This morning, our devotion focused on stepping out in faith and doing things outside our comfort zones. A fitting reminder for the work ahead.
Morning: Reading Glasses Clinic Continues
I spent the morning doing glasses, much like the day before, working mostly with older women. Many had vision issues that simple readers couldn’t fix—cataracts being a common challenge. It was tough knowing we couldn’t help everyone, but we did what we could to bring clarity and comfort where possible.
Lunch: A Gift of Two Cows
Today, we were able to provide not just one, but two cows for the village—an incredible blessing that will help sustain the community for a long time.
Afternoon: A Journey Up the River
After lunch, we took a speedboat ride to visit a couple who live further up the river. About ten years ago, they made the decision to follow Jesus. Because of their decision, persecution, and way land ownership worked in their village, they were forced to leave, But nearby Christian gave them an area much far from the village that was nearly uninhabitable—flooded and covered in dense jungle.
A year later, Brian led a group to help clear the land, and Amazon Outreach has since built a church there. Now, the couple and their two sons each have homes on the land. Every weekend, 80–100 people gather there to worship, learn, and live in community together. It was incredible to witness how faith and perseverance transformed what once seemed impossible.
Evening: Dedicating a Church and Serving the Community
Back in Santo Antônio, we took part in the dedication of a new church that Amazon Outreach helped fund. It was a powerful moment, seeing the joy on the faces of the people who will worship there.
To end the day, we distributed over 60 food packs. This time, we carried them up the hill—I’m still catching my breath! A small effort compared to the impact these packs will have on the families receiving them.
Today was full of reminders that stepping out in faith can lead to incredible change. Seeing transformation firsthand—in people, in communities, and even in the land itself—was humbling and inspiring.
Chuck in the Jungle 