Stories from the Field

August 2004

Flowing with the Spirit

By Danny & Nancy Callis, IMB Missionaries to Salvador, Brazil

Thank you for a great two weeks of International World Changers camps in Salvador, Brazil. They were some of the best we have ever seen in our ministry here. It was awesome flowing with God’s Spirit as He opened doors and hearts. If I had to grade it, I would give it a 98. We feel that God was pleased with so much of what was done. Often Christians do things FOR the Lord and don’t do it in a good spirit. But I felt like our spirit was right in about all we did.

I heard from some of the pastors and/or leaders that we had found favor with the people, that they were praising God for us. Pastor Pedro told me Friday night that the Americans brought water to his neighborhood. When I looked perplex, he said that he was talking about the many tears that were shed in joy and in sensing God’s presence. Another indication that we are doing right and that God is getting the glory is when no one particular person becomes the hero or gets the fame. When God’s work is done because of the team-work of His people and He places each person where He wants them, then He gets the honor. I think that happened the whole two weeks. You set the stage and example for that. You were willing to serve and your folks saw the example and followed.

Speaking about all the participants, I can’t stress too much this: the Brazilians SAW the love of God through you and in your tears. None could deny that you were sincere and that God lives in you. Even when you were working with little children that could not understand the message, those that were watching were impacted! Norton said that at least three of the interpreters prayed to receive Christ. He said that Luanda prayed with him and her tears fell on
his hands. They have talked since and she will probably participate in his church.

What has happened is not a one-time event. I believe that God is using it to awaken churches here and get into more schools. I have no idea how all this will work out, but it could mushroom into a great movement. Pray for us to have God’s wisdom. Pray that the church leaders will understand what God is doing and make the necessary adjustments.