Brazil day 10

The work is finally finished here in Brazil. My interpreter, Renata (pronounced Heh-nah-tah) breathed an enormous sigh of relief. I have never preached with an interpreter, and while that makes it tough for me, I'm certain she's the one suffering most from my lack of experience.

Tonight in particular was a difficult message, I'm sure. I wanted so badly to encourage the church here, and the way I know to do that is to teach them who they are in Christ and show them what God has given them. I have tried to keep the number of scripture passages in a message down to three or four, but tonight I think I at least doubled that. Sorry, Renata.

Of the seven interpreters on our team, I think she was on stage the most, since at every service, no matter who was preaching, I was singing, and she had to come up with me. These seven ladies have done tremendous work this week. They not only interpret, but in homes and other ministry situations, they often minister from their own hearts as the Spirit leads.

I should also mention the sacrifices these young women have made to be a part of this ministry. All of them are giving up vacation time from their regular jobs in the Rio area. I can't remember if they're paid, but it's not much if anything. They do it because they love Jesus. Renata was married just three months ago, and has been away from her husband now for nine days...if you've ever been a newlywed, you know that's an eternity.

Our interpreters are women of God and they are heroes to all of us on the team. There's no way we will ever be able to thank them enough, but I thought it would be appropriate to mention them here at least. Thank God for servants who don't care who gets the credit!