This morning, I woke-up to the sound of a bird singing outside my window. Last night, I went to bed worried, praying for direction, praying for this nation, and desiring to hear the voice of God in this chaos. The lungs of this little bird brought forth music, and within its sound, I clearly heard the voice I’d been seeking. God whispered in my ear:
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet I feed them. Are you not of more value than they, daughter?
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and I know that you need them all. But seek first My Kingdom and My righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore, my love, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Adapted from Matthew 6
After almost a week of uncertainty as Brazil faces a political crisis, these simple but powerful words of truth were sweeter than honey to my soul. Yes, there is no anxiety in God’s perfect love.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6
The Trucker’s Strike
As of Wednesday, May 21st there has been a strike here in Brazil. The truckers (mostly private contractors) and a union called Abcam have come together to demand the government lower costs in diesel fuel, an exemption from certain toll fees, and if I understand correctly, a legal reform regarding truckers. The government did not respond to their threats, so now trucks have blocked roads across the nation, as they await for the government to yield to their demands. Some have even burned their tires so they will not be moved.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in a shortage of gasoline, food, and medical supplies since the deliveries are not being made. Over 600 flights have been canceled due to lack of fuel. In my city, the effects of this grave situation are being felt. Many shelves are empty in the supermarket, cars are running on fumes, and every day there are more and more protetests or demonstrations on the streets.
The Response
The government has sent special police units to the blockades, and are successfully making progress, with threats to fine the truckers R$100,000 reis (about $30,000 US dollars) per hour if they refuse to clear the roads. Many truckers have moved, to make way for gasoline trucks and medical supplies but others continue to resist. For fifteen days, there will be negotiations discussed between the truckers and the government, but as I understand, no official agreement has been made.
Many of the people here support the strike, believing this is a step in the right direction towards a better Brazil, while others are less optimistic. Some are worried the government could turn, and the country could be in serious danger, like what happened to Venezuela.
The church is coming together and we are in prayer for this nation. Even so, at the church meeting tonight, there was a heavy feeling in the room. Less than half the band was able to make it, and very few people were there – a solemn reminder of the situation outside of our walls. Yet, as we began to sing to our Lord, our hearts went from a place of grief to relief. God is in control.
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 62: 1-2
Friends, I ask you to join us in prayer for Brazil at this time. None of us are sure when the situation will be resolved, but we can only help one another in this time and keep our faith and focus in Christ. Hope is alive, my friends. For Christ is the foundation on which we stand.
Till the next adventure,
Katya
