The vision of Abide Brazil Ministries has always been to encourage Brazilian leaders to lead while enjoying a barrier-free relationship with the True Vine, Jesus Christ. From the beginning we have believed this kind of leadership teaching and influence can only happen if busy leaders stop their normal level of effort and get quiet enough to hear about a better way of leading.
For this reason we have searched for a place to meet with pastors in a mountain city about an hour from where we live. The original idea was to own a bed and breakfast location or invest in a camp property where accomodations for couples could be added. The cost of developing and maintaining such a facility has always been the sticking point.
Now the Lord has seen fit to team Abide Brazil ministries with an already existing camp facility with a proven track record for caring and encouraging leaders. The EBENEZER camp led by Josmar and Mariza has agreed to do several remarkable things to help Abide Brazil begin to influence and bless leaders. (Check out their website in portuguese at acampamento.com.br)
First, they have agreed to develop more apartments for couples on the camp property. Abide Brazil will partner in the fundraising for these apartments but the main investment will be from the camp owners and their supporters. Second, the camp has offered Abide Brazil the use of a home on the camp property. This home will be remodeled and furnished by Abide Brazil Ministries at a cost of about $17,000.00 and will be used rent and maintenance free for at least 4 years.
The home sits at the main entrance to the camp and will give the ministry two offices, a conference room and a meeting area for up to 8 couples. The meeting area will be built on as an addition to the existing house and is included in the $17,000.00 cost.
The house is over 70 years old and was once used a part of a hospital complex run by evangelical churches to help patients battle tuberculosis in the 1930's and 1940's. Now the house will help heal souls!
The fundraising for this project is our number one priority as we come to the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. Renting and maintaining this space would cost far more than the $17,000.00 remodel costs to update the house. The camp directors are allowing Abide Brazil to use these facilities because they believe in the abide message and they, too, believe the time is right to influence an entire generation of Brazilian leaders.
Now is the time to act on this great opportunity. Donations for this project can be sent to International Bible Baptist Church
17701 N.W. 57th Av. Miami, FL. 33055. Be sure to make checks payable to the church and clearly designate the gift---Camp Remodel Abide Brazil. All gifts are tax deductable.
You can make a difference right now in Brazil. We need your help and so do Brazilian leaders.
(click on photos to enlarge.)
