post by Jose Flores

Brazil is Awesome and Restoration Ministry is GODSOME!

We have been working hard all day on the music room. Never thought I'd ever be in Brazil... ever . God is absolutely amazing. If you ever want to find a place where God GIVES you instant friends... this is the place. The children love on you like you were their Uncle, aunt or Grandparent. The Christians from this ministry are so generous and compassionate. They do not hide their gratitude, instead they express it for everyone to see with a huge smile on their face, a pat on the back, a handshake and hug and with FOOD. The food is EXCELLENT!

I find myself looking for things to do while I am here. This is primarily a construction effort but the skills God has given me in Life have been tremendous here. Small skills we take for granted each day are blessings to this ministry and to the children that God touches through this ministry. Having a small toolbox from K-Mart is a blessing here... If you have old tools laying around collecting dust.... I know a place that would be grateful for what we have 3 of, or can run to WalMart for. The price for a simple screw that we buy by the box is 5 cents EACH here, Silicone that we buy for 99 cents is $12 here. Truly amazing at how AWAKE you become to other peoples needs and realize how fortunate we are to live in the United States, while at the same time realizing how wasteful and sspiritually asleep we are, too often as American Christians.

Today was very productive for the team toward our goal of completing the music room. We were able to rewire the computer network so that the students can now enjoy internet access at all their computers, we trimmed and hung a door, secured the floor joists, insulated the floor, set the wood floor (using the 5 cent screws), added over a dozen electrical outlets, added new electrical circuits and wire into the room, sealed a brick wall and made 3 trips to 3 different Hardware stores. Who new that I'd get a chance to be on a the back of a Motorcycle cruising to a hardware store in BRAZIL!!!!!!!!!!? GOD that's who! My cheaks hurt by the time I arrived at the hardware store.... I just couldn't believe the reward God has given me in bringing me to Brazil to complete work for Him, with such Awesome People and AMAZING CHRISTIANS... I am enriched and empowered forever... Praise our Lord! And SOOOOO Much Thanks to all of you who made this trip possible for all of us.... my Sincerest thanks.... Chow! - Jose Flores