy again
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Missions Update #4
I just got off the phone with Pr. Jonathan. The team is all doing well, You may have read the headlines or heard the news today that an airliner crashed in Sao Paulo. This was at a different airport than the one our team is going in and out of and a different airline than our team is using. Our team is all safe, and God is doing amazing things where they are at in Brusque, Brazil.
Today (tuesday) the team traveled from Joinville to Brusque. This afternoon they did thier dramas in a few shopping malls and outdoor arenas. This evening they were at the church service ministering to about 400-500 people (dramas, preaching and prophetic ministry). The team will do thier drama's again tomorrow in brusque downtown area and then drive all night Wed. back to Sao Paulo.
The team plans to leave from Sao Paulo on thursday to go to thier final destination Forteleza. Please pray that they are able to make thier scheduled departure on Thursday morning.
Please pray for traveling mercies -God is doing great things and moving in mighty ways!
Pr. Jonathan said that he is very proud of this team and thier attitudes. Praise God for all His favor!~Feel free to call me if you have any questions-
Pr. Elana
Today (tuesday) the team traveled from Joinville to Brusque. This afternoon they did thier dramas in a few shopping malls and outdoor arenas. This evening they were at the church service ministering to about 400-500 people (dramas, preaching and prophetic ministry). The team will do thier drama's again tomorrow in brusque downtown area and then drive all night Wed. back to Sao Paulo.
The team plans to leave from Sao Paulo on thursday to go to thier final destination Forteleza. Please pray that they are able to make thier scheduled departure on Thursday morning.
Please pray for traveling mercies -God is doing great things and moving in mighty ways!
Pr. Jonathan said that he is very proud of this team and thier attitudes. Praise God for all His favor!~Feel free to call me if you have any questions-
Pr. Elana
Monday, July 16, 2007
Monday Update
Hello Everybody!
We had another great day today. The team ministered at a school this morning and again at another school this afternoon. Then, several of the youth from the church here came and hung out with the team. A couple leaders came by the house, and I grabbed Sean and Leif and we ministered over them (prophetic, etc.). Then Pr. Skip and Debbie took me to a leaders meeting, and God graced us with His presence and we ministered there for another few hours. It was very good. Meanwhile, the team went with the local youth to a "Pizzaria" for some yummy Brazilian style pizza. Chocolate pizza anyone???
Hey, this will be a short posting because we're getting up really early to travel to Brusque (2 hour trip). The team is still doing great. We had a couple team members "hit their wall" today, meaning, they kinda broke down emotionally a little... but it wasn't anything against another team member or anything like that. As we've seen in every missions trip, everybody at some point seems to hit this "imaginary wall" but then they bounce right back up. And that seems to already be true with those ones today.
God has definitely been with us and I am so thankful for this great team. They're doing great!!! A couple kids have had little coughs and a few others might have spent some "extra time" in the bathroom... but they're all seemingly doing/feeling great!
Missing anyone yet? Check out the video/pictures that the church here posted on youtube today: youtube.com/watch?v=SCfWFbrXd64 (This isn't a hyper-link, so you'll need to copy and paste it onto your internet browser - and crank up the volume!!!).
Love you guys and thanks for praying for all of us!
We had another great day today. The team ministered at a school this morning and again at another school this afternoon. Then, several of the youth from the church here came and hung out with the team. A couple leaders came by the house, and I grabbed Sean and Leif and we ministered over them (prophetic, etc.). Then Pr. Skip and Debbie took me to a leaders meeting, and God graced us with His presence and we ministered there for another few hours. It was very good. Meanwhile, the team went with the local youth to a "Pizzaria" for some yummy Brazilian style pizza. Chocolate pizza anyone???
Hey, this will be a short posting because we're getting up really early to travel to Brusque (2 hour trip). The team is still doing great. We had a couple team members "hit their wall" today, meaning, they kinda broke down emotionally a little... but it wasn't anything against another team member or anything like that. As we've seen in every missions trip, everybody at some point seems to hit this "imaginary wall" but then they bounce right back up. And that seems to already be true with those ones today.
God has definitely been with us and I am so thankful for this great team. They're doing great!!! A couple kids have had little coughs and a few others might have spent some "extra time" in the bathroom... but they're all seemingly doing/feeling great!
Missing anyone yet? Check out the video/pictures that the church here posted on youtube today: youtube.com/watch?v=SCfWFbrXd64 (This isn't a hyper-link, so you'll need to copy and paste it onto your internet browser - and crank up the volume!!!).
Love you guys and thanks for praying for all of us!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday Update
Hi Everybody!
I'm sorry it took me a few days to post another blog, but here goes the latest...
On Friday we arrived in Joinville, and went downtown to evangelize and pass out "invites" to the weekend services. We set up for our dramas, and when we powered up the sound system, our transformer didn't work and we blew our sound system! That's right, our brand new portable sound system blew up! So... we had to minister without music... That evening, the church had a special "coffee night" and we got to meet a bunch of the youth and church family. Many of the folks we met down town came out that evening. It was fantastic! We came home very late.
