A message from Susan R. -
We traveled through the night and landed at a town that was hit by floods. The water covered some of the houses and left many of them uninhabitable. As we were driving through, we could see where the river came to the tops of the trees in some areas. People had to move further inland due to the destruction from the floods. Prayers are needed for those who lost their houses.
We did ministry and vacation bible school while in the village. There was a doctor on board from Bolivia who was assisted by Jayanne and Marcia. Jan and I worked the medical part as well.
There is a huge problem with parasites here, so we are giving them medication for that. We are especially concerned for a teenage boy who has stomach pain and they fear the worms are going into his liver. They are very poor and they are very happy to see us. We had a time of worship with them and the group is getting along very well. They especially like Margie and her puppet show.
We are going to another town in the morning. There are supposed to be more ill people there, but hopefully it’s not too, too bad.
The weather is hot and humid, but is about what we expected. The nights are just gorgeous and riding on the boat when the sunset is hitting is beautiful. We are really enjoying seeing the scenery along the river and all the trees. The hosts on the boat are exceptional!
That’s all for today. We will check in again tomorrow.
Posted by Sarah Leemon
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Floating Down the Negro River!
A message from Margie -
It's very, very late (12:45 am) and we are on the boat and going down the Negro River. We thought we were going to be on the Amazon, but we're on the Negro, which runs into the Amazon and is actually a cleaner river. We are feeling great and doing great so far. We will be arriving at the first village tomorrow morning. We had a great day today in Manaus and got to do a little sightseeing and then had worship at the Presbyterian church at 5:00.
We are now taking showers and getting ready for bed. We will have our first full day of work tomorrow. Breakfast is at 7:00 am and devotions are at 7:30. We will take our lunch at noon and then have a two hour break before getting back to work. There will be medical, vacation bible school and construction work going on.
The boat is wonderful and we actually have air conditioning in the little cabins that we share.
A message from Susan R. -
We had an awesome time in Manaus and got to shop at a market and bought some local native things. We are just in awe that we are in Brazil. It's a phenominal place! The roads are really bumpy and the drivers are crazy! We thought they were going to run off the road a million times on the road to the boat. We're in the jungle and loving it!
Monday, June 29 (12:45 AM CST)
Posted by Sarah Leemon
It's very, very late (12:45 am) and we are on the boat and going down the Negro River. We thought we were going to be on the Amazon, but we're on the Negro, which runs into the Amazon and is actually a cleaner river. We are feeling great and doing great so far. We will be arriving at the first village tomorrow morning. We had a great day today in Manaus and got to do a little sightseeing and then had worship at the Presbyterian church at 5:00.
We are now taking showers and getting ready for bed. We will have our first full day of work tomorrow. Breakfast is at 7:00 am and devotions are at 7:30. We will take our lunch at noon and then have a two hour break before getting back to work. There will be medical, vacation bible school and construction work going on.
The boat is wonderful and we actually have air conditioning in the little cabins that we share.
A message from Susan R. -
We had an awesome time in Manaus and got to shop at a market and bought some local native things. We are just in awe that we are in Brazil. It's a phenominal place! The roads are really bumpy and the drivers are crazy! We thought they were going to run off the road a million times on the road to the boat. We're in the jungle and loving it!
Monday, June 29 (12:45 AM CST)
Posted by Sarah Leemon
Sunday, June 28, 2009
We Have Arrived!
God is good!
After a day of traveling over 3500 miles--we are in Manaus! It is 2:50am and we are getting ready for bed. Customs went perfectly--thank you for your prayers. We go into town tomorrow. We will worship with the church that runs the medical mission we will join tomorrow evening. We arrive at the boat tomorrow evening after worship for a week of service. Praising God for His faithfulness!
Love,
Margie and the Team
Posted by Sarah Leemon
After a day of traveling over 3500 miles--we are in Manaus! It is 2:50am and we are getting ready for bed. Customs went perfectly--thank you for your prayers. We go into town tomorrow. We will worship with the church that runs the medical mission we will join tomorrow evening. We arrive at the boat tomorrow evening after worship for a week of service. Praising God for His faithfulness!
