Aug. 25-27, Comunidade Vida Plena, Curitiba, Brazil
Thursday morning: I’m leaving our place around 9 a.m. today to make my way to Brazil. I’m scheduled to arrive Sao Paulo around 6 a.m., and then grab an 8 a.m. flight to Curitiba. I’m scheduled to minister in Curitiba from Friday to Wednesday. This trip was originally built around an invitation to Brasilia, to a church I’ve visited like three times now, and since I was coming to Brazil I opened my calendar to do some additional Brazil ministry while there. Dwayne Roberts put me in touch with this ministry in Curitiba to which I’m now first going.
This will be my first time to Comunidade Vida Plena, Curitiba, Brazil; vidaplena.org.br. Dwayne has spoken very highly of this church and ministry. And I also understand that they’ve used SECRETS extensively in their church, so the door for ministry opened very easily. I’m scheduled to be with them for Friday through Sunday morning. Monday will be a day of vocal rest. Then the pastor at Comunidade Vida Plena arranged for me to minister at two other churches in the region, one on Tuesday and the other on Wednesday. Then Thursday I’ll zip up to Brasilia.
Friday afternoon: I arrived safely and on time to Curitiba. Working my way through the Sao Paulo airport was “interesting,” as I had to collect my bags, find the right counter to get booked onto the domestic flight to Curitiba, leave my bags at the counter, and then find my way to the domestic departures gates. But I had enough time and it all happened smoothly enough. Now I’m settled nicely into a hotel that is very near the airport. And already I’ve been treated to a churrasca restaurant for lunch. Only one word, WOW. The pastor is a delightful young man, already I’m enjoying our times of fellowship.
Saturday morning: Strong launch last night. I spoke about the river of God in corporate worship, and at the close the altar filled with eager saints seeking a greater measure of the Spirit’s flow upon their life and calling. My translator Vinny is from the Florianopolis House of Prayer, and he did a fabulous job last night, he really preaches as he translates. His wife Ami led worship, they’re a great support to the weekend of ministry. The fruit from the impact of Dwayne & Jennifer Roberts in this church is evident everywhere. Really marvelous.
Saturday midnight: Tonight’s message on the secret place seemed to come forth with particular strength and clarity. Impactful. The kind of night that can actually make a difference in a church.
Sunday afternoon: I’m just back from lunch. They asked my interpreter Vinny to preach this morning, and I heard great reports. After lunch they took me on a tour of their construction, they are in process of erecting a 3000-seat sanctuary. They are hoping to be able to occupy it next year, which is a very aggressive goal, considering they’re doing everything on a cash basis. Quite the amazing facility!
Monday morning: Last night was the closing meeting of our weekend at Vida Plena, and we had a high time together. Good spirit in worship. Strong anointing in the ministry of the word. At the close I gave a salvation appeal, and I’m guessing around 10 people responded. It’s harvest time in Brazil. The Lord gave me vocal strength and I was able to finish. Now I have today for vocal rest, smile.
Tuesday: I’ll check out of my hotel, and we’ll drive 2 hours to Joinville, where I am scheduled to minister Tuesday evening. This is a large church, but Tuesday night is not a typical meeting night for them, so we don’t know how many will gather. My host here thinks perhaps 500-1000 people. I feel drawn to speak on the Secret Place. And I’m extra encouraged that I have copies of the book to make available to the saints. I always love when I can leave a written deposit that will continue to sow seeds long after I’m gone. Then we’ll lodge Tuesday night in Joinville because of the late hour.
Wednesday: We’ll drive back to Curitiba and I’ll check back into my hotel. Then I minister Wednesday evening at another large church in Curitiba called Christ Community of Curitiba. The pastor is affiliated with a ministry group in the USA called MFI (Frank Damazio is the leader). These two meetings were arranged by my host here in Curitiba, pastor Marcio of Vida Plena. He’s a young man aged 42 with a very strong gift and call on his life, just a fabulous servant of the Lord, I’m so enriched to know him.
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