October 31, 2006
Bush to Lula: Give Me Some Know-How
This probably did not make headlines today in the US, but it sure did down here:
Press Briefing by Tony SnowOn today's schedule, the President had a phone call at 7:45 a.m. this morning with President Lula da Silva of Brazil -- a brief conversation, about five minutes, very friendly, the President congratulating President Lula on his recent election victory. The two of them also talked about issues of mutual interest, which include energy, biofuels, and trade. And they both said that they'd like to get together sometime soon. So, more on that when that is put together.
The reason this was such big news here was one of the details that Tony Snow omitted from his press statement--but which Celso Amorim, the Foreign Affairs minister of the Brazilian government, quoted. The following is from the BBC's Brazilian website, translated by yours truly (with some help from Google):
BBCBrasil.com | Reporter BBC | Bush conversa com Lula sobre comrcio e biocombustveisIn Brasilia, the minister of Foreign affairs, Celso Amorim, who was with Lula in the Palcio da Alvorada, recounted that Bush congratulated Lula for his spectacular victory. Amorim characterized the dialogue between the two presidents as having been very warm.
According to the minister, Bush even joked around a little, saying that he would like to get some know-how from Lula to help the Republican Party be victorious in the American congressional elections on the 7th of next month.
You had a spectacular victory. You need to give me a bit know-how because I am need to win now, Bush said to Lula, according to Amorim.
This is tickling Brazilians, who are delighted that their president can give a lesson in winning elections to the president of the US. I got a kick out of this story, because the comment by Bush sounds so self-depreciating, so casual...so vintage Bush.
Any time I see Bush and Lula together, I get the impression of two regular guys, shooting the breeze. It is no wonder that among Latin American presidents, Lula has the closest ties to Bush. If he keeps getting knifed in the back by Evo Morales, they might get even tighter--who knows?
It would appear, however, that Bush has hit is stride in the midterm elections. He may not need Lula's help after all.
Interesting note: When you use Google Translator, it translates the Brazilian president's nickname--Lula--literally: Squid. This makes for some interesting reading. Example: Bush congratulated Squid for his spectacular victory.
Posted by Andrew at 8:14 PM
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October 29, 2006
Stakeout
Tonight turned into one of the more exciting ones since our arrival in Brazil a year and one day ago. I participated in my first stakeout.
I guess it was not a real stakeout, in the technical sense of the words. A little background is necessary.
Over the past several weeks, the neighborhood around our campus has become increasingly dangerous, with the effects spilling over onto our students. We have had at least four "incidents" (robberies, muggings, and attempted robberies and muggings) in the past two weeks. On Friday one of our (newlywed) married students had his house broken into and many valuable items (including a laptop and a guitar) stolen. Yesterday the married student condominium was invaded by bandidos who apparently thought it was vacant. There happened to be two families on campus, however, and they succeeded in scaring off the thieves. However, the teenage daughter of one of the students had a panic attack and had to be taken to the hospital.
I heard about this latest event when I went to check up on the ministry of one of the students this evening. As he told me what had happened, a righteous (I think) indignation welled up within me. At the same time, my mind went to the many students who would be returning to the seminary this evening from their practical ministries. Right then I decided to go to the seminary. I was not sure what I would do once I got there, but I felt a responsibility to make a presence.
Itacyara insisted on going with me. Behind that pretty smile, she is one tough customer! As we were arriving at the access road to the seminary--where several of our students have been mugged in the past--two of our young people were about to go in. We pulled up and gave them a ride onto campus. We then went over to the married student housing to make sure everything was ok. At that point It and I decided that the best thing to do would be to sit and wait at the entrance, to intercept any students coming in so they would not have to walk the dark passageway.
After all the students had arrived, we went back to the campus and talked to the students. We found the spirit good--including that of the young couple who were so recently robbed--although they were still a little shaken. They all seemed to appreciate our presence.
I have mentioned our growing security problem in earlier posts, and I will feature it in the prayer letter to be sent out in the morning. Tomorrow I will be stopping by a local security company to see what kind of measures are available to us, and how much they will cost. I ask that you pray for the safety of our students and their families. If you are interested in helping to fund an effective security system, please send me an e-mail.
