I just received an email today from Marcos and Fatima, missionaries in the Amazon region of Brazil, and they are facing very difficult challenges and are asking for prayer.
Their mission takes them to different villages to present the gospel, meet physical needs whenever possible and broadcast a weekly radio program out of Maues, where they are based.
Now they are facing strong opposition and spiritual warfare from local Catholic priests. Because people are leaving their old lives of sin (alcohol, drugs, violence, prostitution) these priests want them to stop preaching the gospel and shut down the radio program. Sadly the priests are afraid of loosing control of the people since they are profiting from their sinful lifestyle.
The priests are now holding meetings trying to turn people against Marcos and Fatima. One of these meetings is being held early this month at one of the villages where Marcos and Fatima do mission work (they were informed by a friend in the village)! They intend to travel there but this is very dangerous! Please pray for God's wisdom, power and protection over them.
The enemy oppression is very strong and powerful there, but we know that stronger is He who is with us than he who is in the world. Indeed, the enemy will try to do everything to stop God's work, but we know he is powerless against Almighty God! It is right to pray for our brother and sister in Christ as they stand on the front line of this battle for the mind, heart and soul of the people of these villages. Let us pray this week that the Gospel will move forward and God will manifest His power in the Amazon.
Please join with me for this fight!
Eph.6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon forged against you will prevail and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.
Matt. 18:19-20 Again, I tell you if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name , there am I with them.
There is power in prayer!!!!
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November 2008,
Marcos and Fatima, a missionary couple stationed in Maues, Amazon, spend countless hours traveling to the surrounding villages which are often isolated and remotely located. In fact, they are so sparsely spread that travel to these villages ranges from a couple of hours to several days, accessible only by boat.
Currently Marcos and Fatima own a small, aluminum boat that seats two passengers. They are in need of a larger boat, allowing them to travel greater distances, permit longer stays, and take much needed supplies. Additionally, a boat with a proper cover or cabin would increase safety and comfort since travel to these extreme locations can be dangerous due to insects, sun, wind and rain.
Since many of the villages do possess radios, Marcos and Fatima also minister the Gospel of Christ through a radio program that airs twice a week. It is a wonderful means of communicating the hope and love of Jesus between visits.
The opportunity to join these missionaries is exciting! Bibles, teaching materials, even a boat! Join Amazon Impact in providing support and supplies to these servants of Christ!
