Brazilian Independence Day

This past Sunday, being Independence Day here in Brazil, the church had an all-day picnic at the Blazers’ house outside of town. Even though many of our regular folks were traveling, there were still lots of people that came out.
Guys love to cook when there's fire involved!

There were lines for everything, especially for food!

Some people would try anything to get ahead in line!

There was plenty of food – barbecued meat with rice and beans – for everyone.

There was plenty of time to just relax.

After an open air worship service, we went over to the pool area and had a baptism. Fifteen people were baptized, with all ages represented, and most new believers. I’ve never participated in such a big baptism!

The water was really cold!
Several of our teens were baptized.

With time for games and visiting, people were in no hurry to head home. Late in the day, sandwiches were made from the lunch leftovers. And of course more lines, especially for ice cream!

It was an encouraging time together as our church family gets to know one another. And no complaints, except maybe jokingly while waiting in the long lunch line or getting into the cold pool water for the baptism, but it was all worth it!

With the air cooling down in the evening, it was a perfect time for a bonfire to end the day.

It was a great day of celebrating our freedom!