Posted by Andrew at 9:36 PM
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Big News of the Day
And so, we went through a whole "second round" in the elections, just for this...
FT.com / In depth - Lula wins easy victory in Brazil electionPresident Luiz Incio Lula da Silva of Brazil won a decisive victory in the country’s presidential election last night.
With 99 per cent of the votes counted, Mr Lula da Silva had won 60.8 per cent compared with 39.2 per cent for his challenger, Geraldo Alckmin, of the centrist opposition PSDB.
Here is hoping and praying that Lula's second administration will succeed in finding real solutions to the corruption and crime waves that are plaguing this country.
Update
Here are some comments I left at the Publius Pundit blog, which I thought were appropriate here:
A few issues I see on the horizon:
1. Will Lula take a stand against the virulent leftism of Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales, or will he continue to be their plaything?
2. As he moves into his next term, will his overwhelming majority cause him to move in an increasingly leftist direction, or will he continue to defend the freedoms people have by and large enjoyed in his first term?
3. Will he make fighting crime a serious priority?
4. Will he participate in the fight against worldwide radical Islam, or will he continue to look the other way and pretend the problem doesnt exist right under his nose.
This second term could be one of outstanding achievements, or it could be time to pay the piper. We shall see.
Posted by Andrew at 9:34 PM
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Music Night
Last night the young people hosted a music night, in which people from the congregation competed in several categories. I was one of the judges. We had a great time.
The praise group leads the congregation in song.
Isaas accompanies on guitar.
The band.
Participants in the ladies category (including Itacyara) show off their medals.
The august jury panel.
There is quite a bit of musical talent. Our church is considering bringing on a music pastor to develop it. We are praying that this will happen.
Posted by Andrew at 4:04 PM
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October 27, 2006
An Auspicious Occasion
On this date in 1858 Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City. That, however, has nothing to do with this post.
Exactly one year ago today Itacyara, Mikey and I boarded a plane bound for Brazil. We were supposed to fly out a day earlier, but hurricane season got in the way.
The last year has been one of many challenges, but also of great blessing. In reviewing it the other day, Itacyara and I were filled with joy for what God has done. Here is a short list:
* All major paperwork taken care of.
* Provision of a place to live, which exactly meets our needs.
* Provision of an outstanding vehicle.
* Mission trip by Fellowship Baptist in Lakeland, Florida.
* Ministry to seminary students.
* SALE OF U.S. HOUSE!!!
* Seminary website developed.
* Puppet ministry on TV.
* Numerous preaching opportunities.
* Good school for Michael
* Itacyara passing her university exam--sixth place out of forty! (Classes start Monday)
* Many exciting upcoming ministries--including Evangelism to the Romeiros next week, and a survey trip to Picos the following week.
This is a partial list. Much more space and time would be needed to list EVERYTHING God has done in our first year in Brazil. Praise be to His Name!
Oh yeah...and today's my birthday too. Teddy and I have at least that in common.
Posted by Andrew at 5:27 AM
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October 26, 2006
Creative Brazilians
On Tuesday, Brazil celebrated the centenial of the greatest accomplishment of one of her favorite sons. On October 23rd, 1906, Alberto Santos Dumont flew a heavier than air craft (christened the 14 Bis) in Paris France.
Display in the local mall, celebrating the life of Santos Dumont.
Today this space will not be used to fuel the ongoing debate as to whether Santos Dumont invented the airplane, or whether it was the Wright Brothers, who flew in 1903. (for you Americans reading this--simple math does not resolve the issue. Believe me. I have tried.) Instead, I want to celebrate the creativity of a couple God has brought into our lives.
The above picture is of Cicero. He is standing next to a model of the Demoiselle--the second plane Santos Dumont flew. Cicero made the model. Along with just about everything else in the display.
Like this gyrocopter...
...and this model of a US Army plane...
...as well as this full-sized representation of a cockpit dashboard--which is compatable with a popular flight-simulation program.
