So....

Sarah's visit...

2011-04-06T12:25:00.003-03:00

So...it's been awhile since I've posted, but during the the time that I was "away" my good friend Sarah came down for a visit! I took a week (or so) off and we went to see a little bit of the state of Rio that I hadn't seen yet! It was a much needed time away and it was awesome spending time with Sarah and showing her a little bit of "my new world". Thank you Sarah!!!

First Baptist Church in Vila da Penha

2011-02-25T21:39:00.004-03:00

The First Baptist Church in Vila da Penha has quite a well-established, flourishing deaf ministry. They have a deaf pastor, Carlos Eduardo, and have a church service on Thursday nights in sign

language (mostly deaf attend). I visited a few weeks back and was invited to be the "speaker" the following week. By the grace of God I was able to share (in Brazilian sign language) my testimony and challenge them (tied in from my testimony) on being saved by grace (Romans 3:22-28). I have continued attending on Thursday nights and am grateful for this door that God has opened to be involved in the deaf community here in Rio!

Training Course for Leaders in Deaf Ministry - 2011

2011-02-03T10:22:00.003-02:00

Some of the deaf students who participated in the month-long training.

It's incredible the faces you make when you're interpreting (or maybe it's just me)...I have NO idea what I'm interpreting there! haha!

Receiving a gift from the students during the graduation ceremony.

The 3rd group of graduates from the Training Course for Leaders in Deaf Ministry.

Class of 2011!

End of the Year update

2011-01-06T20:09:00.003-02:00

I pray that you had a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year! This year I was not able to go home to be with family, but was able to spend time with my Brazilian-Japanese family for Christmas and at another friend's family for New Years. Both were absolutely great times of being with friends and relaxing/renewing in preparation for this year's activities.

I don't have much of an update for you all, but I would like to ask for your prayers as to which direction the Lord would have me go this next year -- in regards to deaf ministry.

Thank you for your prayers!

A really good reminder...

2010-11-28T12:40:00.007-02:00

Rio continues in a state of war as over 2,600 armed forces and police

surrounded the point of concentration (a group of favelas called "conjunto Alemão" -- German group) yesterday and today began their invasion. There are around 30,000 shanty homes within this community and over 100,000 residents. The objective is to enter in each of the 30,000 homes and search each one to find the drug deals who have gathered there.

While all of this is happening in the northern part of the city, life continues as normal here. The "normal" mainly means Christmas shopping. You go to the malls and the open-air shopping centers and they are packed with people looking to find a deal for Christmas. The saddest thing for me isn't that people have continued with their normal lives while all of this violence is going

on, but that the only visible American influence in all of this is Santa Claus. He is the same Santa Claus that we have in the snowy north -- with a long white beard, red velvety clothes (long sleeved, long pants, with the hat and everything). The malls are decked with pine trees (I have yet to see a real one here in Brazil) and fake snow.

My first reaction to all of this was indignation at the obvious American influence -- I thought, "At least get your own Santa...with Bermudas and sunglasses! I mean it's 90 degrees and humid outside!" But, upon reflecting more, I became even sadder. Sadder that my first response wasn't indignation at having Santa at all but rather that he was dressed for cold weather. It's sad that a "Christian nation" has influenced it's neighbors not by teaching them what Christmas is really about (although I'm sure that has happened too),. but has given them a materialistic view of Christmas complete with a mythical figure who lives in a world most Brazilians can't even fathom (never having seen snow) and only comes to deliver presents to the boys and girls who deserve them.

Jesus didn't come dressed for cold. Jesus was born, suffered and died for all the peoples of the world!

My grandpa just sent me a song that some of you may have already heard, but I was brought to tears by it's reminder.

Love you all!

2010-11-24T19:28:00.000-02:00

Juazeiro do Norte - 1

2010-11-22T14:45:00.003-02:00

I finally have internet access again! After spending one month in the state of Ceará (speaking at a conference in the beginning, a 15-day evangelism project and participating in another conference at the end) and one week of being sick (strep throat, ear infection and who knows what else!) -- it's back to work in Rio!

The pictures below are from the evangelism project in Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará. The first one is of the final church service that we held for the deaf on the second-to-last night of the project. There were many deaf people present (as you can see from the picture) and it was a very special time to celebrate God's working during the 15 days.

This second picture is related to the story that I wrote about in my update. This is a picture of Graziele explaining the Gospel to a deaf young man and the neighbors who participated as well (I was able to interpret for them what it was th Grazi was explaining).

update

2010-11-12T13:00:00.002-02:00

I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to get an update out to you! I have been traveling like a crazy woman and recently without internet.

Most recently (the period that I didn´t have Internet) I had the joy/privilege/opportunity to return to Juazeiro do Norte--the city I first came to in Brazil! I was able to connect with some of the people that I met and stayed with back in 2006...it was GREAT! I returned to help coordinate an evangelism project in the city. There are almost 10,000 deaf people in the city and most of them don´t know Jesus. I was very sad to find out that many of the people who were part of the deaf church back in 2006 are not part of the church any more. In talking with them, it is obvious that there is a lack of understanding about what it means to be born again -- about what it means to have a relationship with God.

The project was similar to the project that was held in Rio in July. This time there was a group of 22 volunteers from all over Brazil who spent 15 days doing door-to-door evangelism and a census of where the deaf people are in Juazeiro do Norte. This time I was able to go out and participate in the "grunt work" as well as helping to coordinate. God opened so many doors for us in unexpected ways. One example is that during the second week one of the volunteers (Graziele, a young deaf woman from Rio) had her cell phone stolen while I was with her. We were able to report it to the police that night and were told that we needed to go to the police department to file a report the next day. When we got there we went in to the office of the woman responsible for filing the reports and were conversing in sign language while we were waiting our turn. She (the officer who was taking the reports) kept looking at us with more than normal curiosity. When it was our turn she asked us who we were and where we were from. I started explaining the project, but she interrupted and said "my son is deaf!". Needless to say, our conversation was much longer than the normal, but everyone in the line behind us didn´t seem to mind!

Another example of God opening doors is when Graziele and I went to a further out neighborhood in search of a deaf woman who had been part of the church in 2006. We spent some time with her and had the opportunity to share with her more about what it means to have a relationship with God. She didn´t want to decide anything in the moment, but told us that there was another deaf boy who lived close by. We wanted to take advantage of being so close by and went in search of the boy. We finally found his house (after being directed to the house of his grandmother and her leading us, in person, to the house of her grandson), but his mother was cleaning the house and seemed reluctant to let us in. I told her that it wasn´t a problem that we could sit outside, but that we just wanted to talk to her son. We sat out in front of the house in the shade of a tree and, as is common there, there were about 3 other woman also sitting in the shade of the same tree. We began talking to the deaf boy, asking him what he knew about God and sin. I decided to interpret what was being said in sign language for the women present. Before I knew it there was a captive audience of over 10 people -- men, women and children -- all listening attentively to what was being said. They said they wanted us to come back the next day and the next and were eager to understand more. They were all part of the catholic church close by, but said they wanted to hear more. We returned for the next two days and explained more of God´s plan of salvation to the "hearers" as well as Junior (the deaf boy). On the third day 6 of the people (including Junior) said they wanted to accept Jesus as their personal savior and Lord! The pastor of the church we were working with is now going to be in contact with these people to continue the work that was started!

There are so many stories of how God worked during this two-week period. I don´t have access to the photos right now, but I will post pictures on my blog and more stories.

Please pray for continued guidance and direction.

I love you all and miss you!

pictures from another conference

2010-10-18T16:24:00.001-02:00

This conference was in Belo Horizonte, MG.

Pictures

2010-10-06T11:20:00.005-03:00

I realized that it has been a really long time since I've posted...and an even longer time since I've posted pictures! I've been traveling a ton -- all over Brazil, helping to host conferences/seminars to train people how to evangelize deaf people. Here are some pictures from these conferences!

These are from a conference in São Luís, Maranhão -- a city in the north of Brazil. (It was HOT there!) :)

**I forgot to mention that pictured in the top picture is Marilia (on the right in the green polo) with a deaf couple who were recently commissioned as missionaries and are in the support raising process.

Relatório (julho)

2010-08-11T13:39:00.002-03:00

Queridos amigos,

Me desculpem! Já passou tanto tempo desde meu último relatório--tempo passa rápido! Esta é realmente a primeira oportunidade que eu tive de sentar e escrever para vocês desde o final do projeto Alcance Surdos. O projeto foi muito bem, graça a Deus. É tão emocionante conhecer outras pessoas que também tenham uma paixão para os surdos e um desejo para eles "ouvirem" a mensagem do evangelho. Foi uma bênção e encorajamento de trabalhar com mais de 50 voluntários como este. Os voluntários, surdos e ouvintes, vieram de todo o Brasil para trabalhar juntos no projeto de evangelismo aqui no Rio de Janeiro. Estávamos focados em três bairros; Vila Valqueire, Parque Anchieta, e Heliópolis. O projeto envolveu a evangelização de porta em porta (para surdos principalmente), os cultos especiais para surdos, programas de evangelismo e teatro nas praças e feiras, e a apresentação do filme "Jesus" interpretada em língua brasileira de sinais (LIBRAS). Como eu falei no meu último relatório, o objetivo era conetar as pessoas surdas da região com as igrejas locais, que já têm ministérios com surdos, um missionário surdo, ou o desejo de ter um ministério com surdos.

Base 1 (Vila Valqueire) é uma igreja que não tem um ministério de surdos (ainda) plantada na igreja, mas tem um interesse e desejo de alcançar pessoas surdas. Marília e eu tinha dado um treinamento na igreja ensinando algumas noções básicas sobre surdez, LIBRAS, e ministério com surdos em março. Desde o treinamento, mais ou menos 10 membros da igreja foram envolvidos em um curso de LIBRAS em preparação para estar envolvidos no ministério depois do projeto. O começo do projeto foi desanimador para os voluntários da igreja e os outros voluntários porque havia poucas pessoas surdas na área imediata. Isso, no entanto, não impediu de aumentar a sua área de pesquisa e no final tiveram a oportunidade de testemunhar e ter acompanhamento de estudos bíblicos com mais de 50 surdos.

Base 2 (Parque Anchieta) tem uma vantagem "único" em que o pastor tem três filhos que são todos surdos. Sua filha mais velha tem 23 anos e é atualmente responsável pelo ministério com surdos na igreja com seu irmão mais novo que tem 21 anos. Os outros jovens surdos da igreja estava tão ansioso para fazer parte deste projeto e Deus o usou para desafiar o grupo de jovens que já estão na igreja para estar mais preocupados com a salvação dos seus vizinhos surdos. A equipe neste bairro encontrei tantas pessoas surdas que não poderia manter-se com todos os contatos que estavam fazendo. A segunda semana do projeto tornou-se inteiramente dedicado a fazer visitas de acompanhamento às pessoas que já haviam feito contato. Há tantas histórias dessas duas semanas de surdos que "ouviram" pela primeira vez as boas novas do evangelho e que responderam com tanto desejo de saber mais! Ore para o pastor e sua família porque eles estão percebendo a grande responsabilidade do chamado de Deus para eles onde eles estão. No último domingo fomos lá, tinha mais de 20 pessoas surdas visitando no culto.

Base 3 (Heliópolis), foi a base mais distante, sendo um pouco fora dos limites da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Aqui, também, a equipe ficou impressionada com o número de pessoas surdas que eles encontraram e também tiveram dificuldade em fazer contato com todos os surdos que tinham descobertos. No início da primeira semana, eles ficaram sabendo de um shopping perto aonde os surdos acustumam se reunir toda sexta-feira. A equipe decidiu a apresentar uma versão reduzida do filme "Jesus" no shopping na primeira sexta do projeto. Quando chegarmos lá em torno de 18:30, já havia cerca de 20 surdos reunidos, mas quando o filme começou (em torno de 19:30), havia mais ou menos 100 surdos! Eu mal podia acreditar! Em conversa com os surdos, eu descobri que muitos deles tinham sido parte de uma igreja ou outra, mas tinham desistidos, muitos devido à inconsistência na presença dos intérpretes e a falta de compromisso da igreja em relação os surdos.

Durante o período de duas semanas, houve mais de 300 pessoas surdas que "ouviram" o evangelho, a maioria pela primeira vez. Na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, há mais de 190 mil surdos! Senti, e ouvi dos outros voluntários, uma conclusão misturada do projeto; doce, doce, doce, porque havia tantas sementes que foram plantadas e tantos corações que Deus preparou para receber a Palavra, mas "amarga" porque há muito mais surdos para alcançar! Estou orando e conversando com a Marília sobre como eu posso ajudar essas igrejas e apoiá-los enquanto eles continuam o trabalho que foi iniciado.

Amo todos vocês e agradeço por suas orações!

ellie

July update (a little bit late!)

