June 2009 update

Greetings, supporters! Many good things are happeining in the work and our lives, and we wanted to share some of them with you.

First, thanks for all your prayers for Jonathan and his surgery. He is fine now; all went very well. He is back in school and fully active. We thank God that he is recovering so quickly.

We had a couple of birthdays this month: Leticia and her father Carlos both celebrated with us after worship with special cakes. This fellowship is wonderful, fun, and shows how the church is truly growing into the spiritual family that God desires it to be.

Jonathan, Leticia, Debora R., Alessandra, and Debora C.

Carlos and Leticia

Mother's Day was also a very special day here. One of our newest members, Marcia, brought flowers for all the moms. She is a great example as she encourages the body with her creativity.

Vera, a regular visitor, Adriana, and Janete from Sao Vicente, on Mother's Day

Alessandra and Florinda preparing the Lord's Supper

Many of our new members show growth as they begin to serve the body. Florinda began to help with the preparation of the Lord's Supper immediately after her baptism. Carlos has been preaching, and does a great job. Marcia and Alessandra make cakes and momentos for special occasions. Jorge and Pedro have begun to help in worship with the offering and the Lord's supper. These are small things on the surface, but with time, can grow into great service and encouragement to the body. That is what church growth is about: each one grows and encourages the others, like ligaments and sinews, attached to Christ, who directs all for the benefit of His body.

Alessandra and I were both priveleged last month to bear witness to the marriage celebration of Caio and Sabrina, two young members. They are a great couple and deserve your prayers for a healthy marriage. We pray God will use them in many ways as they grow with us in the church here.

Chris, Caio, Sabrina, and Alessandra at their wedding reception

The body here continues to grow in number, to be blessed with visitors, to grow in love, and to grow in relationship to Christ. Together we have 18 Bible studies per week, most with non-Christians. Our cell group in Mirim is maturing in love and in faith, and this week we hope to beign our second cell group in Boquerao in the home of Deni, another new member. Please pray for these opportunities and for the growth of the Kingdom in Praia Grande, Sao Vicente, and the rest of Brazil.

Chris Kelley