This is Ccero and Anice with another model they made...this one for the Cidade Feliz puppet program. This couple heard about the puppet ministry we had at the seminary years ago, and decided to start one on their own. With their usual dedication to quality and precision, they worked for a couple years with their church. When Itacyara and I arrived, we went to see them and were very impressed with the work they were doing. It was only natural, therefore, that we teamed up with them when the opportunity for the TV show presented itself. God put them in just the right place at just the right time.
Posted by Andrew at 10:55 PM
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Jnior's Ministry
At the end of last semester, it was not certain whether or not he would return to the seminary. Thankfully, God provided for his continued stay, and today he is having a tremendous ministry at Faith Baptist Church.
Posted by Andrew at 1:41 PM
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October 25, 2006
Portuguese Phrase of the Day
Quem no tem co caa com gato.
Translation: He who has no dog hunts with a cat.
Posted by Andrew at 1:53 PM
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October 23, 2006
Public Displays of Affection
I know that president Lula is wildly popular here in Brazil, but I think this is taking it a little too far:
Posted by Andrew at 6:43 AM
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Portuguese Language Stats
Here are some statistics--found in today's edition of the New York Times--that I bet you didn't know:
At Long Last, a Neglected Language Is Put on a Pedestal - New York TimesMore people speak Portuguese as their native language than French, German, Italian or Japanese. So it can rankle the 230 million Portuguese speakers that the rest of the world often views their mother tongue as a minor language and that their novelists, poets and songwriters tend to be overlooked.
The article is about the Museum of the Portuguese Language in So Paulo. It is very informative. The museum is definitely on my "places to visit" list.
Posted by Andrew at 5:52 AM
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October 21, 2006
Evening Excitement
Just moments ago there was a commotion outside. A girl screamed "let go of me!", and then a lot of guys were hollering "get him, get him!" laced with swear words. I got to the gate in time to see a group of guys run past. One of them--amazingly--was still carrying a nearly full cup of beer as he ran.
Apparently, a guy had tried to take advantage of the girl, and her scream aroused the chivalrous instincts in the patrons of a nearby pub. They took off after him, and--according to them--beat him up. He insisted that she was his sister as the blows rained down, but to no avail. Obviously satisfied with their work, they walked back past the house and back to their pub. They would-be rapist took off into the shadows. The girl disappeared.
It is a good thing for the girl that the guys at the pub happened to be there. Otherwise, things may have gone very badly.
Posted by Andrew at 9:19 PM
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Brazilian Elections
If you are at all curious about what is going on in the campaign for Brazilian elections, this article from the New York Times sums it up pretty well.
Incidentally, the author of this article was almost kicked out of the country a couple years ago because he dared to report that Lula might have an alcoholism problem. Hence the almost disappointed tone he adopts when commenting that it looks pretty certain Lula will win by a big margin.
Posted by Andrew at 8:12 PM
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Productive Satudray
Usually an oxymoron in the Comings household. However, today I have...
1) Finished editing a recording to be used by the seminary puppet team for the evangelistic outreach coming up in a little over a week.
2) Set up a website (actually a weblog) for the Cidade Feliz puppet program.
3) Set up a Google Group for the members of the Cidade Feliz project.
4) Confirmed the dates for a church that will be sending a group down in May.
All of that before noon. This afternoon we will be going to a youth get-together with the young people from our church.
Posted by Andrew at 12:06 PM
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The Swelling Tide
This has nothing to do with Brazil, missions, theology, or any of the other normal topics of this blog.
This guy needs to be stopped.
Posted by Andrew at 7:48 AM
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October 20, 2006
The Dictates of Our Hearts
Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. They say continually to those who despise the word of the LORD, 'It shall be well with you'; and to everyone who stubbornly follows his own heart, they say, 'No disaster shall come upon you.'" Jer. 23:16-17
As I read this passage in my devotions this morning, the phrase "stubbornly follows his own heart" jumped out at me. This is the spirit of our age. The NKJV renders it "walks according to the dictates of his own heart."
I wish I had a dollar for every movie and TV show I have watched where the moral has been "follow your heart" or "let your heart decide".
