We’re now entering our 7th week of language school. It’s been a wonderful, challenging time in our lives. It has taught us to depend on the Lord perhaps more than ever before and to work hard on language acquisition. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed, but also how much we’ve been able to learn in just a short while. On the first Sunday in May, I had the opportunity to speak in Sunday school – entirely in Portuguese! Many hours were spent writing and with the help of one of our teachers I was able to edit the notes. I had to write verbatim what I wanted to say. Thankfully, I don’t believe I called anyone any names or messed up too many words (my time is coming!), and all in all, I enjoyed studying, writing, and speaking. Who would have guessed that the first time I preached in Portuguese would have been to a near-empty auditorium?! God certainly knows how to keep me humble. I was able to share my testimony and examine a few passages of Scripture on the will of God.
Language school has certainly kept us busy. It is mentally and physically exhausting but each day as we learn more and more and are able to put more into practice, it’s been amazing to see how God has given us the grace to learn and speak with people. We definitely have a long way to go, but I believe there’s been real progress through God’s goodness and lots of studying. Please continue to be in prayer with us concerning language learning and cultural adaptation.
During the quarantine, the church started a food pantry for those in need. I had the opportunity to deliver some food to an elderly lady in the church. Her health has been very poor. She lives in a government housing complex. Crime is rampant and Bro. Guilherme who I was with was explaining just how difficult it is for those who live in these places. It’s sad what sin does to people. But, thank God for the Gospel. I have been working on giving the Gospel in Portuguese. The greatest hope any person has is the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
In addition to the piano playing that I’ve been doing for our services, I’ve also had the opportunity to sing specials for the services. It’s been so wonderful to learn songs familiar to me in English and now more so in Portuguese. I look forward to when we are meeting again as I will be responsible for putting singing groups together and rehearsing with them to sing for services.
On a personal note, we are all doing well. We are very ready to be able to meet again as a church, we know you all are as well. We have had ample opportunity to think of you all and pray for you during these days. God’s purpose and plan is unchanged – He still desires that we would press on, walk with Him, and serve Him daily with our lives. Thank you for your fervent prayers on our behalf.
Keith, Jamie, Lainey, and Clayton Putnam • Philippians 2:16
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