Love,
Margie and the Team
Posted by Sarah Leemon
Friday, June 26, 2009
Brazil or Bust!
Well, our missions adventure is just about to really begin! Tomorrow, we all meet at O'Hare for this journey to begin. Jim and I just can't wait--and I know the Team is just as excited!
My good friend and volunteer, Sarah, will be updating this blog when she receives messages from me each day or so (if we receive satellite service in the area we will be in on the Amazon River). I'm so thankful that God has provided so many people to really be apart of this mission. Whether by prayer, supporting us financially or for those volunteering--so many that have helped us get to where we are going.......so much to be thankful for! :) Our Peace Church office has been awesome too--Adrienne keeping us organized with all the sponsorship receipts that had to be processed, Val with the updates, Ruth with the newsletter articles, Rhonda with the web blog and bulletin, and the Peace Missions Ministry, Tamara and Pastor Eric too--just praying and being there for us. We are so thankful for them!
Well, I still have to finish up some organizing/packing--so I better go.....but to whomever is reading this--THANK YOU! Keep us in your prayers and we'll be in touch to keep you updated on what God unfolds for us, each day, of this mission!
Love and peace,
Margie <><
My good friend and volunteer, Sarah, will be updating this blog when she receives messages from me each day or so (if we receive satellite service in the area we will be in on the Amazon River). I'm so thankful that God has provided so many people to really be apart of this mission. Whether by prayer, supporting us financially or for those volunteering--so many that have helped us get to where we are going.......so much to be thankful for! :) Our Peace Church office has been awesome too--Adrienne keeping us organized with all the sponsorship receipts that had to be processed, Val with the updates, Ruth with the newsletter articles, Rhonda with the web blog and bulletin, and the Peace Missions Ministry, Tamara and Pastor Eric too--just praying and being there for us. We are so thankful for them!
Well, I still have to finish up some organizing/packing--so I better go.....but to whomever is reading this--THANK YOU! Keep us in your prayers and we'll be in touch to keep you updated on what God unfolds for us, each day, of this mission!
Love and peace,
Margie <><
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A Beautiful Thursday Morning!
Well, as I write and I the sunshine is pouring in my window--I just can't believe the journey ahead of us! There are so many people that have been praying and supporting the team financially, assisting in fundraisers......it's just so humbling to see how much our friends and family came along this mission--and how much God orchestrated to make it possible! All I can say is WOW!
I'm off work today to finish up some things for the mission trip. I get to stop at church and get the last-minute financial details together. Our Peace Financial Assistant, Adrienne Taylor--has been amazing with keeping all our receipts together. Lots of wonderful gifts given to deposit and organize for this Brazil mission trip budget. Praising God for her this morning....and for heart for serving. She may not be going on this mission trip--but she certainly is instrumentally apart of it! Speaking of the financials, it's so exciting! God exceeded what we needed for this trip! We'll have a little extra to give to a person or family in need, once we are on the River. Each mission trip participant needed to raise $2,100 to cover airfare, food/lodging, vaccinations, to obtain their visa, mosquitto netting, etc. The cost increased by $100 because of vaccination costs--but God met that need. HE EXCEEDED THE NEED! It's just unbelievable to me. We are in a recession--but yet God made this trip and orchestrated all who He wanted to be on this trip. His economy is certainly not our economy!
