June 29, 2004

Anti-American Incident in Rio

Read this article in the Chicago Tribune (free subscription required), and please remember to pray for the missionaries in Brazil.

Posted by Andrew at 12:47 PM
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Our Schedule

If you go to our homepage, you can see our the schedule of where we are going to be for the next two months. I will keep this updated so as to better inform you of our ministry progress, and whereabouts.

Posted by Andrew at 12:32 PM
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VBS Update

We are having a wonderful time with VBS at Tuscarora Baptist Church. I have posted a few pics on the deputation photos page, with more to come.

Posted by Andrew at 10:56 AM
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June 26, 2004

VBS Time!

I just finished my presentations for VBS next week (most of them, anyway) and am about ready to close up my laptop and head for work. I am not sure how much internet access I will have next week, so I do not know how frequent my blog entries will be during that time.

Never fear, I will be back as soon as possible to keep you updated on this ministry.

Posted by Andrew at 3:43 PM // Comments: 2 //
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Mis-Encounter of the "Comings" Kind

Last night (actually about 1 this morning) I got a message on my cell from a friend, asking where I was, and why wasn't I at his house like we had planned.

The only problem was, we had planned to be at his house NEXT weekend. Or at least, that is what I THOUGHT we had planned.

As it turns out, we had two different plans. They were expecting us yesterday, we were planning on being there next Friday. Then we were going to spend next Saturday with them and some friends at a local amusement park.

Except that they are at the amusement park right now, and I am here blogging about it. I enjoy blogging, but would much rather be at the amusement park.

Is this too literal an application of "...let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth"?

Posted by Andrew at 9:35 AM // Comments: 3 //
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Guestmap Results

In it's first day of existence, five people signed the guestmap, besides myself and "the team from Bravenet". This is actually much more than I expected! What was fascinating to me was the diversity of locations of the people who signed: Florida, Wisconsin, New York Germany, and Ukraine.

What's interesting is that there is NOBODY from Brazil! How can that be?

If you have not signed the map yet, you are by all means welcome to do so!

Posted by Andrew at 8:53 AM // Comments: 1 //
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June 25, 2004

Yet Another New Feature

I have added a guestmap to the sidebar of this weblog (right below the progress thermometer). If you are a regular reader, or just passing through, it would be great if you would take the time record your visit and a brief message. You can also include a link to your own site.

Posted by Andrew at 3:35 AM // Comments: 3 //
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June 24, 2004

Deputation Life

If you want to get a good idea of what life is like for the missionary on deputation, you need to read the latest entry on Mission Safari.

As a family, one of the things we look forward to the most about getting to Brazil is the ability--for a while at least--to stop living in a constant state of packing and unpacking.

Posted by Andrew at 1:10 PM
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A Day Off

Yesterday, after a morning meeting with an area pastor, we (Itacyara, Mikey, and myself) piled into our car and drove over to Buttermilk Falls in Ithaca. We spent the rest of the day there, hiking the trails, reading, sleeping, and enjoying time together as a family. I was able to spend some time in the Word, and in prayer. In all, it was a much needed time of R&R.

Posted by Andrew at 9:04 AM
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June 22, 2004

Activities of the Day

My New Office

Today and yesterday have been spent in preparation for VBS at Tuscarora Baptist Church next week. That is, the non-McDonalds portions of the day. I have found a nice little diner in downtown Cortland, that has high-speed internet access...for free!!! I am making this my new office, and am finding that I get more work done here than at home. I even bring Mikey, and he has fun reading and making friends with the waitresses.

Posted by Andrew at 2:47 PM // Comments: 1 //
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June 21, 2004

Sunday Miscellaneous

Yesterday we spent the day at First Baptist Church in Cincinnatus. We had a great time of fellowship with the folks there, and were once again able to share our burden for Brazil. Here are some highlights of yesterday's ministry:

- Decorations: Halfway through the song service in the morning, my wife pointed out to me that the decorative display in the front of the church was an almost exact reproduction of what was on the front of the bulletin. Somebody in that church is VERY creative!

- Sunday School: I did not teach, but we had a great discussion on Titus 1.

- Afternoon: Between services we ate with the Lutz family, and had wonderful discussions on the state of missions today. It is entirely possible that you will see blog entries on one or more of the topics we discussed.

