December Amazon Update! Steve and Elba Dolan

Praise the Lord the church continues to see new converts and disciples of Jesus Christ.  Below are pictures of baptisms that we held during our worship services over the last weeks.  One of the baptisms was not scheduled.  The man in the last picture received Christ and in his excitement wanted to be baptized.  We still had water in the baptismal from the week before and so we had a spontaneous baptism.  Many people stayed around to celebrate his new birth in Christ as he was washed from his old self into his new identity in Christ.  Please pray for these new converts. 

This month we had Beth Wood from Canada come to Altamira.   After working in inner city contexts in Canada for a number of years, Beth spent 7 years in Brazil mentoring and training in local-church based community development ministries. With her colleague Maurício J.S. Cunha she co-authored the book “The Kingdom Among Us” which was published in Portuguese in Brazil in 2003.  Beth came to share a biblical and Brazilian perspective on the transformation which can occur when local churches actively pursue the fullness of the Kingdom of God in their poor communities.  We were very pleased to have her because we are already working in this capacity through the church and CDR.  We invited many of the church leaders throughout the community in the hopes of them catching onto to that same vision. The time that they spent together was very productive and we hope more fruit will be produced as the church continues to be good news to the community, and bridge the gap of the lost so that Jesus can reach more into their hearts.

I just wanted to let everyone know that all is safe and sound with our new power rangers in the house.  You do not want to be caught on the opposite end of their powerful swords, unless you go to the local amusement park and ride the Viking boat that swings you up and down.  Now that was scary!

Again, we pray that you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  God bless you! 

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:

https://xingu.org/opportunities/giving/dolan-ministries/

Terry Price found this boa constrictor outside the mission.  We got the opportunity to pet it. 

November Amazon Update! Steve and Elba Dolan

This month was really exciting because we participated in a conference with Marc Marx called "Healing on the Streets" (HOTS).   HOTS was launched out of Causeway Coast Vineyard in Colerain Ireland on Easter of 2005. Adopted by many churches the Healing on the Streets model is spreading around the world. It's a gentle, non-confrontational way of connecting with people on the streets of our cities and introducing them to Jesus.  The conference was really good and I even received a healing.  (Read below)

After the conference we put our training into practice and hit the streets.  We went to a busy part of the city, and the city traffic cops blocked the road so that we could put chairs and ask people if they needed prayer for healing.  We prayed for so many people and they were healed.  We also helped lead them into a loving relationship with Jesus.  The most verifiable healing came to Lica (1^st picture).  Lica was in a horrible motorbike wreck and she broke many bones.  She was bedridden for many months.  She has been on the mend but it has been a slow process.  Her hand still had a broken bone that was clearly visible and had little mobility.  The doctors told her that they would need to re-break and reset it again.  She sat down, and the team started praying.  Christopher Meyer put his hand on top of hers and he felt the bones moving back and forth.  After they ended prayer the bone that was extruding from her hand came down significantly and she had about 90% of her movement again.  Praise the Lord!

The girls continue to do well.  However, Alyssa wanted so badly to give Camilly a gift, and actually, Camilly wanted to receive the gift with great eagerness.  Well she got…Chicken Pox…. and she was not happy.  We always need to be careful what we ask for.  Alyssa is learning how to play the flute.  She is learning Christmas songs like O Holy Night, and Jingle Bells.  She has pretty much mastered the songs.  Both Camilly and Alyssa would like to play songs for us during Christmas.  Camilly on the keyboard, and Alyssa on the flute.

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:

http://www.xingu.org/14d_dolan_donation.html

My healing came in the form of a leg growth.  I always knew I had one leg shorter than the other because of x-rays and confirmation by Chiropractors.  One of the other missionaries, Jen, also had the same problem and her leg grew.  Athila (the Central Senior Pastor) started pushing me to sit down to see if I would get a healing.  Out of embarrassment I sat down.  There were about 40 people surrounding me, and I was nervous.  I mean, what if nothing happened.  Marc grabbed my legs and confirmed what I already knew.  He started praying and I felt something pulling my leg, I looked at my leg because I thought he was the one pulling it.  However, his hands were not even close to my calf.  Then I saw my leg grow, and everyone gasped so loudly.  It was amazing.  Afterwards, I started walking on it and it felt so weird because I was landing so much quicker.  What an amazing experience….I still questioned if it really happened….but in the end, I know God touched me, and many others.  Pr. Athila after seeing what happened with me, jumped into the seat immediately so that God would heal him….He did.   