I praise God too, for our Peace Missions Ministry--who approved this trip a year and a half ago. Who came along side me to encourage and equip me to present this opportunity to our church family. Our church to gave us the opportunity to do some really fun fundraisers--to assist the team in the costs for the mission trip. We were able to run the "Parking at Peace" at Fallfest last year--Jim and Janet Schaver were instrumental in letting us use their tent and worked the weekend to help make that event a success ($900 raised). Then we had the Spaghetti Supper--that Sue D'Ercole and Gwen Hoff led. It was so much fun--because of all their hard work of organzing all the important details. We actually ran out of food--because the crowd that came was unexpected--and the food was that good (over $1,500 was raised)! Wahoo! Our last fundraiser was the Pancake Breakfast--George Bender ran that event and provided some wonderful volunteers who worked away in the kitchen--and made it look so easy as they fed hundreds of people with the greatest of ease (over $1,800 raised)! God is so good! Just praising Him as I write as I see the journey He has taken this mission team on--as we prepared for this journey that is right in front of us now.
This will probably be my last blog to you--as our fantastic volunteer, Sarah Leemon, will be updating this blog daily for the mission team, beginning Saturday. Sarah is such a blessing to me. She not only volunteers two days a week at PASS--working with me on our events (you may have seen her at the Hike for Life--she did an amazing job running the prize drawing), but she is such a wonderful friend. She loves the Lord and loves to serve! Sarah and her husband DJ live in Frankfort township and they attend Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frankfort. Her pastor, Kevin Hahn introduced us this past winter--and we have been friends ever since! Isn't it neat how God gives us exactly what we need. It's such a blessing to have a good friend--brought into your life when you least expect it!
Well, I better get off to my chores for the day--as I organize things before this big journey. Praising God this morning for my Peace Church family, my PASS family--who encourages me and blesses me in the work I do, and for my friends and family. My life is rich because of who God has placed in it!
Thanks again for prayers and support. Please continue to keep the Brazil missions team in your prayers as they get things organized at home and at work so they can serve.
In our devotions--I came across Psalm 16:7-11 and would like to share the words that have encouraged and blessed me today:
"I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD walways before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presense, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."
God is so good--all the time! Have a blessed day!
Love,
Margie :)
Psalm 9:2
P.S.: We will have a satellite phone to use while we are on the field--to leave voice mail messages with Sarah to update our Peace Church family, friends and supporters of what our prayer needs are, as well as our praises. If anyone needs to get in contact with us regarding an emergency situation, feel free to contact our church administrator, Tamara McDonald (815/469.2868). She will have the number to get in contact with us. <><
I'm off work today to finish up some things for the mission trip. I get to stop at church and get the last-minute financial details together. Our Peace Financial Assistant, Adrienne Taylor--has been amazing with keeping all our receipts together. Lots of wonderful gifts given to deposit and organize for this Brazil mission trip budget. Praising God for her this morning....and for heart for serving. She may not be going on this mission trip--but she certainly is instrumentally apart of it! Speaking of the financials, it's so exciting! God exceeded what we needed for this trip! We'll have a little extra to give to a person or family in need, once we are on the River. Each mission trip participant needed to raise $2,100 to cover airfare, food/lodging, vaccinations, to obtain their visa, mosquitto netting, etc. The cost increased by $100 because of vaccination costs--but God met that need. HE EXCEEDED THE NEED! It's just unbelievable to me. We are in a recession--but yet God made this trip and orchestrated all who He wanted to be on this trip. His economy is certainly not our economy!
I praise God too, for our Peace Missions Ministry--who approved this trip a year and a half ago. Who came along side me to encourage and equip me to present this opportunity to our church family. Our church to gave us the opportunity to do some really fun fundraisers--to assist the team in the costs for the mission trip. We were able to run the "Parking at Peace" at Fallfest last year--Jim and Janet Schaver were instrumental in letting us use their tent and worked the weekend to help make that event a success ($900 raised). Then we had the Spaghetti Supper--that Sue D'Ercole and Gwen Hoff led. It was so much fun--because of all their hard work of organzing all the important details. We actually ran out of food--because the crowd that came was unexpected--and the food was that good (over $1,500 was raised)! Wahoo! Our last fundraiser was the Pancake Breakfast--George Bender ran that event and provided some wonderful volunteers who worked away in the kitchen--and made it look so easy as they fed hundreds of people with the greatest of ease (over $1,800 raised)! God is so good! Just praising Him as I write as I see the journey He has taken this mission team on--as we prepared for this journey that is right in front of us now.