2010-08-05T14:11:00.002-03:00

My dear family and friends,

I'm so sorry about the length of time between my last update and this one. This is truly the first chance I've had to sit down and write to you since the Deaf Outreach project. The project went really well, praise the Lord. It is so exciting to see other people who share a passion for deaf people and a desire for them to "hear" the gospel message. It was such a blessing and encouragement to me to work with 50+ volunteers like this. The volunteers, deaf and hearing, came from all over Brazil to work together for the evangelism project here in Rio. We focused on three neighborhoods: Vila Valqueire, Parque Anchieta, and Heliópolis. The project involved door-to-door evangelism (for the deaf primarily), special church services for the deaf, outreach programs in the parks and markets close by and the showing of the Jesus Film interpreted into Brazilian sign language (LIBRAS). Like I mentioned in my last update, the goal is to connect the deaf people of the area with the local churches, which either already have deaf ministries, have deaf missionaries, or the desire to have a deaf ministry.

Base 1 (Vila Valqueire) is a church that doesn't have a deaf ministry (yet) planted in the church, but has an interest and desire to reach deaf people. Marilia and I had given a training at the church covering some basics on deafness, sign language, and ministry to the deaf back in March. Since the training, around 10 members of the church have been involved in a sign language course in preparation for being involved in deaf ministry. At first it was discouraging for the volunteers from the church and the other volunteers because there were few deaf people in the immediate area. This, however, did not stop them from extending their area and in the end were able to witness to and have follow-up Bible studies with over 50 deaf people.

Base 2 (Parque Anchieta) has a unique "advantage" in that the pastor's three children are all deaf. His oldest daughter is 23 and is currently responsible for the deaf ministry at the church with her younger brother who is 21. The other deaf youth from the church were so eager to be a part of this project and God moved throughout this project in challenging the young group already at the church to be more concerned with their deaf neighbors. The team in this neighborhood found so many deaf people they couldn't keep up with all of the contacts they were making. The second week of the project became dedicated wholly to making follow-up visits to the people they had already made contact with. There are so many stories from these two weeks of deaf people "hearing" for the first time the good news of the gospel and responding with such eagerness to know more! Pray for the pastor and his family at this church as they are realizing the responsibility of God's calling for them where they are. The last Sunday we were there, there were over 20 visiting deaf people at the church service.

Base 3 (Heliopolis) was the farthest away, being slightly outside of the limits of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Here, too, the team was shocked by how many deaf people they found and also had a hard time following up with all of the deaf they had discovered. At the beginning of the first week of the project, they were informed of a mall close by where deaf people are known to gather on Friday nights. They decided to show a shortened version of the Jesus Film at the mall that first Friday. When we showed up at around 6:30pm there were already about 20 deaf people gathered but by the time the movie started (around 7:30pm) there were around 100 deaf people! I could hardly believe it! In talking with the deaf people, I (we) discovered that many of them had been a part of one church or another, but had given up, many due to inconsistency in the interpreters presence and the church's commitment to the deaf.

Over the two-week period there were over 300 deaf people that "heard" the gospel, most for the first time. In the city of Rio alone there are over 190,000 deaf people! I sensed, and heard from the other volunteers, a bitter sweet conclusion to the project; sweet, sweet, sweet because there were so many seeds that were planted and hearts that God softened to receive the Word, but "bitter" because there are so many more to reach! I am praying, and talking with Marilia, about how I can help these churches and support them as they continue the work that was started.

Love you all and am grateful for your prayers!

ellie

Relatório (the previous post--in português)

2010-04-29T13:44:00.003-03:00

Olá todos! Eu só queria dar um "relatório" sobre a minha viagem até agora. Só faz quatro dias que eu estou aqui, mas eu estou muita animada e desafiada pelo que eu estou vendo que Deus está fazendo.

Estou ficando com um casal de missionários surdos, Flavio e Patrícia, e seu filho Felipe. Eles chegaram aqui mais ou menus um ano atrás, e plantou uma igreja em LIBRAS (língua brasileira de sinais). Eu participei (na verdade, interpretei) no culto na igreja no domingo à noite. Eu gostei muito de conhecer as pessoas da igreja. A maioria deles são novos crentes e estão ansiosos para saber mais da Bíblia.Todos nós saímos depois do culto e foi uma boa oportunidade para conhecê-los melhor.

Na segunda-feira, tecnicamente os seus "dia de folga", nós fizemos coisas na casa, mas teve várias visitas dos amigos surdos que queriam apenas sair e conversar sobre a Bíblia.

Terça eu fui com a Patrícia numa fábrica onde ela ensina LIBRAS para os empregados.Ela ajudou 14 pessoas surdas arranjar emprego lá desde que ela chegou aqui e como resultado o gerente da fábrica quer que todos os seus funcionários saibam LIBRAS! Na parte da tarde eu ensinei português a uma menina, Rafaela, que tem 23 anos, mas nunca fui à escola. Ela tem dificuldades com LIBRAS e está desesperadamente tentando aprender português para que as pessoas não continuem dizendo que ela é burra. Ela é uma garota doce, eu estou realmente animado para ver como Deus via agir em nosso relacionamento. Sua mãe é uma prostituta, por profissão, mas, graças a Deus, Rafaela nunca se envolveu! Nós tínhamos um estudo bíblico na igreja na terça-feira à noite e depois fomos na casa de um casal da igreja.

Quarta, eu voltei para a classe de LIBRAS e depois passei a tarde visitando os surdos em suas casas - as pessoas que vivem muito longe da igreja, ou não podem participar nas atividades da igreja por algum outro motivo. A última casa que fomos foi o meu favorito. Eu dirigi (com Patrícia me direcionando), para o que parecia sempre em estradas de terra ou asfalto mal mantidas, para chegar à casa. O casal que fomos visitar não estavam nos esperando, mas estavam em casa. Eles vivem numa casa simples, tipo fazenda, e todas as casas vizinhas são de seus parentes. Eram duas pessoas tão legais (surdos) e seu filho de um ano de idade—gostei demais. Eles estavam tão ansiosos para me mostrar tudo! Eles me mostraram o processo de assar castanhas de caju, me apresentaram a uma nova fruta Jaca, me mostraram os porcos, me mostraram o esconderijo escondido do tabaco que vende para uma quantidade absurda de dinheiro, me mostraram a galos de briga! Eles expressaram muito amor por Patrícia e Flavio por sua vontade de explicar a Bíblia para eles! Eles não são crentes - ainda!

Por favor, orem para:

Patrícia e Flavio (e Felipe), em especial porque as Testemunhas de Jeová na cidade são realmente querendo destrua-los - eles dizem a todas as pessoas surdas que P e F são do Diabo e que não podem falar com eles, muito menos ir à sua igreja. Ore por sabedoria e amor para lidar com esta situação.

Continue orando por sabedoria e compreensão porque eu estou procurando a direção que Deus teria me tomar em relação ao ministério com os surdos.

Os surdos de Arapiraca! Estão desesperadamente ansiosas para aprender mais, mas temos muitos desafios "bloqueando" o seu progresso.

Amo todos vocês e estou muito grato por suas orações!

another quick April update

2010-04-29T00:38:00.002-03:00

I just wanted to give you all a quick update on my trip so far. I´ve only been here 4 full days, but I am so excited and challenged by what I am seeing God doing here.

I am staying with a missionary couple, Flavio and Patricia, and their son Felipe. They got here about one year ago and planted a church in LIBRAS (the brasilian sign language). I was able to participate (actually interpret from LIBRAS to Portugues -- YIKES!) in their church service on Sunday night. I was so encouraged to meet all the church attenders. Most of them are new believers and are hungry to know more. We all hung out after the church service and it was a good time to get to know them better. On Monday, technically their "day off", we did stuff around the home, but had several visits from their deaf friends wanting to just hang out and talk about the Bible.

Tuesday I went with Patricia to a factory where she teaches sign language to the employees. She helped 14 deaf people get jobs there since she has been here and as a result the manager of the factory wants all his employees to know sign language! In the afternoon I tutored a girl, Rafaela, who is 23 years old, but never went to school. She struggles with LIBRAS and is desperately trying to learn Portugues so that people won´t keep telling her she´s dumb. She is such a sweet girl, I am really excited to see how God develops this relationship. Her mom is a prostitute, by profession, but, praise the Lord, Rafaela has never gotten involved! We had a Bible study at the church on Tuesday night, which was followed by another time of getting to know the people better.

Today I went back to the LIBRAS class and then spent the afternoon visiting deaf people in their homes--people who live too far from the church, or can´t participate in church activities for some other reason. The last home we went to was my favorite. I drove (with Patricia directing me) for what seemed like forever on dirt roads, or poorly maintained asphalt roads, to get to the house. The couple that we were visiting were not expecting us, but both of them were at home. They live in a simple country/farm type house and all of the surrounding houses are owned by her relatives. They were both such sweet people (both deaf) and their one-year-old son was a darling! They were so eager to show me everything! They showed me the process of roasting cashews, they introduced me to a new fruit Jackfruit,showed me the pigs, showed me the hidden tobacco stash that sells for an absurd amount of money, showed me the fighting cocks...they expressed such love for Patricia and Flavio and their willingness to explain the Bible to them! Neither of them are believers--yet!

Please pray for:

Patricia and Flavio (and Felipe) as the Jehovah´s Witnesses in the city are really out to get them--they tell all the deaf people that P and F are of the Devil and that they can´t talk to them, let alone go to their church. Pray for wisdom and love in dealing with this situation.

Continued wisdom and understanding as I am seeking the direction God would have me take in regards to ministry among the deaf.

The deaf people of Arapiraca! They are desperately eager to learn more, but have many challenges "blocking" their progress.

Love you all and am so grateful for your prayers!

apartment search and travels

2010-04-24T12:12:00.002-03:00

I think that I'm still keeping up with the one-a-month updates! (let me know if I'm not!) Well, I've been here in Rio a whole month already! The time here has just flown by!

There have been difficulties--missing people back home and in Campinas, living in and getting to know the HUGE city of Rio, looking for an apartment, starting a new job, etc., etc.. BUT, God has faithfully sustained me and protected me in this beginning of the process.

I have been working at the national missions board of the Brazilian Baptist Convention with a woman named Marilia who is in charge of deaf ministry (with the baptist convention) in Brazil. My goal in working with Marilia is to get to know the various ministries and projects that she and the convention are involved in and to prayerfully contemplate what my involvement can be--and if it should be with the convention. There are currently 6 deaf missionaries (sent out by the convention) working in Brazil ministering among the deaf! I had the priviledge of meeting and getting to know 5 of them at a conference in the north of Brazil a couple weeks ago and am leaving today to spend a month with one of the couples in Alagoas. This couple has recently planted a deaf church and are involved in social projects with the deaf of the city as well. I am really excited to get to know this couple and their ministry and am excited to see where God will lead from this opportunity.

Since I have been here (in Rio) I have been looking for a place to live, but so far haven't found anything that seems like it would work for me. I have either found places that have been too expensive, or places that have been in somewhat questionable locations! :) It looks like I'll be able to stay at another colleagues apartment while she is in the states for 6 months of home assignment.

Please continue to pray for the apartment search--that I'll have wisdom in knowing the best location and for the possibility of living with someone (because I don't want to live alone!).

Please also pray for continued wisdom in regards to the ministry among the deaf. I really want to be sensitive to God's leading in this area and using the gifts He has given me for His glory. Pray for my time in Alagoas to be not only a time of learning, but that I would be used to be an encouragement to the deaf missionaries.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

Rain

2010-04-06T21:55:00.003-03:00

Please pray for people of Rio! Since yesterday (Monday) night there have been 96 deaths in the state of Rio (mostly within the city of Rio de Janeiro) because of great amounts of rain falling in a short period of time. There has been lots of flooding, mudslides, downed trees, retaining walls falling, houses sliding...etc. The rain has not stopped yet and many people are without homes.

Please pray for those of us who are close to know how we can help out.

2010-03-24T17:55:00.003-03:00

Laughter

Words: José Barreto

Music: Silvestre Kuhlmann

What is laughter?

Natural act, so spontaneous,

Not planned, not expected,

After laughter there is nothing left to do.

What is it that opens a mouth and stretches cheeks,

What shows teeth, shakes the body,

Fills eyes with tears,

Leaves us almost deaf,

Makes the body live, in the moment, as it is meant?

Laughter!

Laughter is the essence of joy

In enjoying laughter together;

The perfect answer to every situation,

The absolute truth and the firmest opinion;

A laugh uncontrolled,

It’s breathtaking,

It's a Freudian slip, it forgives all.

Some people laugh to themselves,

Remembering a funny memory;

There are those who laugh at misfortune,

Those who have good humor do not drown in rum.

So -- laugh, easing your heart,

Every day.

This poem/song is one of my new found, absolute favorites!! Silvestre is an amazing musician/poet who is a friend of Priscilas (one of the girls I lived with in Campinas) and is now my friend too. He played at our house in Campinas a few days before left to come here (Rio) and this is one of the songs he played. I had never heard it before, but immediately started laughing when I heard it! :)

I translated the lyrics so that you all can enjoy them too! You can hear the song by going to Silvestre's site and going to the DISCOGRAFIA on the side column. The album is called "A Risada" (it's the fourth one down) and if you click on the link "ouvir amostra" you should be able to hear the music.

In Rio

2010-03-16T21:43:00.002-03:00

I made the move to Rio on Monday (3/15)!! Right now I'm staying in my colleagues' house in Tijuca (a neighborhood in Rio), but I will be looking for a more permanent place to live close by. Please pray for the apartment search to go well! I don't know yet if I'll be living by myself, with a family, or with another single woman.