On Saturday, I woke up early and went shopping for wires/cables and sound parts. We were able to put a little sound system together and later that day the team ministered down town. Many people were touched by the dramas and gave their hearts to the Lord. Many of them came back that evening to the youth service. Our team ministered at the youth service with many dramas and Sean preached a great word. Several other youth gave their lives to the Lord and we also prayed for all the youth. This was another great night - Praise the Lord!!!
Today, we got up early, and went to the "English Speaking Service". We had our team lead worship (Leif, Caitlyn, Ricci Ann and Christine), and then we had several our team members exhort, including: Hannah, Jacob, Emmy, Afton, Alex and Shanna. They didn't an outstanding job! Seriously! It was awesome and they set the table nicely for Cassie to come and preach. She did a great job and brought a very timely and uplifting word for the church. You guys would all be very impressed! <>
After having a nice lunch, we came back to my sister's house and the team rested and some of us watched Brazil beat Argentina for the final of the "Copa America" (soccer championship game). Some of the team members got to go to the mall with some of the local youth and leaders. They had fun.
This evening we came back to church and had a powerful move of God! After worship, we had a short "membership type" graduation, and as we prayed over the graduates the spirit of prophecy came down. While Danny, Hannah and Aimee ministered in Kids church, we began to minister to the rest of the church. Cassie, Leif, Jennie, Sean and I ministered in the prophetic over many, many, many people and didn't finish until almost midnight! Pr. Skip and Debbie said we were right on the mark! God graced us in a mighty way, and I believe the people there were really blessed. It was incredible!!! Praise God for His faithfulness! No wonder the enemy was trying to slow us down...
Finally, we all went out for some Brazilian burgers, and now (2am) the team is getting ready for bed. Thanks again for all your prayers. We really need them! Tomorrow, we will be ministering at a couple of schools (morning and afternoon), so please keep the prayers coming! I don't know what we're gonna do for a sound system for the next few legs of our trip, but God will provide.
We are all doing well and I'm so proud of our team. Everyone is healthy and we've had no major issues at all - praise God! We'll connect again later... Blessings. Tchau Tchau!!!
I'm sorry it took me a few days to post another blog, but here goes the latest...
On Friday we arrived in Joinville, and went downtown to evangelize and pass out "invites" to the weekend services. We set up for our dramas, and when we powered up the sound system, our transformer didn't work and we blew our sound system! That's right, our brand new portable sound system blew up! So... we had to minister without music... That evening, the church had a special "coffee night" and we got to meet a bunch of the youth and church family. Many of the folks we met down town came out that evening. It was fantastic! We came home very late.
On Saturday, I woke up early and went shopping for wires/cables and sound parts. We were able to put a little sound system together and later that day the team ministered down town. Many people were touched by the dramas and gave their hearts to the Lord. Many of them came back that evening to the youth service. Our team ministered at the youth service with many dramas and Sean preached a great word. Several other youth gave their lives to the Lord and we also prayed for all the youth. This was another great night - Praise the Lord!!!
Today, we got up early, and went to the "English Speaking Service". We had our team lead worship (Leif, Caitlyn, Ricci Ann and Christine), and then we had several our team members exhort, including: Hannah, Jacob, Emmy, Afton, Alex and Shanna. They didn't an outstanding job! Seriously! It was awesome and they set the table nicely for Cassie to come and preach. She did a great job and brought a very timely and uplifting word for the church. You guys would all be very impressed! <
After having a nice lunch, we came back to my sister's house and the team rested and some of us watched Brazil beat Argentina for the final of the "Copa America" (soccer championship game). Some of the team members got to go to the mall with some of the local youth and leaders. They had fun.
This evening we came back to church and had a powerful move of God! After worship, we had a short "membership type" graduation, and as we prayed over the graduates the spirit of prophecy came down. While Danny, Hannah and Aimee ministered in Kids church, we began to minister to the rest of the church. Cassie, Leif, Jennie, Sean and I ministered in the prophetic over many, many, many people and didn't finish until almost midnight! Pr. Skip and Debbie said we were right on the mark! God graced us in a mighty way, and I believe the people there were really blessed. It was incredible!!! Praise God for His faithfulness! No wonder the enemy was trying to slow us down...
Finally, we all went out for some Brazilian burgers, and now (2am) the team is getting ready for bed. Thanks again for all your prayers. We really need them! Tomorrow, we will be ministering at a couple of schools (morning and afternoon), so please keep the prayers coming! I don't know what we're gonna do for a sound system for the next few legs of our trip, but God will provide.
We are all doing well and I'm so proud of our team. Everyone is healthy and we've had no major issues at all - praise God! We'll connect again later... Blessings. Tchau Tchau!!!
High School Missions Team Update #3
The Missions Team is all doing well!
No one is sick and they are all in good spirit.
On Friday Morning they traveled to Joinville where they have been doing outdoor performances and seeing many touched by the power of God.
Saturday the team ministered again in the streets and gave invitations to the evening service. They ministered saturday evening in the youth group where they had three times the amount of people show up as normal. Many responded to the call.
