Fernanda, Fernando, Felipe
Exuberance characterized our New Year with Fernanda and Fernando from Brazil flying in on Christmas day followed by Br. Felipe native to Brazil and living at his mission base in Jamaica, West Indies for ten years. We gathered in Kevin and Karen's dining room in Wading River. Logs crackled in the fireplace. Karen lit candles on the table and mantle creating a golden atmosphere that reflected my inner sense of God's glory surrounding us. Fernanda speaks mostly Portuguese, so Fernando and Felipe translated, flipping between languages. The conversation turned toward Bridge for Peace Brazil.
"What we have to offer Brazil," Felipe said, "is an ecumenical body ministry." Felipe's gift for conceptualizing and articulating the heart of Bridge for Peace was shining out, lighting a path so others might walk it. Bridge for Peace body ministry consists of seekers who wait on the Lord, worshipping, sharing what they hear, whether through scripture, prophetic word or dramatization, sharing revelation, praying in the Holy Spirit, and discerning their next step communally.
Fernanda asked "What basics do we need to begin?" Then answering her own question, she spoke swiftly, as though bursting with Holy Spirit inspiration. She began laying out their plan, suggesting a time frame, Portuguese words tumbled out of her mouth! Fernando waved his hands as he translated, adding his insights. They planned to transform their attic space to house Bridge for Peace. They would begin as Ed and I began, using what God has given.
Amid all of the excitement, I felt the world stop for a moment. The Lord was smiling at me in a knowing way, nodding, saying, "You see now? You see?" I looked at the young eager faces across the table. Their eyes sparkled with clarity and a love for the Lord and I saw that we were again at the beginning. At the beginning of what Rev. Vincent Muhindo from Uganda calls the 6 billion project. I uttered to myself Vincent's New Year prayer, God's strength be with you until all hearts are bridged.
Certainly, Bridge for Peace has been a work of grace, not a dream Ed and I had, but a walk of obedience. As we heard, we did. Listening to the Brazilian's inspired plans, I knew this trio would drink from God's cup of joy, as joy is the charism of Bridge for Peace. I saw struggles ahead for them and had peace even in that knowing, because as they face each battle with prayer, the Holy Spirit will teach and strengthen them.
Felipe, Fernanda and Fernando lift high God's torch piercing the darkness of an oppressed world with a brilliant flame. The flame is Christ, and lettered in gold on the torch handle is the name Bridge for Peace. Bridge for Peace is God's physical instrument that can be touched and taken hold of by those in despair. The Triple Fire Team, Felipe, Fernanda and Fernando, takes us to "Higher Fire" through their passion for Christ and obedience to His call. Lead on, Fernando, Fernanda and Felipe, lead on!
January 1, 2011
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