As we are considering planting a new base, the area of Marabá continues to come to mind. We have heard about a train that takes passengers from Marabá to a coastal town called São Luiz, the capital of the state of Maranhão. This train would be about $200 cheaper than flying in and out, and might be a good option for ministry teams. So we decided to check it out, our family of 6 plus Heather, a short termer who is visiting us. When we got to Marabá information about the train and hotels on the other end, etc., all seemed pretty sketchy, and expensive. BUT, we were told, São Luiz was only 5 or 6 hours away by car, on good roads! So off we went in our car, mid-morning, ready to be at the coast by mid-afternoon. Along the way we were told it was 7 hours away, then 8, then on one ferry crossing a river, well into our trip, a lady told us it was about 14 hours from there! In the end it was about 14 hours each way from Marabá, and the roads were mostly Not Good. And the train option looks really good, though we still have not actually tried it.

As this was a survey trip, we had a good chance to look over many towns and villages, and a few cities. We had a good time together as a family. And there was a lot of time to reflect and pray about how we can actually start a church planting movement. We need to let these ideas perc a bit, and continue talking to our leadership teams here in Altamira.

End.

June 1 Annika turned 15. She was one when we moved to Brazil.

 

We thank the Lord for all these years.