Mom's big 7-0!

Birthdays are definitely special occasions in my family and my parents always made my brothers and mine a big deal.  Sometimes it was the rare event: pick your favorite restaurant--which was a no-brainer as kids--Pizza Hut! Apparently, nothing else compared back then. :)  A favorite memory is also going to bed the night before with that great anticipation that it was your birthday the next day...and to be "overcome" with excitement in seeing the house decorated with balloons and streamers.  Then, when we were older, dad started the tradition of waking up the birthday-ee right at mid-night and singing "Parábens" in their room to them...and after a couple of years when it became expected, it was always still happily received. :)

Ever since we were kids, dad always built up the anticipation for birthdays and in particular, mom's birthday.  Recalling memories, I have to smile and laugh! "Sneaking"downstairs to "quietly" wrap her presents...then watching her open a box, to find another box, and yet another box...you get the picture.  He always had roses for her and we always knew that if he was mysteriously "not present" the day before that he was out shopping.  :)

Today is my mom's 70th birthday.  It's not just any birthday--it's a landmark birthday! Mom, I am so thankful for your life investment into my life.  Nineteen years without seeing your family in Brazil to invest in Christian education, music lessons, and college funds...you and dad made sacrifices that I am still yet to fully comprehend.  You are a lady of inner strength, boldness, love, virtue, honesty and steadfastness. Thank you for your consistency and "toughness"-- (not always welcomed as a teen)-- but today I want you to hear me--Thank You!

That any of us (Dolfo, Fel or I) serve the Lord is a tribute to your faithfulness in prayer for us. We know that it is God that does the work in and through His children; yet prayer is that part that "availeth much"and makes the difference.

I love you! Happy 70th Birthday!!

Celebrating mom's birthday in 2010!

Up for the Challenge?

When it comes to going against the odds, it seems there's usually two types of people -- those who pursue against obstacles and those who give up before starting.  Take my older brother for example.  As the oldest, he was usually the one who bumped headfirst with the obstacles and challenges of life... teased as a kid for obeying our parents, pressured as a teen to not live for the Lord, missing out on the birth of his firstborn...if you start counting there's definitely a list...yeah, somehow he always got the toughest hits of the three of us. However,  he never gave up, he didn't give in, he just always pursued to do his absolute best..."keep your eyes on Christ" is the blueprint of his life!

Then....comes me.  

Hmm...the comparison takes me back to when he and I went through several teachers in our "career" of music lessons. In one particular piano lesson, I remember that one of the teachers we shared said to me -- well, you'll never be as good as me. ughh--thanks! :-\... I already knew I wasn't very good... My reaction was the opposite of what I guess my brother would have done--it was more like, well why bother trying to improve?! Thankfully, in spite of the deflating words of that day and because of the locked-in decision of my parents to continue lessons until the end of high school, I learned that skills can still be developed and you can always grow somewhat by continued practice...not to mention that "not trying" was even an option!

My "why bother" philosophy changed as I learned that it is God who gives, it is God who enables; it is not about me or for me but about God and for Him!

So....the daunting challenge facing me today? It's the group of fifty young teens of varied backgrounds and behavioral issues that await me next Thursday.  I'd have to say this isn't exactly.... comfort zone. :P I surely don't feel like the right person for the job! But I remind myself that...I wasn't the one Who opened the door; my only surety of going through the door is grounded in God who strengthens and enables those He uses; it is He who works in hearts and transforms lives. 

And a door has opened...

For Thou are great, and doest wondrous things: though art God alone.

Psalm 86:10

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

JOSEPH

We have seen the Lord do some great things in past several weeks! Our theme for the February/summer VBS this year was “Joseph: From Prison to Palace.” Though our workers were few in number, we had a great VBS teaching through the life of Joseph.  It was a big help and special blessing to see the young ladies Sunday school class get involved by acting out a daily skit that went with each day’s theme. 

“God, do I love you?

Right on the heels of VBS we had summer camp organized by Brazilian youth pastors and leaders from several local churches.  I was asked to help assist as a counselor and in organizing the music for the week.  We had a GREAT week with a strong spiritual focus building on the theme: God, do I love you? (Mt. 22:37).  Several teens made decisions ranging from faithfulness to church to removing certain sins in their life to glorify God.  We saw one teen boy share his salvation testimony—having received the Lord that week! Our prayer and yours can also be that God would rise up more youth to serve Him whole-heartedly and respond to His call towards ministry.

“Back to School...”

My focus has been more recently directed to my participation in the public school.  Students here in Brazil recently started their new school year and have been underway now for about three weeks. A little over a week ago I met with the principal of the school in Ponta Grossa and discussed two project ideas.  The first project was to teach the recorder to one class, once a week, during class time.  We had discussed this before and now I agreed to teach on a volunteer basis. The second project idea is a Bible club.  Since schools in Brazil are half days and the public schools in this area have adopted a government program to keep the kids in school all day through supplement activities, there was a possibility to incorporate this activity into the day.

Cristina, the principal, has received me so well—she seems genuinely glad to have someone volunteer time to invest in the kids. In our discussions, she has shown that she is definitely open to the kids being taught about God.  Her belief is that any teaching about God will do them good.

This past Wednesday the Lord gave me the “door” for which I have been praying. I have been given permission to have the kids for one hour on Thursdays.  After asking some questions, I discovered I would possibly have around 50 students ranging in ages from 10-15.  Are you following that I could use your prayers? One of the seminary’s bible college students will be assisting and the school has offered a monitor.  I am currently working on putting together an activity /game for each session and revamping what I had planned on teaching since the age group is older than I expected.  If you want to share your top youth group games, send them to me!  Lord-willing this will be a dynamic time of activity and teaching.

One last thing

I find it a great joy and blessing to live in the bible college building.  This year the school has received new students of which two I will be teaching lessons (one piano the other violin).  I humbled by the Lord’s goodness in allowing me to have a part in training others to help glorify His name through godly music.

Your servant and friend in Christ,

Tati Cordeiro