Guys,
I cannot express how good this conference was and what may come from it. We had several testimonials at the end, and several men shared that they were profoundly affected. They also said they intend to begin Journey Groups upon returning home. I was surprised by how many men traveled far distances to attend the conference. One man even flew in from Bolivia.
There were several pastors, but by in large, they were businessmen and leaders in their churches. Ages ranged from the 20's to 60's. Brazilian men are very cautious in displaying their feelings. But, something came over them, and they were freed up to be transparent. (Guess Who showed up?)
Frank did such a magnificent job. His communication skills were exceptional, and the men related with him, as he did with them. I grew to love him as a son, and I believe we will see a great work for God through him with follow-up work in Brazil. It just feels like something amazing is about to happen here. He has definitely become one of my heroes.
We had an interesting discussion with the Brazilian men who are excited about starting Journey Groups. We all came to see how a blog that allows these men to create a discussion group with each other, and with our men back stateside, would be a great addition to our website. We can see how this would allow us to reinforce our DNA in Brazil. It would be great to sponsor this blog on our website using the Portuguese language. Frank volunteered his brother to respond to posts while using our guidance and his language skills. We could even build a Brazilian database so that our scriptures and devotional can go to the men in Brazil using their own language. All of this would require very little expense, as we have our website already in place.
This has definitely been a God thing, as we saw the men touched by Inner Chamber after reading it, and as well in working through the manuals with little confusion. They are the closest I've seen in a cross culture that thinks and responds like our men in America. There is great opportunity here, and one we will want to respond to.
I was blessed to have only one night of discomfort with my leg, as swelling increased after standing a long time. Otherwise I hung in there with the men. Even this provided great ministry opportunity. But, it was not Frank and me with them, but rather some of the Brazilian men with me. I was anointed with oil and prayed for, as scripture guides. They came after me to do this, as they saw me in pain. It was the most wonderful intercessory prayer I have ever experienced. After it was over, Frank said he wanted prayer from these men as well. I asked him if he were in pain somewhere. He said "No", but he didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to be prayed for by these men. I told him I didn't want to waste their prayers on someone not in pain, and they needed to stay on point with me. But, he would have none of that, as he hurried to the chair these men surrounded. (Ha). Like I said, it was great experience for both of us.
I will be here until Tuesday, before flying home that night. I will be meeting with the publishing company who published Inner Chamber on Tuesday morning. They initially printed 3,000 books, and they now have only 800 left, after being with the retailers only a few weeks. Hopefully this will encourage them to publish the other books, and royalties can fund our ministry in Brazil. This is an exciting thought, and something to pray for. It is always an encouragement to a publisher to see their books sell.
God bless you all. I'll see you upon my return, and after the holidays.
To our King's glory,
Rocky
