A Time Of Spiritual Renewal...

Sorry for the lack of communication but life has been busy as of late. The family just return from AGM (Annual General Meeting). All the missionaries from Brazil with our organization gathered in a small community outside of São Paulo. The meeting was held at a wonderful hotel and conference center. We had buffet style meals which were wonderful. We had a wonderful guest speaker, the president of Golden Gate Seminary, Jeff Iorg. His teaching was poignant and thought provoking. I believe everyone was blessed by his presence. A group of people from a church in Florida came to provide the praise band and Vacation Bible School for the missionary children. What a blessing each of these people were to us. My children had a wonderful time and I know they were cared for and loved. Additionally, were able to meet and talk with missionaries through out Brazil. Some had served less time then us while others had served more than two decades. The stories and experience conveyed to us by these missionaries were uplifting and a blessing. Servicing in northern Brazil is difficult but the friendship built during this week together will serve to keep us focused on the task. This time was truly a blessing and a needed time of spiritual renewal.

Whatever You Do…

A catechism is a summary doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament times to the present. These manuals are often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized. One of the most famous is the Westminster Catechism. The longer version has as its for question-answer the following:

What is the chief and highest end of man?
Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

Often, I have used this when counseling other Christians and I have been known to use it in a sermon or two. However, as with so many things, this has taken on a new life in the light of the mission field.

Here in Brazil, I (Matthew) have good days or bad days. Some days I feel great about what the Lord will do through the ministry He has given us. Some days I feel frustrated by the lack of obvious signs of God’s movement. However, I must remember what I am doing here. I am not here to teach the leadership of Northern Brazil (though I will be doing this). I am not here to convert the lost to Christ (though I pray that this will take place). I am not here to learn Portuguese (though this is happening, even if it is slowly). I am here because my Lord and Savior has called me to this place for this time in my life. I am here because it glorifies God.

While here in Brazil, I hope that I am often reminded of this question-answer in the Westminster Catechism for it will keep me focused on the Lord. I hope it does the same for you. Remember, the Bible states in I Corinthians. 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”