tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74018668061875316872024-03-14T00:36:59.968-04:00Steps of the CalledStriving to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-54105259239894773262014-04-15T15:41:00.000-04:002014-04-15T15:41:25.816-04:00Taking the Next StepI've been back in the States for about two and a half months now, so I figured I should probably post an update. I kept meaning to post something earlier, but to be honest I've just been enjoying spending time with my family and readjusting to life stateside. The transition has been harder than expected in some ways and easier in others. I don't feel like I've really experienced that much culture-shock (except for maybe the lack of cows and increase in traffic), but it has taken me a while to really process everything. While I was there I knew God was working and teaching me things, but the depth and vastness of those things are much more clear to me as I take the time to look back. Yes, I miss the island and the people, especially the kids. They will always have a piece of my heart. But I'm also so thankful that God has brought me back home and given me the opportunity to really catch a glimpse of the bigger picture of what He allowed me to be a part of for an entire year. Looking back at how God worked in and through me also makes me really excited about my next steps!<i><b> </b></i><div>
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<b>It is with great excitement and anticipation that I'm happy to announce that I will be moving to Holly Springs, North Carolina (a suburb of Raleigh) to be a part of the launch team for <a href="http://www.lifespringlive.com/" target="_blank">Life Spring Church</a>!!<i> </i></b></div>
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For all of you out there who've prayed for and supported me over the last year-and-a-half, I want to say a big THANK YOU! and ask that you continue to pray for me, my team, and the community of Holly Springs as we start this journey. I've never been a part of a church planting team before, but I am so excited for the opportunity to start from the beginning with this church! The mission LifeSpring is to connect people with an overflowing relationship with Jesus Christ, and we're planning to do this first and foremost by obeying the great commandment: love your neighbor. You can check out more details about the church (including our strategy, timeline, blog, and how you can pray for and support us) on our website: <a href="http://www.lifespringlive.com/" target="_blank">www.lifespringlive.com </a></div>
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My current plan is to move to Holly Springs in August, get a job in the community, and work alongside other launch team members to serve and reach the community for Christ. Until I move, my plan is to find a job here in the Atlanta area and continue to spend as much time as possible with friends and family. If you fall into one of those categories and I haven't seen you yet, I'm hoping to do so soon. Seriously. Shoot me an email and let's set something up! </div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-16230835543354167292014-01-09T08:10:00.002-05:002014-01-09T08:10:40.868-05:00Seeing God Work<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my favorite things about this past year has been
seeing God work in really tangible ways in people’s lives. We often talk about
how God can change people, and I’ve been blessed to see it first-hand in the
lives of many Azoreans over the past few months. One of those people is my
friend Sandra, and she’s given me permission to share her story with all of you.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlRwcjhC4fE/Us6ePd9zvxI/AAAAAAAABkM/nz8nHEXqzsg/s1600/DSCF7851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlRwcjhC4fE/Us6ePd9zvxI/AAAAAAAABkM/nz8nHEXqzsg/s1600/DSCF7851.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's Sandra's story, in her own words: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Hello, my
name is Sandra Barcelos and I am 32 years old. I am from the Portuguese Azores,
and currently I’m living on the island of Terceira. I am going to tell you
about how I came to know Jesus. <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Up until
the fall of 2012, the only religion I knew was Roman Catholicism. I never
attended the Catholic church much, because I never understood what the priest
was saying. Nothing he said caught my interest. When my daughter died, I lost
hope. I didn’t understand, why did this happen to her? Why did this happen to
my child? <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>I came to
Azorean Baptist Church looking for answers. I had never read the Bible and I
didn’t know anything about Jesus. Every week I came to learn and listen about
Jesus’ life. I began to understand that if God could send His Son, Jesus to
die, and bear this pain, I could bear the pain too. <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>One day I
understood in my heart, Jesus has a purpose for everything. Now I am filled
with faith. I want to tell everyone how I met God, how He has helped me, and
how He gave me a reason to live. I want to thank God for the ten years I had to
know my daughter. I also want to thank Azorean Baptist Church for helping me to
know Jesus.</i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Over the last year I’ve watched God
take Sandra’s broken, messed up life and turn it into something beautiful! It wasn’t an overnight change, and it’s
definitely not finished, but the transformation that she’s experienced and is
still experiencing is something that could only be the work of God in her life.
After Sandra accepted Christ’s gift of salvation, she was baptized and began
studying the Bible. Over the past few months she has found the strength in Christ
to turn her life around in many ways, including quitting smoking and finding
purpose for her future. Everything is not perfect for Sandra now. She is still unemployed
and isn’t able to provide for her 12 year old son (who is currently living on
the other side of the island with his father), but she has a joy that surpasses
her circumstances. She is relying on Christ even amidst tough situations and is
looking forward to serving Him for the rest of her life. Sandra has begun
volunteering with CEF, helping both at the camp center and in the clubs. She is
even planning to go through the CEF training process so that she can be
equipped to teach children and continue to help the ministry grow here in the
islands. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to see God working in
Sandra’s life, and that God has called her to serve the kids here! Please join me in praying for Sandra and her
future as God continues to work in her life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-53309081931422919142013-11-25T11:39:00.000-05:002013-11-25T11:42:48.955-05:00Another Countdown Begins<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s really amazing to me how quickly this year is flying
by! It seems like just yesterday I was counting down the days before coming
here, and now here I am, 10 months into this journey, making preparations to
return home. So here it is, the official announcement:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I will be returning to Atlanta on Saturday, January 25<sup>th</sup>!