The plan is for me to start working with the Brazilian Baptist Convention here in Rio and the work they have with deaf people. There is one woman in particular, Marília, with whom I'll be working. I am excited to see what kinds of projects they have going and to see where God will lead me to participate.

Thank you for faithfully praying.

February update 2010

2010-02-28T01:27:00.001-03:00

Today marks the one-year anniversary of me being here in Brazil! It is hard to believe that it's only been one year.

Tonight, as I was hanging out with friends and celebrating the one-year mark, I thought back to the day I got here and to everything that has happened since! God is such an amazing god! I don't want to give the impression (that I think would be naive and misleading) that this year has been super easy and without problems.

It wasn't easy to leave family and friends (whom I love dearly) to come to a place where everything and everyone was new and the most basic of things were challenging. It wasn't easy to move into a situation where the most basic of conversations were difficult and going to the grocery store was daunting. It wasn't easy being fun of all the time and corrected because of your "baby talk". It wasn't easy spiritually, learning to relate to and worship God in another language.

BUT

It is amazing to think that today I have great friends and "family" here--all of whom have been such a gift of God. It is amazing to think that today, few conversations confuse me (unless the topic is itself confusing!) and shopping for food, clothes, tools, or hardware parts isn't intimidating. It is amazing to think that today, while I'm still corrected and made fun of, others don't even place that I'm an American during a conversation (despite the blond hair and blue eyes!). It is amazing to realize, often while I'm praying, that I switch back and forth between Portuguese and English.

All of the "amazing" parts have been the grace of God helping me through the "not easy" parts. I don't even know how to thank you all for your intercession on my behalf for this grace that has, not only "barely gotten me through", but has helped me through with many fewer heartaches and difficulties than I thought possible.

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his steadfast love endures forever! Ps. 106:1

January update 2010

2010-01-24T12:41:00.003-02:00

I just wanted to give you a quick update and ask you to pray.

Well, I finally got the summer birthday I always wanted! :) It's not true that I always wanted a summer birthday, but there were several times when I wished we could do summer activities on my birthday. I am grateful to God for the 27 years of life that He has given me and am thankful, too, for the parents and the family He has given me!

I am still here in Campinas back at language school (although with a significant reduction in my class time per week) getting ready for a transition to Rio, but still unsure of when exactly that will be. Life here is a little slower right now as all the university students (or most of them) are home for "summer break".

(here I am with my roommates at the wedding of one of our friends)

I wanted to ask you to keep praying for the Rio situation, and all the details that are involved with that, but also to ask you to pray about my visa. This might feel like deja vu to some of you! I entered last March with a one-year missionary visa with the understanding that I would have to renew it after a year and at the same time apply for permanent residency status. Well, it's coming around to the one-year mark and I have to re-apply! The thing that I learned, and that has really stuck with me, from the process last year, is that God is in control and He'll make the visa happen when and if He wants! So, I really am not stressed out about not having exactly what they want again, but am confident knowing that it's in God's control!

Thank you so much for your faithfulness in praying for me and encouraging me!

I'm Thankful.

2009-11-28T20:49:00.002-02:00

So, I know I'm late with this post since it's not Thanksgiving day anymore, but it's still Thanksgiving weekend--and on Thanksgiving day I was not in any state to post a blog!

I decided that (this year at least--no promises for next year!) I wanted to celebrate Thanksgiving here, even though it's not a Brasilian holiday. I decided to make the usual Thanksgiving dinner spread and invite some people over. "Some people" grew to be lots of people (it's impossible to "pick and choose") and at some point near the beginning of this week I realized that there were about 40 people planning to come! I kinda freaked out a little, but the calmed myself down by reminding myself that it was only about double what I would have made for our family--slight exaggeration, but it helped me think more calmly about what I had gotten myself into.

I planned the menu carefully and had everything timed out. The only problem is that I couldn't find ingredients for several of the items I was going to make! Improvise! :) Anyway, everything turned out great--I was only a little behind schedule, we only ran out of potatoes and salad (and plates!), only 32 people were able to make it and the guys cleaned up afterwards (did ALL the dishes!).

I really have much to be thankful for--not only this season, but in general for everything God has done for me! I am so blessed to be in the house where I a living, have fellowship and fun with so many great people, be speaking portugues with little difficulty, be able to encourage and be encouraged by brothers and sisters in Christ, have the family and friends that I have in the USA who are so supportive and faithful in their prayers, have good health, have only minor "issues" adapting to life here........

The list could go on and on, but the main thing I'm grateful for is JESUS. I know that could sound really "Christian", but He is really the ONLY reason for me to be grateful for any of the above. Thank you Jesus--for dying on the cross, for by your blood enabling me to be counted righteous in the sight of a Holy God, for showing us how to love others and enabling us by the power of the holy spirit to really love. Thank you!

I survived my first Field Council

2009-10-23T23:30:00.003-02:00

Ok, so I'm just realizing now that I never posted the "post Rio visit" blog! (shows how often I read my own blog!)

Well, now that we're at the end of October, there is a lot more to post about. One thing is that we (the other 11 missionaries here and our "boss" and I) just got down with a week of meetings called "Field Council". I was very unsure of how I would last through a week of meetings, but I survived--and survived smiling!

Part of what was decided/affirmed at the FC was that I will be looking at a move to Rio sometime around March of 2010. That will allow me time to complete my 1-year of language school--I agree that the more fluent in Portuguese I can get, the better! I'm currently working on writing projects and presentations in Portuguese at the school, as well as advanced grammar--and am hoping that these types of projects will help with interpreting (if I end up interpreting from Portuguese into the Brazilian sign language--LIBRAS).

When I move to Rio in March (or April) I will, Lord willing, "shadow", or do an internship with, Marília who is in charge of deaf ministry in Brazil for the Brazilian Baptist Convention. I was able to meet with her in September when I went to visit my colleagues in Rio and had a good conversation with her. What I felt like I learned is that there are lots of opportunities for me to be involved--and I'm hoping that spending some time as an "intern" would help me understand better how exactly I can be involved.

Please pray for relationships in Campinas and for future relationships in Rio. I know the move from Campinas to Rio won't be easy, but I'm excited to see what God is doing there!

I'm planning on coming back to MN for Christmas, so would love to see you all then! Love you all and thank you so much for your prayers!

Update

2009-09-01T09:05:00.001-03:00

Dear Faithful prayer partners,

I'm so sorry that it has been so long since I've sent an update. I promise to be more faithful in sending you updates. I cannot believe that it has been 6 months since I got here. Sometimes it seems like so much longer than that (mostly because of relationships and level of comfort here), and sometimes it seems like I just got here yesterday!

Thank you for your prayers! I know you've been praying because I can see how much God has been working in/through me and is continuing to do so. Since I sent out my last update, I had the opportunity to go back to Austria for my brother's wedding. Almost the whole family was able to be there, and it was such a great time being together--and for such a joyful occasion.

I've been continuing with Portugues classes and am planning on continuing to further my grasp on the language--reading literature, writing more, doing projects/presentations, etc. God has blessed me so much in how the language learning process has been going thus far and pray for His continued blessing as I focus more time on learning the sign language, LIBRAS (LInguagem BRAsileira de Sinais). I was able to find an advanced sign language class here at the University of Campinas (I live right next to the campus). Actually, it's a really cool story of how that all came about. I had been looking for a sign language class for this semester, but hadn't been finding one. I was getting somewhat desperate, especially since I was leaving for Austria and was going to be gone the last two weeks of break before the second semester started. On the Friday before I left, my roommate mentioned that there might be a course through the university. We found the class, but it was the last day to register and they wanted a certificate to show that I had completed a basic course. After many phone calls and problems with my paperwork, I made it into the class! Praise God that everything happened at just the right time!

Please be praying for me now as I am starting to think about what type of opportunities there are for serving the deaf here. I will be visiting my colleagues in Rio the 14-21st of September and will, Lord willing, be able to talk to someone involved in deaf ministry there. There are many deaf people in every city--please pray for wisdom as I seek how the Lord would have me serve them and share with them the good news of the gospel!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil...and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel...that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." Eph. 6:10-11 and 17-20

I am so encouraged by having such faithful prayer partners!

Love you all!
ellie

--
Ellie Lundquist
Converge Worldwide/BGC missionary
Deaf Ministry--Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

www.ellielundquist.blogspot.com

A few pictures

2009-07-05T17:47:00.001-03:00

Hey everyone! I know it's been awhile since I've written--so sorry! I've been keeping pretty busy with life here. A couple of weekends ago I had the opportunity to go to another state, Minas Gerais, to visit the grandparents of my roommates Pri & Leticia. Their grandparents live in a small mountain town.

Their grandparents house is the first hose on the left side of the picture. There were 11 people in all who stayed there for the extended weekend (we had a holiday for Corpus Cristi).

I almost killed a chicken, but chickened out at the last minute! :)

Helped pick oranges...

And rode a horse!! It was a fun weekend! I hope to post more soon! Thank you all for your prayers--language school is going really well! Praise God!

It's good to laugh...

2009-05-21T10:41:00.004-03:00

...especially at yourself! And I don't mean at your own jokes, I mean at your mistakes!

When I was going through MTI (the missionary training program in Colorado), one of our phonetics/linguistics teachers always told us: "You will make a million mistakes while learning a new language. Some of these mistakes will count for 500!" He also told us that one of our responsibilites while learning the language was to provide entertainment for those around us. Believe me I have! :) I haven't had many BIG mistakes, but I had one the other day that makes everyone laugh to this day (I have to admit I'm glad they're laughing!).

Here's the story...

I decided to learn the national anthem of Brasil. My roommates told me that if I could succesfully learn the national anthem, and sing it, I would be "fluent". The lyrics for the song are complex and it is sung quickly. Anyway, I decided I would learn it! I found the lyrics online and was reading them out loud for my roommates. Needless to say I only got to the third line before I mispronounced a word--badly! I guess that if you put the emphasis in the wrong part of this word it means, instead of brilliant, "F-you" (not that nicely). They all started laughing uproariously and insisted that I repeat what I said for the other people in the house--and others that weekend. It was quite funny! I assured them that I never use that phrase in English!

acampamento

2009-05-11T22:24:00.005-03:00

I went to a "youth camp" last weekend with people from the Presbyterian church here in my neighborhood. There were about 40 people and it was SUPER fun. It was really good to get to know people at the church. I felt like I really didn't have a church home before this because I've been "church hopping" since I got here, but now it feels better. I don't know for sure if I'll stay there, but, we'll see!

This is the mini-lake that was at the camp.

Here is a group of my friends from the church.

There were these little monkeys that would take pieces of banana from your hand. So fun!

Two of my roommates, Leticia and Priscila, and I (they are sisters, for those of you who were wondering).

Leticia and I in the rowboat. (Life vests were required!)

a question...

2009-04-30T00:49:00.002-03:00

If I'm making cake and the recipe calls for eggs, but I use yogurt, how would I say that?

1.) When I make cake, I substitute eggs for yogurt.

OR

2.) When I make cake, I substitute yogurt for eggs.

Another case:

If I say--They subbed (substituted) Garnett for Powe. Who was in the game to start out with and who came in as a replacement?

If you know a linguistic explanation for why the order is the way it is, please let me know! I'm asking because portugues is in the opposite order of how it is (or how I think it is) in English.

I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong....

2009-04-26T23:15:00.002-03:00

or woman enough, but I have to admit that doesn't happen very often! j/k So today my roommate Leticia and I went on a walk. Since we had no particular destination in mind we decided to look for Capivaras. On our walk around the lake we saw...

...a duck

...a rabbit

...another rabbit

...the, uh, droppings of a capivara

.....and.....

a capivara!

(this picture doesn't really show it's size, because it wouldn't let me get closer--and, come to think of it, I wasn't particularly eager to get closer either!)

...no, 5 capivaras--one loner and a family consisting of a mom and three babies.

In my opinion, they look like...capivaras! But, interestingly enough, they kinda sound like pigs, and swim like ducks, and smell like rats! (just kidding about the ducks and rats part)

So here it is folks--I was WRONG! Capivaras do exist! :)

english class

2009-04-03T09:07:00.004-03:00

Everyone here, well not quite everyone, wants to speak English. More specifically, everyone wants me to be their English teacher. I agreed to "exchange" an hour (per week) of help with my portugues homework for an hour of English class with my housemate, Pri. We had been reading through a book that in English that had quite a bit of technical language and was hard to understand. This week we started reading through The Cross Centered Life by C. J. Mahaney. I highly recommend this book! I'm really excited to be reading through it with Pri as I hope it will open doors for conversations that have been hard up till now (being that my Portugues is somewhat lacking).

Capivaras--a myth?

2009-03-27T15:48:00.001-03:00

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), or Capivara in portugues--the world's largest rodent.

The other day, I mentioned to my colleagues (yes, I'm mentioning you again--get used to it!) Steve and Debra that I wanted a place to "get away". I mentioned that in MN I loved going to coffee shops, or to one of the many lakes that are close by. When I said that, they mentioned that there is a lake fairly close to my house that has a walking trail around it.