This will probably be my last blog to you--as our fantastic volunteer, Sarah Leemon, will be updating this blog daily for the mission team, beginning Saturday. Sarah is such a blessing to me. She not only volunteers two days a week at PASS--working with me on our events (you may have seen her at the Hike for Life--she did an amazing job running the prize drawing), but she is such a wonderful friend. She loves the Lord and loves to serve! Sarah and her husband DJ live in Frankfort township and they attend Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frankfort. Her pastor, Kevin Hahn introduced us this past winter--and we have been friends ever since! Isn't it neat how God gives us exactly what we need. It's such a blessing to have a good friend--brought into your life when you least expect it!
Well, I better get off to my chores for the day--as I organize things before this big journey. Praising God this morning for my Peace Church family, my PASS family--who encourages me and blesses me in the work I do, and for my friends and family. My life is rich because of who God has placed in it!
Thanks again for prayers and support. Please continue to keep the Brazil missions team in your prayers as they get things organized at home and at work so they can serve.
In our devotions--I came across Psalm 16:7-11 and would like to share the words that have encouraged and blessed me today:
"I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD walways before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presense, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."
God is so good--all the time! Have a blessed day!
Love,
Margie :)
Psalm 9:2
P.S.: We will have a satellite phone to use while we are on the field--to leave voice mail messages with Sarah to update our Peace Church family, friends and supporters of what our prayer needs are, as well as our praises. If anyone needs to get in contact with us regarding an emergency situation, feel free to contact our church administrator, Tamara McDonald (815/469.2868). She will have the number to get in contact with us. <><
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
2 1/2 days away! Wahoo!
Can't believe how fast the time is coming for us to leave for this mission! Finishing up things at work and hanging out with co-worker and friend, Monica! PASS has been so supportive of me and this trip. God is so good!
Have a great night and I'll write again tomorrow.....been busy with getting things organized at work and at home.
Blessings and peace,
Margie <><
Have a great night and I'll write again tomorrow.....been busy with getting things organized at work and at home.
Blessings and peace,
Margie <><
Thursday, June 18, 2009
9 days away!
Can't believe how fast the trip is coming upon us! Just 9 days away now! Our team t-shirts came in today--they look great.
Sunday is our "Commissioning Service" at Peace Church. Our church family has been so incredible with their prayer and financial support. It's going to be a great day of celebration! Adrienne in the church office has been amazing with keeping all the details together with our recipts and reimbursements for all 11 trip participants!
Praising God for His faithfulness and provision.
Blessings to you this evening!
Margie
<><
Sunday is our "Commissioning Service" at Peace Church. Our church family has been so incredible with their prayer and financial support. It's going to be a great day of celebration! Adrienne in the church office has been amazing with keeping all the details together with our recipts and reimbursements for all 11 trip participants!
Praising God for His faithfulness and provision.
Blessings to you this evening!
Margie
<><
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Daily Journaling.....
Our mission trip devotional book encourages us to journal our daily thoughts--so we can really focus on God and whom He lays on our hearts to serve and minister to. Some of the questions we will be reviewing day by day are:
1) What is my dominate emotion or thought right now?
2) What aspect of God's character am I most thankful for today? In what aspect am I struggling to trust?
3) What was my most significant experience today?
4) At which moment did I feel most fulfilled today? Why? At what moment did I feel most frustrated? Why?
5) Is there a story I really want to remember? (Include sounds, smells, sights, feelings, etc.)
6) Where am I on the "Entry Posture Diagram" in regards to loving the people around me? What aspect of this different culture do I appreciate? What aspect am I struggling to understand or accept?
7) Did I practice constantly abiding in God's presence today? Did I love him with my affections and my actions? When did I find myself loving me more than him?
