February 2008 Newsletter

It seems like just a moment ago that I wrote my last newsletter, but the truth is that I am glad it is newsletter time already. I have a lot of good things to share, and hope you will all be encouraged by our news.
The weather here in Praia Grande has finally decided to improve. We have had several sunny spells, punctuated by stormy rains, but the truth is I like the variety. It is still very spring-like, although technically we are in the middle of summer.
The church here continues to grow, and like the weather, is shining more and more. We have had many visitors through the holiday season, and still do, and that is an encouragement. Even more encouraging to me is the growth in our attitudes of thankfulness and fellowship in the church.

In January I began a study with Marcos from nearby São Vicente. He is a member of the church there. We are studying public worship and I hope to prepare him to preach as a help to us and an encouragement to the congregation there.

I continue to study Portuguese with Eloisa. She says I am improving! It is great to have the blessing of a sister in Christ who can challenge me to speak well. It can be intimidating having her listen as I preach, but she assures me it isn’t just to correct me, but to be encouraged as well. From her smile I can see that God is truly building her up. Please pray for her; she has two masters degrees and has been looking for a job for a year and a half. She was coverted by the first team of missionaries in São Paulo in the sixties and has dedicated her life to the Lord ever since.

Last week we had our first congregational meeting in Praia Grande. We met to set up a rotation for cleaning the building, and to announce that Junior Lira, Ally’s brother, would be helping us on Sundays. He committed to come down from São Paulo every weekend until he goes to Brazilia in June. This will be a great encouragement as he is a wonderful songleader and I am still learning the songs here.

My biggest project by far last month has been the School of the Bible preparation. I am adapting materials to make a 3-module class of basic Biblical studies. The three parts are Old Testament, New Testament, and the Church. The course will last about eight months and will begin next month!
January 5 was Ally’s birthday, and we were blessed with a wonderful visitor! Yanina Vargas, from Buenos Aires, came to visit and celebrate with Ally her 32nd birthday. It was great to have such a good friend visit; Ally was really encouraged. Thanks for coming, Yanina

On the downside in January, our internet conection was down about half the month. But we have now set up a better conection and are getting connected again. Our new connection isn’t a mobile one, so I have no internet at the church office. But we do the best we can.

We began adult and children’s Bible classes in February, and in order to have everything in order Ally and the ladies got together for a real workday. They planned and prepared the curriculum for three different age groups. The number of kids we have is growing. It is great that they have prepared quality studies to trains these young people in the Lord! Thanks to Sophia Cannedy for all the matierials you sent. They will be put to good use!

One of the reasons we have more kids is the membership of the Guerrero family. Carlos, Adriana, and their two daughters placed membership in January with us. They have been encouraged, and so have we, to have them join with us as we grow the kingdom.

We were blessed this month with a special anonymous gift of $300. Thanks so much to whoever it was that sent it to us! You made us feel very special. May God bless you richly in Christ. We know he doesn’t fail to notice any good deed.

Chris, Ally, Jonathan, Stephanie.