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.

November

November brought us a fantastic chance to go visit the Capitol of Brazil, Brasilia. Alley's brother and sister-in-law are working there with the church, so we took some vacation time to get to know that city. It was truly a wonderful and interesting trip. We both love history, and enjoyed getting to that part of Brazil's past. Brasilia is quite unique, as a city that was planned and entirely built in about five years.


We were also very blessed to receive Paul Hinds and Dan Goodyear, elders from Southwest. They came to see the work firsthand and also spoke to the congregation and guests in a week-long seminar. The themes of the week were Servanthood, the Word, Every Member is a Minister, Not under Law but under Grace, and Eldership. These two humble men made a deep impression on the hearts of the church here. Members to this day still ask about Paul and Dan, and even some of the visitors from the School of the Bible send them a vicarious hug now and then. Not only was it a tremendous boost to the church, but to Alley and the kids and Francisco and Liduina also. We were blessed by the men's study time, visitations, and even mealtime as times to be encouraged by these older brothers in the faith. Thanks to you both, and to Southwest for sending them.

Men's morning devo at the waterfall

Sebastian and Gilda made us a cake.

The kids painted while the adults talked

November 15th was our first congregational meeting. We took the chance to talk about our building contract and finances. This was the first time ever we had a congregational meeting, and thie first time ever that they saw the church finances. There's not much to tell about the numbers, but it was a great opportunity to begin a tradition of transparency and accountability in the congregation.
Ready for the congregational meeting

Many members commented afterward that they liked that leadership style. Brazilian church leaders typically don't let anyone know about that sort of thing. One decision that came out of the meeting was to look at the possibility of renting in another location for security reasons. Our current contract expires in August, and we are looking into the possibility.

November was a great month. Encouragement came in many forms. We just thank you all for your continued prayers for us and the church here.