Amazon Pastor’s Conference

As I write this, I am on the plane returning home from our 10th Annual JMI Jungle Pastor’s Conference in the Amazon. It has been an incredible week. Our God moved in a mighty way in the hearts and lives of these incredible godly servants of our Lord. These pastors come from all over the Amazonas region. Some travel five or more days by boat to come to the conference. They come hungry to learn, to be renewed and refreshed. They come with their wives, who are just as big a part of the ministry as they are. The time is holy and our God is present.

All the pastors meet our Justice & Mercy Amazon Staff in Manaus, the major city at the head of the Amazon region, and then board a boat to come to our John Pac Conference Center. This was our first year to have our new JMI Boat, the Splendor. The pastors and their wives sleep in hammocks on the boat and walk up the steps each day into the Center. We spend the entire week pouring into these incredible pastors and leaders. We feed them 3 meals a day (which is way more than they normally have), we teach, train, lead worship, and even provide counseling. Each day is packed from 6:30 am to 10 pm. The content is rich and the fellowship is deep.

This year was especially meaningful after the enormous battle of the last two years. These pastors have been on the front lines. Manaus was hit so hard during Covid-19. Many of these pastors are the gatekeepers of their communities. They pastor their churches but also know where the schools are, where special needs children are living, and what resources in their area need. During Covid-19, they were the ones who were going to houses and taking care of the sick and needy. They were putting their lives on the line, and they saw God do miracles. They needed this week as a time of encouragement and refreshment.

As Justice & Mercy Amazon, we were able to come alongside these pastors during the pandemic to provide food bags, oxygen tanks, Bibles, and medical help. Pastors would pick up the supplies from JMA to take to families. In a normal year, we would give away 300-500 food bags (these are giant bags that can sustain an entire family for weeks). During the pandemic, these pastors gave away over 19,000 food bags! They went to some of the deepest regions of the jungle. Now, JMA has a presence in 52 of the 62 municipalities in the Amazon. The message of Jesus is going to “the ends of the earth.”

At this year’s conference, we heard so many stories of God saving lives, growing His Church, and providing in incredible ways. These pastors were also tired. This week was so needed in their own personal lives. They came exhausted but were filled with teaching, hope, and love. They soaked up every moment. Prayed, grieved, and renewed their faith. They were so grateful, even more than ever, and they left with their hearts and lives overflowing.

I’m so thankful for these pastors and their tireless work for Christ. I’m also always so convicted to see how they serve and sacrifice for the Gospel. They make me want to do more for the cause of Christ. They truly give their all for Jesus. Joy and commitment simply flow out of them. This year was so impactful. I can’t wait to see what our God will do through them in all their churches, communities, and generations.

I’m so thankful for Justice & Mercy International and for the difference our God is making in the Amazon and Moldova. I’m so thankful for Sarah & Magno Rodriguez and all our JMA Staff who do such an incredible job ministering to and serving these pastors and their wives (we have over 1,200 pastors and wives now that have been to a Conference and are a part of our team). I’m so thankful for Rolling Hills and all the people who pray, go and give financially to make this happen. It is so incredible for our church and JMI to be a part of this journey to truly change the world for Jesus. Our God is doing miracles, and it is truly awesome that we all are able to be a part of what He is doing. What if we are the generation that sees the Great Commission completed and Jesus Christ return? It could happen in our day. We are a part of something special. May our God reach the entire Amazon for Christ and may He bless these incredible pastors and wives. Obrigado, Lord Jesus!