Elba's sister Elbaleine was in the hospital and Elba went to be there with her and to pray for her.  During her time with her sister another woman came in with a terribly swollen and infected foot.  Elba felt God tugging on her to go and pray for her and she did.  Once she started praying she heard bones cracking and then the lady's swelling was gone and she had complete mobility.  She was so amazed at the power of prayer that she asked Elba to put her hands on her head because in her words "my life is a mess".  Elba then shared God's love for her and the lady left the hospital.  After her visit with her sister, Elba left the hospital and saw the lady that she prayed for outside talking to a bunch of people and she started screaming "there's the lady with the holy hands".  This was so embarrassing for Elba and she reaffirmed that it was not her but Jesus that healed her.  Elba also prayed for her sister, and nothing happened and she is still not well.  These are the things that are difficult because one person gets a healing, and another does not.  But should we give up?  No, we need to keep pressing in, and just keep praying. 

October Amazon Update!

As promised from our last email updated I wanted to share about CDR.  CDR, our non-governmental organization has continued it’s focused on social service outreaches throughout the community and assisting the underprivileged, plus helping people come into a deeper relationship with Jesus.  This month we had a free dental clinic at CDR for one week.  We had 2 dentists and 3 helpers from our sister church in Brasilia come to Altamira to help people in the community get free dental treatment.  It was such a blessing to the community.  Many people just could not believe how professional and nice they were treated.  We converted one of the school rooms into the dental clinic and they served over 100 people with 267 procedures just in our city alone.  In addition, we did fluoride treatments for 226 children, as well a clinic to teach the children how to care for their teeth. 

The following week the dentists headed out by boat to treat people living on the river.  They converted the boat, and even the church into a dental clinic to serve the needs of the people.  The dental needs along the river were very severe.  They were able to treat 110 people with over 250 procedures done.  Most of the procedures done were teeth extractions.  Of the over 250 procedures, there were a total of 141 teeth extracted.  OUCH!  This is due to people along the river not having good access to healthcare, and dental accessories.  The dentists were desperate to save their teeth but they were too far gone.  We had one gentlemen get 15 teeth pulled.  In addition, we did fluoride treatments for 181 children plus taught them and the adults how to care for their teeth.  After the dental services, the team had the opportunity to share God’s word and pray for people. 

One of our English classes taught by Cleide learned a worship song called “No place than I rather be”.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnGmsk46b0w Please check it out it is only 1:36.  We think that they did a pretty good job.  We hope you think so as well. 

The girls are doing great.  We were very blessed to have my twin sister Lynn come and visit.  She helped out tremendously with the dental team and it was so nice to have her here with us.  She really enjoyed her time here getting to know everyone.   She loved every moment, except for the cockroaches (almost all the houses here have them…including ours) and all the other little crawling things.  It was sad to see her leave.L  Here is a picture of Camilly getting her teeth cleaned.  She is being comforted by Alyssa and Hanna.  Alyssa has chicken pox and by the grace of God is doing well. 

It is with a sad heart that we write about the death of my niece last Saturday, Caitlin Dolan.  She was found in the bathroom not breathing because of an overdose of heroin.  The doctors did everything that they could but she did not survive.  We are completely shocked by her death.  Please pray for my brother, Kris, Michelle (Mom), Courtney (sister) and Nick (brother).  I cannot even imagine how they must be feeling.  They will be having the showing this Wednesday October 15^th and the funeral on Thursday.  Please also pray for our whole family, it has not been an easy year.  Caitlin was an organ donor and she donated many of her organs to help others in need. 

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:

http://www.xingu.org/14d_dolan_donation.html

Water fight. 

September Amazon Update!

Anderson has spent most of his life working on farms taking care of cattle, breaking horses, going to rodeos, traveling extensively, and drinking a lot.  A rough and tough lifestyle.  He has been running this lifestyle all the while being married, and having two daughters.  His wife Roseanne has been raising a family like a single parents throughout this whole time.  It has been very tough for their family and for the children.  When he does finally come home his little children do not even acknowledge him.  Roseanne has such a giving, servant heart and has been very faithful to him and their family.  She serves at the church faithfully, and prays for her husband regularly.  Last month, while he was in town, he came to church and heard the good news of Jesus Christ.  He responded by accepting God into his life, and there were lots of tears throughout the congregation, especially Roseanne.  This is an answer to prayer, and it is Anderson’s desire to change his ways and get focused on the important things in life.  Please pray for Anderson and his family that he will overcome the many challenges that face him and that he will refocus his priorities to the Lord and his family.  As well as the other lives being surrendered over to the Lord. 