8) What do I appreciate about my team members, leaders, national Christians, etc.? If I am having conflict with anyone, am I addressing it in the way the Bible instructs?
9) What am I learning about myself? What are things I would like God to help me change? What do I want to do differently tomorrow?
___________________
Please pray for us as we daily go through the above and reflect on what God wishes us to accomplish on this mission.
Thanks so much!
Blessings and peace,
Margie <><
1) What is my dominate emotion or thought right now?
2) What aspect of God's character am I most thankful for today? In what aspect am I struggling to trust?
3) What was my most significant experience today?
4) At which moment did I feel most fulfilled today? Why? At what moment did I feel most frustrated? Why?
5) Is there a story I really want to remember? (Include sounds, smells, sights, feelings, etc.)
6) Where am I on the "Entry Posture Diagram" in regards to loving the people around me? What aspect of this different culture do I appreciate? What aspect am I struggling to understand or accept?
7) Did I practice constantly abiding in God's presence today? Did I love him with my affections and my actions? When did I find myself loving me more than him?
8) What do I appreciate about my team members, leaders, national Christians, etc.? If I am having conflict with anyone, am I addressing it in the way the Bible instructs?
9) What am I learning about myself? What are things I would like God to help me change? What do I want to do differently tomorrow?
___________________
Please pray for us as we daily go through the above and reflect on what God wishes us to accomplish on this mission.
Thanks so much!
Blessings and peace,
Margie <><
Happy Wednesday!
Well, it's a beautiful Wednesday morning. The anticipated rain I wrote about yesterday was definitely downpour. It gave me a nice break from watering our flowers and having extra time to do some other things--such as focus on the upcoming mission trip! Wahoo! :)
Answers to prayer: The 3 pending visas have been confirmed and will be mailed this week and early part of next week. Please pray that what I was told will come to be! Another financial gift of $100 was received. We are praying on what we can purchase for the children we come to meet. We are so humbled by the outpouring of prayers and financial gifts for this mission. It truly reminds me that God's economy is different than ours. The generosity has just been amazing.
Please pray for the mission trip team as we complete tasks at work in preparation of being off work for the mission trip. Pray for the team as they get things in order at home to be away. These last details can be stressful at times. Thanks so much in advance!
Today on my work break I need to see how I can arrange communication from the Amazon River to church--to communicate and give updates throughout the week on how we are doing and what our prayer requests are. Please pray that this all comes together smoothly. We will be in remote regions--and although my cell phone will work in a large city--it may not work on the River. Thus, the need for an alternative. Please pray that alternative is not expensive (rental of a satellite phone). Thank you!
Praising God His faithfulness! Have a blessed day!
Margie <><
Answers to prayer: The 3 pending visas have been confirmed and will be mailed this week and early part of next week. Please pray that what I was told will come to be! Another financial gift of $100 was received. We are praying on what we can purchase for the children we come to meet. We are so humbled by the outpouring of prayers and financial gifts for this mission. It truly reminds me that God's economy is different than ours. The generosity has just been amazing.
Please pray for the mission trip team as we complete tasks at work in preparation of being off work for the mission trip. Pray for the team as they get things in order at home to be away. These last details can be stressful at times. Thanks so much in advance!
Today on my work break I need to see how I can arrange communication from the Amazon River to church--to communicate and give updates throughout the week on how we are doing and what our prayer requests are. Please pray that this all comes together smoothly. We will be in remote regions--and although my cell phone will work in a large city--it may not work on the River. Thus, the need for an alternative. Please pray that alternative is not expensive (rental of a satellite phone). Thank you!
Praising God His faithfulness! Have a blessed day!
Margie <><
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Can't Wait.....
.....to see how many people might "follow" this blog! People that are interested about the upcoming mission trip and those that will be praying for us. What a blessing to have this avenue to write and share! Wahoo!
Jim just left for work and I'm finishing up on some chores this morning before heading to the office. I love the anticipation of a little rain for the day.
