October
Dear Praying Friends,
A couple of weeks ago we were running from bullets at midnight on the urban streets of Rio de Janeiro. This week my colleague, Jeff and I traveled to The CENA Farm, Nova Aurora, with two Agriculture students, Jose Claudio and his wife, Susana. We went there to conclude our studies and prepare for the production of Honey, fish and agriculture.
It was an amazing weekend. We visited three different fish and Bee producers, Anderson, Nelson and Raul. These were people we found on the Internet, but our visits to each of their homes and farms confirmed that God was leading us.
Nelson, a committed believer, is an experienced farmer with a passion for Brazilian Sting-less Bees. He not only confirmed the therapeutic nature of working with Bees but also the good character of these other men. Each one was not only enthusiastic about our project at CENA and encouraged our ventures, but offers needed resources and a valuable network as well. They were glad to meet the CENA missionaries Cido and Ismael.
Today we hear much talk about sustainability. This simple means, "Just show me the triple bottom line". We want to be(1) profitable in what we do and (2) we want to develop people while(3) caring for and managing God's creation in a way that is honoring to the Creator. Pictured below is Paul. Paul was our Guide as we searched the forest for sources of Pollen that will impact the Honey that the Bees make. He was twenty pounds lighter wearing a beard down to his belly and wild hair on his head when he arrived at the Farm six months earlier. The others at the Farm said he looked like the angel of Death. As he shared his story he told us about the unswerving love of the of the CENA missionaries at stage one-Rescue- located in Crackland down town Sao Paulo.
They visited him on the streets day after day- everyday. It was on one of those visits that Paul decided to make a change and leave the streets. He has come a long way in six months and describes his spiritual journey as one in process.
Many of the men and woman who leave the streets give their lives to the Lord while at the Farm. Here they have daily bible study and quiet time and weekly corporate worship. I encouraged Paul to follow Jesus. Paul took a great interest in our projects. He is quite taken by the beauty of the forest and was amazed by the intricacies of the Bees. The One who has created all this is the One who seeks Paul and is the One who loves Paul and gave Himself up for Paul.
Our goal at the farm is restoration. We want to restore all that sin has broken. That is what Jesus did. Please pray for Paul as he continues his spiritual journey. Pray that he comes to know Jesus not only as the One who forgives his sins but as the one that leads him to green pastures as well. It has been years since Paul has worked. CENA's goal for these new projects is to restore the broken relationship between man and creation so that he can work and receive fruit from his labors and in doing this glorify His Creator.
Thank the Lord for Jose Claudio and his wife Susana, two believers that are so excited to use their talents and passions to further the Kingdom. We are praying that they may become part of the CENA Farm team for several months of the year after they graduate in April!
Delighting in Him,
Craig and Alessandra
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Sunday, October 7, 2012
August Highlights
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