When people begin to "speak visions of their own minds" they elevate themselves to the place of God. This idea was captured very well today by a very liberal cartoonist who I'm sure had no idea he was illustrating Jerimiah 23.
My task as a missionary (and indeed the task of all citizens of the Kingdom of God) is to proclaim and follow the word that is "from the mouth of the Lord".
Posted by Andrew at 5:08 AM
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October 18, 2006
Hooray for Bloggers
The following is good news for all of us in Latin America--including, in the long run, Venezuela:
Bloggers Stop Military Aircraft Sale to ChavezWASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- Bloggers have been credited with stopping the sale of European-made military aircraft to Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.
After Spain brokered the deal with Chavez last year, bloggers targeted the state-owned aircraft company, EADS-CASA, for violating the U.S. arms embargo against Venezuela. This week, online activists generated hundreds of letters and calls into key congressional offices to demand that EADS-CASA be disqualified from U.S. contracts. The effort followed questions that were raised about the deal by U.S. Senators in a letter to President Bush. Today, Spain announced that the sale was off.
If I knew who said bloggers were, I would hug them.
Posted by Andrew at 5:16 PM
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Student Safety and How God Works
Sunday night I visited the Nao Santa congregation, where two of our seminary studentsErivan and Gilare working. After the service we stopped by a luncheonette for cokes, and spent several minutes talking about the challenges and joys of their particular ministry.
Later on that evening one of our students was held up at knife-point as he was entering the seminary after participating in his ministry internship. The assailants took cash, books, and other items the student was carrying with him. They would probably have taken more had not a motorcycle arrived and frightened off the bandidos.
And who was on the motorcycle that arrived in such a timely fashion? Erivan and Gil, the very ones I just finished spending time with at their practical ministry. If I had not taken them out for cokes, they would have most likely arrived much earlier and not been there to scare off the muggers.
This story has two morals. (1) God has things timed down to perfection, even when we are clueless. (2) Our seminary really needs to beef up it's security. We cannot count on motorcycles arriving in the nick of time every time. If you would be willing to help financially to allow us to do this (I know, this is the second investment opportunity I have mentioned in one day), send me an e-mail.
Posted by Andrew at 3:57 PM
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Meet Marcos
Meet Marcos. Marcos is from the city of Aiuaba, about two hours from where we live. He is a young man who is active in ministry, and feels the call of God on his life to be a pastor.
Marcos would very much like to study at the Cariri Baptist Seminary. His pastor and church would very much like to send him. He is applying to the seminary now, even though he has no idea where funds will come from.
I was very impressed with Marcos when I visited Aiuaba a couple weeks ago. I told him I would pray for him, and for God's will regarding his studies at the seminary.
At the current exchange rate, it costs around $200 US a month to study at the Cariri Baptist Seminary. This includes room and board as well as classes. Those of you who know my wife, Itacyara, know the quality education our graduates have. If anybody is interested in investing in the life of this young man who is willing to invest his life in the ministry here in Brazil, send me an e-mail.
Posted by Andrew at 2:50 PM
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Baptism
As I have mentioned before, one of the greatest priveleges of my job is to be able to accompany and have a small part in the ministries of our student body. This week I was invited to the baptism of nine people at the Unio congregation where Samuel works. Samuel (tall guy in the middle) is a senior, and has been working at this congregation for four years. As can be seen, his ministry is bearing much fruit.
In a side note, Samuel has been invited to be the pastor of one of the congregations in So Lus. Thus Itacyara and I are looking forward to many years of ministry with he and his family there.
Posted by Andrew at 2:32 PM
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Bible Conference
It is seldom that we get so busy that I cannot take a little time out to blog. The motive for all our business was the annual Bible Conference/Retreat at the seminary. Here are some pictures of the event:
The speaker for the week was Dr. Wallace Alcorn, who spoke on "How the Bible Came To Be the Bible". Jim Leonard translated for him.
A highlight of the week was on Thursday, when the professors got behind the counter and served pizza to the students and guests. Yes, that is a McDonalds uniform I am wearing. I really got into the whole food-service thing.
