Counting the Cost - Heart for the Hurt

1, 2, 3 ... 109 ... 135 - this is me counting the cost of what it physically means to follow the heart of Jesus into the Amazon if I count the mosquito bites on only one half of my leg with repellent on!!

We knew we arrived in the Amazon when we could feel mosquitoes bite us through our clothes before reaching the terminal! And because of the extreme heat that covers you like a thick blanket.

We met with the missionaries at the YWAM base near Manaus. They live right next to the HUGE Amazon River :)
They have already been here on the base for 25years. It all started with 2 people taking a canoe to the river villages and the tribes there, so that they could spread Jesus to those so lost in religion, most of whom are catholic even if they've never been to a church in their entire life or spiritualists because of their Indian ancestors.
Their mission and vision at the moment is to disciple the people of these rural villages. In order to do this effectively they wish to build more houses on their grounds to accommodate at least 1 family from each village. Then, to teach and disciple them and send them back to do the same in their original village with the people there. All of these people are either caught up in religion where the Holy Spirit plays no part in their lives or in traditional sacrifices and rituals past down from generation to generation.

What touched my heart the most though - was the orphanage and school they started.

As most of the tribes or "river people" do not know how to read or write it also makes it difficult for them to read the Bible and be able to sustain what God has done for them once giving their hearts to Christ and therefore the school was started.

The orphanage is for all the children who ,not only are abandoned, but who's circumstances at home is so bad that they can not live there any longer. Currently there are 15 children living there. Most of these beautiful children come from homes that they were sexually or physically abused or neglected. A lot of the sexual abuse is part of the Indian culture!! And some children are even sold or hired to other men in the market places! Horrifying stories of children given to parents who were suppose to take care of them, love them, teach them about God...

This just broke my heart and I wept before the Lord on their behalf. Seeking God's heart to receive specific word for each child and praying that God would bring freedom and healing to every child in these circumstances.
I was just reminded of the passion that God has placed so specifically in my heart for this ministry with children. Here is where chains can be broken and instead of children growing up into "dysfunctional adults" who repeat what was done to them and live in captivity and darkness - I can share Jesus with them. Jesus - the only One who can heal, restore and counsel. The only One who can shine His beautiful light that illuminates every dark root and lie of the devil so that the truth of His LOVE can set the captives FREE!!!!

We prayed for every teacher and every person who work with these children. Most of them are not qualified to work with children like this as we think of qualification, but thank God for His Holy Spirit who qualifies us with His insight and wisdom!! We prayed not only for grace and strength, but for discernment, love and patience in how to handle every child and the story that comes with each one.

We went, we learned, we loved and were loved and my heart has been captured by the most beautiful little hearts I've ever seen. :)

And counting the cost - WOW! These missionaries left everything to share Jesus with people who might or might not accept Him as theirs.. That is truly counting the cost!