When I took this job, I was told I would be writing about Missionaries. So far, I've mainly written about natural disasters. Back in April, Brazil experienced record breaking rains that caused incredible flooding and mudslides. Many lost their lives. Many more lost their homes.
But Brazilian Baptists acted swiftly. A US missionary teamed up with the local convention and went to the Baptist churches in the 5 most affected areas. These churches coordinated to open their doors to those who needed help.
Messages went out from local radio stations urging people to go to these 5 churches. Community members began sending donations to these 5 churches as displaced people began to trickle in. The people were given a place to stay, food to eat and even medical care.
James, known throughout the neighborhood as a man who could call up evil spirits by chanting, was one of the people who came to a church for help. The floods had taken his home and family from him. He came to the church reluctantly and was openly skeptical about the motivations of those helping. With pointed questions, he challenged the faith of those working in the church.
A US missionary took him aside and asked him a question in return - "Are you hurting?" The question got at the heart of what James was dealing with. Soon, James and the missionary were hugging each other and crying together. The next day, James accepted Christ. The whole neighborhood was in shock over the change that had come over the man.
In times of hurt and confusion, the tenderness and understanding of God's people goes a long way.