The many fun activities planned for the week included water-balloon volleyball...
...Hollywood Squares (a Brazilian version)...
...and a trip to nearby Arajara Park. This is our director being thrown into the "drink" by a gang of seminary students. I got thrown in too, but thankfully there were no cameras present.
Posted by Andrew at 2:00 PM
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October 12, 2006
Theology from Dad
Recently my Dad posted the following comment on my bro's blog:
[W]hile it is absolutely true that salvation is all of God from beginning to end, it is also true that God reveals the process in a wonderfully seamless "dance" in which he seeks and woos and appeals and man responds in such a way that the man can say "I believe." Those who are married to free will have a difficult time with those passages where God's elective and regenerative sovereignty are held forth (such as Ephesians 1). However, those who are married to soevereignty have a difficult time with those passages where God clearly appeals to the will and presents himself at times as the seeker and at other times as the one responding to the seeker. Thus, Paul says - it is a mystery. Neither sovereignty nor free will are the hub of the wheel around which all else turns. God as God in the way that He has revealed Himself and not as we want to categorize him is the hub of the wheel. "Thus - let God be true but every man a liar.
That's my Pa!
Posted by Andrew at 2:23 PM
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O Caminho Certo
The Right Path is our latest episode in the Cidade Feliz puppet series. In it, Junior illustrates the fact that there is only one Way to heaven.
This episode will air on Saturday.
Don't forget to check out the Cidade Feliz store. If you have problems viewing the video, you can check it out here.
Posted by Andrew at 7:05 AM
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October 10, 2006
Weekend in Aiuaba
This weekend Itacyara, Mikey and I went to the small city of Aiuaba with Tiago, one of our seminary students. Tiago works there together with Moises, the Brazilian who is planting the church. Below are some pictures of the trip.
In this picture, Tiago leads the singing for a Saturday night open-air evangelism outreach in Arneroz, a small outlying village. There is no work in Arneroz...yet.
I must confess, I had a great time driving over the rugged terrain as we visited outlying settlements. This skull on a fencepost seemed to be a Kodak moment.
The pickup got a workout over the weekend. Besides the intense driving, it also served as transportation...
...as well as a portable stand for the sound system.
This is Tiago with his Sunday School class. We are very proud of him and the work he is doing there.
After the morning service, the church-folk gathered for a pork roast.
YUMMY!
I had the privilege of speaking on Sunday evening, and God blessed the service with two believers who had fallen away being reconciled to the church. I also accomanied Moises and Tiago on visitation on Sunday afternoon. We had a great conversation with a new convert, and were able to share the Gospel with a lady who is experiencing some physical difficulties. Weekends like this leave us physically exhausted, but spiritually uplifted.
Posted by Andrew at 6:36 PM
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Pray for Emerson
Emerson is the brother of Emanuela, the hostess for our Cidade Feliz puppet show. He is 16. On Saturday he was walking home from buying some clothes when he was accosted by a young man--drugged out of his mind--who held a gun to his head. Emerson managed to duck and hold up the bag he was carrying just as the gun fired. That shot missed. Two more hit him in the side, one coming very close to his heart. The young man then fled. Emerson, still conscious, managed to hand the bag with the clothes to a young lady who was accompanying him home, then hail a moto-taxi and get himself to the hospital.
Itacyara and I just visited Emerson. He was operated on, and is doing remarkably well. His stomach is sewed up from where they operated to take out the bullets. Other than that and the bandages over the entry wounds, he appears fine. Yesterday he made a decision for Christ. We talked to him a little about what that means, and how it is obvious that God has a purpose for his life.
On the way home, we stopped in to talk to the family. They are doing well. Emanuela showed us the pair of pants that her brother had been bringing home. There are eight very neat holes where the bullet penetrated the folds. When she took the pants out of the bag, she found the bullet--the one that could have ended the life of her brother.
Today it was discovered that the assailant was an escaped prisoner who was intent on killing someone that night, just for the purpose of killing somebody. He is still at large.
Pray for Emerson, Emanuel, and the safety of their family. Pray for Emerson's spiritual growth. Pray for our church as it seeks to reach out to this family. Pray for the disturbed young man who perpetrated this crime.