They went on to mention that at this lake (as well as others in the area) there are Capivaras, the world's largest rodents! They started describing rats as big as dogs--I immediately thought of Princess Bride. I started laughing, of course, and they went on to re-describe capivaras more accurately. Maybe more like a pig, with webbed feet, or a large guinea pig, or a rat the size of a dog, without a tail and with webbed feet....or more like a beaver, but without the tail, or the big front teeth and without the drive to work like a beaver has.

Of course, by this time I'm very curious to see what this mythical creature looks like! We went to the lake, just so they could prove to me their existence. However, we walked the entire way around the lake and saw no evidence of these creatures.

I did find that Wikipedia collaborates with them on the existence of such creatures, but I'm not altogether sure that they didn't write the Wiki post themselves! It confirms several of their descriptions...webbed feet, relation to guinea pigs, no tail, 20 teeth (they didn't say that, but Wiki did) and dog-like size (maybe slightly bigger--140lbs!).

I'll have to let you know when I actually see one!

p.s. the lake was beautiful, whether or not capivaras actually exist!

I'm quirky...

2009-03-27T13:51:00.000-03:00

...or maybe OCD. I have noticed this quirky/obsessive behavior before, but haven't paid much heed to it.

I always put my iPod earphones in the correct ear (they are labeled L and R, for those of you who hadn't noticed). Is that weird?

...it is my only quirk (for those who were wondering, or were concerned!)

funny story.

2009-03-20T10:38:00.000-03:00

This morning I got up before the rest of my roommates (shocking, I know!) and dressed in the dark. I was somewhat in a hurry this mornig because I was also packing for my weekend excursion to Araçatuba (the city where one of my roommate´s family lives--about 5 hours drive away from Campinas). I left the darkness of my room, hurried to the kitchen to grab something for breakfast, and ran out the door. I ran to catch my bus--got there just as it was about to pull away! I have to take two buses (the one I caught actually ended up being the early one, but oh well--better early than late!) one to the bus terminal and from there catch one to my language school. While I was waiting at the terminal for my next bus I glanced down and noticed that the flip-flops I was wearing were two different colors--one navy, the other brown! I had thought they felt different, but attributed it to the fact that the brown ones (the "pair" I thought I put on) were old ones from Target and I anticipate that they won´t last much longer! I started laughing--loudly! :)

Oh well!

quick update from Brazil

2009-03-19T10:39:00.001-03:00

I apologize that I haven´t sent out an update in awhile! I praise God for how well things are going here! I started language school Tuesday of last week, so am almost 2 weeks into it--and so far, so good! I am in the ideal setting for learning the language as I am living with 8 other girls--all of whom are Brazilian! I asked them from the start not to speak English with me, although some of the speak it quite well. It has been really good and really hard to be in that type of situation. Really good because they are all college students (well, almost all) and are really involved in campus ministry. There is always something going, or someone visiting on "their way by". There is never a lack of opportunity for speaking português! The hard part is that I am NOT fluent in the language yet--I know I've already been here 3 weeks and I'm not fluent yet, what is my problem! :) It´s just hard wanting to have deeper conversations, deeper spiritually, and not being able to. God has provided opportunities for a couple really good conversations with my roommates, but it´s somewhat frustrating to not be able to "effectively" share with my one roommate who is not a believer!

Thank you so much for your prayers--and KEEP PRAYING!

Prayer requests:

-pray that I will continue to want to learn the language and enjoy class
-pray that I will have patience in wanting to communicate with my roommates
-pray for opportunities to talk with my roommate who is unsaved
-pray for good times of worship! (it´s hard when the only organized times of singing and studying the Word are in another language!)
-pray for a consistency in a time and place to have my personal devotions. It´s hard when there are 3 other people sharing my room and 8 other people sharing my house to find a quiet place unless it´s LATE at night. I´ve been using my time on the bus (about 25 minutes), but it can be distracting there.

Thank you again so much for your prayers!
With much love,
Ellie

two days of language school down, 10,000 to go??

2009-03-11T20:36:00.000-03:00

I just wanted to give you a quick run down of how yesterday (my first day of language school) went. On Monday we (Steve, Debra & I) went to the federal police to register my visa...everything went REALLY well with that and I now have an identity in Brazil! Then we took a "practice run" on the bus so that I would be able to get to language school by myself.

I take two buses on the way to InterClass, my language school, (transferring at the bus terminal--therefore not needing to pay twice) and one, more direct, bus on the way back. We found out which buses to take by asking a friend of Steve and Debra's who lives near my school and works near where I live. It was funny because she told me my bus options for getting to the terminal and every time she would add, very emphatically, "Não é vermelho!" (don´t take the RED bus!). We kept joking about the red bus--maybe one day I´ll take it just to see where it goes!

I got to language school early (as I did today) and had a chance to check email and stuff before class. I have two classes--one with Cássia and the other with Mária. The one with Cássia is more from a book, reviewing and learning basic greetings/grammar etc. The other one with Mária is just conversational Portugues. We converse in Portugues and she helps me with areas where I need improvement (there are lots of them!). Anyway, both days went really well and I´m excited for my third day!

Meu nome é Ellie, como a letra!

2009-03-03T15:45:00.000-03:00

I know I just posted, but I remembered something funny.....

So, my name Ellie, is not common here...they don't have it! I was warned, prior to arriving here, that it might be hard for people to pronounce--or at least that there'd be confusion! It's true!

The reason for this is that the word "he" sounds very much like my name..there is a different beginning vowel sound, but it is somewhat hard to distinguish. The easiest way to help people remember my name is that it sounds exactly like how they say the letter "L".

So, I've gotten used to saying, "Hi, my name is Ellie--like the letter!"

It's kinda funny...back home some of you shortened my name to "El"--here everyone calls me "L"! :)

Eu falo um pouco de Português!

2009-03-03T14:44:00.000-03:00

Here I am in Brazil and that is probably one of the phrases I use the most often! :)

"I speak a little Portugues!"

It has been a really smooth transition in many ways! I am very grateful for the Rowes (yes, I mentioned you on my blog!) and everything they have done, or not done, to make this transition easier. What I mean by "done, or not done" is that they have been very good at being there if I need it (they're only 5 blocks away from me), but have also given me my independance! It has made it easier to invest in the relationships I have with the girls who I live with--knowing I have "safety net". :)

I am living with 8 other girls in a house that is really close to the University of Campinas. There will only be 9 of us for a week, but it is still nice and cozy! I don't have internet at my house right now, but we're supposed to get it soon. When we do I'll be able to post pictures.

Keep praying! I'll be starting official language school next Tuesday.

God is good!

D-day

2009-02-20T04:35:00.000-03:00

"D" as in departure!! (duh!) :)

Today is the day that I leave everything familiar to embark on a new adventure and chapter of my life. In 12 short hours I'll be at the airport with family and friends trying to let myself absorb the reality and finality that 3 years brings.

Pray for me as I have a long day of travel ahead of me. (As I mentioned before, I'm traveling through Austria to visit my brother.) Pray that I'll have smooth transitions between flights (smooth meaning that I'll make my connecting flights!!). Pray that my luggage won't be too heavy for the weight restrictions. Pray for final goodbyes and the sadness they will bring.

Next time I post it will, Lord willing, be from a different country!

slippers or no slippers...

2009-02-14T20:46:00.000-02:00

I'm trying to do my final packing and am feeling rather overwhelmed. It's strange to keep in mind that I'm moving, not going on a trip, MOVING! I didn't think I was high maintenance, but as I'm packing, I'm more and more convinced that I am.

My goal is to pack all of my earthly belongings (except a few things I'm keeping at my parents house and a few things that are staying here at 2520) into two suitcases, a carry-on and a backpack. To me, that is more than enough. I have to keep reminding myself though, that I'm moving there.

I now just have a list of things that I don't know if I should bring or not...like slippers!

Thank you for your prayers--keep praying! I leave this upcoming Friday!

Leaving on a jet-plane!

2009-02-09T19:20:00.000-02:00

11 days and counting....

Yes, I have my ticket and the official countdown has begun! My departure date is February 20th. I have the opportunity to visit my brother and his fiance in Austria "on the way". I know for you geography buffs out there, that you may be scratching your head as to how this is "on the way". Well, it was almost the same price for a one-way ticket to Brazil as it was for me to stop-over in Austria. Crazy, huh? I am excited because who knows how long they're going to be living there, and when the next time I'll be able to see him will be!

How am I doing with all of this?? Well, along with this finality comes a mixture of emotions that I'm learning to deal with. It's the whole gamut (again) of excitement and fear, joy and sadness, confidence and "what have I gotten myself into??"! :)

This range of emotions makes me grateful for the ways that God has confirmed this call and grateful also for what I have here--really relationships I have here! I am so grateful for my family who have been so extremely supportive. I am grateful for my roommates who all sharpen, encourage and bring out a different side of me. I am grateful for other friendships that God has given me here in Minneapolis (and other parts of the country and world!).

Thank you all for your faithful prayers and encouragement. I will endeavor to be better about posting on here now that I'm leaving the country! (good news is that the house I'll be living in has Internet!)

Logistics to pray for in these "last days":
-that I will recover from this cold I've recently acquired
-that I will have good time spent with friends and family
-that "re-packing" everything will go smoothly

WOW!

2008-12-17T16:44:00.001-02:00

I HAVE THE VISA, I REPEAT, I HAVE THE VISA!!! :)

Today:

7:57am (arrive in Chicago on the Megabus-1hr 27min late)

8:14am (arrive at Consulate-46min early)

9:03am (casually stroll into the Consulate as if I haven't been eagerly awaiting this moment for about 8 months)

9:09am (leave Consulate with visa in hand!!)

9:10am (start calling family and friends with the news-rejoicing with them over what GOD has done!)

Thank you so much for your prayers! I look forward to giving you all a more definite schedule of departure soon!

love, ellie

Praise God!

2008-12-09T16:18:00.000-02:00

I apologize that I didn't post here sooner! I sent out a mass email, but forgot to update the blog! :) Here is the email: (sorry for it's length!)

I apologize for the delay in this update!! I didn't mean to hold any of you in suspense (for dramatic effect, or otherwise). The Lord truly worked a miracle today! The short version of the long-and-the-short of it is that I have a piece of paper in my possession affirming that my visa has been granted and that I can go pick up my stamped passport on the 17th of December.

God is truly good--and not based on the fact that the visa was granted. I praise Him for how he has worked in my heart up till this point and pray that he continue to do so! You can feel free to read the long(er) version of today below. Thank you so much for your prayers! I am so blessed to have such faithful friends and family. Please don't stop praying! :)

The Long Version:
This week, leading up to the visit to the consulate, God gave me overwhelming peace. It was incredible! Even when the letter didn't come on Tuesday, as it was expected to--it didn't phase me (Praise God!). I felt deep down confidence. I didn't want it to be a confidence that was misleading--a confidence based on my, or other "mans", efforts and the paperwork--rather a confidence in the fact that I knew God was in control. The night before "D-day", I couldn't sleep. The best part was that I wasn't nervous, I was excited! I was excited to see how God would work. As it was quiet in the house where I was staying (everyone else had gone to sleep), I took my Bible into the bathroom and sat on the floor and opened to the Psalms. (The Psalms have been a tremendous source of comfort and instruction and have served to convict me over this time of waiting.) I opened initially to Psalm 42 ("As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God....) and then "glanced" over at Psalm 40. I'm just going to type it here, because the entire thing was exactly what I was thinking/praying.

I waited patiently for the Lord,

he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man who make the Lord his trust,

who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;

none can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them,yet they are more than can be told.

Sacrifice and offering you have not desired,

but you have given me an open ear.

Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.

Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;behold,

I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord.

I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.

As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me;

your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!

For evils have encompassed me beyond number;

my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see;

they are more than the hairs of my head;my heart fails me.

Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!

O Lord, make hast to help me!

Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life;

let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire my hurt!

Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, "Aha, Aha!"

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;

may those who love your salvation say continually,

"Great is the Lord!"As for me, I am poor and needy,

but the Lord takes thought for me.

You are my help and my deliverer;

do not delay, O my God!

As God spoke to me through this Psalm and as I prayed it, I had the strangest feeling come over me that the visa would be granted--and I had an urgency to pray to that end. Obviously, I've been praying for the visa to be granted for 8 months now, but I don't think I've prayed like that--with confidence that it would happen and with a specific boldness in requesting a miracle (the visa to be granted that very day).

We, Joel and Barb Wright and I (along with another college student who was stranded waiting for a tourist visa so she could be reunited with her family in Brazil) went to the consulate, took a number and waited. When it was our turn to go up to the desk, Joel and I went up prepared to explain this additional letter and the other documents that we had brought. We began explaining how I had this additional letter, from the president of the Brazilian Baptist Convention, and how I had a ministry license, and that "no", I was not going to be a pastor in Brazil, and....etc. The woman assisting us, had a puzzled look as she reviewed the papers and listened to our (Joel's) explanation in Portugues. Finally, she stopped us and asked us where the actual application was. We informed her that she had it (or someone from the consulate). She got up and came back a short while later carrying a familiar stack of papers. She glanced at the top sheet of paper and announced that there was no problem with the visa--that it had in fact been approved!