- A Brazilian Among Us: Usually my wife is the only Brazilian in the congregation as we visit churches, especially here in NY. Last night there was a young Brazilian lady--Fernanda--in the congregation. She is a foreign exchange student. Afterward, we tried to take her out for ice-cream, but discovered that in Cincinnatus there is nothing open on Sunday nights. Hopefully we will be able to get together with her before long.

Posted by Andrew at 9:08 AM
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June 19, 2004

This Guy Shouldn't Travel To Brazil...

Apparently, somebody has taken it upon themselves to give a letter grade to the flags of the world, based on the principles of design. I was shocked to find out that the Brazilian flag was given a D- (35 out of 100), the "worst grade of any independent nation-state".

Here is his entire list. It is actually very funny. He just might want to re-evaluate any travel plans to certain countries within the near future.

By the way, I happen to find the Brazilian flag very beautiful. Someday I will blog about all the symbolism found therein.

Posted by Andrew at 12:46 PM // Comments: 4 //
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June 18, 2004

Please Say This Isn't True...

...although I am sure it probably is. It seems that there is now going to be a "Christian" version of the TV show American Idol.

One of my pet peeves with the Christian Music industry is that it seems to be content to offer cheap imitations of whatever secular music was in style a few years ago. This, however, is a new low.

When, oh when, are the Christian arts going to stop aping what the world does, and come up with something that is original?

Posted by Andrew at 10:42 AM // Comments: 3 //
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Opportunity Knocks

Today one of my co-workers gave me a paper he had written for school. It was essentially a review of the movie "The Passion of the Christ".

Due to factors beyond my control, I was unable to see the movie. However, this paper written by my un-churched co-worker is going to give me a unique opportunity to share my faith.

Please pray that God would give me wisdom as I seek to draw his attention to the Christ of the Bible.

Posted by Andrew at 1:40 AM
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June 17, 2004

Being the Father of a Two-Year-Old

Low Point: Kneeling in front of the toilet, cleaning out a dirty pair of underpants.

High Point: Walking through the woods with my son, and watching his uninhibited wonder at things like trees, pine cones, and frogs.

The high points more than compensate for the low points.

Posted by Andrew at 2:29 PM // Comments: 1 //
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June 16, 2004

New Pic

I did a little google image surfing on the web, and the pic at the top right of this page is the result.

Posted by Andrew at 4:22 PM
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June 15, 2004

Ronald Reagan Memorial in Brazil

There was at least one memorial service for Ronald Reagan in Brazil last week. The USS Ronald Reagan was in Rio, on it's way to port in California, when the 40th president of the United States passed away. There was a brief ceremony on deck. Below are a couple pictures of that event.

The USS Ronald Reagan sails into port, with the famous Sugarloaf Mountain for a backdrop.

Part of the flag ceremony. In the background is the bridge connecting Rio and Niteroi.

Posted by Andrew at 2:40 AM // Comments: 1 //
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June 14, 2004

More News From The Field

I just received an e-mail from Samyr, the son of Pastor Francisco in São Luís. According to him, the congregation in which they have been working is set for official organization in July.

He also mentions that he has been witnessing in the University where he is studying, and has encountered much opposition.

Pray for Samyr and his family as they work in this needy city.

Posted by Andrew at 9:16 AM
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June 13, 2004

Love Is In The Air

While Itacyara was at work yesterday, Mikey and I went to the local florist and bought a vase of roses to be sent to her at work--in celebration of Brazilian Valentines Day.

Interestingly enough, the florist said she had seen no noticeable spike in sales due to the holiday.

I am sure it will catch on, however, once enough women talk to my wife and find out that we celebrate Valentines Day twice a year!

Posted by Andrew at 3:24 AM // Comments: 2 //
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June 12, 2004

Christ's Passion

No, this is not an article about the recent Mel Gibson movie. I can't very well write about something I have not seen.

In my devotions this morning, I came again across Luke 13:34.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Every time I read this passage, I am struck by a couple things:

1. Jesus is in the middle of pronouncing judgment on Jerusalem. A quick perusal of the context will show this. Jerusalem was a city who's days were numbered.