Posted by Andrew at 4:53 PM
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October 9, 2006
Book of the Week: The Word of God in English
This volume challenged many of my notions on translations. Leland Ryken aims withering fire at dynamic equivalence, and modern translations such as the Jerusalem Bible, the Message, and especially the NIV emerge bloody from the assault.
Different from the KJV Only crowd, Ryken's complaint is not with the original text. He has no complaint with the manuscripts used in the various translations. He is much more concerned with the method of translation, which has robbed the modern English reader of the richness of meaning inherent in the Scriptures.
From the very outset, he challenges the foundations of the dynamic equivalence philosophy, making the very important point that principles used in translating the Bible into a new language do not necessarily apply to a translation from the original languages into English--where the Bible is practically a native book.
Ryken's love for the King James Version is evident throughout the book, although he does not advocate a return to it. He laments it's loss, but recognizes that it's archaisms make it invalid for today's use. Although he never comes out and says it specifically, it is quite obvious that he prefers the English Standard Version (ESV). This comes as no surprise, since he served on the translation committee for that version.
This book is essential reading for those interested in seriously studying the translations issue. I only wish it had been part of the required reading when I was in Bible College.
Click here to check out previous book-of-the-week offerings.
Posted by Andrew at 2:31 PM
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October 6, 2006
More Puppet Filming
Hope you don't mind some pictures of our filming session yesterday.
We are a low-tech opperation, as evidenced by the fact that our presenter doubles as our TelePrompTer.
Our longsuffering cameraman, Eleilton.
The Romeo and Juliet scene.
Ccero (pictured) and and his wife Nice (pronounced NEEcee) do an awesome job preparing the scenery. Notice the tree on the right.
We have two episodes in editing right now. They should be up in the next couple of days.
In the meantime, you can check out the Cidade Feliz store. Proceeds help with the production of the TV show.
Posted by Andrew at 9:03 PM
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Conversations on Corruption
One of the missionary weblogs I read regularly is Mission Safari. The author is a missionary in Africa, and just recently posted an article on corruption, which inspired comments from some other missionaries, including yours truly. Today he posted a follow-up article that is well worth reading.
Posted by Andrew at 11:10 AM
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October 4, 2006
Sidebar Update
If you pay any attention to the sidebar of the blog, you will notice that I have included a new section called "Excellence in Blogging". Here you will find listed blogs that I regularly read. I have selected them for their theological content and/or blogging quality.
The blogs are as follows:
Al Mohler's blog:: Al Mohler is one of the best and most outspoken Christian minds of the day. His blog consistently deals with theological and social issues from a solidly Biblical standpoint.
Pyromaniacs: This is a team blog administered by Phil Johnson, who has been one of my favorites after I heard his withering evaluation of the modern Fundamentalist movement at the 2004 Shepherd's conference. The atmosphere of Pyromaniacs is often "rough-and-tumble", but the theological debate, spiced with humor and possibly the best graphics of any blog I have ever seen, is outstanding.
Purgatorio: For a funny, biting, and witheringly accurate look at Christian culture today, you need to check out Purgatorio. After you are done laughing, you will find yourself reflecting.
Pulpit Magazine: This is the official online magazine--in blog format--of the Shepherd's Fellowship, and most of the articles are by John MacArthur. Although I don't always agree, I am consistently edified and stretched by the content of this blog.
World Magazine Blog: Perhaps one of the greatest publications when it comes to expounding a Christian world view, World Magazine now has a blog. Well worth the read.
Posted by Andrew at 8:09 AM
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Dr. Sam Horn on The Heart of Biblical Missions
Over at Sharper Iron, one of the foremost Fundamentalist blogs on the internet, Dr. Sam Horn has published an article entitled The Heart of Biblical Missions. It is outstanding. Below is an excerpt.
