This is a true story of a man and his love for the people of Brazil. His life story begins in North Carolina, being raised in simple surroundings. As a man, he climbed the ladder of success in the insurance industry. He lived in comfort, content and respected by his peers. Stan felt blessed with a lovely wife and family. What more could any man want?
He opened his compassionate heart after meeting another man with a big vision, to reach the people of Brazil with the gospel of Christ. Much of the population there consists of poor people in remote areas. These individuals, their families, and villages needed church buildings, which would be safe shelters. They did not desire magnificent structures, just sturdy buildings large enough to hold a small group of worshipers. The vision became a reality. Stan made many mission trips to Brazil advancing the cause of Christ and this growing ministry. I would describe him as a man willing to work, rolling up his sleeves and opening wide his arms to people in need of God’s love. Volunteer groups made up of mostly people untrained in construction raised church buildings across Brazil.
Stan moved to our community in Northwest Florida and became a dedicated member of our Baptist Church. His contagious enthusiasm for missionary trips to Brazil influenced others from our church to join him. North Carolina roots and traditions helped pay his way to Brazil. He made Bar-B-Q; and the sales proceeds provided trip money. Our church held a commissioning service for the volunteers, sending them out with prayer and encouragement. Their reports upon returning were filled with emotion and love! The group included a teenage girl who excitedly learned missions first hand.
A retired optometrist within our church membership gathered and donated large numbers of eye glasses, to be taken to the people of Brazil. He trained Stan to use simple procedures for fitting the eye glasses properly. Stan could not depend on professional equipment. He used the reading of John 3:16, from the Bible. He later shared experiences of the great joy of people holding the word of God within their hands, and reading God’s word after receiving restored vision! Interpreters of their language aided in communication and shared the joys of changed lives. Yes, Stan allowed his heart burden to grow into outreach to many areas of Brazil. It reached the lost and Christ's followers in need of encouragement. Large numbers could meet together for worship in their communities. Once Stan sold life insurance; he freely gave away “life assurance” to the people of Brazil!
Read more articles by Pam Ford Davis or search for articles on the same topic or others.
