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Workers from Brazil and Uruguay met with the Klassens at the Pan American Christian Academy (PACA), with local preparations in the hands of John Klassen and Victor Wiens. The retreat had an enrollment of 24 North Americans, including staff workers, teachers and administrators. Mornings and evenings were devoted to worship, prayer, lectures and discussions. Afternoons included relaxing activities, sharing and informal talks. Victor and Marty Wiens, leaders of the Sao Paulo MBM/S workers, hosted the Klassens. Meals for the entire group were prepared by PACA staff.
The theme of Abe Klassen's messages was: "Seeing and sharing the grace of God", according to Acts 11:19-26, which records Barnabas being sent to Antioch. Klassen spoke of how Barnabas recognized the grace of God at work among them and rejoiced in it, then encouraged the believers to remain faithful to the Lord. Alvina assisted in instructing, mentoring and sharing.
From Sao Paulo, they drove with John and Pat Klassen to the Curitiba region where the common languages included English, German and Portuguese. Klassen had his first experience of preaching through interpreters. He reported this as a special encounter with the power of the Word and the reality of the work of the Holy Spirit, measured in the competency of interpreters and the beauty of responses from listeners.
Services in Curitiba were directed to both North American and Brazilian workers--in churches such as Xaxim, Jardim Das Americas, Boqueriao III. They also talked with local people and toured Witmarsum and the MB Seminary. John Klassen, biblical instructor at the MB Seminary in Curitiba, scheduled the visits and the preaching ministry. Pat and John hosted the Klassens in Curitiba.
They returned from their brief overseas experience and said it had been very much worth the effort, time and expense. They believe the benefits will be threefold. First, a lasting effect on themselves and their ministry. It gave them an insight into MBM/S work in Brazil and opened up windows of understanding on how others can be influenced and impacted by encouragement. Secondly, they believe it will have lasting value for the Elmwood congregation since an inwardly renewed pastoral couple is an investment that brings dividends in many ways. Third, the blessings of the power of encouragement will continue to enable the workers to fulfill their assignments with joy.
Klassen said he rediscovered the value of precise planning, while being open and flexible to the leading of the Spirit and to change.
Margaret Harder
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