In this Thanksgiving season, we are reminded of our Father’s goodness and blessings in our lives through the many who pray, give, and partner with us. We would like to begin this update with a simple thank you. Every soul that is saved and life that is reached is a direct result of your partnership. We cannot express our gratitude enough. We truly have much for which to be thankful.
October was a special month for us. We had the opportunity to participate in a marriage retreat with New Life Baptist Church. We did not have quite the participation that we would have liked, but we were blessed and challenged in a day of teaching, fellowship, and fun.
One of the areas that I am burdened and praying to grow in the church is a personal responsibility in reaching the lost for every member. I have been reminded of the personal responsibility of each and every believer to be reaching the lost with the Gospel. Please pray with us as we preach, teach, pray and labor for this reality. The Gospel work will never go forward simply resting on the work of the pastor. “Everyone in everything”—that’s been our theme this year. How we need the Lord’s power and compassion for souls and others!
October 12th is the Brazilian patron saint’s day. It’s also celebrated as Children’s Day, and we had a wonderful opportunity to reach families. The day started with a Brazilian churrasco and fellowship at our home. (Never a bad way to start anything!) Then, in the late afternoon, we had a time of street ministry in Moreira César just a few blocks from the new work, Hope Baptist Temple. The Lord gave us great weather and participation—both from the neighborhood and our church folks! We had over 70 people who came and many more who heard the Gospel from their home or garage—the noisy white guy on the megaphone made sure it was loud enough! It was a great time of games, singing, Bible memory, snacks, and preaching. I got to witness to Marcos and his girlfriend after the service was over. Their son is 7 and has come several times to different events we’ve done on the street. Please pray for their understanding of the simplicity of the Gospel. It was a wonderful time to see our folks get involved as well as a great preparation for a VBS we’ll be doing the second week of January.
We’ll be having 2 weeks of VBS in January of 2027. We ask that you’d already be in prayer for them—January 7-9 at Victory Baptist in the center of town, and January 14-16 at Hope Baptist in Moreira César. We are earnestly praying for the church to catch the vision and get involved. Sunday, November 1, Victory Baptist had a special offering to raise money for the many aspects of the VBS. Praise the Lord, almost $400 was given by the good folks of Victory Baptist!
We have been overwhelmed by the response to our need with the land purchase. In October we received $6,000 in support for the purchase. We are eagerly anticipating how the Lord will provide the other $39,000. While the church continues to give and save, we’re also working on the paperwork. We have a few documents that we need to have approved through the city clerk’s office before we can get a contract for purchase. Once again, we need God’s timing, wisdom, and patience in each of these steps.
As we look ahead to 2027, we have many plans that are in place. We desire for Victory Baptist and Hope Baptist to take greater steps towards maturity, growth and independence. I am specifically praying for a family to help work alongside us in a full-time capacity. But more than any human planning or workforce—we need Him!
I have been reminded recently just how great a privilege it is to be able to serve the Lord full-time here in Brazil. I cannot believe that the Lord allows us to take the Gospel and see souls saved, lives changed and reached, people baptized and discipled, and local churches established. Sensing His call at 9 years old, I really do get to “live the dream”! We strive to be worthy and faithful partners. We need you praying on our behalf. We love you and give thanks for each of you and the partnership we enjoy as a result of your sacrifice and faith!
All for Christ,
Keith, Jamie, Lainey, Clayton and Silas Putnam | Philippians 2:16