Pastor Antonio Carlos Costas, founder of Rio de Paz, is quoted in this article.
Rio Sweeps Slums ahead of Tourism Rush
Rio Update
Jay Bauman wrote the following in an email on November 1:
This morning I was praying about spreading “city churches” throughout Rio. I have a couple of interested pastors, and this is on block for 2011 by God’s grace.
Keep Jay, Restore Brazil, Rio de Paz (Antonio) and the pastors in Rio de Janeiro in your prayers! – GW
48 Hours … (time for imagination)
Hard to imagine that 48 hours ago we were still packing up our bags and settling into our airplane seats. It seems so easy to forget everything we’ve learned.
Upon arriving, I found myself literally sifting through hundreds of emails for work (mostly spam-related, I’m not that important) and various conference calls. I caught myself fighting to hold onto the heart-changing scenes that played out in Rio. Gary warned this would happen … that we would quickly get inundated with “things.” How unsticky the things that are sticky to God becomes.
I’m reminded that I need to fight for things of significance. My family is ultimate, as are friends, producing good work and a slew of other “things” (the art of eating is disproportionately high on my list). Yet, as we study Scripture, the heart of God leans toward the poor and those who are suffering with obvious bent. It’s as if God refuses to allow his people to forget that every human creature was meant for dignity, hope and love. Well, at the very least, an opportunity to experience the deep love of the Father.
Our team remains excited for what TGC and the people of Rio might do together in the future. What excites us equally is what kind of community TGC will become here in NYC. Imagine if the rumors of God here in NYC reaches the ears of the people in Rio. — WK
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
So it begins…
Today is day 1 since returning from Rio, Brazil. The sights, sounds and smells of our short trip are already fading. Yet, the weight of God’s heart for the poor and for the Gospel is even heavier. This is where it begins. Drink deeply, flow freely! – wk
We’re back in New York!
Fourteen hours after we took off from Rio de Janeiro Tuesday night, a weary crew of four landed at La Guardia this morning. Over the next several days we plan to post photos and videos and stories to tell the story of what is happening in Rio and what is happening through Restore Brazil and Rio de Paz. Our special thanks to all of you for your prayers. It was an amazing time of learning, growing and being stretched. Our hosts in Rio: Pastor Jay Bauman and Pastor Antonio Carlos Costa are gifted men who are being used by God to minister in Rio. We appreciate so much the time they gave to us. – GW
Last Night in Rio
Our team had an amazing time of prayer as we prepare to head home tomorrow. We may be visiting another favela tomorrow, but today was a time for team building and bonding with each other and Jay Bauman, the director of Restore Brazil. We went on a boat ride, sand boarded off the beach, hunted for coconuts, and shared about what we learned on this trip. We are so excited to share with you all. One thing is certain—none of us can or will return unchanged. —WK
TGIF recap
We all woke up this morning completely rested from a full, exhausting and amazing day. We’ll have photos coming soon, but here’s a quick recap: We visited two favelas on Friday. Both are considered in better condition than the slums of City of God (which we’re visiting today). Still, it was staggering to see the inequity, and the overwhelming poverty. Yet, the work of the church is palpable. We met the humble people working on behalf of the poor and it stirred our hearts. What struck us profoundly from the second favela were the kids. As they vogued for the cameras and ran around us, we prayed that God would do a great work and open up educational, physical and spiritual pipelines for these kids to grow. Lastly, we finished our night having dinner with Jay (executive pastor) and Antonio (director of Rio de Paz). To describe the night as inspiring is an understatement. Antonio’s fire for social justice and the stories of life and death events really challenged us. We all left the night encouraged that there were leaders like Antonio and Jay willing to lay their lives down for the poor. Today we will visit City of God and a prison. Keep us in prayer—we’ll update more later. - WK
Visit to Cidade de Deus
Our first day in Rio was great. We’ll share more about our visit to Proyecto Construir (Project Construct) where Pastor Michele and his team minister to 50 young children from the favela (slum). Today we will be going to Cidade de Deus (City of God), the notoriously poor and violent slum featured in the 2002 movie of the same name and recently featured in the NYT. Pray with us as we see the favela firsthand and experience what God is doing there. I have been asked to speak Sunday evening, especially daunting in a new church and different culture. Please pray for that time. Several of us will be sharing testimonies. Thanks for your prayers! GW
Safe arrival!
We arrived safely in Rio after traveling all night. Our flight arrived 15 minutes early. It’s warmer here than what we left in NYC. Thanks for your prayers! - GW
Leaving Charlotte, NC
It became apparent as we approached the 767 that we were entering a new reality. The flight attendant spoke to us in Portuguese and the vast majority of our fellow passengers are speaking Portuguese. We had an uneventful flight to Charlotte especially after Won suggested we pray when it was announced that we would sitting on the runway in NY indefinitely because of a gas leak in the control tower. The pilot turned off the engines. We prayed and he turned them right back on. Praise Jesus! We are expecting God to do miraculous things. We all sense a deep need to seek God and pray intentionally. Thank you for praying with us! – GW
