Steve & Armando deeply appreciate your prayers during our ministry in Brazil from August 5-10 including your prayers for…
+The Logistics- God guided and helped in all of the planning details for the retreat!
+Travel to the site- Everyone arrived safe, sound, and ready for what God had for us!
+For Spiritual Refreshment— Our pursuing Father did indeed use this retreat in deeply refreshing ways in the hearts of those who attended. When the attenders heard that those who support BTS and covered the costs of the retreat were also praying for them, they were both amazed & grateful. Below are some heartfelt words (translated into English) that the participants wanted to express to those who prayed for this gathering in Brazil…
A photo of the group as all were saying, ‘Goodbye for now’
“From the moment the possibility of this retreat arose, God’s hand was evident. It did not even begin with us—we were simply informed about this gift, this time of refreshment from God for His children. It was an answer from the Almighty, as always, at the perfect time.
The retreat was an excellent opportunity to grow closer together as a family and as God’s people. It reminded us and convinced us even more that there is victory in our ability to give and receive love—from God and from one another.
Through every word, every activity, and every moment, God was teaching us: ‘Walk with Me, love, rest in Me, and I will take care of the rest.’
It truly was a time of refreshment for both our souls and our bodies. May God abundantly bless everyone whom He moved and used to make all of this possible.” -Yosbany
“This retreat impacted my life and my family in a profound way.
First, I learned that there are no borders or barriers for God. He is God, He knows how to reach His children at exactly the right moment, and He uses those who are willing to serve.
Second, I understood that our Father never loses His personal and thoughtful way of caring for us as His children.
Third, I was reminded that His Word continues to be the guide for our lives, especially in moments when we do not yet understand what is happening.
This retreat was an OASIS.” -Yilenis (wife of Yosbany)
“Blessings, my brothers and sisters. The retreat was a great blessing in my life. It was an impactful and unforgettable experience. God reminded us that we need to rest in Him, no matter what circumstances may come into our lives. As human beings, we often have thoughts and worries.
One of the things that was especially meaningful to me was the teaching about the New Commandment. Sometimes we think we are loving God, but we fail to look around us. When we love our brothers and sisters, pray for one another, and support each other, we are demonstrating true love for God.” -Adriel
“The retreat impacted my life in a wonderful way. This experience became an important part of my spiritual life, drawing me closer to God and to my brothers and sisters. God always surprises us, sometimes even when we feel undeserving!
I thank God because this retreat was deeply blessed and something I had longed for. God used this time in my heart to help me realize that without Him, we are nothing. In God, we are new creations, transformed by His Holy Spirit. I also realized that without the help of our brothers and sisters, we cannot move forward. We need one another and must support each other.
Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” His Word says it clearly—it is about being together! And His presence will always be with us.
May the Lord continue to be the center of my life and help me remain the faithful servant He desires me to be. May God bless every member of this team who made this retreat such a time of great blessing in our lives. God bless you always.” -Danay (wife of Adriel)
“For me, the retreat was a time of refreshment in the midst of a very difficult season. Before the retreat, I was feeling that God had been good to our family throughout the process and the pain (of our loss), but somehow I felt that I didn’t deserve His love—that I hadn’t done enough or been brave enough. But when I was asked to read Jeremiah 31:3, I felt as though God was saying to me, ‘I love you. I always have, and I have not left you alone. You don’t need to prove anything to Me. I know you. Let Me take care of you.’ ” -Reina
“This beautiful retreat was a very special experience in our lives because we were able to experience God’s love for us once again. The Lord reminded us that He is the One who gives the reward, and that we should not look back but keep moving forward. He is with us and will never abandon us. God truly is good all the time, and all the time God is good…to those who seek Him in spirit and in truth. My dear brothers and sisters, may God richly bless you.”
-Vladimir & Ada
Several times, Armando and Steve helped with the children while the parents encouraged one another in their sharing groups with other adults.
The crew took a walk down the street from the retreat center to enjoy a buffet meal together!