2. Jesus is grieving over the impending doom of the city. There is no malice in our Lord's declaration of divine wrath.

3. Christ truly desires repentance for the city, even though he knows it is not going to happen.

As believers, we are called on to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the masses. Many will not believe. We cannot let their unbelief rob us of our compassion for them. Christ in this passage is our shining example of a holy passion for the lost.

Posted by Andrew at 12:28 PM
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Feliz Dia Dos Namorados

Today is the Brazilian version of Valentines Day. Being in a bi-cultural home, we celebrate both occasions. My lovely wife has written up a nice comparison of Brazil's Dia dos Namorados and our Valentines day.

Obs. Para todos os brasileiros que chegaram aqui por ter feito uma busca de imagem usando as palavras "Feliz Dia Dos Namorados": Sejam bem vindos! Sintam-se a vontade de ver outros atrativos deste blog, por exemplo as aventuras de Missionary Max, ou as notícias mais recentes do nosso ministério no nordeste.

Posted by Andrew at 1:36 AM // Comments: 2 //
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June 11, 2004

The Return Of The (True) King

The other day I watched the last film in the Lord Of The Rings series. I had read the books years ago, and was curious to see the movie. A few weeks ago I did some extra work for McDonalds, and they gave me the LOTR ROTK DVD in appreciation.

As I watched the film, I was struck by parallels to missionary work contained in the story. I am sure J.R.R. Tolkien never intended them, but they are there.

Just as the story is building to a crescendo, King Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas (the elf) and Gimli (the dwarf) are considering their next course of action. They decide that the best thing to do is to take their badly depleted forces and attack the gate of the enemy, thus providing a diversion for Frodo and Sam to destroy the ring (if I have lost you by now, may I recommend you go read the book, then come back and finish this post). Each person assents to the plan, then all eyes turn to Gimli. His response is classic:

"Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?"

This is the kind of attitude needed in missions today: a healthy dose of realism and optimism.

Realistically, our cause is hopeless. The forces of evil gather on every side, and missions works everywhere are hopelessly undermanned and outnumbered. In Brazil, the fellowship of churches we will work with has about 600 congregations. There less than 1,000 of our missionaries working in that country. The Mormons, on the other hand, have 5,000 missionaries in Brazil at any given time. The Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (a charismatic cult founded in Brazil) has over 7,000 pastors. The fastest growing religion in Brazil is Spiritism--or demon worship. Alcoholism and drug abuse are rampant. Crime is epidemic. We are hopelessly outnumbered.

Yet we cannot afford to hesitate in our quest to win Brazil for Christ. And we can indeed be optimistic of the outcome, for we serve the Eternal King of Kings. His sovereignty certainly extends to Brazil, and we will never be forsaken by Him.

In one of the most heart-gripping parts of the movie, the armies of the west have been surrounded by the Orcs (incredibly ugly and numerous monsters in the service of evil). King Aragorn looks at the formidable host which has surrounded his rag-tag army, then draws his sword, yells "for Frodo!", and charges into the enemy.

There are times when I feel overwhelmed at the task before me. We are still on deputation, and then once that is over (and who knows how long that will take!) we will get to the field, and face the challenges associated with missionary work: interpersonal struggles, cultural adaptation, language difficulties, Satanic opposition, discouragement, financial difficulties, etc.

Then I remember why I am doing this. There was a day when Christ died on the cross to take away my sin, that I might not know eternal condemnation. No matter what difficulties I may go through in ministry, there is none that can match what He did for me. My task is to simply obey, and trust His sovereignty.

So, I pick up my Sword, shout "for Christ!", and charge into the fray.

Posted by Andrew at 2:24 AM // Comments: 2 //
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June 10, 2004

Good News From A Far Country

...well, from Cleveland anyway.

A recent call to the Baptist Mid-Missions home office reavealed that our monthly support is now at $1550.00--or 39% of our goal. The mercury on the thermometer (see side panel) is slowly but surely creeping upward!

Posted by Andrew at 3:53 PM // Comments: 2 //
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June 9, 2004

We Have Come A Long Way

Last night I gave a Bible to a friend of mine at work. He is 18 years old, and has expressed an interest in the Scriptures. When I gave it to him, his face lit up.