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That’s right. Two months from today, I’ll be home!<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I began this journey and committed to serving here for
one year, I honestly expected that to be a conservative estimate. I kind of had
this idea that I’d get here and never want to go home. (I’m also aware that
many other people in my life were expecting the same thing.) And although I
have loved (and am still loving) my time here, over the last few months God has
changed my heart and mind. He has led me to make the decision to return home to
the states. Fears that I would be letting people down, both here and at home,
and worries that my supporters would be disappointed in me, made this a very
difficult decision for me. But God, in His infinite grace, has used a variety
of circumstances, encouragement from many of you, and reminders in scripture to
affirm in my heart and mind that I’m called to be obedient to Him and to focus
on pleasing God, not man. </div>
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This year has been amazing for me in a variety of
ways, and I wouldn't trade it for anything! But it seems that God is pointing
my next steps in different direction, and I’m going to trust Him. I don’t know
yet what comes next for me, and that’s okay. God knows, so I don’t have to
worry. It’s actually quite freeing to be able to rest in that knowledge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is a little bittersweet, since the countdown to coming
home also means a countdown to leaving. Leaving is going to be hard. It almost
always is. But for now, I’m going to focus on making the most of my last two
months here and look forward to sweet reunions with friends and family that will
be here before we know it! <o:p></o:p></div>
Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-7996473077501517452013-10-24T09:59:00.000-04:002013-10-24T09:59:46.246-04:00Clubs are Back!!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a super busy summer, a couple weeks of rest, and
several scheduling fruit-basket-turnovers, Good News Clubs are back in full
swing here on Terceira. We are now hosting 7 clubs each week, including a new
one in São Mateus and another new one at Azorean Baptist Church, which serves
as Sunday school for Portuguese and American children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re doing a series on Elijah, and the kids
are loving it! It’s been really fun catching up with the kids after the summer
and getting back into our normal routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here are some photos of our fun so far: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAEq9thmM18/UmklNSUENmI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/igjmszIYbUs/s1600/DSCF7655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAEq9thmM18/UmklNSUENmI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/igjmszIYbUs/s320/DSCF7655.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So far, the weather has been nice enough for us to have our club in São Mateus outside!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBoyzMrHzC0/Umkly4Kd84I/AAAAAAAAAsg/0zA6ikk-x7Q/s1600/DSCF7662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBoyzMrHzC0/Umkly4Kd84I/AAAAAAAAAsg/0zA6ikk-x7Q/s320/DSCF7662.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing the blanket game!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7iOBHjRuXg/UmklJoYs19I/AAAAAAAAAsI/_KtVUR2IftY/s1600/DSCF7669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7iOBHjRuXg/UmklJoYs19I/AAAAAAAAAsI/_KtVUR2IftY/s320/DSCF7669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning about Elijah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwqB4lMiWSY/UmkmDmhlL4I/AAAAAAAAAso/eDvPMZ3YHhs/s1600/DSCF7673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwqB4lMiWSY/UmkmDmhlL4I/AAAAAAAAAso/eDvPMZ3YHhs/s320/DSCF7673.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing our memory verse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-88448919073575133782013-09-10T10:38:00.002-04:002013-09-10T10:39:30.625-04:00Reflections on a Closed Orphanage<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Last week we had a camp on Faial, one of the other Azorean
islands. Since they don’t have a camp center there, we rented an old, closed
down orphanage. This orphanage was originally a home for boys, and it closed
down about 20 years ago. Now it’s used by a charity organization that
distributes food and clothing and by groups like us who need space for
activities. Although it’s been closed for years, you can still clearly see the
remnants of what like was like for those kids back then: </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpSQQNEwEyI/Ui8tXkZUNMI/AAAAAAAAArQ/VQObYVnlLOk/s1600/DSCF7118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpSQQNEwEyI/Ui8tXkZUNMI/AAAAAAAAArQ/VQObYVnlLOk/s320/DSCF7118.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">rooms with twin sized
beds lining both walls, </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3D-6LuoPXhg/Ui8th2bOj-I/AAAAAAAAAro/kgsrBl2Z8ls/s1600/DSCF7120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3D-6LuoPXhg/Ui8th2bOj-I/AAAAAAAAAro/kgsrBl2Z8ls/s320/DSCF7120.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">an old, no longer functional bathroom with an entire
wall of sinks, </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9H18vqOHgMg/Ui8tdlEtdzI/AAAAAAAAArc/BRDgcKp5jQk/s1600/DSCF7109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9H18vqOHgMg/Ui8tdlEtdzI/AAAAAAAAArc/BRDgcKp5jQk/s320/DSCF7109.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and a “play area” that looks more like a prison yard than a
place for kids.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I lay there that first night, I couldn’t help but think
about all those boys who lived there way back when; those boys who likely never
had someone to tuck them in or sing them to sleep or comfort them after a bad
dream. All the boys that once lived there are grown men now. How many of them
grew up in this place, never knowing the love and care of a Mommy or Daddy? It
breaks my heart to think about that, but it also makes me so thankful. I’m
thankful that my mom was adopted into a family that taught her about loving
God, and that legacy has been passed down to me and my siblings. I’m thankful
that I was born into a great family, thankful for the wonderful parents I’m
blessed to have but more importantly I’m thankful that God loves me so much
that He made it possible to be adopted into His family, to become His child. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Every person on earth is a creation of God, but John 1:12
says “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the
right to become children of God.” We go from being God’s creation to being
God’s child when we make the decision to believe in Jesus. We’re kind of like
orphans, but instead of being stuck in an orphanage, we’re stuck in our own
sin, unable to get ourselves out. When we understand that it’s our own sin, not
someone else’s, that separates us from God, and decide to put our trust in
Jesus as the only way to reconcile with our creator, we are adopted into God’s
family. Paul describes it in Romans 8 and Galatians 4 as the difference between
being a slave and a son. Both a slave and a son <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">belong to</i> (created by) the master (God), but a slave is bound by an
obligation that he cannot get out of (sin, separation from God) while a child
is free and will benefit from the inheritance (salvation and eternity with God
in heaven). God basically offers to take away the title of “orphan” and replace
it with “son” or “daughter.” When we choose Jesus Christ, He’s fulfills His
promise and says “THIS ONE’S MINE!” </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He’s offering us a chance to belong. I would guess that this
is one of the greatest desires of an orphan, and whether we’re technically
orphans or not, I think we can all relate to that feeling. Adoption is rare at
best and definitely not guaranteed for children living in orphanages. But the
adoption God offers us through Christ is abundantly available and 100%
guaranteed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know of several families who are waiting for adoptions to
go through. They’ve done all the work, and now they’re just waiting for the
call saying they can bring their precious child home. They’re expectant and
excited; they’ve got big plans for the future of their child and their family.
I think that must be kind of how God feels as He waits for us to decide. He’s
done all the work. All we have to do is accept the invitation into His family. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don’t know why this specific orphanage closed 20 years
ago. I’d like to think it was because all the boys found loving homes and there
was no longer a need. However, I’m sure that was not the case. Whatever the
reason, I’m thankful that this particular orphanage was closed because it gave
us the opportunity to have camp, and in the process, welcome two new believers
in to God’s family. God’s family is big enough for all of us “orphans.” He’s ready
and willing to close your orphanage and call you His child. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you been adopted?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqurTZqODCA/Ui8teP05iMI/AAAAAAAAArk/wyT7gBbEHqY/s1600/DSCF7255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fqurTZqODCA/Ui8teP05iMI/AAAAAAAAArk/wyT7gBbEHqY/s320/DSCF7255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and
if a son, then an heir through God.” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Galatians 4:7</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “…but you have received the Spirit of adoption
as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Fathe<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7401866806187531687" name="_GoBack"></a>r!’” Romans 8:15</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-88198344579102454872013-08-06T08:12:00.000-04:002013-08-06T08:12:37.418-04:00Laborers for the Harvest1 week, 4 Neighborhoods, 20 clubs, 104 kids, 44 new
believers. Successful is the best way to describe JME in Terceira (local
mission project that we did the first week of July). It really was a fantastic week. Our team
included 3 high school/college students, one of the CEF Portugal directors,
Clara, and me. We lived out at the camp center and spent the days leading clubs
and the nights preparing activities and playing Skip-Bo!<div>
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104 kids is a lot, but when I look at it in comparison to
the nearly 60,000 people that live on this island I realize we have barely
scratched the surface here. For the first time in my life I’m really feeling
and experiencing what Jesus was talking about in Luke 10 when He said “The
harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Most of the people on this island would call
themselves religious, but they have never been told the truth of the Gospel.
