On the 28th of February 2001, Buck and Luciene moved to the Amazon Basin of Brazil. We lived in Macapá, right on the equator. Why would a web designer give up his career and take his family from their comfortable life in Columbus, Ohio, USA, to live on the Amazon River? We came with a vision to save the Amazon, to tell people about Jesus, and plant a Vineyard church. We have planted a church, and we are turning it over to the national leaders, heading back to the States in Sept. 2009.

 
I have had a headache constantly for about five days now. I’m not sure what it is from. Could be from Dengue fever, could be the flu, or could be from high blood pressure. I forgot my blood pressure medicine in the States. I guess I should probably go to the doctor, but the doctor here has never even taken my blood pressure that I can remember. I think I need a new doctor.

When I think about death, my death, I wonder, if I die, who will go? Who will go to the poor, who will be the hands of Jesus to the people of the Amazon? Who will have the compassion on those that are suffering, who will burn with a desire to create a model creating jobs for those that are going hungry, provide training for the kids that are at risk on the streets, who will hug the children that know no love at home?

You must be out there, somewhere. Everyone must die, eventually. One thing that we all have in common is that we are all dying. Every day brings us one step closer to death. I do not want to die, and leave no one to continue the work. I want to hear the Lord say “Well done.” Part of that is preparing those that will come after. Part of that is leaving a legacy of leadership to take up the banner, to stand in the gap for the lost, to be the hands of grace to the multitudes that are like sheep without a shepherd.

Lord, send faithful workers, people that can be raised up to harvest the fields that are white, rotting on the trees. Give me wisdom Lord, that I may lead your people with compassion, with vision, and with the love of God. Help me to walk in humility, to make known your wonderful grace, to reflect your unity, to accept your diversity, to embrace your suffering, and to spread your love throughout history. Help me to plant seeds in good soil, and bring forth much fruit.

posted by Eduardo Buck at Tuesday, April 15, 2003