June 19, 2006

Photos from Exu

As mentioned in an earlier post, we spent this last weekend in the nearby city of Exu. Exu is an interesting town, with a colorful history. A few interesting facts:

* One of Brazil's most beloved singers--Luis Gonzaga--was born and raised in Exu.
* The name Exu comes from one of the most powerful deities in the Candomblé (voodoo) pantheon.
* There is a family feud (Hatfield and McCoy style) that has been going on in Exu for over a century.

Below are some interesting pictures we took during our time in Exu:

Some of the beautiful scenery one encounters while descending the mountains, just before arriving in Exu.

One of the first things you see as you approach the city is the tower of the Catholic Church.

An old-style police station still in use in Exu.

Exu, like all of Brazil, is in full celebration mode due to the World Cup.

For most who live in Exu, interior plumbing is a luxury. The majority of homes have their water delivered to them on mule carts, like the one above.

If you don't have a mule cart, there are other ways of getting water.

Public laundromat.

Kids at Saturday kids club.

Seminary student Edson and his wife, Marli, go to Exu every weekend to minister in our small congregation there.

Marli preparing lunch.

We watched Sunday's World Cup match (Brazil 2, Australia 0) at the home of one of the believers in Exu.

After Brazil's victory, there was a sponaneous victory parade through town. I will be posting a video of this spectacular event shortly.

I was able to preach in the evening service. As I mentioned in the earlier post, one person accepted Christ during the service!

The church family at Exu.

Sunset in Exu.

Posted by Andrew on June 19, 2006 8:29 AM.