SharperIron The Heart of Biblical MissionsHave you ever wondered what it feels like to have a love for the lost? This is a term we use as part of our Christian jargon. Many believers search their hearts in condemnation, looking for the arrival of some feeling of benevolence that will propel them into bold evangelism. It will never happen. It is impossible to love "the lost." You can't feel deeply for an abstraction or a concept. You would find it impossible to love deeply an unfamiliar individual protrayed in a photograph, let alone a nation or a race or something as vague as “all lost people. Don't wait for a feeling of love in order to share Christ with a stranger. You already love your heavenly Father, and you know that this stranger is created by Him, but separated from Him, so take those first steps in evangelism because you love God. It is not primarily out of a compassion for humanity that we share our faith or pray for the lost; it is, first of all, love for God.
I have often said that the Great Commission is God-centered and not man-centered. Our love for the lost comes as a result of a love for God.
Be sure to click on the above link and read the whole thing.
Posted by Andrew at 7:53 AM
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October 3, 2006
First-Hand Account of Mid-Air Collision
It now appears to be confirmed that the crash that claimed 155 lives was caused by a mid-air collision with a private jet. One of the passengers of the jet recounts the experience:
Passenger recounts mid-air crash over Brazil : Mail & Guardian OnlineThere was no warning, not even the roar of the approaching 737, before the two planes collided at 11 278m, according to a passenger aboard the smaller corporate jet whose seven occupants miraculously survived the fatal encounter.
Joe Sharkey, a reporter for the New York Times, was on assignment in Brazil and relaxing aboard the Embraer Legacy 600 jet with his window shade closed when he felt the mid-air impact.
Only hours later would he learn it had apparently sent a second plane spiralling to the floor of the Amazon rainforest, killing 155 people.
"Without warning, I felt a terrific jolt and heard a loud bang, followed by an eerie silence, save for the hum of engines," Sharkey wrote in an account of the ordeal in Tuesday's New York Times.
Be sure to click on the link above to read the rest of the story. It is amazing. Unfortunately, it appears that the only information we will have of events on the other plane will come from the black box.
Posted by Andrew at 10:52 AM
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October 2, 2006
Book of the Week: The Hinge of Fate
War is a series of catastrophes that results in a victory. Georges Clemenceau
The above quote is a good summary of Hinge of Fate--fourth book in Sir Winston Churchill's WWII series.
Like the others, it is full of personal remembrances and memos.
The memos actually make for tedious reading at times, but for the most part Churchill's narrative is captivating. I was especially intrigued by the chapter on a vote of censure that took place during the war's darkest days. Churchill's reaction to it would be educational for people in positions of leadership today.
For other Book-Of-The-Week entries, including the previous three volumes in Churchill's WWII series, click here.
Posted by Andrew at 1:51 PM
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John Leonard Update
It has been quite some time since I have given an update on John Leonard, the BMM missionary who was shot after a church service here in Brazil a little over a year ago.
Click here to see how God is getting the glory through the events in John's life.
Posted by Andrew at 11:23 AM
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October 1, 2006
It's Runoff Time
President Lula, who until Thursday appeared to be in a place to win an easy contest against weak opposition. These few days were just time enough for his campaign team to involve itself in a new scandal, and for Lula himself to make the tactical blunder of not showing up for a presidential debate. Now he finds himself facing a runoff election against an opponent--Geraldo Alckmin--who is gaining momentum.
Lula is very popular in this part of Brazil, and people here are in somewhat of a shock. It almost feels the same as when Brazil lost to France in this year's World Cup.
Except Lula hasn't lost. All polls would indicate that he has just suffered a postponement of victory. Then again, on Wedensday most polls were predicting an easy first-round win.
Itacyara and I were worship leaders for church this evening. We started by reading Proverbs 21:1, and then reminding people that we are citizens of a heavenly Kingdom, and that our King is not subject to elections, run-offs, or impeachments.
Posted by Andrew at 11:25 PM
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Plane Crash Update
It would appear that there will be no survivors.
IOL: No survivors in Brazil's 'worst' air disasterBrasilia - Military searchers rappelled down on Saturday to the wreckage of a Brazilian passenger plane that crashed a day earlier in remote Amazon jungle with 155 people on board.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said there was no sign of survivors.
Posted by Andrew at 4:26 PM
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