Rio Medical Mission Journey Update: Day 4

34 flouride treatments were given in the dental area.

36 people asked to be plugged into a Bible study.

38 decisions were made by those who want to follow Christ.

38 people asked the partner church to make a house visit.

81 patients were seen in the medical clinic (33 children and 48 adults).

100 eye exams were performed and glasses were given out.

201 prescriptions were dispensed to patients.

Day one of the medical clinic...was a success! Praise God for that.

I speak for all of our team when I say, "My heart is so full right now that it just might explode at any second." For me, I didn't even make it through the 9:30 a.m. devotional this morning, led by team member Holly Kunz, before the floodgates of the Amazon River came streaming down my face and cleared my eyes of all mascara.

Holly, alongside her translator, shared a beautiful passage from Psalm with us and the church members of FBC Freguesia and the new church plant who were also there to volunteer. She reminded us what kind of God we serve and why we're here: to bless the heart of a strong and mighty God and those He created.

We welcomed the people from the City of God from early this morning until late this afternoon. They were warm and kind. They let us embrace them fully. They let us hold their children. They let us into their lives. The love they reciprocated was nothing short of beautiful.

Kevin O'Brien, the doc on the team, shared a great story with me today that just adds to this whole experience. Recently, those in his Bible study were talking about heaven and who they'd like to see when they finally get there. Some wanted to see family members who'd gone before them. Others wanted to reunite with old friends. But when Kevin was asked who he'd like to see? His response was: "I'd like for someone to tap me on the shoulder and say, 'Remember me? We met in Rio. You led me to Christ.'"

Today, we're featuring the Evangelism Team on our journey in a second blog post. Pray for them this week, as they build relationships and boldly share the gospel with this community, that:

• Hearts and eyes would be open to the reality of what a relationship with Jesus Christ is like.
• That people would truly understand that their faith isn't about what they do or how they can earn their way into heaven, but instead it's about the grace and mercy poured out on them by a God who loves them deeply and a real relationship with a Christ who's alive.
• The enemy would be bound up and muzzled in their presence as they seek truth.

When we debriefed back at the hotel tonight, Kathy Alwahab led a short Bible study time. Piggybacking on Holly's theme earlier this morning, she said (paraphrased in my own words), "Recognizing a need in someone's life and meeting it could be the greatest experience you've ever had. See beyond the obvious needs of people. Don't miss God's activity because you're reluctant to get involved. God doesn't provide for all our wants and dreams, but He always provides for what He calls us to."

So let's not get tired of doing what's good. At just the right time, we'll reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. ... And God will generously provide all you need. Then you'll always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

—Galatians 6:9-8; 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT)

Where is God working around you and how can you get involved? How is He calling you to serve others? How have you shared the gospel with those around you this week who need Him?

Thank you for your prayers this week. We're seeing the fruit of them nearly 5,000 miles away.

Christ is all,

Kaylan Christopher

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Here are some other fun photos from the day: