A Desert in the Amazon

Along the Amazon

On Wednesday morning we returned to Santarém from Canp via a speedboat along the Amazon River. It was like taking a jet down the river – smooth, air conditioned with movies- in Portuguese, of course. Oh, and it takes just a third of the time a line boat takes! That’s what I like.

That afternoon we went out on one of PAZ’s speedboats to visit various churches and homes affected by the recent record-setting floods. The damage was tremendous, and Joaquim needs to attend to 30 churches that were flooded – replacing rotted wood and even raising the entire structure! It will be very expensive. If you would like to help, you can donate to PAZ by clicking here.

We went out on the river with Pastor Reinaldo, who supervises several churches in an area extremely hard hit by the flooding. A recent video was done about Reinaldo which can be seen at the PAZ website by clicking here.

This church in Piracaoera is nearing completion. It did not go under water as construction started when the water was high — This church in Piracaoera is nearing completion

Look at the high water marks on the buildings

This family receives us warmly into their homes to see their damage

Jason goes for the Parakeet-perching record

One of nearly 30 churches that will need to be reworked after the tremendous flood

There's nothing like a sunset swim on the Tapajos

Trips like these are a wonderful time for our friends, supporters and loved ones to connect with us in Brazil and be a part of what God is doing. Everyone leaves impacted, not only be a part of building God’s Kingdom, but to see that their very presence is an answer to prayers that, in some cases like this one, span over 7 years. Everyone in the Body of Christ is encouraged, and the great Work for which we’ve been called moves forward! Praise God! So, when will you come and visit?