Hello all,
Its really late, and our last night in Portugal for this missions trip. We had a wonderful day of sight seeing which included.. a palace, the most western part of Europe, lots of ice cream, marekts and lots of beautiful views. We went back to the LTC to say our last farwells to a few of the kids we had the great opportunity to influence this past week, and I must say for myself how heart warming it was to see the seeds that we have planted start to grow. It brings tears to our eyes to have to leave them after only a week. But we know we have left a piece of ourselves and we pray that they will remember what we were able to teach them. They have all greatly influenced us and shown us many reasons to be thankful for our lives. It is amazing to see how the works that God has done in my life can be used to help others in theirs.. We are sad to leave but definetly look forward to our next meeting opportunity. We pray for a safe flight back so that we can tell you all about our adventures! ...and trust me, there was many. haha..
Ciao
Monday, July 11, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Youth Cafe
WOW WOW WOW...What a Friday night! But, let me back up for a bit.
As you know we've been ministering at 3 different locations. The one location is in Venda which started off the week with only 2 kids and by the end of the week we had 12. Praise the Lord! I really got to connect with some of the kids. I will not forget Miguel and Daniel and then Nadia and Andrea. I had so much fun with them and we really blessed each other with laughter and fun. Nadia's term of endearment for me was; "He's the crazy guy/man!" That caught on and other kids started recognizing me as the crazy guy. However, for a few moments some saw Marissa as crazier than me...but, I quickly regained the title. These kids truly tug at your heart.
Back to the Youth Cafe. The culmination of the week has now come and we were decorating and preparing for our cafe that was to begin at approximately 8pm. Nothing starts on time here. It's Portugal time. I would guesstimate that we had approximately 40 kids. Our vision at Huron Park begins with the words: "Working together to build a growing community." Our team of Mariah, Samantha, Marissa, Rebecca and Danielle worked together with the team from Lind a Velha church (another place we were ministering at) and put on an amazing performance. They sang amazingly including worship songs. Marissa and Samantha shared a powerful testimony...that even the older men and ladies (some parents and grandparents) were listening to intently. Then there was a powerful skit put on that I hope we can do at Huron Park some day of how Jesus rescues a young prodigal lady. I was brought to tears. Then, Andrew Muhtar shared a message on making the right choices and choosing to begin with the best choice you can make...starting a relationship with Jesus. There is no doubt that huge seeds were planted and even as I spoke to some of the kids afterwards they understood clearly the importance of following Jesus...especially because the "Crazy Guy" wanted to see them in Heaven.
After the evening was over there were a lot of hugs and goodbyes. Gerrit and I hung around for a little while and during that time I taught my friend Miguel a new hand shake--or should I say leg shake...maybe I'll show it to you all some time.
Thank you for your prayers. Tomorrow (Sunday) We'll be ministering at Loures church and then we're done.
Know that I and Helmut are extremely proud of every member on this team and so should you be.
Steve
As you know we've been ministering at 3 different locations. The one location is in Venda which started off the week with only 2 kids and by the end of the week we had 12. Praise the Lord! I really got to connect with some of the kids. I will not forget Miguel and Daniel and then Nadia and Andrea. I had so much fun with them and we really blessed each other with laughter and fun. Nadia's term of endearment for me was; "He's the crazy guy/man!" That caught on and other kids started recognizing me as the crazy guy. However, for a few moments some saw Marissa as crazier than me...but, I quickly regained the title. These kids truly tug at your heart.
Back to the Youth Cafe. The culmination of the week has now come and we were decorating and preparing for our cafe that was to begin at approximately 8pm. Nothing starts on time here. It's Portugal time. I would guesstimate that we had approximately 40 kids. Our vision at Huron Park begins with the words: "Working together to build a growing community." Our team of Mariah, Samantha, Marissa, Rebecca and Danielle worked together with the team from Lind a Velha church (another place we were ministering at) and put on an amazing performance. They sang amazingly including worship songs. Marissa and Samantha shared a powerful testimony...that even the older men and ladies (some parents and grandparents) were listening to intently. Then there was a powerful skit put on that I hope we can do at Huron Park some day of how Jesus rescues a young prodigal lady. I was brought to tears. Then, Andrew Muhtar shared a message on making the right choices and choosing to begin with the best choice you can make...starting a relationship with Jesus. There is no doubt that huge seeds were planted and even as I spoke to some of the kids afterwards they understood clearly the importance of following Jesus...especially because the "Crazy Guy" wanted to see them in Heaven.