They don’t know who Jesus is or that He died in their place to take the
punishment for their sins. The message is here, and it’s slowly spreading. The
four small evangelical churches on the island are working to reach their
neighborhoods, and CEF is ministering to many children through camps and clubs,
but honestly, we need more help.<br />
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I’m overwhelmed by the responsibility I feel, knowing that
this is what He called me here for. But I am taking the advice we find in Jesus’
next words: “Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out
laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out…” I’m
praying that the Lord will raise up leaders amongst the new believers and call
more people to serve Him on this island. I know this situation isn’t unique to
Terceira. All around the world, even in your own neighborhoods, there are
people who need to hear the gospel. Jesus is sending us out. Will you be a
laborer? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-43845672393724973712013-06-25T15:33:00.001-04:002013-06-25T15:33:04.500-04:00just a quick updateI know it's been quite a while since my last update. Sorry about that! The last few weeks have flown by, and the next few are promising to be even busier. Starting tomorrow (June 26) I will be participating/helping with back to back ministry events all the way through July 29th. Since I don't know how often I will have internet access during this time, I decided to post my itinerary here so that you all can keep up with where I'm at and what I'm doing. Also, if you'd like a quick snapshot of what June has been like, see the excerpt from my monthly newsletter at the bottom of this post. Thanks so much for all your love and support! Please keep me in your prayers!! <div>
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June 26- July 7: JME on Terciera This is a local mission-type event for teens from here and Lisbon to experience being a part of kids ministry. Basically we'll be training them then helping them to lead backyard Bible clubs in local neighborhoods.</div>
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July 8-18: Camp for preschoolers in Lisbon (mainland Portugal) followed by a missions focused camp. We are in charge of the preschooler camp and will simply be helping with the missions camp.</div>
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July 19-29: JME on Madeira (Portuguese island closer to Africa)</div>
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As you can tell, it's going to be a very busy month!! I promise to take lots of pictures and share stories once I have reliable internet access! </div>
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Excerpt from June Newsletter: </div>
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God has been answering our prayers for Azorean Baptist Church as well. Five months ago ABC started a meal ministry to help local Azoreans who were in need of food for their families. As of this week we now have 43 families who are being ministered to in this way. This is obviously a challenge for such a small church, but each week God proves yet again that He is in control and that when we commit to serve Him, He will equip us with whatever we need. Almost every Sunday after we distribute the food, there is almost no extra food and usually no extra money. But somehow, each and every week the Lord has led people to from around the globe to send money to help, which allows us to continue this ministry. This week we experienced maybe the biggest miracle yet in this ministry. By the time we finished this week, we were down to 39 cents and completely out of food. So we prayed, and we trusted that God would provide, and by the end of the day enough money had been donated to cover almost two weeks’ worth of food! But that’s not even the best part. With all these families coming to church in search of physical food, we have had the opportunity to feed them not only physically, but also with the word of God. They’ve been hearing the truth each and every Sunday, and over the past few weeks we’ve had at least 18 adults and 3 kids accept Christ as their savior! This past Sunday 10 of them were baptized during the service! It is such a blessing to see prayers being answered in ways that are above and beyond our own expectations! </div>
Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-65013212926692617982013-06-06T08:58:00.001-04:002013-06-06T08:58:25.492-04:00I'm SO Not Athletic! <div class="MsoNormal">
“You look very athletic today.” </div>
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This was the greeting I received Saturday
morning, just before heading to the camp center for a sports day with kids from
all over the island. Now, if you know me at all, you know that “athletic” is
not high on the list of characteristics that would be used to describe me,
probably not even in the top 100. However, I was happy to be able to dress the
part for the day. Before we started we had no idea how many kids to expect. We
had the attitude of “if we have 20 kids, it’ll be a good day.” Well, we ended
up with 42 kids, and it was a GREAT DAY!! We had a soccer tournament, tons of various
carnival-like games, a mini-marathon, and even a worship service and
Bible lesson time. Many of the kids went home with medals from winning the
competitions, and two little girls went home as brand new Christians!! I
personally went home with sore legs, a little sunburn, and a very happy heart!
Here are some photos from the day: <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-40852269083163729212013-05-28T09:37:00.002-04:002013-05-28T09:37:22.928-04:00Visions of Campfires Dancing in My Head!<br />
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On Sunday I experienced a glimpse into what the future could
hold for ministry here on the island, and I have to tell you, it makes me
really excited! This week Azorean Baptist Church had our service out at camp followed
by a picnic. Most of the Portuguese families who attend ABC regularly do not
have vehicles, so they usually walk to church. Since the camp center is too far
away for walking, it was slight challenge to shuttle everyone there and back,
but in the end it was totally worth it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The morning started out overcast and rainy, and to be
honest, I was a little concerned that the day was going to be ruined by the
weather. However, God proved His sovereignty once again by allowing the rain to
persist while we had our worship service under the newly painted, covered
meeting area, then sending sun and blue skies for us to enjoy while we picnicked
and played. Looking back, I’m confident that the rain kept many people in the
meeting area and listening to the word of God who might have chosen to skip the
service and explore the camp during that time otherwise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I watched this group of about a hundred people, adults
and children, Portuguese and American, both believers and unbelievers gather to
sing worship songs and hear the message of truth from the Bible, I had a moment
of realization. This is what it’s all about. This is why this place that used
to be corn fields has been turned into a camp. All the work, all the money, all
the time invested in this place happened for this reason: to glorify God and
bring the gospel to the people of the Azores. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As I watched children playing soccer and volleyball,
swinging and climbing on the playground, running around with these huge smiles
on their faces, I felt this incredible joy and hope swelling up inside of me.
