We're not out of the picture yet!

But we have more pictures from Rio Grande. Our readers have probably severely dwindled now that both of us are back in the continental 48, but we had a wonderful time in Rio Grande and still want to throw forth the fotos. I wish I could devote more time to describing all that happened. Here is the least I can do.

The city of Rio Grande, the oldest in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, has about 200,000 inhabitants who live very close together in the center; there's no downtown to speak of (in the sense of what I imagine a downtown to be). Espaço Cristão is a growing congregation with Pentecostal roots that has five or six branch churches around Rio Grande. The Anderson family moved down from the Sovereign Grace church in Pasadena to serve Espaço Cristão with Fabiani. They were a hotrockinawesome bunch! Below is me with Brianna and Mrs. Anderson.

While I was in Rio Grande, David and I stayed with Marco and Adriana, who attend Espaço Cristão. Marco is quite the churrasqueiro...he cooked up some mighty good meals while we were in his home (and at his restaurant).

David and I spent some hours (David probably spent a lot more hours after I left) in the church office. We loved getting to know Fabiani (left) and his brother Milton (middle), who is the pastor of Espaço Cristão.

Much of the city looked like this street, which is right in front of Marco and Adriana's home.

The Andersons, the Medeiroses, and a few other friends all went out with us one Saturday to the longest beach in the world, twenty minutes from Rio Grande. Pablo and David below. Technical difficulties prevent more people from being included in the photo selection.

A huge inlet of water that extends all the way to Porto Alegre (4.5 hours' drive north) begins at this point of the beach. From this opening extends two parallel rail tracks. Sightseers can ride rail cars to the end of the tracks for a striking view of the Atlantic.

And a view of dolphins and sea lions. David and Jordan Anderson below.

This shot was taken from the very end of the track, looking back toward the mainland.

The Andersons and the Medeiroses (both pair!) and two very privileged youth

Much more could be said. Dave and I still think of and pray for this precious work being done in Rio Grande, and are excited to see where the gospel will take Espaço Cristão.