After the evening was over there were a lot of hugs and goodbyes. Gerrit and I hung around for a little while and during that time I taught my friend Miguel a new hand shake--or should I say leg shake...maybe I'll show it to you all some time.
Thank you for your prayers. Tomorrow (Sunday) We'll be ministering at Loures church and then we're done.
Know that I and Helmut are extremely proud of every member on this team and so should you be.
Steve
Friday, July 8, 2011
Hi everybody,
I know that Sam wrote below for the two of us earlier today, however, its now 11:59pm which means that it is after the CAFE! I drove back to the place where we sleep with Andrew&Kimberly so we were here first and I know have the computer all to myself! :) and so i will share...
In a word: the cafe was fantabulous. The original plan was to start around 7 o´clock, but we then decided that we would instead begin at 8pm since some of the kids were misinformed about the start time... we actually ended up starting at 8:30 because that is when all the church had finally arrived and practice songs and skits etc. We had a lot of the kids help us set up. There were balloons on the wall as well as a balloon drop, streamers, flowers on the table, as well as bible verses in both Portugese and English. It was decked out and looked great. The evening started off with a few introduction games and then led to some singing, a skit, testimonies from Marissa and Sam, and a message from Andrew. The stories told were touching and everyone really seemed to enjoy the night. I think its still important that we pray for the kids and parents that were there, that they will consider what was said and see the tremendous love of Jesus shown through our group.
I would write more but my hands are getting tired, I will post again soon, I´m sure (and will convince the rest of the team to get on that too so you can hear from them).
Much love and I really look forward to seeing you all when we return.
Rebecca
I know that Sam wrote below for the two of us earlier today, however, its now 11:59pm which means that it is after the CAFE! I drove back to the place where we sleep with Andrew&Kimberly so we were here first and I know have the computer all to myself! :) and so i will share...
In a word: the cafe was fantabulous. The original plan was to start around 7 o´clock, but we then decided that we would instead begin at 8pm since some of the kids were misinformed about the start time... we actually ended up starting at 8:30 because that is when all the church had finally arrived and practice songs and skits etc. We had a lot of the kids help us set up. There were balloons on the wall as well as a balloon drop, streamers, flowers on the table, as well as bible verses in both Portugese and English. It was decked out and looked great. The evening started off with a few introduction games and then led to some singing, a skit, testimonies from Marissa and Sam, and a message from Andrew. The stories told were touching and everyone really seemed to enjoy the night. I think its still important that we pray for the kids and parents that were there, that they will consider what was said and see the tremendous love of Jesus shown through our group.
I would write more but my hands are getting tired, I will post again soon, I´m sure (and will convince the rest of the team to get on that too so you can hear from them).
Much love and I really look forward to seeing you all when we return.
Rebecca
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
God Never Fails!
Rebecca and I are here to update you all on some Portugal things :D We are currently getting songs and bible verses ready for the Cafe we are having tonight in Venda (one of the 2 churches we have been working at in the mornings this week). We are hoping it will be a very inspirational night filled with songs, dancing, music, skits, testimonies, and fun!! We are praying that we can impact lives here and we have all grown so much during this past week!! The theme for tonights cafe is change and we ask you all to pray for the evenings events! We have done some sight seeing however there has not been alot of free time. Yesterday we went to see an old Monestary that was made in the 1700´s by a King as a gift of thanks to God for giving him an heir. It was HUGE and our feet all hurt by the end of it!.. There have been alot of answered prayers and we hope that the rest of our time here will be just as focused and amazing! Our first time at Venda there were only 2 kids that showed up and after a night of team prayer 8 kids came the next day, then throughout the week it has grown even more..
We are about to have some delicious dessert made by Kimberly with all the other missionaries here in the area. We hope you havn´t missed us to much and we cant wait to share our pictures and stories!!
CHOW
We are about to have some delicious dessert made by Kimberly with all the other missionaries here in the area. We hope you havn´t missed us to much and we cant wait to share our pictures and stories!!
CHOW
Internet Connection Now Up at LTC
Friends, it's been frustrating not to be connected to the internet. We took turns sharing a "rocket stick" but the high speed connection which had been down for 3 weeks is now up and running. So... let the blogging and picture posting begin.
