New frontiers?

First, lunch news.

This is typical comida mineira or food from the state of Minas Gerais. It is food that was created to sustain the hard life of those who worked in the mines back in the 18th century. Much of the gold and precious stones that we associate with Brazil came from the state of Minas Gerais (which in English means "general mines") It is a heavy, stick-to-the-ribs kind of food that you wouldn't eat before swimming lest you sink to the bottom of the pool! =)

And yes, that's deep-fried pork rinds sitting on top of a blend of rice, beef, linguiça and couve (mustard greens). With two fried bananas circling the top. And yes, I passed on those rinds!

I'm pictured here with Fred from a Nikkei church in São Bernardo do Campo on the outskirts of São Paulo city. As I think about the contacts I made on my first trip to Brazil in 1990, Fred has been another colleague with whom I have maintained friendship and ministry partnership. It was Fred who, in a February 2008 meeting with Rev Sam and Dr Matt in São Paulo, spoke of the possibility of ministry in Macau.

Some exciting changes are in store for Fred as he shared today his intention to go for his PhD at the prestigious University of São Paulo (USP), and in three to four years, move with his entire family to serve the Lord in Macau.

In the meantime, this coming Sunday, he and his family will formally begin a new church association with a Taiwanese church in São Paulo. His intention is to learn the Cantonese language in anticipation of their future move. That will be very exciting for him.

What does that mean?

It means that Fred may be able to provide us with a future partnership with the Taiwanese church in São Paulo. He has indicated that he will investigate over the next six months their openness to this idea.

It also means that the opportunities for ministry in Macau are looking very bright as we will have a strong contact in place in just a few years. JEMS also has (or rather, I have) a good Nikkei friend who is currently serving as a missionary in Macau. The family has been officially sanctioned by a Nikkei Christian denomination here in Brazil, therefore providing JEMS with access to collaboration with them.

In the near future, we trust and pray that God will open doors allowing us to send a survey/study team to Macau to determine how JEMS can best serve the community there.

So yes, lunch meetings can be very productive! Please also remember to pray for Fred and his family as they face new challenges ahead!