Sunday the team is ministering in an english speaking service in the morning and in the regular church service in the evening. Please pray that many will come to the services as a result of the street ministry over the weekend. We are expecting an outpouring of God's spirit and for signs and wonders to follow.
The only difficulty the team has faced this far is technical. The sound system has given them trouble and "blown". The church there has had computers die, cars blow up, and break-in's in the past few months leading up to our team coming- I believe the enemy has been trembling with fear over what is happening this weekend, but nothing can stop the power of the Word of God going forth. Please pray for the attck of the enemy to subside over our team, the church and for breakthrough in the city.
No one is sick and they are all in good spirit.
On Friday Morning they traveled to Joinville where they have been doing outdoor performances and seeing many touched by the power of God.
Saturday the team ministered again in the streets and gave invitations to the evening service. They ministered saturday evening in the youth group where they had three times the amount of people show up as normal. Many responded to the call.
Sunday the team is ministering in an english speaking service in the morning and in the regular church service in the evening. Please pray that many will come to the services as a result of the street ministry over the weekend. We are expecting an outpouring of God's spirit and for signs and wonders to follow.
The only difficulty the team has faced this far is technical. The sound system has given them trouble and "blown". The church there has had computers die, cars blow up, and break-in's in the past few months leading up to our team coming- I believe the enemy has been trembling with fear over what is happening this weekend, but nothing can stop the power of the Word of God going forth. Please pray for the attck of the enemy to subside over our team, the church and for breakthrough in the city.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
News from Brazil Team
Hi everybody!
We had a great day ministering today at the Voice for Change project in the slums of Curitiba. This ministry was birthed by my brother-in-law, Skip, and they've been impacting that community in a might way!
We spent the morning "blasting" some music into the neighborhood, and inviting kids to come to our afternoon outreach. After having a very typical Brazilian lunch (beans & rice, etc.), we came back and ministered to the kids from 1-4pm. We did skits, played games, taught songs, preached, prayed and loved on those adorable kids. It was great! We had almost a hundred kids respond to the call, and God touched their hearts! It was very awesome!
Our team then went out for "churrasco" (Brazilian steak) and after a great devotional meeting, they're getting some much deserved sleep. Tomorrow, we will be traveling south to Joinville, where Skip and Debbie pastor. We'll be very busy through the weekend, so be praying for us!
The team is healthy and strong. Their attitudes are also very good, so things are going quite smoothly (keep the prayers coming... :)
We love you guys and looks forward to sharing many more testimonies with you when we come home! Please take good care of my kids and beautiful wife! Love you guys!
-- Pr. Jon Jon
We had a great day ministering today at the Voice for Change project in the slums of Curitiba. This ministry was birthed by my brother-in-law, Skip, and they've been impacting that community in a might way!
We spent the morning "blasting" some music into the neighborhood, and inviting kids to come to our afternoon outreach. After having a very typical Brazilian lunch (beans & rice, etc.), we came back and ministered to the kids from 1-4pm. We did skits, played games, taught songs, preached, prayed and loved on those adorable kids. It was great! We had almost a hundred kids respond to the call, and God touched their hearts! It was very awesome!
Our team then went out for "churrasco" (Brazilian steak) and after a great devotional meeting, they're getting some much deserved sleep. Tomorrow, we will be traveling south to Joinville, where Skip and Debbie pastor. We'll be very busy through the weekend, so be praying for us!
The team is healthy and strong. Their attitudes are also very good, so things are going quite smoothly (keep the prayers coming... :)
We love you guys and looks forward to sharing many more testimonies with you when we come home! Please take good care of my kids and beautiful wife! Love you guys!
-- Pr. Jon Jon
High School Missions Update #2
The team is in Curitiba, Brazil today. Everyone is good.
They are in Pr. Jonathan's home town and meeting his parents.
They are ministering with Voice for Change in the Favilas (Slums).
It is winter in Curtitiba, please pray for clear weather to minister with dramas and for the favor of God for salvation anointing as the team ministers.
They are in Pr. Jonathan's home town and meeting his parents.
They are ministering with Voice for Change in the Favilas (Slums).
It is winter in Curtitiba, please pray for clear weather to minister with dramas and for the favor of God for salvation anointing as the team ministers.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
XG on the road
Don't forget, this Friday XG will be on the road...
We're meeting at Pleasant Hill Park at 6:30pm . Be there!
We're meeting at Pleasant Hill Park at 6:30pm . Be there!
High School Missions Update #1
The High School Missions Team has arrived in Brazil!
Their flight landed in Sao Paulo at 2am PST. They drove down to Curitiba by bus and arrived their safe and sound.
Keep praying that God will give them traveling mercies and use them in a mighty way in Brazil.
FYI, the time difference is four hours ahead of us.
Keep checking the blog for updates...
Their flight landed in Sao Paulo at 2am PST. They drove down to Curitiba by bus and arrived their safe and sound.
Keep praying that God will give them traveling mercies and use them in a mighty way in Brazil.
FYI, the time difference is four hours ahead of us.
Keep checking the blog for updates...
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