I thought for sure that I had misunderstood her as she was speaking in Portugues. However, after some more "paperwork" she gave me a paper affirming that the visa had been approved and that I could come pick it up on the 17th of December! I felt like jumping up and down, and screaming, and hugging everyone, and laughing (which I probably did anyway), and telling everyone that I had my visa! I didn't do most of those things because I was still in the consulate, but the rest of the day and through the night (I'm still running off adrenaline) I cannot stop being awed at how God has worked and what a different state my heart is in as a result of it! I pray that God will continue to do this work in my heart and that my joy would not be found in a piece of paper (as exciting as it is!), but that I would continue to proclaim the wonder of God's might in doing this!

This means, that if the visa is ready to be picked up on the 17th. I have 90 days to be in Brazil! I pray that it would be much sooner than 90 days, but I also need some additional monthly support before I can go. I am so grateful for all of you!
With much love,ellie

such an encouragement!

2008-11-18T21:48:00.000-02:00

I received this letter, along with $3, in the mail today. It was written by the mom of a 9-year-old boy.

Dear Ellie,

It seems quite silly to send you $3, but I guess I am doing it more for Johnny than anything else.

When he heard that you still needed to raise a little bit more money before going to Brazil--he brought me these $3 from his wallet and wanted me to give them to you.

I pray that the Lord would multiply them a thousand times. May the Lord bless you as you go. We are praying for you.

Support raising has been humbling, not only to have to ask people for money, but seeing who has been so generous!

quick update...

2008-11-13T20:47:00.000-02:00

sorry to all of you who have been wondering what is going on in my life!! just so you know, I'm wondering the same thing! :)

here is a quick update:

visa situation--I am currently waiting for a letter of invitation from the baptist convention in Brazil. Lord willing, this will come soon, so that I can go to the consulate yet again! :)

support situation--I am really, REALLY, close to 100% support! God is good!

I love you all and will endeavor to keep you in the loop more effectively!

visiting Missouri.....

2008-10-25T01:18:00.001-02:00

A picture from the "butterfly house".

The Arch--fun fact: it's as wide as it is tall (630 feet)

View from the top of the Arch!

Cool art at the botanical gardens in St. Louis.

For more of my pictures you can visit my picasa web albums: http://picasaweb.google.com/ellielundquist

Autumn up north.

2008-10-17T13:16:00.001-03:00

one of my "new" favorites!

2008-10-13T03:10:00.000-03:00

Jesus draw me ever nearer

As I labour through the storm.

You have called me to this passage,

And I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,

May I rise on wings of faith;

And at the end of my heart's testing,

With your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;

Keep my spirit staid and sure.

When the midnight meets the morning,

Let me love you even more.

Let the treasures of the trial

Form within me as I go -

And at the end of this long passage,

Let me leave them at Your throne.

"Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer"

Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret Becker

Fall in Minneapolis

2008-10-10T00:41:00.001-03:00

my summer

2008-10-01T12:52:00.001-03:00

Well, since I'm still here, and don't really have any idea of when I'll be leaving--I thought I'd post some pictures from this summer/fall. I'll post them slowly so you're not overwhelmed! :)

This is Betty, the 98-year-old woman I've been doing hospice care for.

We have a lot of fun together!

Two are better than one...

2008-09-16T22:12:00.000-03:00

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up...a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Good friends are worth traveling 8 hours in a bus, 1 hour on a train and an additional 13 hours by car for! The 4 of us who are pictured below attended MTI together back in February-March.

During our time at MTI we also met Mary (who was Dan's girlfriend at the time) through phone conversations and also when she visited Dan in Colorado. When Dan and Mary got engaged shortly after MTI, I never dreamed that we would all be able to make it to Virginia to celebrate the happy occasion of Dan and Mary's wedding--but we were!

It was awesome to see everyone again and what better excuse to reunite than for a wedding! I am so grateful for the friends, old(er) and new(er), that God has placed in my life! Congratulations Dan and Mary!! I'm so happy for you guys!

my backpack is much lighter....

2008-08-14T15:21:00.000-03:00

So, I received the additional paperwork from Brazil at around 9:30am today and was able to walk back in to the consulate and drop off all of my paperwork (it was quite a stack of papers). I talked to the same woman I had talked with on Tuesday and she said that this time everything looked great. The next step in the process is for the paperwork to be sent to Brazil to be authenticated. She told me this could take up to 60 days. That's longer than I was anticipating, but Lord willing it will mean that there will be enough time now to raise the remaining 5% (or so) of support that I still need to raise.

Thank you so much for your faithfulness in praying and all of your encouraging emails/phone calls/texts. Please continue to pray that the paperwork will go through quickly and that it will all indeed be "in order".

Love,

Ellie

another update...

2008-08-12T22:14:00.000-03:00

Thank you all so much for your prayers! I felt your prayers! I had more peace today than I've ever had during the visa application process. I know that was an answer to prayer!

I made it safely to Chicago on the Megabus--we arrived an hour early (arriving at 5:30am instead of 6:30am), but there was a Starbucks close by that "happened" to open at 5:30am! That was awesome because I honestly didn't know what I was going to do wandering around Chicago at 5:30am! I didn't know if it was exactly safe either!

Anyway, I made it to the Consulate and after waiting in line for what seemed like at least a half an hour, got up to the counter to be told that my paperwork from BGC's end was incorrect. The woman helping me told me that she would ask "the guy in the back room" to look over my paperwork, but that she didn't really think it would be acceptable. I was asked to return in one hour.

Upon returning to the consulate, I was informed that I indeed had the incorrect paperwork. I initially thought this was because she had misunderstood what type of visa I was applying for. She insisted though, that the paperwork they needed from BGC had to originate in Brazil (mine originated in Arlington Heights, IL but had been translated in Brazil).

After a trip to the BGC offices in Arlington Heights (all of the people there were very helpful in trying to figure out the problem) and a phone conversation with my field director in Brazil--it was determined that I indeed am missing some paperwork. Somehow, two essential documents I needed from Brazil had gotten left out of the package I received. This paperwork is, Lord willing, being sent via FedEx tomorrow morning in order to arrive before the consulate closes on Thursday at 1pm.

The huge praise in my mind, aside from the tremendous peace I have, is that they were willing to accept my ministerial license in place of the certificate of ordination typically required for this visa. That made my day! I have been praying for so long that this would be the case and it was a miracle to me that it indeed was accepted. Please pray that it will continue to be looked on favorably as my paperwork hasn't been formally submitted yet.

Please continue to pray for:

the documents to arrive in a timely manner on Thursday (the Consulate closes at 1pm on Thursday)
the paperwork, now in it's entirety, to be looked on with favor
a continued sense of peace and a deeper faith in our faithful, sovereign Lord

Thank you all for your prayers and your questions regarding today! I am blessed to have such a strong prayer support system!

Love,

Ellie

going to Chicago

2008-08-11T11:30:00.000-03:00

So, the ministerial license came in the mail, which means I'm headed to Chicago to re-apply for the missionary visa! I'm going on an overnight bus to Chicago leaving at 10:30pm tonight. Lord willing, I will resubmit my paperwork first thing tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

Please pray that everything will go smoothly with the process of submitting the paperwork and that the Brazilian consulate would look on my paperwork with favor and grant the missionary license. Pray also for me to have complete trust in the Lord as I wait to hear back!

I love you all and am so grateful for your prayers!

Just so you know....

2008-07-30T00:59:00.000-03:00

I will not be going to Chicago tomorrow. I was informed, upon the success of my second attempt to make my ministerial license "official", that the official document would be sent to me in the mail. So, I am going to wait for that document to arrive before I make my trip to Chicago. I'll let you know when that is.

Thanks for your patience and your prayers!

Praise the Lord!

2008-07-28T02:21:00.000-03:00

Thank you all so much for praying that the ministerial license would be passed in the church strategy meeting tonight. I am excited to announce that it was approved and I was given a letter of recommendation to take to the State of Minnesota tomorrow to have made "official".

The next step in the process is to re-apply for the missionary visa. I already have my Megabus tickets to go to Chicago on Wednesday morning. Please remember to pray on Thursday especially (and following) as I go in to the consulate to apply and then as the consulate is reconsidering my application.

Please pray that God will soften the hearts of those at the consulate, so that they might look favorably on my application and grant this missionary visa. Please pray for peace in my heart, whatever the outcome, as I learn to trust Him more fully.

Thank you again for your prayers and continued encouragement.

Two dates to remember

2008-07-21T17:48:00.000-03:00

The first date to remember in prayer is this upcoming Sunday (July 27th). My church will be voting on whether or not to give me the ministerial license I need in order to re-apply for the missionary visa.

The second date is (assuming that all goes well with the church vote) July 31st- August 1st. I will be making a trip to Chicago to re-submit my paperwork/application for the missionary visa at the Brazilian consulate there. PLEASE pray for this especially! I will, Lord willing, post another reminder of this date as it gets closer.

Thanks for your prayers!

summer...

2008-06-09T23:37:00.000-03:00

I don't really have that much to update y'all on, but I thought I should keep posting so that you don't stop reading!

It's pretty much just a fact that I'll be here all summer, so I'm just praying about how I should use my time. I want to be a wise steward of the time that God's given me here--to see it as a gift, not a nuisance.

It has been great being able to spend more time with my family and be here for events like both my sisters' graduations, one from the U of M and the other from high school (although I had the stomach flu for her open house!). It's also been great to connect, or re-connect, with friends who I haven't seen in awhile (and the ones I see often!). God has blessed me with a few random part-time jobs: hospice care for a 98-year-old woman, here-and-there nannying jobs, and house/pet-sitting! God is GOOD!

If you could just continue to pray for:

the visa situation (nothing new here, just don't stop praying that God will turn the hearts of the consulate to look with favor on my application when I re-apply in August--and GRANT it!)
that I won't waste my summer
and that I will take advantage of the time that God has blessed me with here in Minneapolis!

patience is a virtue, virtue is a grace...(you know the rest!)

2008-05-16T14:09:00.000-03:00

...remember how I said God was teaching me patience?? Well, He's continuing to do so!

For those of you who don't know (I realized I never fully explained the situation on the blog), my first attempt at obtaining the missionary visa failed. The consulate told me that person's obtaining that type of visa must be ordained. This is a new requirement and one we were not anticipating. This visa is, however, the only real option as the other visa is only good for a maximum of two years (without the possibility of renewal, or a second being granted).

There was talk for awhile about me attempting to get ordained through my church as a missionary (not as a pastor). I never felt peace about this option, but was willing to pursue it if that was the only option and if all my "authorities" wanted me to do that. After thinking and praying about it more, we decided that this was not a good option to pursue (if only for the fact that the process is quite complicated and lengthy!). It was decided, however, that I should obtain a ministry license from my church (and the State of Minnesota).

This option is much quicker (potentially) and easier. It involves the elders presenting me as a candidate to the church at an all-church meeting and my licensure being voted on. However, the next all-church meeting isn't scheduled to happen until July 27th!

In some ways I'm glad to know this, so that I have some sort of time frame, but it is also a little discouraging. BUT. I praise the Lord for his faithfulness in giving me peace and grace to trust His timing. Thank you to all of you for your patience and graciousness through this process. Thank you also for your prayers! Please continue to that the visa will be granted after I obtain this ministry license.

patience....

2008-05-11T03:51:00.001-03:00

Isn't it funny how we can be in such a hurry to learn patience!

Well, more patience required for the visa situation. I have not re-applied, but am in the process of getting all the necessary paperwork together to re-apply.

Thank you all for your prayers and I will keep you "in the loop" regarding any updates.

a poem

2008-04-30T20:40:00.000-03:00

Here is a poem that I began writing post MTI. I worked on it for a couple of days and then pushed it aside, not ready to "finish" it. Finally, last week, I re-opened it and gave it an ending of sorts. This poem, like the work that God is doing in my heart, is not done. However, it is a beginning!

God created in us a deep desire for
relationships and a longing for more
than just passing acquaintances can give.
He made us to eat, breathe, LIVE,
with those He created. We are in
His image made and though sin
contaminates and distorts this ambition,
the desire remains. And despite sin’s inhibition
we begin to love in His strength;
to open ourselves up to the length
and depth of love that he permits
us to feel and to show, and then it hits:
we are commanded, love and with a longing are created-
but only through intimacy with God this desire is sated.
We experience His love in loving others
and being loved by our sisters and brothers.
The openness created through vulnerability
exposes emotions and creates deep unity
not easily erased, healed, or forgotten. Then,
in his sovereign plan and by his grace when
we are called everything familiar to leave,
these relationships cause us to grieve.
A deep sense of loss and emptiness develops
hurt and pain that causes us to envelop
and barricade ourselves, protecting from a hurt
too deep to express and far beyond any comfort.

I ask “Why? Why does it hurt so to be
and to do as He commanded me?”
This cannot be what He meant
when He said “This is my commandment
that you love one another as I loved you.”
Does He ask that I lay down my life too?

It seems too much to bear, that I
am called to love and to try
to love in a way that was shown
in the way He descended from His throne.
As I struggle through this reality
a still small voice calls out to me-
“I did not call you to bear this alone,
that is why I came down from my heavenly home.
Not only to restore in you the deepest relationship
for which you were made, but, too, through hardship
and suffering to demonstrate the perfect example
of love. And to give you the grace ample
enough to continue in my strength, doing as I ask-
to love as you have been loved is your task.”

