Merry Christmas to you all! We hope that this letter finds you well and faithful to our wonderful Savior. And what a wonderful Savior He is! As Paul wrote, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift…” Truly there is no greater gift than the sacrifice of Calvary. There is no greater or more tender love than Jesus Christ come to earth. To die. For me. The just for the unjust. What a wonderful gift! As this year winds down, we trust that you will have some time to spend with family and friends and thank Him for the sacrifice of the Cross and hope that you know Christ as your personal Savior!
November was a wonderful time, especially during Thanksgiving. We were able to spend it with our extended family in Michigan as well as be with one of our supporting churches and were encouraged by them both. Though we had a few bumps along the way, God provided for our needs as only He could.
One of the highlights for us was the opportunity that we had to have lunch with Bro. Ed and Mrs. Maribel Johnson. We had a wonderful time discussing future plans and our roles once we get to Taubaté. We desire to serve the Lord faithfully in Brazil for many years to come. We are eager to begin our ministry and learning there with the Johnsons and New Life Baptist Church. There is certainly much work to be done and we were reminded once again about the great need that exists for more Bible-believing churches to be established in Brazil. It was encouraging to hear the Johnson’s vision for the future in Taubaté and for Brazil.
It’s been fun as we’ve been traveling to give out Gospel tracts and talk to people even as we’re in transit. It’s amazing how many people pass our way every day. One thing I have been praying for is to have a more sensitive spirit toward people around me, to look for more opportunities to witness to people. I heard a pastor say a while back, and it’s stuck with me, how that Jesus witnessed to so many people “in the way”. Convicting, but, how many people do I pass on a daily basis in day-to-day life? People whose eternal destiny is either heaven or hell? People who may have never heard the Gospel? At the very least I can give them a tract. Whether ready, ambivalent, or hostile toward the Gospel, I can’t do the saving, but I must do the witnessing. That’s why I’m here on earth. God give me more of a love for souls!
The New Year will find us hitting the ground running from the start. Our prayer is that it will be more fruitful for Christ than ever before. We have many goals for 2019: have a baby, complete deputation, get visas, begin moving to Brazil. You know, just some little things. But, while we know that there is much to be accomplished, we cannot forget that it must be done for His honor and glory and in His power. We pray that it would be done in his timing. Every mile traveled, every witness we give, every sermon we preach, every song we sing – may it be in His power and for His glory! Please continue to pray for us concerning these. We desire to be used for Him. We desire to be profitable servants. We desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Please continue to pray for Jamie and her pregnancy. She has been such a wonderful wife, mother, support, and cheerleader to me in spite of our demanding schedule. Pray that she will get rest as we’ll be home a little bit more during Christmastime. It’s hard to believe but our baby boy will be here before we know Lord willing. Also, Lainey has not been feeling well the last few days. As a result, the girls did not travel with me the first weekend of December. Would you please pray for her health to get back to 100% quickly?
Thank you again for your prayer and love for our family. I never want to take for granted all that you mean to us. Truly without your help, humanly speaking, we would not be able to continue on in the great task at hand. Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!