6/07/2010

A June Filled with Answered Prayers

First, let me thank all of you for your prayers. Many of our needs last month have been met by the Lord, in that special way he has to exceed what you asked for in such a way that only He can. Thank you for praying for us. The mission here has definitely been blessed because of your efforts on our behalf!


Smiles from Francisco, Liduina, Alessandra, and some visitors from Sao Vicente

At the beginning of May we held a Ladies' event, and 32 women participated. Afterwards, Geralda a 65-year old who has been visiting us, decided she wanted to be baptized, so they went to a nearby pool and she was immersed into Christ. She has 11 grandchildren and lives in the neighborhood of Jardim Anhanguera.
Some of our visitors at the Ladies event.




Francisco, and some of our members awaiting the baptism


Dona Geralda being baptized by Adauto Rodriguez


Our newest sister, Dona Geralda

Jardim Anhanguera is an interesting neighborhood, near the geographic center of Praia Grande. There is also a weekly study there with about 20 people, mostly visitors. Last month we had decided to begin looking for a new place to meet. The first day we went out to look, God led us to a nice little building on the main street of that neighborhood. Its rent was less than half of our old place, it was in good shape, safe, and has a constant stream of foot traffic in front because it is near one of the main supermarkets and fruit fairs of the neighborhood. Our new building on Fair day (behind the umbrella repairman's booth)
The entire street closes for the fair on Sunday mornings

The day after we saw it, Francisco and Liduina returned and signed a rental agreement. That Sunday we worshipped there, and have been moving things as we can into the new place. It is a wonderful location, ripe with opportunities for evangelism, and closer for our members and visitors as well.

Much of our efforts the last month have been to fix up and move to our new place. It didn't need much work, but some special attention helped to make it warm and comforting.

Jorge helping with the door

Cida, helped clean after the work was over

Francisco and Jorge fixing a leak

Liduina, adding a floral touch

Nearly ready for worship

The new kids' class

Worship in our new place. Thanks, Lord!


Vanessa, Alessandra, and Irani
The study in Jardim Anhanguera that has about 20 visitors has been a fantastic addition to the work here. They wanted to make it known that they want to be part of the Church of Christ, and are all very excited about our new building being so close to them. We praise God for these wonderful people, especially Dona Geralda, our newest sister.
I want to ask you to please keep Irani, a sister from Sao Vicente in prayer. Her picture above was taken shortly before her sister was shot to death in an assault near their home. Please pray for her. Her sister was a spiritist, as is the rest of her family, and she is trying to take every opportunity to share the gospel with them even in this hard time.
Please keep us in your prayers also, and we will keep you informed as the church continues to grow here.

1 comment:

JC said...

Hey Chris. Praise God. The news about the new meeting place is great! It is amazing sometimes how God works. I am praying for you, your family, Irani and the work in general. Saludos.

Jeff