 

 

A couple of years ago Brazil started the work at Belo Monte to create the 3^rd largest hydroelectric dam in the world.  It is massive.  Our somewhat little sleepy town was essentially turned upside down trying to accommodate the huge influx of people.  This has presented many challenges and opportunities.  During this time we have had the honor to meet new people and help guide them into a relationship with God.  There has been much fruit and just the other night we drove about 60 kilometers to participate in one of our home groups at the job site.  The home group had lots of people in attendance new and old.  The leader is passionate about helping people come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  Elba had the opportunity to share and during the prayer time it felt like God was touching people’s hurts, losses, and health. 

 

In these communities where the workers and their families live, there are no churches.  We are so fortunate for the Lord’s favor to be able to have some home churches to the over 10,000 people that live in this area.  Please pray for more continued favor, and expansion of the home churches. 

 

 

The family is doing well.  Elba enjoyed her trip back to the States especially since it was not freezing.  She sent us pictures of her eating Donatos pizza which was not a loving act.  We tried to send her pictures of us eating rice and beans but it had no effect.J The girls are doing well.  CDR started teaching keyboard to anyone who is interested.  Camilly jumped at the opportunity and she is loving it.  Pictured below is Camilly learning how to play, and read musical notes with her teacher, Apolana.  Alyssa was playing hockey in the house.  She found a stick, a snorkel, and a ball and she was set to go.  Here is a picture of her worship and praying to Jesus. 

 

 

Please continue to pray for our spiritual, and emotional health.  Also, please pray for an outreach that we are doing right now with our sister church in Brasilia.  They brought some dentist here to serve the needy, and will be going out on the river to serve the people of the community.  Please pray that it will go well and that people would draw closer to God through their acts of faithfulness.  I will write more on the next monthly email. 

 

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:

http://www.xingu.org/14d_dolan_donation.html

 

August Amazon Update!

This month we were blessed to have 2 short term mission teams come and minister from The Vineyard Church of Delaware County and the Vineyard Cleveland.  It was such a joy to have them here on so many levels.  It is a challenge to write this month’s email because it is very difficult to quantify and give full justice to the blessing of each of the teams. 

The Vineyard Church of Delaware County came and we spent time visiting several river communities in the Portel area.  After their time on the river they lead a vacation bible school in the city.  Richie Bouthillier just started a church in Portel and this was the first time that we got to do some church services along the river.  It was really awesome.  During the day we played soccer with the people of the community to create friendships, and then in the evening we had a church service.  The places that we held the service were very simple, but the presence of the Lord was alive and strong.  We saw some people be healed, and give their lives to the Lord.   Praise the Lord!

The team from The Vineyard Church of Cleveland ministered to people along the Xingu River.  After their time on the river the team led a two day evangelistic conference at one of our churches along the Transamazon highway called Brasil Novo.  This was such a special blessing to the church and the surrounding community.  During the day we made house to house visits inviting people to come to the church service.  We also had the opportunity to pray for people in their homes and we were received well by almost all the houses.  During the ministry time at church people were being healed spiritually, mentally, and physically.  After the conference, the team continued their travels of more than 320 miles along the dusty and rough roads of the Transamazon Highway so they could minister to our churches in Uruará, and Santarem.  These guys were real troopers and the Lord not only used the team to bless others, but I believe the team was incredibly blessed throughout their whole time here. 

The pastor in Santarem was so touched because of the teams visit because during the ministry time God used one of the team leader to impart some very precious words to him.  He felt so uplifted and encouraged that he said that he would not have traded this time with the team for any treasure here on this earth.  Are you interested in going on a short term mission team or bringing down a team from your church?  Would you like to come and work side by side with the church?  We have so many opportunities and places you can come to minister.  Write me back and let’s talk. 

Here are some family pictures.  Elba celebrated a birthday on the 18^th of July.  We got a good picture of Camilly with this wood carved image of an Indian.  Alyssa got to feed some fish literally by hand.

Please continue to pray for our spiritual, and emotional health. 

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:

http://www.xingu.org/14d_dolan_donation.html

If you do come down to Brazil, you might not want to come during your birthday.  Terry from the Cleveland team got the Brazilian egg and flour treatment.  Happy Birthday Terry.  Thanks for being such a great sport.  Missionary Allison Rupert loved every moment.