August, Paul and Julie Hinds visit us

The Hinds, Liras, and Barrosos in our home

Julie took Liduina's trike out for a spin

Last month we were blessed by the visit of Paul and Julie Hinds. Paul currently serves as an Elder at Southwest, and as chair of their missions committee. We met with them as a couple, as a team, and I also translated for the Liras as the four of them met together as well. We had a busy week, but we were so uplifted by their loving spirits and encouraging words that we were very sad to see it end.

Talking about numbers in the Lira's kitchen

Preparing for Sunday's activities

Paul giving the special morning class on Sunday

Carlos, one of our members, passes out Bibles as class begins

Jorge leading the congregation in the Lord's Supper on Sunday

That Sunday we had to special classes before worship. Paul taught the first class, centered around what the congregation could expect as we leave Brazil, and also what we can expect as we move to the US. Julie and the ladies shared the second class time and talked about having a purpose and being beautiful to God, which was wonderful for the ladies and visitors. The guys took advantage of the break to rest up (in other words, catch one of the FIFA World Cup finals games). In worship we had 31 adults and 12 kids, including several first-time visitors.

Julie's presence was a special treat for the women of the congregation

The Ladies' class

We didn't let Paul and Julie leave without going to the beach. Although it was our winter, the weather cooperated and they enjoyed a nice 75-degree day in the sun.

Since their visit, attendance has stayed fairly stable, with about 25 adults and 10-14 kids every Sunday. The little kids' classroom is bursting at the seams with 14 kids, and we ask for your prayers for God to prepare helpers and teachers so that this class can go smoothly until He provides a larger facility. These kids also are bringing their parents. One woman, Regina, who has become a regular visitor full of questions and excitement has ten children, and her oldest daughter Vanessa has now visited with her 5 children. These opportunities are wonderful. In some cases the kids and the parents are very needy, especially of the unconditional love that God gives. But we pray that the church will grow as it church heals and loves on these people.

Vanessa and her five children

The attic/Francisco's study

Our newly-organized kids' class

The kitchen and attic stairs

Alley, Julie, and the recently-purchased Bibles

Some of the Bibles purchased with a donation from Southwest's VBS

The kids' class attendance list (it has since been expanded)

Julie was a fantastic resource for Alley and Liduina as well as an encourager!

We are proud of our little kitchen!

Chris, Francisco, and Manoel outside the new building, with the Lira's new car

As we prepare to leave, the church has begun to adjust to our departure as well. We began a series of sermons through the book of Acts, a need Francisco and I saw for our newest members and visitors. I will be preaching less frequently in order to focus on leading singing and preparing new songs, as well as training Lucas to begin leading singing. Jorge has stepped up at every opportunity to help, as well as Carlos. Carlos preaches well, and has a very to-the-point, practical style. They both will be helping teach adult class while Francisco is traveling. Jorge also helps count the offering with Liduina. Adauto from Sao Vicente has been a great help as well with the Thursday study. I pray that our departure will be a natural cue for many members to become more involved in the body, and reap the benefits of growth that come from increased commitment.
Francisco and Liduina left last week for some much-needed vacation in the norteast part of Brazil. They will return at the beginning of September. We pray they will have a restful time with family and safe travels.

July activities

The move from our old building to our new location. We really really like the new one better.
Francisco helping load the moving van... er, the moving VW van flatbed...
Jonas, one of my students from the School of the Bible, helped out all day.
Not much left now
The former kids classroom
The former kitchen/fellowship area

Our new place needed some renovation as well. Luckily, the bar came right out and all we had to do was paint the wall.
The cleaning crew was rewarded with a nice lunch made right in our new kitchen.

The other side of the classroom is our kitchen/staircase. It is cozy, but has worked wonders and is even a major evangelistic tool.
The new kids' classroom is cuter, better-organized, and yes, a little smaller.
The new kitchen is a real step up from the old one, which was outside and leaky. It is a little tight, but it is clean and has no leaks.
The first worship service in our new place was full of energy. We can sense that God is going to grow us and bless us as a church in this place, even though our hopes are that in a few years we can move again into a permanent facility. Keep that in your prayers!


The old financial officer (Chris) breaking in the new treasurer (Liduina). Working with numbers is a great gift when used in service to the kingdom. Accounting can be daunting to some, but is an absolute necessity to good stewardship. Liduina will serve as the treasurer after our return to the US, together with others in the congregation like Jorge, who already signs off with her after counting the offering. These details may seem insignificant, but they are milestones in planting a mature congregation, especially when starting from zero.
Our move has brought us 10 new kids every Sunday. Pray for them. They are high-energy, love Bible class, and are a fantastic opportunity for evangelism as well.
The Kids celebrated their birthdays in the church building this year (Jonathan turned 5, Stephanie 4). The event had over 50 people, including many new members from the neighborhood who helped in many ways. Showing the Church as a family is one of our biggest assets when we seek the lost in Praia Grande.










The above video is the baptism of one of the twins from Sao Vicente. They were both baptized on the same day, witnessed by the Praia Grande and Sao Vicente congregations, after many years of patience on the part of the Sao Vicente congregation. Praise God for this encouraging victory!