Joy because these kids are experiencing the love of God through this place. Hope
that soon this place will be filled with children and families on a regular
basis, experiencing the beauty of God’s creation and learning about Jesus
through camps. I felt like God was giving me a glimpse into the future of camp
here. It was a moment of affirmation and reminder of why I’m here. I’m excited because I have seen Him work
through camps in the lives of numerous people, including my own. I’m excited because
I know He is already working in the hearts of the people on this island, and
this camp is going to provide many opportunities for the gospel to be shared. I’m
excited because He’s allowing me to be a part of this! I have visions of cabins
and counselors and worship services by the campfire dancing in my head!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like I said, we ended the day with plenty of sunshine and
everyone had fun. But more importantly, we ended the day rejoicing with the
angels in heaven because we gained another sister in Christ! Maria, one of the Portuguese
ladies who’s been attending ABC for the last few months, finally decided to
give her life to Christ and accept Him as her personal savior, sitting right
there, under the covered meeting area!! Our God is mighty to save! He is at work,
and He’s called us to be a part of it. Please pray that the Lord will continue
to bless the work being done at camp and multiply the ministry for the gospel
on this island. </div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-21271971874157700342013-05-17T10:32:00.001-04:002013-05-17T10:32:31.453-04:00When the mission trip comes to you...<br />
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I’ve been on several mission trips over the years, but this
last week was a brand new experience for me. This time the mission trip came to
me! We just wrapped up a wonderful week full of work and fun with a mission
team from Shades Mountain Baptist Church. This was my first experience as a “missionary
on the field” being visited by a supporting church, and let me tell you, it was
GREAT! We spent the week catching up on life and laughing together as we worked
at camp, continuing to prepare the property for the summer season. </div>
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Not only was
it fantastic to get a ton of work accomplished at camp (see photos below), but
it was such an encouragement to spend time with these wonderful people! I am so
thankful for their support and encouragement, but even more so of the example
they set in the way they live their lives. If you spend even five minutes
talking with any of these people and you’ll quickly learn that their faith is
real, and it causes them to live their lives intentionally. </div>
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On every mission trip I’ve ever been on, the
local missionaries and ministers have always expressed deep gratitude and
appreciation for the help. I never really doubted that they were thankful, but
part of me always wondered if they were just saying what they felt they were
supposed to say. After this last week, my perspective has changed a bit. Now I
know what it feels like to be that person on the field benefiting from the
support, encouragement, and help of a mission team, and I am immensely,
genuinely thankful and blessed by their commitment to being the hands and feet
of the gospel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are some photos from the week: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying sidewalk around they bath house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning and organizing the camp kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the meeting room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Packing bags for the meal ministry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCy5Ux4ynv0/UZY82Lvj3qI/AAAAAAAAAmY/uSuUvNslEZI/s1600/painted+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCy5Ux4ynv0/UZY82Lvj3qI/AAAAAAAAAmY/uSuUvNslEZI/s320/painted+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shades team with CEF Missionary Jose.</td></tr>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-77608297215901848912013-05-02T10:22:00.000-04:002013-05-02T10:22:20.489-04:00Holiday Adventures!May 1<sup>st</sup> is a holiday here in the Azores set aside
to celebrate workers. Of course, what better way to celebrate workers than a
day off of work! Since we had a whole day and the weather was cooperative, me
and two of my new friends decided to spend the day exploring the island. Thanks
to my handy-dandy new (to me) car, we were able to take a leisurely tour around
the island. We literally went around the entire island, stopping at various places
to take photos, enjoy the views, and sample the local cuisine. Here are some
photos from our adventure!<br />
<br />
Meet Raquel (left) and Beatrice (right). Raquel is
Portuguese, and her family lives here in Terceira. Her father is the pastor of the
Baptist church in Angra. Beatrice is Austrian, and she’s here doing an
internship and learning Portuguese. These girls are so much fun!<br />
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We started the day watching a wind-surfing competition in
Praia. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then we made our way around the island stopping and some of
the most beautiful places. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We even bought homemade donuts at a local snack stand. They were really good! </div>
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Throughout the day we saw many of these “Maios” which are
homemade dolls that people set up outside their houses in celebration of the
holiday. </div>
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This is also the beginning of bull fighting season on the island. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course it wouldn’t really be a trip around Terceira
without encountering a cow parade!<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the end of the day we ended up right where we started,
enjoying the beautiful view overlooking Praia da Vitória!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-21673787956556966952013-04-26T17:15:00.000-04:002013-04-26T17:32:35.412-04:00Navigating the Learning Curve<br />
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Anytime you start something new, there’s always a learning
curve to overcome. It happens when you learn to drive, start a new job, move to
a new city, learn to speak a new language, begin playing an instrument, and
even when you upgrade to a new cell phone, computer, or other technological
device. Many of these things have been a part of my adjustment to life in the
islands, and these last couple weeks have felt a bit like exam week. Granted, I
haven’t been staying up late nights studying or living off of coffee, but I have
faced a couple tests, and I have another big one coming up this Sunday. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition to learning Portuguese, I’ve also been trying to
learn how to play the guitar since I’ve been here (key phrase: “trying to learn”).
I’ve always admired people who could play the guitar, and that admiration has
definitely grown exponentially over the last few months. For someone who
considers herself to have pretty good hand, eye coordination, I have found it
incredibly difficult to strum properly and play chords simultaneously. This challenge has turned into a test for me because
this week I began playing a couple of the songs while the kids sang along
during the music portion of our clubs. So far I wouldn’t call it a complete
disaster, but let’s just say I’m thankful that we’re called to “make a joyful <i>NOISE</i> unto the Lord!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another test I’ve been dealing with is learning to drive a
manual transmission. First of all, let me just say “THANK YOU” to whoever
invented the automatic transmission and “I’m sorry” to anyone who had to learn
to drive for the very first time with a manual. I’ve been driving an automatic
transmission car (and loving it) for 12 years. Who knew adding a clutch could
be so intimidating! However, after lots of paperwork and several hours of
instructional driving time with Pastor Art (who was both gracious and patient
with me), I am the proud owner and semi-confident driver of my own little red,
5-speed manual transmission Nissan! Navigating these narrow European roads is challenging, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The big test that is still to come will happen this Sunday
when I teach Sunday school and Junior Church at ABC for all the kids, both
American and Portuguese! I’ll have a helper who is fluent in both English and
Portuguese, but the teaching part is up to me. I’m more than a little nervous,
but I’m also kind of excited. I really have no idea how it’s going to turn out.
I’m sure I will make some mistakes and learn something new in the process. My main goal is to teach them about Jesus and
help them have fun while they learn, without creating total, bi-lingual chaos! Thankfully,
it’s not about my abilities but about God working in the lives of these kids. I’ll
let you know how it goes…<o:p></o:p></div>
Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-80147531944579191632013-04-12T09:22:00.002-04:002013-04-12T09:22:56.419-04:00Feeling a little HomesickToday marks 3 months that I’ve been in the islands. It’s
amazing how time really can feel like it is flying and crawling simultaneously.