"This is the first Bible I have ever owned in my whole life!"

I really don't want to hear any more about this country being a Christian nation, if someone can be 18 and never have owned a Bible. I do not doubt that we have a Christian heritage. In fact, as I shared that story with a lady from church this morning, she told me how they used to give Bibles to every public school student on the first day of school--every year.

Heritage is nice, but it does not help people like my colleague who, until yesterday, had to go to the library to read the Bible.

I think that we as American believers need to stop harping on our "Christian heritage" and wake up and realize that we live in a pagan society, which is also a tremendous mission field.

Posted by Andrew at 10:46 AM // Comments: 2 //
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June 8, 2004

Ronald Reagan and Missions

Today in my mailbox was the latest edition of Mission Network News. It contained a very interesting article about the effect Ronald Reagan had on world missions.

Also, in related news, fellow missionary blogger MissionSafari recently posted about why he is a Republican. I found his comments quite interesting.

As missionaries, it is important that we separate our political ideology from the message of the Gospel. As the president of our mission once said, "We are called to say 'thus saith the Lord' and not 'this is how we do it in America'."

Yet we never really can forget that we are Americans, and that we owe our freedom to share the Gospel to the principles of religious freedom laid down by our country (even though those principles might not be adhered to as "religiously" today as we would like).

I love Brazil, and am planning on spending the rest of my life in Brazil. Yet I am an American, and trying to deny that would be like trying to deny the law of gravity.

You can't appreciate home till you've left it, money till it's spent, your wife until she's joined a woman's club, nor Old Glory till you see it hanging on a broomstick on a shanty of a consul in a foreign town.

--O. Henry (1862-1919)

Posted by Andrew at 11:52 AM
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June 7, 2004

200th Comment

After deleting some spam, I have discovered that this blog has passed the 200 comment mark. The award for the person making the 200th comment is (drum roll please) Tom Miller! Thanks, Tom, for getting my blog to the point where my brother's was a month ago, even though he has been blogging for half as long.

Posted by Andrew at 12:03 PM // Comments: 3 //
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My Wife, The Blogger

For those of you who are interested, my lovely wife Itacyara has become quite active in updating her Xanga weblog. I know she would love it if you paid her a visit.

Posted by Andrew at 9:09 AM
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June 6, 2004

A Sunday Off

Usually Sunday finds the Comings family ministering in one church or another, presenting our ministry to Brazil. Today, we had no commitments, and so we were able to be ministered to.

In the morning, we attended Bible Baptist Church, and were blessed with the ministry of Jason Nightingale who gave a dramatic interpretation, from memory(!), of the book of Hebrews. It was very powerful. God used it to touch several areas of my life.

In the afternoon, we went to nearby Calvary Baptist at Harford, who were hosting the Jacob's Brothers gospel trio. It was very relaxing just to sit back and hear the singing. At one point they did a patriotic medley, and I don't know if it was Ronald Reagan's passing, or perhaps the fact that it was D-Day, but I cried. I am not usually very emotional, but I cried.

After that service, we went back to Bible Baptist, and were able to participate in a communion service. My Dad gave an excellent message from I Corinthians, about Law and Grace.

Tomorrow it is back to work, but for today it was nice to sit back and be blessed.

Posted by Andrew at 10:34 PM
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Brazil: Calling All Linux Users

It appears that the Brazilian government is serious in its determination to switch from Windows based OS and software to open source, such as Linux. One of the main reasons is economic, according to an article in the Boston Globe:

Brazil's public sector saves 8,000 reais ($2,555) for every 10 computers it changes from proprietary software to free tools like Linux and office programs like Open Office. The federal administration has 300,000 computers.

Besides that, I am sure they get some pleasure at tweaking Microsoft. Whatever the case, it looks like I better familiarize myself with Linux.

Cool graphic at the top was supplied by Baby Tux.

Posted by Andrew at 9:50 PM // Comments: 2 //
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In Loving Memory Of A Great American

I am taking a brief detour from the normal subject matter of this weblog in order to pay tribute to a great American. Ronald Reagan passed away today, and America lost perhaps the greatest president of the 20th century.

His leadership inspired us all, and he will be missed.

