I have the joy to return to Rio de Janeiro to accompany a group from the Aggies for Christ for about a week. It’s always good to be amongst the brothers and sisters in Rio. The group is composed of six people including myself. I am so happy to be in the presence of good friends and fellow travelers from A&M. Last night we gathered around and had a bit of worship time together in English (a rare happening). I hope this time is refreshing for all; I am already feeling the ’saudade’ of having to leave soon. I will be here until Friday, 4 January.

Have a happy New Year!

“‘Well, how do you evangelize, then, if you don’t try to convince people of truth?…’

‘Demonstration must accompany proclamation, I guess you could say. But there’s more. Instead of saying, ‘Hey, they’re wrong and we’re right, so follow us,’ I think we say, ‘Here’s what I’ve found. Here’s what I’ve experienced. Here’s what makes sense to me. I’ll be glad to share it with you, if you’re interested.’”

“‘I think of it like a dance…I hear the music of the gospel, and my friend doesn’t, so I try to help him hear it and move with it. And like a dance, I have to ask if the other person wants to participate.’”

From A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren

Every blessing You pour out
I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Yes, thank you to the MacArthur Park Church of Christ in San Antonio, TX. I am now almost fully within my budget. It has been a long, prayer-filled process, but I have been blessed to have received this. Praise be to God.

Last night I flicked on the television to get a quick news update from CNN International and the CNN Heroes presentation was on. These people are incredible. The simplest decisions and methods they have made have impacted so many. I am truly inspired and desire, more than before, to do something that makes this world a bit better for others.

Check it out at CNN.com.