Some moments I feel like I just got here, and at other times I think “it’s only
been 3 months? Surely it’s been longer.”<br />
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The last couple weeks have been hard for me. I’m not usually
prone to homesickness, but I’ve been feeling it lately. Maybe it was all the
work we put into VBS or the huge needs of the people here that we can only
barely start to meet. Maybe it was the constant learning curve that comes along
with attempting to learn and speak a new language<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe
it was the rain that doesn’t ever seem to stop or the fact that spring has
decided to hold off for a while longer.</span></span> Maybe it was trying to wrap
my mind around the fact that I am now officially in my <i>late-twenties</i>. More than likely it was combination of all these
things and more, but over these last couple weeks I’ve felt both physically and
emotionally exhausted. Add to that the
fact that my ability to Skype with friends and family has been limited at best,
and you end up with a pretty fantastic pity-party. I found myself missing everything
from Mexican food to Braves baseball to re-tying shoelaces at After the Bell. I
was wallowing in all the things I won’t be doing this spring, good things like watching
my brother coach baseball, throwing a baby shower for my best friend, and
holding that sweet baby while she’s still tiny and wrapped in hospital
blankets.</div>
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These are good things, wonderful things, things that I will
definitely miss, but they’re not the best for me right now. It’s a hard pill to
swallow at times, but sometimes we have to miss out on good things to get to
God’s best for us. As I wallowed, cried, and basically swam around in self-pity
for a few days, the Lord was faithful to remind me that His mercies are new
every morning; that He called me here; that He will remain faithful to complete
the work, and that His strength shows most perfectly in my own weakness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A few years ago a friend of mine preached a sermon on
Lamentations 3, focusing in on the fact that even when we are in our loneliest
moments, God is with us and He loves us. No matter what our circumstances or
how down we are feeling, we can put our Hope in God because He is the one who
supplies our needs and satisfies our souls. I have a feeling that my friend had
probably been going through something similar to what I’m going through now
when the Lord laid the message on his heart. At the time, I didn’t really
understand or identify with this stark feeling of loneliness and the Lord being
my hope and portion, but for some reason that sermon stuck with me, even now over
five years later. I’m glad it did because I definitely get it now, and I’m
thankful for the promises of these words: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies
never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The
Lord is my portion’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” Lamentations
3:22-24</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-46865001063290707282013-04-06T13:17:00.000-04:002013-04-06T13:17:42.695-04:00Our Version of Spring BreakThe last two weeks here have been holidays for the kids, which of course means we've been going nonstop! We spent the first week working hard in preparation for Escola Bíblica de Férias (Vacation Bible School), which we held twice each day this past week. We had a total of 40 kids between the two churches. We were pretty much exhausted when it was all said and done, but it was a great week all around!! Here are some photos for your enjoyment :)<br />
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Building wells and painting houses!</div>
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HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!</div>
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<br />Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-27909851438910749842013-03-28T09:44:00.002-04:002013-03-28T09:44:49.024-04:0028<br />
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Yesterday was my 28<sup>th</sup> birthday. I celebrated via
Skype with my parents, sister, and best friend, and some of my Portuguese
friends surprised me with a homemade cake! It was really yummy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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PARABÉNS = HAPPY BIRTHDAY</div>
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28. It’s kind of hard to comprehend. I know 28 is still
“young” in the grand scheme of things, but it makes me feel old to realize it’s
been ten years since I graduated high school, twelve since I got my driver’s
license. At 28, my life is definitely different than what I expected. If you
had asked me at 18 what my life would look like at 28, my answer would have
included marriage, babies, and probably a house with a big front porch. I won’t
lie and say I no longer want those things, but I am aware that many of the
blessings God has given me have been possible because those desires have not
yet been fulfilled. I do still want those things. Some days I want them so
badly it hurts. But the truth and the hope that I rely on is that the Lord
knows my heart, and more importantly, He knows and wants what’s best for me,
even when I can’t see clearly enough to make that judgment myself. I don’t know if I’ll ever get married or have
kids, but I do know that God promises to satisfy me completely, in ways that no
one and nothing else can. I’m clinging to that promise as I look forward to
another year of His guidance and blessings!<o:p></o:p></div>
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“For he satisfies the longing soul, </div>
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and the hungry soul he
fills with good things.” </div>
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Psalm 107:9 </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-81870055663603510252013-03-14T11:16:00.000-04:002013-03-14T11:16:21.372-04:00Teen Retreat<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEj50ur1LCc/UUHfNDBUHqI/AAAAAAAAAXk/t_iJID5TM2w/s1600/DSCF7747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEj50ur1LCc/UUHfNDBUHqI/AAAAAAAAAXk/t_iJID5TM2w/s200/DSCF7747.JPG" width="150" /></a>Last weekend we had a one night retreat for teenagers at
camp! We had a really great time playing UNO, volleyball, and Skip Bo, eating tons of food (including “American”
cupcakes make by yours truly), and enjoying 3 sessions of worship and teaching
led by Osaís & Iolanda, the directors of CEF Portugal. The sessions focused
in what God’s word says about what we might call “hot topics” for teens (alcohol,
drugs, sexuality, etc). We had about 14 teens in attendance, 8 of which are
regular attenders at our weekly clubs.</div>
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Admittedly, working with teenagers doesn't come easily to me. Give me a group of 5 or 6-year-olds and I’m in my element.
Once they hit about 12 or 13, they start to get scary (in an “I’m not really
sure what to say to you” kind of way.) Somehow though, these teens are endearing
themselves to me in unexpected ways. Don’t
get me wrong. They can be very difficult. But the moments when I can see it on
their faces that they’re starting to get it, that they’re learning what it
means to experience God’s love, those are the moments when I remember why we do
what we do. They seemed to really enjoy the retreat and didn't want to leave
when the time came. They were begging to stay just one more night. (They even
tried to convince Clara to leave them there with me while she went home to
handle her other responsibilities. AHHHHH!!!) We had to say no this time, but their
enthusiasm makes me really excited for the week long camps we have planned for
the summer!</div>
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Iolanda and Osaís have been the directors of CEF Portugal
for almost a year now, but this was their first time visiting the islands.
Having them here allowed for some more exploration of this beautiful island
that I’m quickly falling in love with. It seems that every time I turn around
there’s another example of God’s beautiful creation to be amazed by. It does
make me wonder, though, if there might be many similar examples that I
overlooked at home in the states simply because I never took the time to look.