Posted by Andrew at 2:02 AM // Comments: 1 //
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June 3, 2004

The African Connection

If we have been in your church, chances are very good you have heard us talk about the connection between Brazil and Africa. I have a personal theory that states that the best way to reach many parts of Africa would be to go to Brazil and invest in missions there. Two articles just crossed my desk (ok, they popped up on my rss feed reader) which illustrate the influence Brazil is having in Africa today.

The first article is from the Angola Press. Angola is a former Portuguese colony that shares language and many cultural elements with Brazil. Many people of African descent in Brazil today trace their ancestry back to Angola.

From Mozambique, another former Portuguese colony, comes this piece about the "evangelical sect" IURD and it's doings in that country. I have written about these people before. They originated in Brazil, and are taking Africa by storm. They preach a false gospel, and are concerned with one thing: making money.

Posted by Andrew at 3:42 PM
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More Flooding in Brazil

I just received this article from USA Today about the most recent flooding in Brazil--this time leaving approximately 20 people dead.

What got my attention was that it happened in Maceió, the capital of the northeastern state of Alagoas. Jim Leanoard, who has been featured in a couple of entries on this blog, has a brother who is planting a church in that precise area. John and Bev Leonard have spent most of their missionary career in and around Maceió. Please remember to pray that God would keep them safe, and give them opportunities to advance the Kingdom of Christ during this dangerous and tragic time.

Posted by Andrew at 3:19 PM
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The Part Of My Job I Most Enjoy

Last night after prayer meeting, Itacyara and I went out to Friendly's (like Denny's, except not open 24 hours, and with a bigger ice-cream menu) with a college student from Bible Baptist Church. He is interested in doing a short-term missions project with us once we get to Brazil. We had a great time of fellowship. What made it so therapeutic for me was seeing his youthful enthusiasm for the work of the ministry. It was refreshing to talk to someone from the next generation who is excited about the possibilities of missionary service.

I think all of us need to constantly pray that we will not "grow old" in the ministry. When I say "grow old", I am not referring to chronological age. Rather, I am talking about a spirit of "oldness" that settles into people, regardless of age, which makes them discouraged, pessimistic, and negative. I think it probably happens to all of us as we deal with people on a constant basis. We become cynical and jaded.

There is never any cynicism that seeps through in the earthly ministry of Christ, nor jaded-ness communicated in the writings of the apostles. Oh that all of us could re-capture the can-do spirit of youth. I have a feeling a lot more would be accomplished.

Posted by Andrew at 9:42 AM // Comments: 2 //
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Comings Communiqué Gets A Makeover

I recently upgraded to MT 3.0, and in the process, decided that it was time for Comings Communiqué to get a new look. So, I headed on over to Moveable Style and chose one of their templates. I hope to work on the graphics a little bit in the future, but for now, enjoy the new wallpaper!

Posted by Andrew at 9:20 AM
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June 1, 2004

News From The Field

Every time I can, I write about what is going on in the ministry in Brazil. I cannot be there right now, so I rely on news I get from people who are already there.

The following is an excerpt from a letter received from Jim and Julie Leonard. They have been featured here before.

The Missions Conference at the Cariri Baptist Seminary was used of God to challenge our entire college family to greater faithfulness in Missions. Many of our students have volunteered to work the missionaries who were at the conference during the upcoming vacation period. At the end of this semester nearly half of our student body will be involved in one of several missions projects.

We request special prayer for the team of some 20 students who will be working with Jim's brother, John Leonard, with the new church he is planting in a fishing town called "Coqueiro Seco" (Dried Coconut Tree). They will be doing street evangelism, Vacation Bible School for youth and children, and evangelistic services. Please pray for God to work in a way greater than we can ask or even imagine.

We appreciate your continued prayers for the Cariri Baptist Seminary as God leads the way through some trying experiences. We are having to reorganize some of the college administration to fit into the budget God has given us. This means laying off some long time employees which is never easy. It also means moving others around so that all of our bases are covered. Please continue to pray for Jim as he looks to God for leading through this time.

Also included with the letter was this photo of Brazilians who have answered the call of God for missions, in Brazil and around the world.

Please pray that God will provide the staff (including us!) quickly to alleviate the pressures that are going on now.

Posted by Andrew at 3:45 PM
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