Salt & Light

Becky and I flew back to the States last night, and it was quite eventful. But what I want to tell you about is one unique situation we found ourselves in.
On one of the domestic flights we were on within Brazil, en route to São Paulo, we met an American lady that had been to Brazil to visit this certain "religious" man who was performing healings. Now, as many American people will understand, when you fly, usually you want to keep to yourself and take a quick nap, read a book, etc. Nevertheless, this lady we met, whose name I can't remember now, wanted to chat. And if you're reading this maam (sorry I forgot your name), please forgive me for my attitude at first, but read on. So you see, this lady kept asking questions, as well as sharing her views on life, etc. She's looking for the Truth, for answers...and what got me thinking throughout today was that so many times we are selfish, we want to keep to ourselves, live our individualistic lives, and just be left alone. But is that what we are supposed to do as Christians? As Christ followers?? No!! Christ told us to be salt and light, did He not? What was salt for? Before the invention of refrigeration, salt was used to prevent the decay of meat, so if we're supposed to be meat, then we should be fighting to prevent the decay of our society! Our culture! And if we're light, we should be shining Jesus wherever we go! I felt so stupid for my attitude when this lady first started talking to me...I just wanted to rest. But what more important thing could one be doing then to try to help lead someone closer to the Truth! That is what we are supposed to do folks, as followers of Christ! Regardless of your job, career, family situation, or financial situation. To lead others to the joy we have in Him and the salvation from eternal death that He provides! So although this lady and I had a few differences in opinion on even the most basic theology (Heaven vs. Hell, a good God with evil in the world), I hope and pray that she's closer to finding the Lord in her life. We need to challenge others to seek the Truth. Christ said that He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." There is no other way. It's difficult for the average American to understand that he/she needs God, and that there's only ONE way. In a pluralistic society, that's a difficult argument to maintain. But, thankfully, it is true...and only by the grace of God.
Ben.

Lost pictures!!!

Well, well! When we got back from our trip to the northeast of Brazil, we discovered that the hard drive (computer storage) of the computer we used had "crashed", basically we lost everything on it. We had all our hundreds of pictures stored on it, etc., and lost it. Thankfully, we found someone in a larger city 40 minutes from here who was able to reccuperate all the data for us, and we'll get the CD's tomorrow in the mail. It cost us $300 to get this data...but it would probably be more in the US.
All in all, it was a pretty close call for leaving in two days! Unfortunately, it's not much time to print pictures off to give away or make gifts with. We're just thankful we could get all those pictures back--memories are SO important, aren't they?

Although we're leaving in two days, it doesn't feel like it at all. Have you ever been in a situation like that? It just doesn't hit until you finally settle down, sometimes, weeks or months later when you finally get back into your "old" or "normal" routine. Well, that's us too. We'll miss all the people here, the kids at the orphanage, the memories made...but we'll cherish the memories that remain, that's for sure. Maybe someday you can ask us...be glad to chat. Anyhow...better go now.
Keep in touch folks,
In Christ, Ben & Becky.

Where we'll be in the next couple of weeks:

Howdy folks! If you're reading this site, wondering just where we are in the world today, well this is the right place. Here's where we'll be in the next few weeks, and how to reach us.

On Friday, July 22nd, we'll be flying out of Brazil to Chicago. We'll be in Chicago from the 23rd through the 26th, flying out to New York State on that Tuesday, the 26th. We'll be seeing supporters and family while in NY, then fly back to Chicago for debriefing. We'll be in Chicago again from the 2nd to the 6th of August, when we'll be flying down to Miami (still need a ride though) on our way to Fort Myers on the Gulf side of Florida (hoping there'll be no hurricanes in store for when we're there though). We'll stay in Fort Myers for a few days, from the 6th through the 11th, when we pack up a rental truck and move to Columbia, SC. The best way to reach us will be by email (bbbacheller@yahoo.com), since we don't have cell phones currently. In NY you can reach us at (716) 557-2153. Once we are moved in to SC, we'll email our phone number out to you. We'll be sharing stories and pictures with those who are interested while we're in western NY and Chicago, as well as by email if you're interested. Just let us know.

As our time winds down here, pray for me, Ben, I've got an earache that's bothering me, and that everything will go smoothly. Can't wait to see you all wherever you are! Thanks for your prayers,
Ben & Becky.

"Free-ranging-goat" in interior of Para�ba, notice the two right legs tied and the long stick tied to the neck--that would slow anything down! 

Nordeste (northeast)

We got back from northeast Brazil safely, and it was an adventure for me (Ben), since I stayed a bit longer to get to know the interior of the state of Paraíba. The homes were simple, some without a cement floor, and the walls are made from mud and sticks, kind of like a plaster or adobe. The people are very welcoming and friendly once they know you're not a threat to them. They are suspicious of outsiders, but if they accept you, it's as if you're part of their family. That is how I felt during my visit-as part of the community-I wasn't stared at, and I enjoyed the people. One night I sat for a couple hours just chatting with the neigbors. They ranged from the ages of 70, to a four year old on my lap. We sat on simple benches or "home-made chairs" for the evening, just chatting away while the mosquitoes buzzed around us freely. It really WAS enjoyable for me because I got to live like they do for a few days. Eat what they eat (rice and beans with a dry flour-like mixture made from cassava roots), sleep like they do (in a hammock--very comfortable--saves on $ too!) All in all, I saw the need that exists there. I taught an agricultural cooperative some things they could do to improve their crop production, interacted with them, and also hooked them up with ECHO (www.echonet.org) for materials to assist them. Who knows where God may lead us (Ben & Becky) in the future? So many needs...so few people willing to serve. We all can help in so many ways, some by going overseas, some by giving, but all of us by praying. What can YOU do?