We were invited to go to the Belo Monte Dam project so that we could start weekly church services. The Belo Monte is a hydroelectric dam complex that will be third largest in the world and is currently under construction on the Xingu River (more pictures below). The first night of church service had a nice turnout. Many people from many denominations came to celebrate and praise God. Everyone was so happy because they had not frequented church on the complex for some time because they just finished building the church. We were the first ones to have church in their new building. Pastor Athila spoke and when asked if anyone would like prayer, almost everyone came up. The Spirit of God was present and we are praying for continued success. Please join us in that prayer.
This month the church went to the river and held a baptism. There were several people that got baptized and the presence of the Lord was touching people. I really love watching people getting baptized along the river. First, I like the public testimony that it gives to people in the community. Second, I love that during the baptism the church is along the river singing and worshiping God. Lastly, the symbolism of letting the person be completely immersed in water being baptized into Jesus’ death on the cross and no longer being slaves to self or sin. When they are raised out of the water they are raised into a new life in Christ and are with Him forever. Praise the Lord and may His transforming power be upon each of them and us daily.
On a personal note and somewhat embarrassing for me, I had a birthday, and our friends at our cell group had a surprise birthday party. Unfortunately, it cannot be a just a little get together to eat cake and talk with friends. No, they always need to take it to the next level. Below they dressed me up and gave me a mustache with eye liner. Such fun….Not….I guess I should be happy that they did not break any eggs over my head.
We went to a local creek to get some relief from the heat. The water was so cool and refreshing and we had a nice time. The girls found this vine that was converted into a swing, however, it did not swing very high but it was fun for them. These are the some of the benefits of being in the Amazon basin.
We want to thank you for all your prayers for my Dad. He is now at home and recovering well. The nurses at the hospital were impressed on how fast he has been recovering. The power of so many prayers! Once he is recovered from the surgery, he will begin radiation treatments to make sure that all of the cancer cells are destroyed. Thanks for your continued prayers for my Dad, Mike Dolan. Below is a picture of my brother Jay, Marty and my Dad.
Please continue to pray for spiritual, physical, and emotional health for us.
Love and blessings, Steve, Elba, Camilly and Alyssa
Tax deductible donations can be written and sent to:
The Xingu Mission
P.O Box 340785
Columbus, Ohio 43234
Or On-line donations at:
The Belo Monte hydroelectric dam will be the third largest in the world. I guess the Discovery Channel came here to do an episode of Megabuilders (I think that is what they call it). The area pictured below is just one sliver of the total project.