First, let me update you since Pastor "Scheve's" (the way they pronounce his name here) post. We have 3 locations for our programs. Linda a Valia, Venda, and Loures. LVA blew us away from the get-go with 18 youth. On Tuesday we had 18 again, but this time one of them was a friend. Today we had 21 with 4 new friends. Venda, which is an area that is unchurched, only had 2 kids on Monday, but they were up to 8 yesterday and 9 today. Loures is our afternoon group - so all of us get to go there. It too started small with 4, and now up to 8.
These kids are precious. We're having a lot of good laughs.
So far we have made bracelets, duck tape wallets, and tie-dyed shirts. They've been a hit!
Today I was able to give my testimony to the group at LVA and in the park to the Loures group plus some kids we had join us for some water games (plus soccer and some other tag/water games). Pray for these kids that what they have heard will grow fruit.
It has been a long day. We just got back to the LTC (ABWE Academy where we are staying) about an hour ago and it is midnight now. I will post a few pics with this blog for you to enjoy in the next day or so.
We love and miss you all.
Andrew
First, let me update you since Pastor "Scheve's" (the way they pronounce his name here) post. We have 3 locations for our programs. Linda a Valia, Venda, and Loures. LVA blew us away from the get-go with 18 youth. On Tuesday we had 18 again, but this time one of them was a friend. Today we had 21 with 4 new friends. Venda, which is an area that is unchurched, only had 2 kids on Monday, but they were up to 8 yesterday and 9 today. Loures is our afternoon group - so all of us get to go there. It too started small with 4, and now up to 8.
These kids are precious. We're having a lot of good laughs.
So far we have made bracelets, duck tape wallets, and tie-dyed shirts. They've been a hit!
Today I was able to give my testimony to the group at LVA and in the park to the Loures group plus some kids we had join us for some water games (plus soccer and some other tag/water games). Pray for these kids that what they have heard will grow fruit.
It has been a long day. We just got back to the LTC (ABWE Academy where we are staying) about an hour ago and it is midnight now. I will post a few pics with this blog for you to enjoy in the next day or so.
We love and miss you all.
Andrew
Monday, July 4, 2011
Team Portugal Update
Hello Family and friends,
We've been in Portugal 4 days now. Our team of 13 people went for 36 hours with hardly any sleep at all when we first arrived. There was a little bit of sightseeing and also orientation on the first day. Over the weekend we met some of the Portuguese teens, had a BBQ with them. We also went to the local market and handed out tracks that helped people understand how Jesus can fill the void of emptiness that we can sometimes feel. We also spent a lot of time preparing for Sunday morning's service at a church in Lindho Valya (sp?). Our team lead in worship, one member shared his powerful testimony and I preached.
The night before (Saturday night) I had met another pastor during dinner and he invited me to speak at his church as well on Sunday night. So, the whole team went there as well. We were out all Sunday meeting people from both churches. In both churches the people were significantly blessed and touched. I had spoken on the changes that should be happening in our lives to move from just a religion to a relationship with Jesus Christ. For a country that is steeped in the religiousity of Catholicism...they were encouraged and challenged by the message.
By Sunday night we were exhausted to say the least but a few on the team still had to do a little bit of work to prepare for our first program this morning at two different locations.
We have an amazing team that we can all be proud of (13 in total from teenagers to seniors).
This morning one team went to Lindo Valya working alongside an existing church there. They had a good crowd show up (mostly church going teens and they had invited a few non-christian friends--AMEN). The other team went to a previously unreached area, brand new location and we did have 2 kids come who had a great amount of fun making wallets out of duct tape and learning english and playing games and teaching them a Bible verse. They said they are bringing their friends and family members tomorrow. I believe that it will only grow in both locations.
This afternoon we are going to our third location and we don't know what to expect there. Some went shopping just now to pick up some much needed supplies.
The country is beautiful and our accomodations are wonderful with an unbelievable view of the city and ocean below.
Our team are working together in fantastic ways. You're prayers are keeping us strong, safe and unified as we work hard together with joy and love.
Keep on praying for safety of travels, unity on the team and many opportunities to share the love and Truth of Christ in both words and deeds.
God bless you all! We could not be able to do this without you.
Thanks again.
