Você é quem você é por uma razão

So one of the lessons I am teaching is positive character traits in English. I have to tie the theme of the lesson to a biblical view too without being pushy. Well once the students do an activity I have planned they will get to hear this poem which is so beautiful. I just had to share it on here as well.

You are who you are for a reason by Russell Kelfer


You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!

Trying to learn Portuguese

Here are some pictures of our place with some Brazlian translations. 

Flights booked woot woot

Flights finally booked! We are officially going to Brazil now. It is all falling into place, now time to pack, plan, fund raise, and prep. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare to go back.

Special thank you to Alana, Kathy, Bob, Betsy, Sam and Joni & Alec for all your generous donations. We still need to raise money for food, lodging, and supplies.

If anyone is interested in buying a flower pen, I am selling them for $5.00 to raise money.

Today is the day we book our tickets

Yay we are finally booking our tickets. We have been waiting for prices to go down but unfortunately it looks like they keep going up and up...

Yesterday Jeff even got summoned to do jury duty but was able to post pone it for when we get back.

If you guys could please keep us in your prayers, we are trying to get cheap tickets so we can afford to donate more money to the ministry and not have to stress out about fiances when we get back.

Love you all! 

Pictures from last years mission trip

Visa

Jeff finally got his visa for Brazil, it took almost 3 months due to the world cup and a new company helping the embassy. Now that both our visas are here, we can start looking into flights. If you all can pray that we can find affordable flights we would really appreciate it.

GoFundMe

Check out our Go Fund Me page!

http://www.gofundme.com/9ihc18

Here is our story

http://www.gofundme.com/9ihc18

Last year, Crystal went on a misson trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil where she helped Restoration Ministries & Oak Hills Church put on a Kids Art Camp and Women's Retreat.

Restoration Ministries focuses on bringing hope to children and their families living in the “favelas” (slums) of Sao Paulo. Most who live in the slums are plagued by hunger, disease and poverty, and many are scarred by the devastating effects of prostitution, drugs, and domestic violence. Founded by Brazilian nationals, Restoration Ministries seeks to build trusting relationships and offer practical services and programs that restore hope to broken lives.

This year, we've both been invited to serve. Crystal has been asked to teach English classes to kids and adults, and Jeff has been asked to help Restoration Ministries create new videos to promote the organization's programs. We feel God is leading us to go and serve Him and His church body in this way and we are excited to be a part of a ministry that will provide love to these children’s lives.

Crystal and Jeff will need to pay for airfare, food and lodging, and video equipment which will be donated to Restoration Ministries at the end of the trip so they can continue to create video content on their own. Should we be fortunate enough to raise more than our goal, any additional funds will be donated to the ministry and its existing needs.Would you prayerfully and with your family consider joining us in this effort?

Thank you for your interest and support! Blessings!