Also, as I look on the upcoming mission trip and what we have pending--I want to ask you for your prayers--for protection of the Team as we pack and finish what we need to do at home and at work to be ready for the mission trip. Also, if you could pray that the three pending Brazil visas are approved and received this week.
Thank you and have a blessed day!
--Margie
Jim just left for work and I'm finishing up on some chores this morning before heading to the office. I love the anticipation of a little rain for the day.
Also, as I look on the upcoming mission trip and what we have pending--I want to ask you for your prayers--for protection of the Team as we pack and finish what we need to do at home and at work to be ready for the mission trip. Also, if you could pray that the three pending Brazil visas are approved and received this week.
Thank you and have a blessed day!
--Margie
Monday, June 15, 2009
Team Members/Mission Trip Responsibilities
Hello Friends! Just wanted to give you the names of our devoted team members--so that you can remember to pray for us now as we prepare to leave for this mission--as well as, for us while we are on this mission trip as we serve in the following categories:
Anita Top - Vacation Bible School, Construction, Hair Cuts
Marcia Field, RN: Vessel Medical Clinic
Jayanne Cook, RN: Vessel Medical Clinic
Jan Hertz, RN: Vessel Medical Clinic
Susan Ripper: Vessel Medical Clinic
Bob & Lois Schoonveld: Coordinators-Vacation Bible School
Heather DeBoer: Vacation Bible School, Construction
Matthew Wilson: Construction
Jim Doorn: Team Leader, Coordinator-Construction
Margie Doorn: Team Leader, Vacation Bible School
Please pray for opportunities for us to share Jesus, as well as, be open to where God is specifically leading us to serve on this mission. We want to be open to where He wants to place us and to whom He desires us to spend time with.
Trip Details: We leave from O'Hare on Saturday, June 27 and return on Sunday, July 5, 2009. Check out the ministry we will be serving with! ROW.org ROW ministers to the people groups that are difficult to reach by truck/car--but can be reached by the waterways. We'll be traveling down the Amazon River meeting with the people who live along the riverbeds.
<><
Write if you have any questions! :)
Blessings and peace,
Margie
Anita Top - Vacation Bible School, Construction, Hair Cuts
Marcia Field, RN: Vessel Medical Clinic
Jayanne Cook, RN: Vessel Medical Clinic
Jan Hertz, RN: Vessel Medical Clinic
Susan Ripper: Vessel Medical Clinic
Bob & Lois Schoonveld: Coordinators-Vacation Bible School
Heather DeBoer: Vacation Bible School, Construction
Matthew Wilson: Construction
Jim Doorn: Team Leader, Coordinator-Construction
Margie Doorn: Team Leader, Vacation Bible School
Please pray for opportunities for us to share Jesus, as well as, be open to where God is specifically leading us to serve on this mission. We want to be open to where He wants to place us and to whom He desires us to spend time with.
Trip Details: We leave from O'Hare on Saturday, June 27 and return on Sunday, July 5, 2009. Check out the ministry we will be serving with! ROW.org ROW ministers to the people groups that are difficult to reach by truck/car--but can be reached by the waterways. We'll be traveling down the Amazon River meeting with the people who live along the riverbeds.
<><
Write if you have any questions! :)
Blessings and peace,
Margie
12 Days Away......
Well, I can't believe it. I'm sure the Team can't believe it--but we are 12 days from leaving O'Hare and heading out to Manaus, Brazil for a mission trip on the Amazon River. WE CAN'T WAIT! It has been a year of planning, praying and obtaining financial support for this short-term missions adventure!
This is also my first "blog". I'm hoping to be able to do this "blogging" now through the trip--to keep all informed of our pre, during and post adventure! We couldn't have come this far without the support of our church home, friends and family. God is good!
This is also my first "blog". I'm hoping to be able to do this "blogging" now through the trip--to keep all informed of our pre, during and post adventure! We couldn't have come this far without the support of our church home, friends and family. God is good!
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