Afterwards, we greeted another family that we were to stay with for the remaining of our trip, and once again we were suffering for Jesus as Tom would put it. Later that evening we were to show the movie Facing the Giants in the Celebrate Recovery service in Jacarei, and it took everything in us to pry ourselves out of our hammocks. We didn’t think it could get any better and boy were we wrong. We had our own wing of the house. Breakfast was so overwhelming that the first time we got stomach aches because we ate so much. We learned sometimes the Lord provides too much. Again we were so blessed by Valinda and Pedro for their hospitality. We enjoyed them so much and miss Valinda fresh made juices that she made us every morning.

The following day, Saturday, we taught Dare to be Daniel in the morning and afternoon then we showed Facing the Giants. The movie impacted many. People were led to receive Christ (7 decisions to receive Christ were made), and many had made life changing decisions in their lives. The pastor later shared with us the impact that was made. All glory to the Lord. Pastor also was the first to say that he brought a handkerchief for his cold, and instead used the handkerchief to wipe the tears from his eyes.

We were truly blessed by each teaching of Dare to be Daniel and by each showing of Facing the Giants and the discussions that followed. We witnessed lives impacted, lives changed, the Word of God empowering many, we witnessed many many miracles.

Our last day, Sunday, we spoke on Small Groups – Community. The small groups in this church were dissolved and all but disappeared. We spoke on small groups for 2-1/2 hours and challenge everyone to get into a small group. We were told that before the church had a very restricted view of a small group and now sees and understands the importance of being in a small group. This was again so divine. We were not told that the church was planning to do Better Together Campaign the following week and our message was in exact accordance with that campaign. Is there another word for awe, because once again we were just in awe. We successfully created small groups, new small groups, people who had never been in small groups. We also passed along our other teachings that will be implemented in existing programs within the church. AMEN!

An official report that was submitted to Saddleback Church/Purpose Driven written by Tom Turley on our team stated,“The church in Jacarei is co-pastored by Ricardo Aurino, co-founder of PD-Brasil. He has helped this church to become a model for smaller congregations within Brazil. He was pleased at the Small Group material Tracy presented, and the passion the group had in their presentation. The church members were super pleased that a group from Saddleback would come to them.”

And then we went home, coming home was as easy as going. We truly could not of asked for a more smoothly well orchestrated trip. Thank you, Lord. And thanks to everyone who prayed for us on our behalf. Your prayers were answered.

An official report that was submitted to Saddleback Church/Purpose Driven written by Tom Turley on our team stated,“This group came at a time in the life of 3 different ministries; each in different stages of transition; each with different needs, but all three with a common denominator, a desire to learn...Propositos Brasil (Purpose Driven Brazil) could not have done what this small group from Saddleback did...I personally was pleased to see how God placed this group in 3 different places, with three different objectives (different teaching lessons), but all three perfectly ordained by God. The teaching was passionate, the lessons well prepared, and many results were immediate. God will continue to bring forth fruit as a result.

Tracy is to be commended for her preparation, and her discernment in ministry needs. She was used of God to help open the eyes of key church leaders to ministry opportunities. All four team members were used of God during this trip. I would recommend them for another trip, any time.”

AMEN!—Just four ordinary people being used in extraordinary ways. Thank each and every one of you for your prayers and financial support—this trip couldn’t of been possible without you. So often than not we hear the phrase, “I was in the wrong place at the right time or I was in the right place at the wrong time.” To be in aligned 100% with the Lord’s will, to be at the right place, at the right time, doing exactly what you are suppose to be doing in life, is powerful beyond words—it is heaven on earth. We felt as close to the Lord, as if we were sitting on his lap being held by him. No fear, no uncertainty, no questions—in perfect harmony with the Lord. Many of you know of our journey and fight to get this team to Brazil. The Lord was calling us to Brazil, there was no question, He made that very clear. The spiritual warfare was the most intense I have ever seen leading up to this trip. On a personal level, as much spiritual warfare as I have had to endure and as active as I am in ministries and in teaching two small groups, people who know me know that my motto is: “I want to become more than Satan can handle.” Well, our team did just that. We pooped Satan out, because he never showed up on our trip. Though grant you he was never invited in the first place. From a Christian perspective, to have 14 days of no spiritual warfare, that is a dream come true VACATION. Didn’t think it was possible, but then again it shows you what determination and keeping your eyes on Jesus regardless of the obstacles what anyone can overcome and achieve.

Please pray for the team that I will lead to Brazil in 2009.

We hope that you enjoyed this journey with us and the pictures.

We also want to give a special thanks to Renata who translated Dare to be a Daniel for us in Portuguese and for Teddy who translated The Prayer Rock Poem. You both made a difference. And a special thanks to Tom Turley and his family for making the necessary arrangements during our trip, housing Bill, and being our guide and translator during our visit. Lastly, a huge Brazilian hug to Carl, Sandra, Valinda and Pedro for housing the girls and taking the absolute best care of us. Not to mention, we are very grateful for April who took us to and pick us up from the LAX Airport and Quy who took very good care of our pets while we were gone.

Blessings,
Tracy Perry

OFFICIAL TEAM GROUP PHOTO (each looking in a different direction)
“Okay, Lord now where?”