Day 3 started as we woke up on the Amazon River - it was our first day full of training & evangelizing in our first village. As you can tell, we were out of range of service within hours of getting on the boat as we drove 8 hours down the Rio Negro (one of the Amazon River tributaries). Here is the daily recap written by our students:
TRAINING: “On our first morning we were trained on how to best evangelize to the people here. The technique we were taught utilized an object called “The Evangelism Cube.” It was a cube that could flip around to show different images, each showing the why and how salvation works.” - Zach, We also used our beaded bracelets to practice describing the gospel story using different colored beads - this was very effective with the kids we interacted with! We were also taught the acronym FORM as a way to connect with families before we started sharing the gospel. Form stands for F - Families, O - Occupation, R - Religion, M - Message.
DOOR TO DOOR EVANGELISM: “We got the opportunity to use these evangelism strategies the very same day. After eating a delicious lunch on the boat we headed onto the island and split up into groups with translators. Each group went to different houses to fellowship and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was amazing to get to know precious people made in God’s image on the Amazon River!” - Will, There were about 45 families on the island and some of our groups walked through the island while some went out on a boat to get the houses across the river. The goal was to use FORM to connect with our families and share the gospel message. One unique thing was that at this community there was already another Missions boat from the Presbyterian church. They have 9 boats in their fleet and go to all communities with a Presbyterian church in them. They were not only traveling with doctors, but also a group of college students from the Christian University, Palm Beach Atlantic, in Florida! Because of that we did less of the medical clinic and more evangelizing, playing with kids, and would invite families to the eyeglass clinic the next day.
SWIMMING IN THE AMAZON: “Yesterday after evangelizing in the village we were all SO hot. We had the opportunity to jump in the Amazon River. It was warm but it felt very refreshing. It was a cool experience, especially knowing that we just swam in the Amazon. We all were having a great time doing cheer stunts, putting the sand on the bottom of the water on peoples heads, etc. It was a very fun time to spend with the team” -Abby G, As chaperones we were very impressed and proud that every single student jumped in the river! It was so cool to see them all being brave and taking advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity.
CHURCH SERVICE - “Last night we were able to go to church in the village. It was so cool to see all the people in the community that loved Jesus and were willing to worship him. While the adults were in the service some of us got to play with the kids. They were very receptive and love to reenact the gospel with us. Everyone in the village had so much joy and it made all of us so happy.” -Ellie P, This service was really special because it was combined between the Palm Beach Atlantic Group, us, and the villagers. Hearing everyone sing the same worship songs in two different languages was something special to witness. The group that led the kids ministry also did an amazing job. They not only taught through the bead colors, but made motions and dances to teach it as well! After the service we all came back together to play for a while before heading back to the boat.
Overall it was a very good first day! We all had a great day and were encouraged seeing the faith of other believers around the world. We’re excited to wake up tomorrow and continue ministry in this village.
TRAINING: “On our first morning we were trained on how to best evangelize to the people here. The technique we were taught utilized an object called “The Evangelism Cube.” It was a cube that could flip around to show different images, each showing the why and how salvation works.” - Zach, We also used our beaded bracelets to practice describing the gospel story using different colored beads - this was very effective with the kids we interacted with! We were also taught the acronym FORM as a way to connect with families before we started sharing the gospel. Form stands for F - Families, O - Occupation, R - Religion, M - Message.
DOOR TO DOOR EVANGELISM: “We got the opportunity to use these evangelism strategies the very same day. After eating a delicious lunch on the boat we headed onto the island and split up into groups with translators. Each group went to different houses to fellowship and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was amazing to get to know precious people made in God’s image on the Amazon River!” - Will, There were about 45 families on the island and some of our groups walked through the island while some went out on a boat to get the houses across the river. The goal was to use FORM to connect with our families and share the gospel message. One unique thing was that at this community there was already another Missions boat from the Presbyterian church. They have 9 boats in their fleet and go to all communities with a Presbyterian church in them. They were not only traveling with doctors, but also a group of college students from the Christian University, Palm Beach Atlantic, in Florida! Because of that we did less of the medical clinic and more evangelizing, playing with kids, and would invite families to the eyeglass clinic the next day.
SWIMMING IN THE AMAZON: “Yesterday after evangelizing in the village we were all SO hot. We had the opportunity to jump in the Amazon River. It was warm but it felt very refreshing. It was a cool experience, especially knowing that we just swam in the Amazon. We all were having a great time doing cheer stunts, putting the sand on the bottom of the water on peoples heads, etc. It was a very fun time to spend with the team” -Abby G, As chaperones we were very impressed and proud that every single student jumped in the river! It was so cool to see them all being brave and taking advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity.
CHURCH SERVICE - “Last night we were able to go to church in the village. It was so cool to see all the people in the community that loved Jesus and were willing to worship him. While the adults were in the service some of us got to play with the kids. They were very receptive and love to reenact the gospel with us. Everyone in the village had so much joy and it made all of us so happy.” -Ellie P, This service was really special because it was combined between the Palm Beach Atlantic Group, us, and the villagers. Hearing everyone sing the same worship songs in two different languages was something special to witness. The group that led the kids ministry also did an amazing job. They not only taught through the bead colors, but made motions and dances to teach it as well! After the service we all came back together to play for a while before heading back to the boat.
Overall it was a very good first day! We all had a great day and were encouraged seeing the faith of other believers around the world. We’re excited to wake up tomorrow and continue ministry in this village.
Christ, Culture, Children - you guys are hitting all the marks of Engage! So cool!!