Well...guess I should go buy a stove...

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

good point mizpeh. I don't know where the alvears focus their work, but there should be plenty of middle class brazilians that could be targeted not only for their salvation, but also to support kingdom building in brazil.

It was a general question not specifically pointed at the Alvears.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

good point mizpeh. I don't know where the alvears focus their work, but there should be plenty of middle class brazilians that could be targeted not only for their salvation, but also to support kingdom building in brazil.

Her ministry is to the poorest of the poor in Brazil

Here is a foot note most might miss on Brazil's economy

Poverty in Brazil is most visually represented by the various favelas, slums in the country's metropolitan areas and remote upcountry regions that suffer with economic underdevelopment and below-par standards of living. An attempt to mitigate these problems is the "Fome Zero" hunger-eradication program implemented by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2003. Part of this is "Bolsa Família,"[2] a major anti-poverty program that gives money directly to impoverished families so as to keep their children in school.

Lula's government reduced 19.8% the rate of poverty based on labour income during June 2002 and June 2006 according to Fundação Getúlio Vargas. In June 2006, the rate of misery was 18.57% of the population.[3]
The rate of poverty is in part attributed to the country's economic inequality. Brazil ranks among the world's highest nations in the Gini coefficient index of inequality assessment. A study on the subject [4] shows that the poor segment constitutes roughly one third of the population, and the extremely poor make out 13% (2005 figures). However, the same study shows the income growth of the poorest 20% population segment to be almost in par with China, while the richest 10% are stagnating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_issues_in_Brazil

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I don't mind supporting missionaries. I understand that they are immersed in the work of God. My question is when does the native work take over and become self-sufficient in supporting the work of the Lord in their area?

Well often these are in third world locations and can't fully support such things as having cars, boats or planes. Yes in some areas they need boats or planes to reach rural areas

Sis Alvear's "area" of Brazil is pretty poor and she sometimes makes trips to tribes in the jungle area

[Dedicated Mind]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

You have not because you ask not.

Maybe Sis. Alvear's boldness to ask for what she needs just gets under some of you guy's skin.

renda, i want to buy a keyboard so i can play in church. can you sow a seed of $450.00 into my music ministry?

[Dedicated Mind]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

You have not because you ask not.

Maybe Sis. Alvear's boldness to ask for what she needs just gets under some of you guy's skin.

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

renda, i want to buy a keyboard so i can play in church. can you sow a seed of $450.00 into my music ministry?

bump for renda

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

bump for renda

Brother,

I'm sorry at this time I cannot. However, you've laid the want out there, so hopefully someone can take you up on it - - that's how it works!

[Dedicated Mind]

I think sis alvear has a sweet spirit. the only thing I would mention is that there are people in america who struggle financially. Brazil is not africa or china. there are many christians and missionnaries who struggle world wide. Sis alvear is not the only one facing hardship. many of us struggle in different ways.

[Praxeas]

It should be pointed out Brazil, is not like the US. Sure there are affluent Brazillians but there are also areas where they are incredibly poor and gangs and drug dealers reign nearly untouched by the law

Sis Alvear is not supported by the UPC foreign missions. She is totally dependent on those that can give. Most of those that are members of her church are also dirt poor.

She has made this her life long mission, not a mere 5 year stint

[Charnock]

It's one thing to know about, and be moved by, an incredible poverty among the people you're laboring to reach, another thing entirely to become personally impoverished specifically because you reach for that field.

When you have no power, no water, and few groceries you will have the right to lecture me about American laziness and apathy. I have gone without those things so that the "work of God" could prosper, and so that others would not suffer. Until you do, maybe all of you should actually read what I am saying instead of rushing to defend a personality.

I do not say this to brag, or out of some plea for sympathy. I post it to make a point. There are men and women all around you that are waking to the fact that this continent is adrift. They are sacrificing everything to reach it.

[OldPathsII]

Originally Posted by Charnock

It's one thing to know about, and be moved by, an incredible poverty among the people you're laboring to reach, another thing entirely to become personally impoverished specifically because you reach for that field.

When you have no power, no water, and few groceries you will have the right to lecture me about American laziness and apathy. I have gone without those things so that the "work of God" could prosper, and so that others would not suffer. Until you do, maybe all of you should actually read what I am saying instead of rushing to defend a personality.

I do not say this to brag, or out of some plea for sympathy. I post it to make a point. There are men and women all around you that are waking to the fact that this continent is adrift. They are sacrificing everything to reach it.

You have stated the absolute truth, perfectly. Well said.