Armando shared some amazingly powerful stories with me over the past 5 months. He was abused by his school teachers when he was 7 and 9 years old. Around 28 years old he considered killing himself. His first wife got cancer when he was 38 years old. Every week they had to travel 300 km for treatment. He had to sell basically everything he owned to pay for her treatment. She died after a 5 year battle. As a psychologist he helped a client 6 years later face cancer and her death. He fought to help people face their death with peace. Over a 3 year period he helped a school in Brazil go from a system of violence (where teachers and students and parents threatened one another) to one of peace. As you can imagine, it was an honor and a humbling experience hearing him share these stories. He teared up talking about his wife, his dad, and his dream of a safe place for children in his hometown. We were able to connect on a deep level very quickly. 

 

      Over the last few months Armando started coming to worship with our church family. He began to tell me he had "feelings" in worship that supported what we were studying weekly from the gospel of Mark. His heart was catching up with the head. I have clearly seen God at work in his life surrounding him with love in many ways. He told me everything about his time in America has gone well. I encouraged him to see that these blessings were from God. Sadly, 5 months is too short a time to change one's entire worldview (especially at 60 years old!). I wanted so badly for him to decide to follow Jesus while he was here, but I was pretty sure God would have to keep working on him after he left...which of course he will do! We talked about immersion in the American culture these last 5 months and how baptism is an immersion into everything Jesus!  

 

      He said he plans to go home and continuing working on his English with a colleague, volunteering one day a week at his current wife's local church to assist with mental health issues. He is going write me a proposal for his dream of having a safe place to care for children in Brazil. One of the last things I said to him was this: "You will always be my friend no matter what, but I hope that someday you will become my brother in Christ, my dad in the faith." We parted in smiles, hugs and tears.  

 

      I really believe one day we will hear that Armando has decided to follow Jesus. He is like Cornelius from Acts 10. He is a good person who still needs Jesus. He is a person of peace and the ripple effects from him deciding to follow Jesus are exciting to consider. Would you pray with me to that end right now?  

 

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To God be the glory,

Casey