“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4) While you are not my children, and I am by no means older, nor an apostle, what rejoices our hearts is to hear of what the Lord is doing in our supporting churches. While we serve here, God is STILL alive and working even there (in the nice cold weather). Thank you for your faithfulness and resolve to go on. What an encouragement and example you are to us.
We recently had one of our supporting churches give a substantial offering for the new church plant in Moreira César. We praise the Lord for their commitment and sacrifice in seeing this new work become reality. While we’ve been holding services in the public square, when it rains, it makes it somewhat difficult for people to come and to stay dry. We are working now to sign a contract on a house to rent to begin services there. Just the story of how we were able to secure this location is a letter in itself. Suffice it to say, God answers prayer!
Bro. Alfredo and I made a visit to Isabela and her young family who live over in Moreira César. They live right next door to the house we’re going to be renting. They come from an extremely charismatic and confused background, as is so often the case here. Please pray for her husband, Kaík. He was there at the house during the visit but, for whatever reason, did not come out to talk with us. Please pray for this young family. Isabela was saved during the Christmas cantata a few weeks back. The urgent need for a local church in Moreira César becomes more evident every day. The groundwork is being laid. There is much work to do. And the great need still is laborers. We will be caring for this work for the time being. Due to our responsibilities at Victory Baptist Church, we will be starting with Bible studies every other Saturday and Tuesday. We are thrilled to be able to be on the ground floor, but we need your prayer.
Seeing the Holy Spirit work in hearts and lives is just amazing! Luciano and I have been going through discipleship for the last 4 months. From an avowed skeptic of churches in general to what the Lord is doing in his life today is really miraculous to watch. A few weeks ago, he offered the church the use of their multi-purpose room that they rent out for parties when we are ready to move. This is a huge answer to prayer and also a huge step of faith. Leaving our current starting location is stepping out of our comfort zone. We have not closed on the church property, but once we do, we plan to leave our rental and be able to save a significant amount of money as we get ready to build.
We always need prayer, but it seems that we’re entering a season when specific, persistent prayer on behalf of this purchase, move, build, and future growth is imperative. There are so many aspects and new things we have not experienced that we are about to undertake. One of our greatest desires is that this new season would be a time of growth not only in number, but in spiritual maturity. Since the start of the year, we’ve had several families experience some trying circumstances. I have been hammering the need to do right and walk with the Lord, regardless of our circumstances. We know that Satan is real and desires to discourage, distract, and disrupt what God is doing. May Christ ever be exalted and magnified in and through our hearts and lives.
We praise the Lord for continued health and safety for us all. Aside from dealing with dental issues with all 3 kids, we’re doing well. The kids continue to grow and progress in their school. We’re so thankful and humbled to have this opportunity to serve Christ here in Pindamonhangaba. We love you all and praise the Lord for your continued partnership in the Gospel.