Finados

Finados in Brazil is celebrated on November second. It is similar to Memorial Day in the states where people put flowers on the graves of their loved ones. It is a Catholic holiday. But it is different in that they also light candles on the graves to illuminate their way to heaven and pray for their departed ones.

In respecto the people I did not go to the cemetery to take pictures, but did today and some of the candles can still be seen.

The cemetery in Campo Verde is different than the one I have seen in Cuiabá. Notice the little "houses" built over the tombs with windows with curtains and of course, flowers. In the first picture you can see big "houses" in the background that are really graves.

In the center of the cemetery a huge cross with circles around the bottom where the put lighted candles as you can see in the close up picture.

This last grave is interesting of a seventeen year old boy who obviously was a good soccer player and fan so the grave is covered with a minature soccer field.

Adolescent Retreat - October 10-12, 2009

Nine adolescentes piled in Don and Zoe Peffer's truck and my car early Saturday morning for an hour's trip from Campo Verde through the small maountain renge to reach our camp, Jeová -Jiré which means "God will provide." There were 37 campers from the ages 11 to 15 from several churches in Cuiabá plus Campo Verde plus cooks, speakers, counselors, and workers. All total we had over 50 people at camp. Those from Cuiabá came by bus.

The mornings began with raising the national and Christian flags, then devotions in our cabins before breakfast.

After clean-up the first session began with the official opening of "Jet Cadets" (our adolescent program), a time of music and Bible lesson. The theme was "Wake Up to Life" and divided into varias areas of our life: social, physical, spiritual and mental. Several counselors including myself gave the Bible lessons each morning and pastor Ademar did messages in the evenings.

Besides the Bible sessions there were discussion sessions where the kids could talk about various issues with several leaders. During free time many kids spent their time memorizing Scripture verses. Prizes were given to those who memorized the most.

Each of the four teams earned points for memorization of verses, Bible competition, sports, and game activities. Also each team had to take turns washing dishes and pans after the meals.

It was a very enjoyable time for all of us. I praise the Loed four boys accepted the Lord as their personal Savior. I pray that the retreat will bring lasting fruit in the hearts of all who participated.

Which team can stick on the most balloons? Which team is the strongest? Which team can fill a water bucket the fastest through these half pipes?