Steve Boctor
Lead Pastor
Huron Park Baptist Church
519-421-4722
www.huronparkchurch.org
We've been in Portugal 4 days now. Our team of 13 people went for 36 hours with hardly any sleep at all when we first arrived. There was a little bit of sightseeing and also orientation on the first day. Over the weekend we met some of the Portuguese teens, had a BBQ with them. We also went to the local market and handed out tracks that helped people understand how Jesus can fill the void of emptiness that we can sometimes feel. We also spent a lot of time preparing for Sunday morning's service at a church in Lindho Valya (sp?). Our team lead in worship, one member shared his powerful testimony and I preached.
The night before (Saturday night) I had met another pastor during dinner and he invited me to speak at his church as well on Sunday night. So, the whole team went there as well. We were out all Sunday meeting people from both churches. In both churches the people were significantly blessed and touched. I had spoken on the changes that should be happening in our lives to move from just a religion to a relationship with Jesus Christ. For a country that is steeped in the religiousity of Catholicism...they were encouraged and challenged by the message.
By Sunday night we were exhausted to say the least but a few on the team still had to do a little bit of work to prepare for our first program this morning at two different locations.
We have an amazing team that we can all be proud of (13 in total from teenagers to seniors).
This morning one team went to Lindo Valya working alongside an existing church there. They had a good crowd show up (mostly church going teens and they had invited a few non-christian friends--AMEN). The other team went to a previously unreached area, brand new location and we did have 2 kids come who had a great amount of fun making wallets out of duct tape and learning english and playing games and teaching them a Bible verse. They said they are bringing their friends and family members tomorrow. I believe that it will only grow in both locations.
This afternoon we are going to our third location and we don't know what to expect there. Some went shopping just now to pick up some much needed supplies.
The country is beautiful and our accomodations are wonderful with an unbelievable view of the city and ocean below.
Our team are working together in fantastic ways. You're prayers are keeping us strong, safe and unified as we work hard together with joy and love.
Keep on praying for safety of travels, unity on the team and many opportunities to share the love and Truth of Christ in both words and deeds.
God bless you all! We could not be able to do this without you.
Thanks again.
Steve Boctor
Lead Pastor
Huron Park Baptist Church
519-421-4722
www.huronparkchurch.org
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
It's Coming UP!
wow, my very first post- very exciting!
So as most know, our group has been meeting every Saturday morning, bright and early, to prepare for our upcoming trip. In the beginning, I had asked a handful of people to pray for these meetings and planning in particular and that our group would mesh together- using our gifts to be the most effective we possibly can.. and that is definitely happening. Our group seems to be understanding each others styles and creative gifts better and as we have proceeded, it has really become more exciting, for me at least, to meet together and discuss our many ideas!
There is one more Saturday morning meeting before we leave (this Saturday!) and then we will have a month to prepare individually and with our various serving groups (icebreakers, crafts, worship, testimonies etc.) And then, on June 30th... WE'RE OFF!
again, thank you all for the continued support :)
rebecca.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Countdown Continues
We are getting closer to our flight/trip to Portugal. This week we learn some phrases/words to help us communicate, and three more team members will share their testimonies with us. Last week we did tie dye shirts in matching colours for one of our days in Portugal. They were really cool!!
Thank you to our supporters in prayer and finance,
Sherri.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
So Pumped
Hello Team & Huron Park Church Family;
We are a month and half away from traveling to Portugal. The training is coming along fantastically and I am so proud of every team member. Their maturity, unity and joy in serving the Lord, one another and the youth of Portugal is awesome.
God bless us!
"Expect Great Things from God! Attempt Great Things for God!" (William Carey)
We are a month and half away from traveling to Portugal. The training is coming along fantastically and I am so proud of every team member. Their maturity, unity and joy in serving the Lord, one another and the youth of Portugal is awesome.
God bless us!
"Expect Great Things from God! Attempt Great Things for God!" (William Carey)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Introducing the Portugal 2011 Team
Dear Friends and Family...
Welcome to the Official HPBC Portugal 2011 Blog.
This is where we will keep you informed as to how the preparations are going, financial support is going, and ultimately what happens during the 12 days we'll be there. We are excited to see how the Lord is going to grow us, stretch us, and use us while we are there.
Make sure to enter your name in the box on the right so that you'll get updates as they come.
As we use this blog more and more, I'm sure you'll see it change with pictures, videos, journal entries, and more.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer and your generous donations.
We look forward to what we can report when we return.
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