Let me take this opportunity to encourage you, no matter where you are, to take
the time to look and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation…it’s all around you. </div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-12615697767332376672013-03-07T09:13:00.000-05:002013-03-07T09:13:36.661-05:00"A Picture......is worth a thousand words." <div>
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It's a common saying that we've all probably heard a thousand times. Based on the amount of photos posted on Facebook on a daily basis and the fact every person seems to have their own personal digital camera (not to mention a second one on their phone), I'd have to say we have definitely bough into this concept. I know I have. I love pictures. As a child, I was what my Mama would call a "camera ham," always smiling and posing whenever someone pulled out a camera. Now, I prefer to be behind the camera, but there's something so satisfying about capturing a moment and then being able to share it with others. Over the years I've probably spent thousands of dollars taking, printing, and framing pictures, and I have huge bins full of them stored at my parents' house to prove it! </div>
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This week, however, I was reminded of the value of a different kind of picture. This one wasn't taken on a digital camera. It doesn't have the dimension and shading of expensive artwork. It's not on fancy paper or framed behind glass, but to me, it holds incredible value. I'm not a parent, but I'm willing to bet some of you parents and grandparents out there have pictures on your refrigerator that are just as valuable to you. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CV2ucu66hQU/UTiZs2dsknI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/kFUzth0umoA/s1600/DSCF7618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CV2ucu66hQU/UTiZs2dsknI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/kFUzth0umoA/s320/DSCF7618.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"de Nadia para Ancheley" translation: From Nadia for Ansley :) </td></tr>
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This picture is the very first picture that was drawn and colored specifically for me by one of the Azorean children I'm ministering to at the clubs. It may not seem like much to you, but to me it's a reminder that I'm having an impact on the lives of these kids. Each time I look at it I'm encouraged to keep going, to keep trying, and to keep loving these kids the way Jesus loves me. It's a reminder of why I'm here. Who know, it might end up in a frame someday after all. </div>
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And since I do keep my camera with me almost all the time, here are a few more glimpses into my life here: </div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-48558793744672047472013-02-25T10:06:00.000-05:002013-02-25T10:06:59.205-05:00Pão da Noite<br />
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This weekend we had a retreat for some of the kids that come
to the clubs. It was a one-night retreat in the same house where we host three
of the clubs. We ended up with about 13 kids, and it was a ton of fun! We did a
Bible lesson, a couple of crafts, heard a missionary story, played games, and
ate lots of food (soup, pancakes, spaghetti, peaches, jello, and fresh,
homemade bread). <o:p></o:p></div>
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The entire retreat was a ton of fun (although if I’m being
honest, I didn’t <i>love </i>sleeping on the floor), but the most interesting part to
me was what they call the “pão da noite,” which translated literally means “bread
of the night.” This is basically what my little sister Addie used to call her “bed
snack.” However, I’m here to tell you that this beats Little Debbie Fudge
Rounds and Oatmeal Cream Pies hands down!!
I was so intrigued by the whole process that I decided to document it in
photos and share it with you. I’m just sorry you can’t smell it and taste it
fresh from the oven like we did!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the dough. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the chocolate and forming the crescents. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the oven!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rising as they bake. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much fresh goodness!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final product, complete with a mug of hot chocolate!!</td></tr>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-15416845869184596642013-02-19T09:39:00.000-05:002013-02-19T09:39:29.333-05:00The Gospel in Action<br />
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One of the many blessings I’ve experienced since being on
the island has been the English speaking community at Azorean Baptist Church.
ABC is a small congregation made up mostly of American families who are stationed
at Lajes Air Force Base. It has been an incredible blessing for me to be able
to worship alongside these families, make new friends, and be encouraged on a
weekly basis. The congregation is small, but has been growing in a new and
challenging way over the last several weeks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For the last few weeks we have had several Portuguese
families attending ABC. These families don’t speak English, but were drawn to
the church because Pastor Art showed them the love of Christ in a way that they’d
never experienced before. It started with an 11 year old little girl knocking
on the door asking for bread and it has progressed to four Portuguese families
attending worship on a regular basis, hearing the gospel preached and seeing it
lived out in a way that means more to them than I can comprehend. <o:p></o:p></div>
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James 2: 15-16 says: “If a brother or sister is poorly
clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace,
be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what
good is that?” Putting these verses into
action has changed some things at ABC. For the first time in recent history
(possibly ever) the congregation is working together to provide for the basic
nutritional needs of these families. More importantly, they are seizing the
opportunity to share God’s love and salvation with their neighbors in a very
tangible way. For the last three weeks during the sermon portion of the worship
service, Antonío (a native Azorean who speaks both Portuguese and English) has
been sharing the gospel with them (in Portuguese) by teaching from the book of
John. <o:p></o:p></div>
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These families came seeking physical sustenance, but now they
are walking away with something so much more valuable. Mark 8:36 says, “For
what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Yes,
they need food, and we’re doing what we can to provide that for them. But the
truth is that no matter how much food they get, it’s all worthless if they walk
away without knowing Christ. I’m thankful that we have the ability to share
both physical food and spiritual nourishment with these families. We don’t do
it because we have to, but because it’s an outpouring of the love that God has
lavished on us. Please pray for us as we minister to these families. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you’re reading this, and you have questions or want to know
more about why the gospel is so important, please email me at <a href="mailto:ansley.caldwell@gmail.com">ansley.caldwell@gmail.com</a> I would
love to talk with you more about what it means to know Christ!<o:p></o:p></div>
Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-4526344889194578652013-02-12T15:51:00.001-05:002013-02-12T15:51:32.774-05:00One-Month Anniversary!!<br />
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As of today I’ve officially been here in the Azores for ONE MONTH!!!! I can’t
believe how quickly the time has flown by! Part of me feels like a starry-eyed
teenager celebrating a one-month anniversary, but for now, I think I’ll just
embrace the emotion. In celebration, I
decided to do some crafting:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't my butterflies beautiful!!</td></tr>
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Just kidding. I did make those today, but it was in
preparation for a VBS we’ll be having in a few weeks.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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It seems kind of crazy to me that I’ve already been here for
a whole month. Don’t get me wrong. Some moments it feels like I’ve been here
for years. Like Chick-Fil-A and American television are memories of some
nostalgic past-life. But most of the time, I feel like I just stepped off that
plane. Things still feel new, and I’m
definitely still adjusting. Yet, at the same time, each day I’m becoming more
and more comfortable in this foreign country, surrounded by the culture and
language of people who have turned out to be not all that different from me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The speed at which these last 30 days have passed reminds me
that no matter where we are, our time is limited. Whether in our hometown or
halfway around the world, we’re called to make the most of the time we’ve been
given. We’re called to share the love of Christ at every opportunity. I’ve had
lots of opportunities over the last month, and I’m certain there will be many
more over the next 11 months. I’m going to do my best to seize each and every
opportunity to serve God and love others here in my part of the world. My
prayer is that you will do the same in yours. <o:p></o:p></div>
Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-75137247424218319132013-02-07T08:24:00.000-05:002013-02-07T08:24:31.961-05:00Heaven & Highlights<br />
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I realize it’s been a while since my last update. I thought
I had my internet situation all figured out, but alas, I do not. Even as I
write this, I’m not really sure how long it will take to get it posted. Instead of trying to detail my entire week in
one blog post, I've decided to share one of my favorite moments, and hit a few
other highlights. Here we go…<o:p></o:p></div>
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My favorite moment of the last week came yesterday during
our club for teens. The lesson was the first of a 5-week plan in which we’ll
work through the “wordless book” which uses colored pages to walk through the
plan of salvation (much like the salvation bracelet that many of us remember
from VBS). Yesterday’s lesson focused on Heaven: what Heaven would be like, things
that would exist in Heaven and things that wouldn't exist in Heaven. We split
the teens up into two groups and had them work together to complete a worksheet
of questions about Heaven based on verses in John and Revelation. I followed
along in my Bible (English, of course) while they looked up the verses and
answered the questions. Other than helping them locate the assigned verses,
they didn't really need my help. They
worked through most of the questions on their own until we came to the last
question. The question focused on Revelation 22:4, and basically asked “what special
thing will we be able to see in Heaven?” Despite the fact that my Portuguese is still
extremely limited, I was able to help them understand that we will be able to
see Jesus’ face! We've read about Him, trusted Him, felt His comfort and
guidance, but even with all of that, the only actual visual image of Christ
that I have to fall back on is a cartoon drawing or actor’s portrayal of a guy
with long hair and a nice face. In Heaven, we won’t have to guess anymore. We’ll
be able to see Him for ourselves!! Now, I wish I could say that I was able to
articulate all of that to my teenage Portuguese friends, but the language
barrier kept us more on the point of simply seeing His face. It wasn't a huge
moment of revelation for them, but for me it was another much needed moment of
affirmation that God is working and using me. I am limited by language and
cultural understanding, but God is not. I may not understand all the
conversations or be able to share a life application with them yet, but God is
allowing me to invest in the lives of these teenagers, to show His love to
them. I’m so grateful to be a part of this!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning about Heaven!</td></tr>
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<h4>
A few highlights of the things I’ve experienced/learned over
the last week or so (in no particular order):</h4>
- I’m way more reliant on the internet than I ever realized!<br />
- There’s something so entirely refreshing about worshiping the Lord and studying
His word in the language you understand, especially after two whole weeks of
almost complete immersion in a different language. <br />
- When you’re faithful to serve others, God will bring growth in your ministry.
