Happy Fall from springtime here in Brazil!We trust you all are enjoying the changing of the seasons and the reminder that God is always faithful—whether in planting, growth, or harvest.
The months are always busy, but it’s really only when we look back that we see just how full they’ve been. The Holy Spirit has impressed on my heart this month not just the need to be busy, but the greater need to do everything in His power. We can make plans, we can hold events, but without His blessing and favor, we’re just spinning our wheels. It’s investing in people that makes the eternal difference!
Early in the month, Daniel and Deborah visited our church along with their two teenage boys—John and David. A young man went with me to follow up with them, and we were able to share the Gospel with the two young men. Praise the Lord—they trusted Christ! Their parents were both saved many years ago but have allowed difficult situations and bitterness to steal their joy. Please pray for this dear family—that they would be open to the healing and help they need.
That same day, I met Marcos while out soul winning. He told me that he had attended an Assembly of God church for many years before falling into a life of drugs, alcohol, and ultimately, the streets. I was able to buy some essential items for him, and though I shared the Gospel, it became clear that he knew the message but was clinging to his good works as the basis of his salvation. I explained that church attendance, position, or knowledge are not our foundation for salvation. While he listened, he was not yet ready to leave all that behind and trust Christ. My conversation with him is a common one here in Pinda. This is an extremely religious city. It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t have a church—even if they’re not actively involved. Yet the vast majority of people we witness to have no biblical foundation for salvation and even less understanding of what a church truly is or should be.
While there are many churches in town, very few preach the Gospel, and even fewer are independent, fundamental, or Baptist. We’ve been holding services once a month in the neighboring district of Moreira César since returning. Jesse and his wife Claudette have a real burden for their neighborhood of about 40,000 people. We have around five families who are either members or attending faithfully, and the need for a church plant in this district is obvious. Please be in prayer as we have a concentrated evangelism effort and two open-air services this coming Saturday, October 11, in Moreira. We are praying for God’s wisdom and direction in this new work. There is much to be done, and the need for the Gospel is immense—where isn’t it, for that matter?
I’ve mentioned our need to purchase a building. Please continue to pray with us about this. Our current location is available for purchase, with the landlord asking around $200,000. Praise the Lord, we already have a significant portion of the down payment saved, but we are seeking wisdom on whether to buy this property or purchase land and build. We know God is not in a hurry, and we desire to make a wise, sustainable long-term decision. Our church family is already praying and giving. In a few weeks we’ll meet to decide a direction. While we recognize that buildings are only tools, they are important, and we desire to steward the resources God has entrusted to us for His honor and glory.
Last week, we held a couples’ banquet with 17 couples in attendance—seven of whom are either unsaved or not part of our church. The Gospel was clearly preached, along with a challenge to build strong homes and marriages on Christ and His Word. Please pray for lasting fruit from this effort.