Our spring is here, and your fall is well underway! We trust you are well and excited to serve Christ. God has been good to us here in Pindamonhangaba, and we’re excited to share a quick update.
A few weeks ago, I was working on some administrative business for the church at our home. At the gate I heard Damion call me. He asked me if I had a few minutes to talk with Kawan, an 18-year-old he had met at a park while picking up his son from school. He had been cutting himself, and as I began to witness to him, he was intently listening. What a joy it was to see him accept Christ! Please pray for him to get baptized and for his mom and stepdad, Cassia and Marcos. They too need to be saved. You never know who you may meet and there’s never a bad time to give the Gospel!
A lady who had attended the church fell and broke her hand and was awaiting surgery in the city hospital. I had the opportunity to go and visit with her, and I began talking with Daniela, who was in the other bed by her. She had nearly died in a motorcycle accident. When I asked her if she knew if she died, if she’d have a home in heaven, she quickly told me her ideas on why she was good enough for heaven. I was able to witness to her, but sadly, she did not get saved. While I left the hospital with a heavy heart, I was reminded that our job is to warn every man everywhere. May God give us His Spirit and wisdom to deal with sinners and souls!
It’s been a joy to disciple 5 different men this month. One of our constant prayers is that the Lord would raise men to lead Victory Baptist Church forward for His honor and glory. Please be in prayer with us. Since Bro. Jonata and Mrs. Karlene have been in the States, I’m constantly reminded of my limited capacity and ability. I’m thankful that while I’m limited, He never is and is more than willing to enable and empower if I simply ask. God can use anyone. We covet your prayers to be faithful and effective ministers of the Gospel.
The reality of ministry is that it’s not always success. Emmanuel and Angelina are not doing well. Shortly after our anniversary conference, I learned that he had gone back to his old life. True deliverance from addictions only comes from the freedom of being in and serving Christ. Walking with these dear people is a challenge. But the focus always must be getting help from the Word of God and by His Spirit. Please pray for this dear family as we try to continue to minister to them. They live over in Moreira César—an area with a higher poverty level and, sadly, crime rate. The only fix for that neighborhood is the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hope Baptist Temple, the new church plant, continues forward. Please be in prayer with us for Hope Baptist and Moreira César. Bro. Jonata and Mrs. Karlene feel the call to minister in that work. Please be in prayer with us as we lay the groundwork. How we need laborers! That has been the issue since the time of Christ. We are praying for several families who have expressed interest in laboring there in that work. Please pray with us for wisdom, timing, and discernment as we look to help that work forward.
Our property situation continues inching along. Please pray for several documents to arrive and be approved so we can continue forward with the purchase. We know that buildings and properties are not the focus. Always people. Always souls. To that end, we are looking at completing the purchase of a 9,000 sq./ft. property just on the edge of downtown Pinda for the establishment of the church and training center. There are several existing buildings that will need to be demolished. But—one step at a time. We’ve been able to save $35,000 as a church and through several generous offerings from supporting churches. Please be in prayer with us for the remaining $45,000. We know that God is able and owns the cattle on a thousand hills—even the hills themselves! Maybe He’s big enough to give us a little slice to have for Victory Baptist Church?!
We love you all and pray for you regularly. We are well and excited to go forward by faith!
Keith, Jamie, Lainey, Clayton and Silas Putnam | Philippians 2:16
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