Last week one of our clubs doubled in size, literally, because we were able to
reach out to a family in need.<br />
- Hot tea made from fresh tea leaves (grown
in our own back yard btw) is really good! So far I’ve had lemon, mint, and
orange!<br />
- Playing a game with small children breaks the ice and the language barrier a
lot faster than anything else!<br />
- It’s basically free for me to text back and forth with iPhone users, even
internationally! <br />
- When you live in a quiet place and church bells ring on the hour, there’s not
really any need for a watch <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Lajes club...double in size from last week!</td></tr>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-75997019944917126722013-01-30T17:12:00.003-05:002013-01-30T17:12:28.333-05:00Delayed Flights & Prayer Meetings<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZazFPTQ9AHs/UQmUqivCqDI/AAAAAAAAASM/I_LZhhzRl04/s1600/DSCF7316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZazFPTQ9AHs/UQmUqivCqDI/AAAAAAAAASM/I_LZhhzRl04/s320/DSCF7316.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Pico Island from the city in Faial</td></tr>
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This past weekend Clara led a training course for Sunday school
teachers in Faial, and I tagged along. Faial is one of the other Azorean
islands, smaller than Terceira, but not the smallest. Faial is actually the
island that probably gets the most American tourism because it has a large
harbor where pretty much any boats coming from the Caribbean or Brazil stop. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xubpTmWjHzw/UQmVD7E8fmI/AAAAAAAAASU/mkbAOTyJDmg/s1600/DSCF7361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xubpTmWjHzw/UQmVD7E8fmI/AAAAAAAAASU/mkbAOTyJDmg/s320/DSCF7361.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to teach children!</td></tr>
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We arrived on Friday and spent Friday evening, all day
Saturday, and Sunday evening at the training sessions. It was all in Portuguese
(because, well, that’s what they speak here) and I’m proud to say I wasn’t
completely lost!! I didn’t understand everything, not by a long shot. But I had
a manual to read along with, so that helped. I walked away exhausted from all
the brain-work, and slightly more confident in my ability to listen to and
understand the Portuguese language. I’m
gonna’ count that as a victory! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire group!</td></tr>
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The entire weekend was good, and Faial is beautiful, but I
think the most influential part of this trip came when I was “supposed” to
already be back in Terceira. Our flight was supposed to return to Terceira
around 6pm on Monday, but because of incredibly strong winds (60+mph) the plane
wasn’t going to be able to land in Terceira. Instead, they postponed our flight
until Tuesday morning and we went back to stay one more night with Sara, who
had hosted us for the weekend. Sara was going to the weekly women’s prayer
meeting at her church, so we went along. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gKUcfpGaE7E/UQmVsZ66BHI/AAAAAAAAASo/o5un96V5eqk/s1600/DSCF7338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gKUcfpGaE7E/UQmVsZ66BHI/AAAAAAAAASo/o5un96V5eqk/s320/DSCF7338.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Faial with Sara & Clara!</td></tr>
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I’d noticed it before in the Portuguese church services, Bible studies, in-home prayer meetings and
every night when Senora Edite comes to pray with me before bed. But as I sat
there thinking about how tired I was and how uncomfortable the pews were, I
realized that PRAYER IS IMPORTANT to these people. Not important in a “<i>we’re supposed to pray before we eat</i>”
kind of way, but in a “<i>even though I’ve
spent the entire weekend away from my family at this training, I’m going to
devote an entire hour of my evening to praying alongside my sisters-in-Christ</i>”
kind of way. It’s not just a tag to a
worship song or a conclusion to a sermon. It’s an integral part of their daily,
moment-to-moment walk with the Lord. To say I was convicted is an
understatement. To say I’ve really processed this in my own heart and mind
would be a lie. What I’m saying is I’m challenged by their commitment to
prayer. It’s something that I want in my own life. Even though I didn’t
understand most of the things they prayed for, I learned something from these
women that night, and I have a feeling that if I keep my eyes and ears open, I’ll
keep learning more than I could have imagined. And to think, it all came as a
result of a delayed flight. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdrXmaTIhN8/UQmVnhZpfNI/AAAAAAAAASc/eAi5Tfi53i0/s1600/DSCF7356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VdrXmaTIhN8/UQmVnhZpfNI/AAAAAAAAASc/eAi5Tfi53i0/s320/DSCF7356.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love watching the waves crashing on the rocks!!</td></tr>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-3677156890051626422013-01-24T07:11:00.000-05:002013-01-24T07:11:19.954-05:00Proof of GodThere’s something about this island that sparks my need for
adventure and exploration. One of my favorite things that I’ve done since I’ve
been here is going for long walks just to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation
and see what I can see. Here are a few pictures of what I’ve seen so far:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CnVkG42guW0/UQEdJvJdQAI/AAAAAAAAAQM/MjWX1gOXuaY/s1600/DSCF7242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CnVkG42guW0/UQEdJvJdQAI/AAAAAAAAAQM/MjWX1gOXuaY/s320/DSCF7242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MT-hkGPWw9I/UQEdlWZHRbI/AAAAAAAAAQc/CYqOrLl5XyA/s1600/DSCF7244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MT-hkGPWw9I/UQEdlWZHRbI/AAAAAAAAAQc/CYqOrLl5XyA/s320/DSCF7244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah8_gPxzR7c/UQEd3nMbQDI/AAAAAAAAAQk/bSdULXxAmgs/s1600/DSCF7258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah8_gPxzR7c/UQEd3nMbQDI/AAAAAAAAAQk/bSdULXxAmgs/s320/DSCF7258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the church in the "town" where I'm living. It was built in 1500!!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8bQuRVR1LI/UQEd8uSSHnI/AAAAAAAAAQs/-dckFls8oBc/s1600/DSCF7253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8bQuRVR1LI/UQEd8uSSHnI/AAAAAAAAAQs/-dckFls8oBc/s320/DSCF7253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KoWVf0xAkMg/UQEe32ceS8I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/S_F17zsA6YY/s1600/DSCF7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KoWVf0xAkMg/UQEe32ceS8I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/S_F17zsA6YY/s320/DSCF7264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsRlJJCAYIk/UQEfNHXOkhI/AAAAAAAAARM/yZx86CnyObo/s1600/DSCF7266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rsRlJJCAYIk/UQEfNHXOkhI/AAAAAAAAARM/yZx86CnyObo/s320/DSCF7266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Rx8e0kY4HI/UQEfhNyuXmI/AAAAAAAAARU/ZjmsdHfAJuI/s1600/DSCF7241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Rx8e0kY4HI/UQEfhNyuXmI/AAAAAAAAARU/ZjmsdHfAJuI/s320/DSCF7241.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sra. Edite, my wonderful host "mom" </td></tr>
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In the clubs this week we’ve been teaching the kids about
God and asking the question “Does God exist? How do we know God exists?” In our
answers, we offered three main points that prove God’s existence: nature, people, and
the word of God (the Bible). For the
kids, we helped them make a poster displaying the evidence of God’s existence.
