Cafe in Brazil?

Our latest step. Since our last Brazil update a lot has happened. It began with a question that ignited first in Michael's heart. "Why are we going to work in a church? Is that really what God has for us in Brazil?" As uncertainty grew in him over the next month, he prayed for direction and that I would feel the same, if it was truly a prompting from God.

Sure enough, I came to the same conclusion during a conversation with my sister in law. I remember throwing my hands up in the air and saying, "WHAT ARE WE DOING?"

Later while sharing with Michael, it became clear to us that we needed to do some searching. What are we passionate about? What makes us willing to give up our life here to go? What makes us burn, so to speak? Do we want to work mainly with Christians? What about the unreached in Brazil? What do we have to give or offer? What are our giftings? Do we fit in with our previous plans? What is God telling us?

We had asked some of these same questions before when we first felt led to pursue missions in Brazil. But coming up with no concrete answers we decided to just go. We would work where there was work, trusting that God would reveal the "Grand Plan" over the course of our commitment.

In our place of sudden questioning we felt God telling us to dream. Suddenly the possibilities flowed. And our hearts opened up and poured out; to God , and to each other. We dreamed beyond the boundaries of "normal" missions. And we reached further into the heart of God.

It was amazing that after years of attempting to develop a vision and failing, that within a few short days we had put together the missing pieces of where we fit. Everything suddenly made sense, and we now can see our future more clearly. And to say that we are ecstatic about it doesn't even begin to describe the excitement flowing within us.

SO WHAT IS IT?

We want to open up a coffee shop/ English house. But not just any coffee shop. But a cutting-edge- coffee shop that will be a place where many lives are transformed by the power of Christ. Where we will impact the community, and people will know that we belong to God- without us even having to say a word. A place where truth will be sought and found. Where the message of living a redeemed, Christ filled life is spoken, accepted, and lived.

Our coffee house is strategic in so many different ways. We will teach English as a way to begin friendships.We will have a place where people will feel comfortable visiting and talking on a neutral ground. Our children will have the opportunity to see, take part in ministry, and reach their peers. We will be able to live in the real world, and to be a "window to Christ" to non- believers. In essence we hope that our ministry will help bridge a gap between the lost and the church. Of course an added plus is that within a few years our ministry can be financially supported by the coffee shop. This ministry is what God has been preparing us for. And we can look back at past experiences knowing that now we are better equipped to serve God in this capacity.

So where do we go from there? Slowly. At first I expected the doors to fling wide open, for hallelujah music to be playing in the background, and everything to fall immediately in place. That is the way things are suppose to happen right?

Instead we are facing seemingly endless obstacles, red tape, and so many more questions that lead to other questions. But we are more than ever at peace with this direction. It feels unsafe- and exactly where God wants us. Please pray for us as we plan, prepare, and attempt to turn this dream into reality.

We have moved our take off date to January 2009. So those close to us are going to have to deal with us hanging around for a little while longer! We will be sure to keep you updated and in cahoots with all our plans. Feel free to ask us questions and share your resources! We need all the help we can get! We love you guys, and are so thankful for your support and encouragement.