I still ask “Why? Why does it hurt so to be
and to do as you commanded me?”
This cannot be what you meant
when you said “This is my commandment
that you love one another as I loved you.”
Do you ask that I lay down my life too?

Again, I hear the still small voice
telling me I have a choice,
to trust the infinite wisdom and sovereignty,
or to attempt to carry on in my own dignity
and pride. Choose one option and I will inherit
the condemnation the futility of the action merits.
The other, while not promising bliss,
or even guaranteeing happiness,
will certainly bring joy and peace in the call
knowing that the sovereign Lord controls all.
Along the way there will be tears,
but joy in surrendering all your fears.

“Yes this is what I meant
when I gave you my commandment
that you love one another as I loved you.
And, yes, I may require your life too.
Is it too much to ask? I,
the King of heaven, came down to die
for your sins and in you place
to bear the shame and disgrace
you deserved and so much more, so
that you might know the love which flows
from the infinite source of love—
the Heavenly Father above.
This thing I ask is nothing small,
it is a great and noble call.
But the reward is so much greater than fame,
when in glory the Father calls you by name."

update

2008-04-19T17:06:00.000-03:00

Hello All,

I just wanted to let you know the most recent update in the VISA situation. This past week I talked with my missions pastor, Erik, as well as the team in Brazil and in the BGC offices. I also corresponded with the Brazilian Consulate regarding the issue of the Certificate of Ordination. It seems from the information I gathered that the "missionary VISA" is for ordained ministers who are going to be involved in missions in Brazil. This is not me! Their suggestion remains that I apply for the "volunteer VISA". This visa requires additional paperwork (not too big a deal), but also seems to have a 2-year maximum without the possibility of further volunteer visas or the possibility of an extension. I have not actually confirmed this with the consulate, but that seems to be the general understanding of the nature of this visa.

I did continue pursuing additional paperwork for the missionary visa (prior to receiving confirmation that I need to be a graduate of a seminary program who is ordained) and am still considering the option of re-applying for that visa and if I get denied again, pursuing the volunteer visa. That being said, I have been impressed with the need for me to seek the Lord fervently in this matter and have been convicted of my lack of faith in praying. I feel that I need to devote intentional time to praying regarding this situation. If nothing else, I need to pray for God' peace in my heart regarding the most honest and faithful means of applying for whichever visa. In order to have intentional, un-distracted time for prayer, I am going to abstain from the internet (all email, blogs, skype, facebook, everything!) for this entire next week--4/20-4/25. This may seem a simple act, but I have been overwhelmed lately by the bulk of emails I've received and find myself distracted by the need to respond! So, if you need to get ahold of me please feel free to call my cell phone: 612-382-2851.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!

Love in Christ,

Ellie

unusual post....

2008-04-14T13:02:00.000-03:00

I just thought I'd do a quick "feature" of my Dad's new website Illustrated Scripture

You should check out his website. He has lots of great artwork and his website shows a sampling of this.

my most recent newsletter.

2008-04-12T13:39:00.000-03:00

Deaf Ministry. There are so many different aspects of deaf ministry that it is impossible to predict exactly how I will be plugged in when I get to Brazil. I might be involved in a church’s deaf ministry, reaching the deaf population through the church. Or, I might be involved through evangelization and discipleship in the community. Or, I might be involved in an educational setting, either interpreting or in some other way facilitating deaf education. Or, I might be involved in helping to develop a more effective, culturally appropriate method of theological training for deaf believers. Or, I might be involved in some other capacity that is completely outside of my current “box” of thinking of deaf ministry. Ambiguity. I’m learning that this is just a natural part of a missionary’s life. It is something that every missionary needs to be okay with! It has been a great exercise for me to learn to trust God more through this ambiguity. I am in general a person that is ready to be flexible and am okay with not knowing details and just figuring things out as I go. But it has been hard when people ask questions and expect answers that I don’t have. I’ve had to ask them to trust God with me. This has been a major exercise of my own faith and the faith of those supporting me. Through it all I have never doubted the certainty of my calling, and have had an abiding sense of God’s peace even in the uncertainty of ambiguity.

I attended MTI (Missions Training International) in Colorado Springs, CO for 5 weeks. The first two weeks of that training (PILAT) was focused on language learning techniques and I feel that I gained many useful tools for effective language learning. The focus of the second program (SPLICE) was to equip us for many of the struggles and realities of life on the mission field. The facilitators of the program did their best to get us outside of our comfort zone and then help us become more aware of how we respond in those types of situations. Through that awareness we began to realize specific areas where we need God’s grace to grow. It was a huge change in pace and focus from the first program, but proved immensely helpful in growing me spiritually, mentally and emotionally. It was a very emotionally turbulent program, but I oddly feel much more emotionally stable as a result!
There is so much more I want to write in this newsletter, but I guess that means the next newsletter won’t be so long in coming! Just for a quick update on my situation. I recently (last week) made a last-minute trip to Chicago to drop off the remaining paperwork necessary for the VISA application. I still covet your prayers as all the

paperwork is now being reviewed and a decision will be made whether or not to grant the VISA. They told me that the VISA will be “ready” on the 15th of April. Once the VISA has been granted I will have 90 days to get into Brazil. That brings up the support aspect. I am currently at about 85% of my monthly support and have all of my one time, “start-up” budget. Please continue to pray for the remainder of the support to come in and for all of the moving logistics to be worked out with little, or no, difficulty! I praise God for His working thus far and expect to see Him continue to work in ways I can’t imagine! Thank you all for your prayers and for your willingness to support me despite the ambiguity!

prayer request...or, should it be praise

2008-04-09T13:33:00.000-03:00

I was about to post about my VISA situation (and still will), but the thought struck me that the only "positive" outcome I can see is that my VISA is granted. It hit me that if the application does get sent back to me, and I have to re-apply, I will only post another prayer request. I won't send out a "praise report" on how God worked in the situation despite the outcome being not what I desired.

This makes me sad--sad that I am so limited in my expression of praise to Him. I am limited according to what I think should happen and when and how it should happen. Praise should continually be flowing not only from my lips (and in this case fingertips), but should be from my heart!

So, the prayer request has changed from "please pray that God will allow that this missionary VISA be granted (in my timing)" to: please pray that I will trust God's sovereignty no matter the outcome! And that I will PRAISE him for it!

15%+ to go!

2008-04-07T20:07:00.000-03:00

Please pray for the remaining 15% or so of my monthly support to come in!

I have been truly blessed by how God has moved people to support me financially. I have been actively raising support since August and have been amazed at how the first 85% has come in. I do need to be at 100% before I can head out and if the VISA gets approved by the 15th that will mean that the clock starts ticking as to when I have to be in the country. I have 90 days from when the VISA is approved to get in country.

I have no doubt that I will leave right "on time" according to God's timing, but just continue to pray that I will be sensitive to God's direction as to who to contact and where the remaining support will come from.

a quick update...

2008-04-03T18:43:00.000-03:00

on the VISA situation. I had posted previously that there had been a few "hang-ups" due to the change in requirements from the Brazilian government. These new requirements had included sending some of the paperwork to Brazil to be translated. I had no idea how long this would take, but this week on Monday I received the paperwork and on Tuesday made a trip to Chicago to drop off the paperwork at the consulate. On Wednesday morning I experienced some frustration as I went to drop it off and got told that (what the website didn't say was) I needed two copies of every document I had. The woman at the counter was very understanding and helpful and today when I went to drop the huge pile of papers off she just took it all and said "It will be ready on April 15th!" She also said that she would call me if there was anything else that wasn't quite right, or anything that I needed to submit in addition.

Please pray that the process will continue to go smoothly. Also pray for the remaining 15%+ that needs to be raised. Once I get the VISA I have 90 days to get in the country. I CANNOT miss this window of time. So that means that if the VISA is approved on the 15th the clock will start counting-down soon!

MTI

2008-03-25T14:44:00.000-03:00

I'm finally to a point where I'm going to try to explain what MTI was and what I learned from it. It's not easy to articulate a commotion of discombobulated emotions and thoughts, but I'm going to try! So here goes.....

MTI (Mission Training International) is a training center for missionaries preparing to go on the field. I was able to attend two programs there, back-to-back.

The first two weeks there were focused on language acquisition. They gave us many tools and techniques for effective language learning and gave us opportunities to practice those skills. We went through hours of phonetics drills and training our ears to hear sounds in other languages and our tongues to say those sounds! I feel like it will be very useful and practical for learning Portuguese (and even Brazilian sign language).

The second program (3-weeks long) was designed to equip missionaries for the things that devastate and destroy so many missionaries on the field. Part of the goal was to inform us of the realities of being a missionary and to help us begin to process through these areas of potential struggle. We covered a range of topics, but I feel like a summary of the program is that they did their best to get us out of our comfort zone and then helped us to see who we are in that "uncomfortable" place and more importantly who God is through it all! We did a hostage simulation, we discussed our conflict management styles and practiced conflict resolution, we talked about issues relating to safety and identity, we talked about grieving and loss...the list goes on and on!

One of the most helpful things for me was talking about loss and the grief we feel over it. It is good to experience grief and to not try to push it away. There are many "losses" that I've realized as I've been processing post MTI. There are losses in relationships; with family and with friends. My siblings will have "grown up" without me being here and I won't know who they are! My friends will have experienced huge life issues and just LIFE without me and there will be a sense of disconnect there! There will be losses regarding who I am. I will lose and gain independence; lose it as I know it here, but gain it by going to a completely different culture alone. There will be losses in my relationship with Christ. It was hard for me to recognize or call these "losses" but I think that's really what they are. Losses in the sense that my relationship with Him will look completely different than it does now. Losses of everything comfortable or familiar. Loss.

Processing through these losses has been good for me because I have wanted to deny them, or at least to postpone the hurt that will be caused by these losses. It hasn't been easy and it hurts a lot and mostly I feel like my emotions are a roller coaster that sometimes makes me sick to ride. BUT, lest you worry, I have not through this all felt any less of a passion for what God has called me to, or any less of an assurance that this is what I'm called to. AND, I have deep peace knowing that through this roller coaster God is with me and is preparing me for much bigger things. That could be scary; thinking that this is only a precursor to much harder things, but it isn't. I'm grateful that I'm processing through these things now and am glad that I KNOW God is with me!

I LOVE Easter!

2008-03-23T11:26:00.000-03:00

Most people who read this blog probably read that title and assumed that I meant that I love Easter because of the food. While Ham and candied sweet potatoes and other foods are delicious, that is NOT what I meant in the title.

I LOVE Easter because of what it commemorates and celebrates. This holiday, even more than Christmas, reminds me of what an awesome God we serve. Don't get me wrong--I think Christmas is also an amazing picture of God's grace to us in sending His son to the earth. But Easter is what Jesus lived for! If he had come to earth to live and that was it, we would still be completely alienated from God and destined to spend eternity separated from God, in Hell!

But He didn't! For this reason, Easter is a sad and happy holiday (mostly happy). It is sad because during this week starting with Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday and proceeding to Good Friday we are remembering the awful events that Jesus experienced and the suffering he went through in my/our place. It is also sad because the worst pain that Jesus experienced was when he became guilty and all the wrath and condemnation of his Father, that was meant for you and me and the rest of the world of guilty sinners, was poured out on Him.

The happy part of Easter is that the story doesn't end with Jesus being laid in the tomb! The story doesn't end with the King of kings being conquered by death and remaining defeated in the grave. The amazing part is that He rose from the dead and that in doing so He raised us with him (Eph.2:1-10) and included us in His "sonship" so that we are heirs of the KING of kings!

Easter is an amazing holiday because we get to celebrate our freedom from sin and praise the One who made it possible for us to commune with God and have a personal relationship with the all-knowing, all-sovereign King of all creation!! How awesome is that!!

Sunrise from a mountain top!

2008-03-19T19:26:00.000-03:00

On the one of the last mornings at MTI, my friend Autumn and I decided to do a hike to the top of Mt. Ben Lohmand to watch the sun rise. These are pictures from the top of the mountain. It was a breath-taking view!

Grand Canyon

2008-03-10T02:18:00.000-03:00

Here are few pictures from the road trip we took to the Grand Canyon. Sorry it has taken me so long to post them!

another great family!

2008-02-22T18:29:00.000-03:00

Gabe.

Mia.

Gabe trying to put Dan's glasses back on him (Dan isn't part of the family...he's just a good friend of Gabe's!).

The Georgia family!

2008-02-22T18:24:00.000-03:00

This is my buddy Corban. He is such a cutie!! He has the most adorable facial expressions EVER!!

This is Hannah. She is always ready to have fun and laugh alot!!

This is Cassidy. This picture was taken outside by the campfire and no matter how hard we tried, she couldn't keep her eyes open for the flash of the picture....I'll post a better one later! :)

This family is so much fun! I really have enjoyed getting to know them. They took me and a couple other people to the Air Force Academy Chapel this past weekend for church. It is a beautiful chapel. I wish I had brought my camera...who would have thought to take a camera to church?!?

cute kids!

2008-02-22T18:20:00.000-03:00

This is Kayla.

And this is her sister Krista. Don't you love their red hair!!

This is Sierra, she's showing me the phone she made in the kid's class.

And this is her sister Jubilee. They are both such cute girls!!

Beautiful scenery!

