Monday, May 28, 2007

Bienvenidos a Argentina

Wow, this blogging thing is actually a lot of work. I finally have some time today, after a weekof travelling, sight seeing, intense conversations and nuch lack of sleep to send you an update. I am currently in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, population 20 million- small considering the greater Sao Paulo area of Brazil has 32 million. These cities are huge. Even Rio is large, at about 12 million. Argentina is nice- at least what we have seen of it. It is the beginning of winter here, the leaves are falling off the trees, the parrots are making a rucous in the trees and last night the temperature dropped to zero- yeah, its cold. We came here from Buzios, as my previous update briefly indicated, which is a quaint little resort down 2 1/2 hours down the coast from Rio. There, we went swimming, surfing, and took a three hour boat tour (but did not get shipwrecked). We spent the better part of 24 hours traveling to Argentina, and arrived on Saturday early afternoon. We took an easy day of mostly eating and resting, then went out for a city tour and a coffee.

Sunday was interesting- I went to a Protestant service, which I think was more Anglican, but I was able to understand at least in part the sermon. In the evening, we gathered as a group to pray, sing, and read Scripture. Eacj person took turns opening the Bible and reading the passage they opened to, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide each person and to apply each passage to the individual. It is kinda hard to explain the process in a few words, but I hope you get the gist of it. To me this idea was kind a wierd at first, but once we began, the Spirit really hit home with almost everyone, and the passages that were randomly chosen spoke loudly and clearly to many of us. There were times when some were touched to tears, and I was as well at some of the passages speaking so relevantly and clearly to people. However, I still have this nagging feeling that these seeds that were sown will be readily and esily plucked away. Please, please, pray for these people that are on this trip with me, myself included, that Gods Word will bear much fruit in our lives, and have seving effect in the hearts of those here who do not yet know him.

Tomorrow evening we begin our return trip to Brazil, then I will be off to Peru for a week. I miss you all very much- there is much comaraderie here and I am having a good time, but at the same time I miss the spiritual food I receive being under the Reformed preaching of the word and in conversation with Gods people. I will soon be needing to really recharge my spiritual batteries. See you all soon!





At one of the beaches in Buzios


Our retreat house in Buenos Aires- this is actually the house of the Arch Bishop of Buenos Aires which is rented out by the Christian Life Movement



Me and a boy named Lucas, a grade 1 student at a school we visited.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Quick update

All is well!!!! Wednesday we are heading up the coast to Buzios for a vacation (lol), and will be flying to Argentina on Saturday. If there is any news, pleased email me at glen.slinger@gmail.com. Praise God for the riches of His grace!! See y all soon.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Welcome to Brazil

Hey, all. I actually only have a few minutes to say all is well. The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are very beautiful. I think that I sweat off about ten pounds in the last two days- working hard carying sand, stones, and cement up 5 flights +/- to a community center, where we there have to mix concrete for the floor by hand; so, yes, I am very tired.

Unfortunately, I cannot access a USB port so there will be no pix this time. The group dynamic is great, and I am deepening relationships with old friends as well as building new ones (and yes, Cole, Mr. Larry is here with me- thaanks for asking dude!) God has given me opportunities to talk with people on a deeper level, and also to be open about my life and the grace He has shown to as well as the result this has had on my relationships. We have done some group activities to increase the depth of communication between people, and I would ask that you pray that the Lord would fill me with a boldness to show the greatness of His person in these opportunities.

People are yeling at me to go, so I have to sign off. Until then, I miss you all.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Hola from Costa Rica

Hey amigos! Praise God for the safety He gave to get us all here. The weather is very humid. The raint season has just begun and it has rained every afternoon. Friday we had 5 one hour lectures, which was pretty intense for the brain.


In the evening we wwent to a BBQ for us with members of the Christian Life Movement. There we met a young Australian guy named Sam Clear. He is walking around the world praying for unity in the Body of Christ. So far he has walked over 3000 km, starting in Brazil. He faced much hostility in Venezuela, even having a shutgun in his face on 2 occasions. We met him today as well, and prayed together with him. Unfortunately, I do not have his website to post a link, but feel free to google him. I would like to ask you all to consider this matter in your prayers as well.


















Sam (my right) in prayer for Christian unity


Today we went to the Paos Vulcano, which was prety cool. We also went to a waterfall, and toured a coffee plantation. It was a great day! (Sorry, I am on limited time here, so more later!) Ciao.

















What a dude!















Vulcano Paos












Coffee plant

Monday, May 7, 2007

Birthday Bash!

Saturday was a crazy busy day for many individuals who helped out around the Van Dyk residence, in preparation for the party. Many thanks to all who helped out in various ways: Erik, Rachel, Brian, Julie, Mike, Greg, Josh, Heather, Renee, Rebecca, Jeanette, Eric (sorry if I forgot anyone!)











Erik and Josh building a deck around the pond!











Look at those pipes!











We had a great turnout for the B-B-Q . . .











over 80 people!



































A little grease goes a long way!












Many thanks to all who donated to the oral hygiene campaign. The grand total to date is:
85 tubes of toothpaste
165 small tubes of toothpaste
145 toothbrushes
plus: dental floss, bandages, pencils, etc.
AND: about 50 lbs of pain killers compliments of The Medicine Shoppe!












Special thanks to Lois, Esther, Naomi, and Julia for their special donations!


I am awed and very grateful for your support, your friendship and your prayers. Our God truly is an awesome God! I look forward to seeing you all again, the Lord willing, in June!

Welcome!

Hola Amigos! As promised, here is my blog. I hope to keep all of you informed as to my comings and goings over the next few years, beginning with my mission trips to Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina and Peru, as well as my studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. Please keep me in your prayers. Hope you enjoy the adventure!