For me, I’m being reminded of His power and glory with each and every fork in
the road, cow in the pasture, and each time a sweet new Portuguese friend
welcomes me with open arms. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsIwAB08qhE/UQEflbYUBCI/AAAAAAAAARc/0t8HnWIJfl4/s1600/DSCF7280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bsIwAB08qhE/UQEflbYUBCI/AAAAAAAAARc/0t8HnWIJfl4/s320/DSCF7280.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clara helping Samuel & Bianca</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aSmzJdr07g/UQEf4cPfMqI/AAAAAAAAARs/B_UWYEAmNaw/s1600/DSCF7283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aSmzJdr07g/UQEf4cPfMqI/AAAAAAAAARs/B_UWYEAmNaw/s1600/DSCF7283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bianca was so proud of her work! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Nadia! </td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
“Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He
who brings out their host by number, calling them by name, by the greatness of his
might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.” Isaiah 40:26</h4>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-44505238011877661962013-01-19T13:02:00.001-05:002013-01-19T13:02:45.484-05:00Week One...Check! As of today I've officially been here for an entire week!! I apologize for the lack of updates over the last few days. My internet access has been limited, but we're working on it. <div>
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Only 7 days, yet somehow it seems like longer. Maybe because I've jumped right in and we've been going almost nonstop all week long! I arrived last Saturday and spent Sunday and Monday acclimating myself to the time change. On Tuesday I went to the first of 6 clubs that will meet each week. All of the clubs are led in Portuguese, so by the end of the week my list of new words was getting pretty long. I have a feeling that the repetitiveness will help me learn Portuguese pretty quickly. One of our clubs on Wednesdays is held at the camp. There has been a lot of progress since I was here last spring!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5yTPc_Jh38/UPrcloyeVII/AAAAAAAAAO8/qc5n6xIb8bU/s1600/DSCF7225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5yTPc_Jh38/UPrcloyeVII/AAAAAAAAAO8/qc5n6xIb8bU/s320/DSCF7225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new wall and entrance to camp! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jYDwfTrYqA/UPrcqC52R8I/AAAAAAAAAPU/uKtFadkdJ5g/s1600/DSCF7226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jYDwfTrYqA/UPrcqC52R8I/AAAAAAAAAPU/uKtFadkdJ5g/s320/DSCF7226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leveling off the ground to build a soccer field. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4k_Nz2SDn8/UPrerawEMJI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tWJvts8wU9c/s1600/DSCF7228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4k_Nz2SDn8/UPrerawEMJI/AAAAAAAAAPs/tWJvts8wU9c/s320/DSCF7228.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newly covered meeting area and handicap accessible ramp to the bathrooms. </td></tr>
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On Thursday, the real adventure began. Thursday morning I moved in with Editie (pronounced EhDeet). Since she doesn't speak any English at all, I'm quickly learning how to communicate in Portuguese (along with some pointing and gestures). My brain feels a little fried from all this processing. Trying to understand what others say to me and trying to figure out how to respond is a constant challenge, but I know it will be worth it in the end. All in all it's been a great week, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next 51 (at least)! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bedroom. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6CYjoDS2mo/UPrcmkuLXsI/AAAAAAAAAPE/dxwZwn49RaA/s1600/DSCF7223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6CYjoDS2mo/UPrcmkuLXsI/AAAAAAAAAPE/dxwZwn49RaA/s320/DSCF7223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my window! You can't really tell from this picture, but that 's the Atlantic Ocean off in the distance!! </td></tr>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7401866806187531687.post-48890064282890651282013-01-14T10:44:00.001-05:002013-01-14T10:44:19.105-05:00Encouragement & AffirmationOver the last few months there have been several moments when encouragement and affirmation came at just the right moment to remind me that I am called to this journey. Each time I've started to question my purpose or doubt my abilities, the Lord has sent me little reminders to help me out. <div>
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If you've never experienced it, I'm here to tell you that saying goodbye to your family and stepping onto an airplane full of strangers, headed to a place where you know very few people and don't speak the language, is one of those moments when a little encouragement and affirmation is definitely needed. In addition to all the Facebook posts, tweets, and texts reminding me that this journey is being bathed in prayer, God recently gave me a couple of other more tangible affirmations. The first one came about two days before I left the states. It was a package of cards from my dear friend Alisha, who started a very similar journey about a year ago. In the package I found 12 handwritten cards, each once written specifically for upcoming moments and milestones in the journey. <span style="text-align: center;">So far, I've opened about four of them, and each one has been such a blessing to me!!</span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She knows me so well!! </td></tr>
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The other major moment of affirmation that came while traveling happened just after my first flight, as I waited on my luggage in Boston. In an effort to get my luggage from one end of the airport to the other without killing myself or someone else, I decided to rent a luggage cart. It wasn't until I had half of my luggage already on the cart that I noticed the advertisement (on the cart that I "happened" to get) was an advertisement for the Azores!! It might not seem like much to you, but to me, it was like God had taken that moment to wink at me and say "Stop worrying. I've got this covered. You're on the right track." It was such an affirming moment that came at the perfect time! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFKX0eWhCXw/UPQmDK_DFoI/AAAAAAAAAOk/zpN7Ob4LU90/s1600/airport+luggage+cart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PFKX0eWhCXw/UPQmDK_DFoI/AAAAAAAAAOk/zpN7Ob4LU90/s320/airport+luggage+cart.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Special thanks to all of you who have encouraged me through email, text, Facebook, and prayer over these last few days!! Please keep it up! This journey is just beginning and I couldn't be more thankful to have you all on my side! </div>
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Ansleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12368595621624647359noreply@blogger.com0