2008-02-16T00:05:00.000-02:00

There is a trail right behind the training center that runs from Palmer Lake (also the name of the town we are in) through Colorado Springs. I've heard the trail is amazing, but have so far only covered about a mile or two in each direction. This rock is along the trail, or a little off the trail. I think it is called "Elephant Rock". I'm not sure though, I've just heard that it's illegal to hike to (it's privately owned or something).

This is the MTI training center my room is on the right a little out of view. It is so pituresque! We have all our training sessions and meals and everything in this building.

There are also train tracks that run along next to the trail behind the training center. This one came by as I was hiking!

Reflections on 1 Corinthians 13

2008-02-15T04:50:00.000-02:00

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

This verse "hit home" in a different way this time I read it, mainly because I am in currently in training that will, hopefully, allow me to "speak in tongues of men" more easily. It just struck me that in the midst of all these theories we are practicing and all these silly drills we are practicing, language means nothing without the love of Christ.

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Reading these verses, especially the last one, sobered me. It is huge to say that you can sacrifice your body to be burned and not have it "count" for anything! I pray that, in training and in language learning and in actually being on the field, I will never lose sight of the reason I am called to be a missionary--love for Christ and awe at his amazing sacrifice that reconciled us with God and gave the opportunity for the status of "righteous" in God's eyes if we will only believe! I pray that missions would never become about the numbers or about the method or about my success. I pray with humility knowing that in my strength that is exactly what will happen--and ask for grace that it not!

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Wow! I can't even imagine what my life and all my relationships would be like if I were able to love like that! So often my love is self-seeking and arrogant. In fact, I can honestly say that I don't believe I've ever met anyone who displays that kind of love constantly and consistently. I know very loving and giving people, but we are all sinful in nature and cannot, apart from Christ exemplify this love for a split-second. Oh, I long to show Christ-like love and sacrifice!

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Love never ends! That means even in the midst of persecution, or suffering, or great trial--love doesn't stop being patient and kind and not self-seeking or arrogant. Everything else will change and cease to exist, except for love.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

Can you wait?? I can't wait until the day when the perfect comes! When we will know fully like we have been known! When we will no longer see with clouded vision--but see face to face.

So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE.

The Rain in Spain Stays Mainly on the Plain.

2008-02-12T21:51:00.000-02:00

Today I felt much like Eliza Doolittle from the musical My Fair Lady. The first two weeks of our training cosists of learning how to learn a language. So, for half of the day today we practiced saying sounds that we don't use/have/say in English (or at least not American English). It was hysterical to see a room of 6-8 adults, each with a hand-held mirror, practicing these unfamiliar sounds; each of us concentrating so intently on getting it right--and looking ridiculous in the process!

Prayer request....

2008-02-06T20:26:00.000-02:00

I just wanted to clarify regarding the VISA situation. I have not yet applied for a VISA. I have all the paperwork I need from my side of things, but the list of requirements has changed for the organization (BGC) and they are trying to figure out exactly what they need. Please pray as I had wanted to get the application in this week before I leave for Colorado Springs. The difficulty is that I will probably need to drop the paperwork off in person at the Brazilian consulate and that would mean an additional flight, or two, to Chicago sometime during the training.

If you could pray for this process to go smoothly and for everything to be figured out quickly! Please also pray for a peace in my heart--I was talking with some friends from Brazil and they mentioned that it is really difficult to get into Brazil these days. That made me feel discouraged and somewhat overwhelmed...making me feel tempted to not believe that God is soveriegn over everything! (I'm already worrying and I haven't even applied!)

The countdown has begun!

2008-01-16T00:48:00.001-02:00

I just wanted to give you all a quick update....

Within the past month I received donations that have covered my one time "start-up" budget and have brought me to about 70% of my monthly contributions. I am still waiting to hear back from a few churches and individuals about their commitments, but am moving forward in my plans to leave the country. Lord willing, I will be going to Colorado Springs, CO for 5 weeks of training on language acquisition and adapting to another culture. This training will be from February 11th to March 15th. The plan is then (if I have the rest of my support by then) to come back here for a couple more weeks and leave for Brazil either the last week of March or the first week of April.

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed in the past couple of days as I needed to make decisions and all of the implications of those decisions hit me, but I serve a faithful, sovereign God who ordains every aspect/detail of my life!

Continue to pray about the VISA situation and for all of the details to be "worked out". Also pray for me to continue to have faith and trust that this is all in God's timing!

Cross Centered Living

2008-01-04T17:13:00.000-02:00

I just finished a book by one of my favorite authors, C.J. Mahaney. The book was titled The Cross Centered Life. It is a quick read, but one that has such an important message. I would highly recommend that you all read it!

The author's main goal is that the reader never "moves on" from the gospel. He says, "Too many of us have moved on from that glorious plan. In our never-ending desire to move forward and make sure that everything we do, say, and think is relevant to modern living, too many of us have stopped concentrating on the wonders of Jesus crucified"

The author talks about some of the things that get in the way of us loving the gospel and he talks about 5 ways to draw near the gospel:

1. Memorize the Gospel--memorize verses that remind us of God's gift of salvation through His Son (Isaiah 53:3-6, Romans 3:23-26, Romans 5:6-11, Romans 8:32-39, 2 Corinthians 5:21--those are a few suggestions of places to start)

2. Pray the Gospel--"We come by the cross, we stand confidently because of the cross, we have the right to ask boldly because of the cross. The gospel should be woven in throughout our praise, our petition, and our intercession."

3. Sing the Gospel--our hearts should be brimming over in songs about the cross, songs that emphasize and draw us to the truth of what God has done for us.

4. Review how the Gospel has changed you--too many people want to forget the past, but we should remember it so that we remember what we have been saved from; so that we remember how deserving of God's wrath and condemnation we were and still are apart from the blood of Jesus and his grace extended to us.

5. Study the Gospel--we should never be satisfied with our current understanding and knowledge of the Bible. The author recommends Romans and Galatians as books that powerfully remind us of our desperate, helpless, rebellious state and of God's amazing grace and mercy towards us.

At the end of the book he quotes another author, Jerry Bridges, who says: "Every day of our Christian experience should be a day of relating to God on the basis of His grace alone. We are not only saved by grace alone, but we also live by grace every day."

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T23:06:00.001-02:00

November Newsletter

2007-11-29T19:05:00.000-02:00

His Hands--Serving the deaf of brazil

“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard of him will understand” Romans 15:21

"I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown your servant…” Genesis 32:10a

Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), Rio de Janeiro, is the second largest city in Brazil with a population of 6.5 million with in the city limits and 11.8 million including the outlying areas. Rio was the capital city of Brazil until 1950 when the capital became Brasilia. It still remains Brazil’s most popular tourist attraction with it’s contrast of beautiful beaches and regal mountains. Rio is often referred to as the city that never sleeps—it is a constant hubbub of activity and parties. A city of extreme contrast with much affluence and terrible poverty. It is also a city that is violent in it’s orgies of pleasure and incessant in it’s search for self-gratification.
In a country that is traditionally Catholic, Rio and other parts of Brazil have seen a rise in the number of evangelical churches. The Brazilian Baptist Convention, for example, has about 1 million members and over 6,500 churches. This rise in evangelicalism has opened the door for the training of “Radical missionaries” who are being sent around the world. I mentioned in the previous newsletter that my long-term goal is to facilitate this training for deaf men and women. Some of the missionaries I will be working with in Rio are currently involved in training men and women who are called to be missionaries to other parts of the world. I believe that this semester there are 35 students who are enrolled in the missionary training center in Rio. These students commit to 4 years of training and practical experience and are being sent to some of the “hardest” places in the world! I am eager to see how God will work in incorporating deaf people into this training and in equipping deaf missionaries to reach deaf peoples around the world!
As I have been in contact with the other BGC missionaries in Rio I have learned more about churches in Rio and the surrounding areas who are currently reaching out to the deaf in various ways. This is exciting because this means that there is already some facilitation of communicating the gospel for deaf people. It also means that there are deaf communities within the church that I will be able to connect with. There are still many questions in my mind as to what exactly my ministry will look like, but I am trusting God for direction and have confidence that He has directed me this far and will continue to do so.
For those of you who are wondering how support raising is going and if I am still planning on leaving at the beginning part of 2008...good and yes! I am currently at about 55%+ and will readily attest to God’s faithfulness and grace through this process. He always brings encouragement from the most unexpected places when I need it the most. I am so grateful for all of you who are praying faithfully for me! I recently received an encouraging email from an 89-year-old saint who said that God has burdened her to pray for a missionary to the deaf in Brazil for over 20 years (almost as long as I’ve been alive!). What an amazing God we serve—a God who has ordained so many circumstances in my life to bring me to this point! I am humbled by the amazing grace I’ve been given!

Layout change

2007-11-24T19:54:00.001-02:00

Just in case you hadn't noticed...I changed my blog layout. This is just to reassure you that it is still the same blog and that I, Ellie Lundquist, made the changes to it! I know some of you may have been confused at the sudden and drastic change that occurred--from pink to blue, but the essence of the blog is still the same! I hope this change is agreeable to all my readers. I was hoping to appeal to a broader audience--and to make the male readers less embarrassed to read my blog! Just kidding! I was just tired of all it's "pinkness"!

Love you all! elles

Thank you Jesus!!

2007-11-22T15:52:00.000-02:00

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Ephesians 2:1-10

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:5-11

Jesus, Thank You

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend

The agonies of Calvary

You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son

Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin

Jesus, thank You

The Father’s wrath completely satisfied

Jesus, thank You

Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table

Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near

Your enemy You’ve made Your friend

Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace

Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul

I want to live for You

a "snapshot" of Rio de Janeiro

2007-11-19T15:12:00.000-02:00

Rio de Janeiro is a city of great wealth...

...and great poverty. Pictured here is a favela or slum in Rio. Approximately 20% of Rio's inhabitants live in a favela.

check it out!

2007-11-14T01:50:00.000-02:00

Here's the link to the ministry DVD I recently made at the BGC offices in IL.

I hope you have high-speed internet, or it will take a really long time to download!! :) It's really not that long, just 5 min 30 sec.

VISA

2007-11-06T15:35:00.000-02:00

I know this may seem kinda early to be asking for prayer about this as I don't have a departure date and am not more than 50%, but I received an email from the team in Brazil asking that I pray (and ask you all to pray also) about the process of obtaining a VISA from the Brazilian government. They said that it is becoming more difficult to obtain a missionary VISA--and that the expectation is that any missionaries would have a seminary degree. As this is not the case for me, I would ask that you would be in prayer even now about it.

....

2007-11-01T01:08:00.000-02:00

we're back in Minnesota! It was a GREAT trip, but I'm glad to be back home. It was a crazy whirlwind of a long weekend between catching up with my mom's college buddies and making the DVD--it was really good! I hope to have the DVD to post on here soon, so you all can see it (or at least a link to where it's posted on the BGC website). It will hopefully be a good tool to send to churches as a means of introducing myself and the ministry I'll be involved in.

Thanks for your prayers!

off to Chicago...

2007-10-25T12:35:00.000-02:00

I'm going back to Chicago (well, Arlington Heights to be exact) to make a DVD describing my ministry. I'm driving out there with my Mom and we're going to visit with some of her nursing school friends. It will be a fun, extended weekend!

back-to-back Phenomenal weekends!

2007-10-01T14:47:00.000-03:00

Last weekend was the Desiring God Nat Con and I had the opportunity to be involved in it by volunteering. It was a long weekend, but SO encouraging. The theme for the conference was Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints. You can visit the link I've provided for more information about the conference and about the speakers. My favorite sessions were the ones by Helen Rosaveare and John Piper.

One of the main reasons that I liked Helen Rosaveare's session was because she was a missionary to Africa, and since I'm soon heading for the mission field (I know that Brazil is in South America not Africa!!) and that she went as a single woman missionary, I felt I had a lot to learn from someone who has so much valuable wisdom and experience. It is always encouraging to hear the testimony of someone who has been through so much and still has such a love for Jesus!

I liked Pastor Piper's message "Getting old for the Glory of God". he talked about how American culture has influenced the Christian middle-aged. All we think about it when can I retire and how much fun it's going to be playing golf and watching TV. He taught from Psalm 71, but especially focused in on verse 18 which says, "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come."

This past weekend was the Senior High Fall Retreat with Bethlehem and since I am a high school mentor, I had the opportunity to go along and benefit from the teaching and fellowship. Bethlehem just hired a new youth pastor and this weekend was really the first time that most of us really heard him speak. He taught from Isaiah 6:1-8 which is the passage where Isaiah sees the Lord seated on His throne in all his glory and is undone. Kempton, the youth pastor, walked us through the glory and holiness of God described in that passage and how if we really see know God, we should have the same response as Isaiah--feel convicted and devastated by our sin. It was an amazing time of God working in the student's hearts and in my heart!

Both weekends were tremendous learning opportunities--to be encouraged in my walk with the Lord and to have a renewed, passionate understanding/realization of the God I serve!

the Motley Crew!

2007-09-26T00:40:00.000-03:00

Well, here we are! Most of the people pictured are missionary appointees--meaning they are also in the support raising process. I feel really blessed to know all of them! Some of them were in Seattle with me for the initial "screening" process and then even more of them were in Anaheim for the training/annual meeting. The rest (ok...so "the rest" means the Menas and Tim--the three people on the far left) I met for the first time in Illinois.

