In this Thanksgiving season, we want to express our gratitude for you all. These past five and a half years have flown by. Through it all, you have partnered with us—taking our burdens as your own to the Lord in prayer, and sacrificially giving so that the Gospel can continue forward here in Brazil. While we recognize there is still much work to do, we praise the Lord for what He has done and are eagerly expecting what He will do!
October was an exciting month as we had the opportunity to host a couples’ banquet. We had 17 total couples in attendance, 7 of whom were not from the church. I gave a simple message on “A Marriage in Paradise” and gave a clear presentation of the Gospel. One of the couples that was there was Flávio and Fernanda. They live in Moreira César, where we are laying the groundwork for a new church. Their kids have participated in the street ministry that we’ve done there, and they have listened but have remained safely distant to this point. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and for them to see their need for salvation. The banquet was a wonderful opportunity for our people to get involved and bring an unsaved couple with them. It was a blessing to see our people getting excited for their family, neighbors, and co-workers.
Another exciting development was the service in the park that we had on October 11. We were able to secure a park in Moreira César to have an open-air service. We had just a few days of lead time to invite people, but praise the Lord, we had almost 50 in attendance. It was a beautiful afternoon, and we were able to preach the Gospel, sing, meet new people, feed them, and have a special activity for all the kids. Kelly, her daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandkids came. They live just down the street from the park, and I had the opportunity to witness to her daughter and son-in-law. The need for the Gospel in this neighborhood is great. We are so excited for what the Lord is doing! Please pray for our November 15th service here once again. Pray for souls to be saved and a solid foundation to be laid for the church plant.
Faith Baptist Church, where Jamie grew up, hosted a homecoming missions conference. What a joy it was to be able to travel back to the States and participate in it. It was a jam-packed 10 days. We saw all our family and visited briefly at Northwest. Then, it was on to Bourbonnais. Pr. Anglea and the church have a real heart and vision for missions. It was wonderful to reunite with long-time friends and acquaintances, some we had not seen in years. We returned to Brazil with our hearts full and excited for what the Lord will continue to do!
Just before we left for the States, I had the opportunity to make two follow-up visits with Bro. Peter. We visited with Flaviane, who has been to the church several times. She grew up in a cult but left it about two years ago. Since then, she’s been attending a neo-Pentecostal church here in Pinda. As I witnessed to her, it became apparent that she is still confused in the simplicity of the Gospel. Please pray for her to understand the Gospel and to be saved. The second visit was with Leandro, a man with whom we’ve had contact for almost 2 years. He has a varied religious background and a rough past. His brother has attended another church here in town, and that has hardened his heart towards the truth of God’s Word. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would break this man’s heart and for him to be saved.
We rejoice in your remembrance and partnership with us in the Gospel. As we celebrate this Thanksgiving season, we want to once again thank you for standing in our corner and holding the ropes on our behalf. May the Lord richly bless you all in His service.