I have to admit that my attitude at first was not so good...I thought most of it would be review (and some of it was!), but even if it was review, it was a really good reminder to me. There were two sessions that were specifically focused on how to deepen your personal walk with the Lord while being involved in ministry. Or, not really so much "how" to deepen your walk, but a reminder of how essential it is that you DO! I think that no matter how much you know to set aside and spend time with God, that doesn't me you actually do it! The presenter gave us some good tools and ways to think about your "quiet time". She also talked quite a bit about prayer and how important it is--not only that you do it for yourself and others, but to have a prayer team interceding for you (me) while on the field.
The last day of the training was really good too! It was one of Bethlehem's missionaries who is from Cameroon. He is now a missionary to his own people and he talked mostly about how you cannot separate the Gospel from culture...and that you don't need to. I don't really know how to explain it more, but it was an excellent presentation!

Thank you all for your prayers! Blessings, ellie

more training....

2007-09-13T23:18:00.000-03:00

this time in the "windy city", Chicago! All of the missionary appointees are gathering for a weekend of training at the BGC offices/headquarters. The topics covered will include: The Missionary’s Spiritual Life, Growing Spiritually in Another Culture, Using Media Effectively, Networking in Ministry, Missionary Relationships, The Bible and Culture... and most exciting (Ha!) Mission Paperwork and other Mission Workings!

The best part of this weekend is that I'll get to see my friends from the past training in CA! YAY!

If you were a Bible character, who would you be?

2007-07-25T16:38:00.000-03:00

First, let me apologize AGAIN for my delinquency in posting! I fully intended to post much sooner than this, but somehow got distracted every time I sat down to do it! It seems the only consistent thing about this blog is my inconsistency and apologizing repeatedly for it!

Now to the question...

Let me clarify the question a little bit. I'm not asking who you'd like to be, but which character in the Bible can you most easily relate with? That's a question that I hadn't really thought much about, but was asked of me a while back. At the time the question was posed there was a list provided for myself and the others in the group to give us some ideas of what was meant. Here are some examples that I kinda remember:

Moses...not talented in speaking, but was called to be God's spokesperson!
Peter & John...unschooled/ordinary, but spent time with Jesus
Paul...intelligent and educated, but had no background with Jesus
David...murderer, but was mightily used of God
Rehab...a harlot, but was used in God's redemption plan for Israel
Jonah...disobedient/rebellious leader, but was given a second chance
Peter...often said things that got him in trouble, but was transformed

These are just a few from the list, but I thought it posed an interesting question. When it was posed to me I really didn't know who I felt most connected to. I decided to go with a combination of Moses and Jonah.

Moses because he felt like "why me?", he wondered why God had chosen him when he was not gifted in public speaking. When I was willing to recognize God's calling in my life to missions, I questioned "why me?" I don't feel particularly gifted in speaking God's word to other people, in evangelizing, in ministry...the point is that I'm not gifted, but God is able to take the least likely candidates and use them for His purposes!

I felt a connection with Jonah because I was not eager to listen to God's call in my life to missions! I resisted it for a long time! I didn't want Matthew 28:18-20 to be directed at me! I didn't want to be like the rest of the family (who were missionaries)! I didn't want to leave family and friends and everything familiar! but now I am so ready to go! Not that those struggles are things of the past....I still am really sad about leaving friends and family and "normal" life here, but God's grace is sufficient and I am ready to take every day, as it comes, in His strength!

so.......

If you were a Bible character, who would you be? and Why?

you don't have to post it on here, but at least think about it!

oh yeah....

2007-07-05T13:29:00.001-03:00

I have a new web page through the BGC's site. The link is posted on the side of my blog, or you can go to www.bgcworld.org and go to the Missionary Directory--I'm there!

I'm an official Missionary!

2007-07-04T13:04:00.000-03:00

well, I'm back from California where I completed at least the first stage of training before going to the mission field. I was also commissioned on the final night of the BGC annual meeting. It was a long week and long meetings, but God is faithful and now I "just" have to raise support! It seems like a daunting task and one that isn't very pleasant, but I know that if this is truly God's will--He will make it happen. The past two days I have been making phone calls and filling out more paperwork in preparation for beginning full-fledged support-raising.

Below are some pictures that I took in California...

This is the Hotel we stayed in while we were in Anaheim. It was REALLY nice!

These are the "4 single missionaries" from our group. On the left is my roommate and dear friend, Lisa; then is Michelle, and then on the right is Melanie. We were fairly inseparable through our time in California. This was a picture we took before our commissioning on Friday night.

Report from sunny Cali!

2007-06-21T18:38:00.000-03:00

I just wanted to keep you all up to date on the goings on here in CA...

I am currently sitting in meetings for support-raising training. These meetings started yesterday and will continue all day through tomorrow. On Saturday, we have the day off and Sunday is a completely different format/schedule. Monday we continue with meetings--specifically geared toward speech giving for church presentations. Tuesday is our graduation and Wednesday through Friday is the annual Missionary Conference (including commissioning!).

It is a little overwhelming thinking of the long road yet ahead of me, but encouraging knowing that I'm not in it alone!

California here I come!

2007-06-14T19:09:00.000-03:00

I am headed out to Anaheim, CA next Tuesday for 12 days for missions/support-raising training and the BGC annual missions conference. I am excited for this opportunity, but I also have alot to do before I go!

Please continue to pray as each step takes me further in the journey and closer to leaving for Brazil.

What a MIGHTY God we serve!

2007-05-24T13:48:00.000-03:00

As I continue towards the mission field, I am constantly in awe of the God I serve. I think this is merely a revelation of my skeptic, unbelieving heart. God has promised to be faithful and to provide, but I am always surprised when He "comes through"! There are so many stories of God's faithfulness that I could share that I don't really know where to start.

One reminder of God's faithfulness came through some life-stories that I've heard of God's working in some recently found friends. I was sent out to Seattle for something called a Missionary Assessment Center through BGC (Baptist General Conference missions organization). I was assessed, along with 5 other candidates, psychologically, spiritually, emotionally and in a variety of group interaction/settings. Basically the point of the week was to determine whether or not I was "fit" for mission service. While I was there I met several women who taught me so much through their stories and journeys with God. There were three other single women at this assessment center. We all connected quite quickly and easily. They all had so much wisdom, but one women in particular made me want to know Jesus and God's Word so much better. Her life story was one filled with struggles and sadness, but her JOY and single-minded focus on Jesus filled me with awe. The only reason she ever focused on her past and suffering was to talk about God's faithfulness! It was never done in an attitude of complaint rather gratitude and awe at God's mercy! I only pray that I can have the same spirit through any struggles and "trials" I may experience. She also was such a woman of the Word, she inspired me to LOVE the Bible and YEARN to read and study it more faithfully.

One of the sessions during the MAC focused on gathering "stones". The "stones" referring to the passage in Joshua where the Israelites were commanded to gather stones and place them in the middle of the Jordan River as they were crossing on dry ground, and then were also commanded to bring them and set them up as a remembrance once they had reached the promised land. There were two reasons that stuck with me for doing this; remembrances of God's faithfulness and a foundation for "getting through" any struggles for the future. The first reason, remembrances, was one that I was familiar with, but the second one intrigued me more. The presenter talked about how those "stones" can actually help us fix our eyes on Jesus during times when nothing seems to be going the way we want it to, or think it should; when we are experiencing struggles that threaten to overwhelm us and all we can see in that moment are "waves" of insurmountable trial and testing. By looking back on these "stones" we can cling to the fact that no matter how hard the situation seems, we serve a sovereign God who is able to "do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think".

Ok...so where am I now in the process of going to the mission field?? Well, I had mentioned earlier that I attended the MAC and the assessor's recommendation is that I am "fit" for missions service with BGC. I am now in the process of writing more papers for them, preparing for the missionary conference the end of June (by preparing I mean getting my support raising material "ready", so that it can be tweaked and helped during the conference), and preparing for my official interview with the missions board! The goal is that I begin support raising this summer/fall and am on the mission field maybe as soon as January of 2008. At this point I am planning on going for a term (3-5 years) and then seeing where/how God is leading me from there.

Thank you for all of your prayers and this is my commitment to you that I will be more faithful in updating this blog and keeping you all informed as to how God is working in my life and leading me. I pray that I would never forget how God has worked or cease to remember his promises to me.

Much love,

Ellie

I would appreciate your prayers!

2007-04-14T13:24:00.000-03:00

I apologize that it has been SO long since I have posted! I really didn't feel like I had much to update y'all on, but now I DO! I have been continuing with taking the necessary classes to complete the Nurture Program in order to have Bethlehem as my sending church. I have enjoyed the classes (at least mostly) and have learned alot! I also have been in contact with BGC, a missions organization. They had posted a request for a Deaf Ministry Specialist and where do you think this request was made for?? yep, Brazil! Well, needless to say that after filling out a 17+ page application, I met with the admissions guy last Tuesday. He answered many of my questions and gave me an idea of a time frame to work with. BGC's new missionary training is the 20th-29th of June. It would be ideal if I could finish the application process before this time so that I could attend and then begin my support raising in the fall. I would appreciate it if you all would pray for me that I would be SURE that this is God's will (mostly in regards to if this is the missions organization that I should be sent through). As part of that though, there is alot of "stuff" that needs to be done before that time and I need prayer that I would be able to complete it all....without rushing through it.
As another part of this, I am quitting my job with the St. Paul Public School district and am switching to freelancing as this will give me more flexibility during the support raising process. It seems that there is alot of change that will be happening in my life in the near future! Pray for grace and strength to "get through it" well! Pray also that my relationship with my Savior will only deepen through this process and that I will seek His approval above ALL!

Thanks for those of you who read this and pray! much love, ellie

More of an update!

2006-10-23T23:10:00.000-03:00

Hey Y'all,
Sorry it again has been SO long since my last update! Thanks for your continued prayers and questions! God is so good! He is so faithful and loving. I am really enjoying the TBI classes that I am taking and have not (so far) been overwhelmed by the homework load. In my diagramming and arcing class we just finished the diagramming part of Galatians 3 and are now moving on to arc it all. I am really enjoying this method of studying the Bible and am excited to be able to use it in the future for other passages. In the Theological Foundations class (systematic theology) we are studying the sovereignty of God. We have really good discussions about this and other topics and I am learning alot; not only about what I believe, but about other perspectives too!

Now that I feel like I am finally able to breath after being thrust right into the midst of things, I have been able to think more objectively about the next step(s). I contacted the assistant for our Missions pastor and she was able to give me a good "to do" list and got me moving in at least a direction, if not the right one! I am now looking at different missions organizations and hope to begin contacting a few relatively soon, just inquiring more about them and their faith statement (among other things).

As far as "where?": I really don't think I have any more direction as far as this goes, but am looking to return to Brazil for at least a mid-term trip. There are several reasons for this. One of the reasons is that God has already opened a door there and I have relationships with the people and missionaries there. Another reason is that as a single woman missionary I think it is harder for me to be as much of a pioneer as I would like and is therefore wise to connect with a pre-established ministry. I have limitations like not being able to start a church or train the men to become pastors...I have struggled with this ALOT! I don't want to feel like I'm limiting God, or the work He can do through/despite me, but I also think this is His direction for me now. I add the emphasis mainly because I want to reinstate that I have no idea where God would have me in 5 years or even 2!

Something that God has been showing me recently is that while there are deaf peoples all over the world that desperately need the Gospel, I cannot reach them all. In fact it is nothing in or of myself that is going to bring the Gospel to them, or bring them to any understanding. My responsibility is to trust God now and to act in obedience to that trust.

I don't know if this is at all clear, but if you have questions or want to challenge my thinking (or at least how I articulated it), please email me or call me. I'd love to chat!

Love in Christ,
Ellie

For those of you who have been wondering...

2006-09-16T21:08:00.000-03:00

I am still planning on using this blog for updates and prayer requests. I'm sorry that it has been so long since I posted last! I have been busy getting back into the swing of things at work and am now taking two TBI (The Bethlehem Institute, so classes from my church) classes in preparation for longer term missions. Bethlehem Baptist, my church, requires that all missionaries they send first complete a program called the Nurture Program. This program requires that you take some classes, seminars and books, along with completing a preparedness questionnaire, and meetings with a counselor and pastor. I am praying about going for a year or two, maybe as soon as in one year. I would appreciate your prayers for guidance in this.
My trip to Brazil confirmed for me my calling to be a missionary to the deaf, but I still don't know all the logistics such as when, where...etc. I am excited to see where God leads, but at the same time know that this confirmation doesn't make the rest of the journey necessarily any easier.

This is all I have time to post for now, but thanks for your patience and I will post again soon!!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support.
Ellie

Padre Cicero

2006-08-28T18:37:00.000-03:00

This is Padre Cicero, the saint of Juazeiro. Many people come here believing that he can heal them, help them through a tough situation, bless their marriage and many other things. On the day of his birthday and on the day of his death, hundreds of thousands of people come crawling up the mountain on their knees to pay homage to this statue. They have an entire museum filled with things that people left in order that the Padre would bless them. It was heart-breaking to see how deceived the people were/are.