God is always good and February was a month where we were reminded in some very special ways of this truth.
We were able to participate in a family camp during the week of Carnaval. Here in Brazil, Carnaval is an extremely wicked and sensual celebration when literally ‘anything goes’. We were able to participate with 2 other churches during this time and the Lord used the time of fellowship and preaching to challenge our hearts.
February was also exciting as we had the privilege of ordaining Bro. Jonathan to the Gospel ministry. While I was not responsible for reaching with the Gospel nor discipling him, it has been my distinct pleasure to work side-by-side with him for almost 2 years and see the Lord grow him. He and his wife Karlene are servants, love the Lord, and love souls. Since they’ve been serving the Lord here at Victory Baptist Church the Lord has used them to see souls saved, people baptized and discipled and Christians encouraged. I am so excited to see what the Lord has for them in the future.
The last Sunday in February was special as we baptized Anderson and Ana. What a joy to see this young couple follow the Lord and take the first nascent steps of growth in their spiritual lives! The Holy Spirit is doing a work in their lives. Please continue to be in prayer for them. They were not in church this past weekend and when I texted him but to let him know that we had missed them, he shared with me how the devil is trying to discourage them. While we praise the Lord for several new families that started coming in February, it’s always so exciting to see those who have been faithful grow spiritually.
With our upcoming furlough in August, one of the greatest burdens I’ve had is developing men and leadership within the church. To this end, we had a time of men’s fellowship this past week. It was a joy to have 15 men from our church. We enjoyed a churrasco (BBQ) and were honored to have Missionary Ed Johnson with us. He challenged us to be the spiritual leaders in our homes and church. I was able to talk with Ciro during this time. Please continue to pray for his salvation. I was able to witness to him, but his heart is still extremely cold. His wife Raquel has been praying for his salvation for years. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to soften this good, but lost, man’s heart.
Please pray for our Easter services at the end of March. It’s been a joy to see God’s people learn to reach others with the Gospel and their growth and maturation in the Great Commission. Last year we had committed to support 3 missionaries. Praise the Lord that we’ve been able to keep our commitment, but on April 13 and 14, we’ll be having our second faith promise missions conference. Pastor Josiel (a missionary we support in northern Brazil) will be with us for these days and Bro. Ed Johnson will be preaching for us. Pray that the Lord will continue to mature and grow His church here in Pinda in this area of taking the Gospel and supporting the Gospel.
We’re excited here in March as well to be able to attend the BIMI field conference. While we are not part of the mission, we have enjoyed these past years being able to spend a week getting encouraged and challenged in the Word of God by veteran missionaries in Brazil and Latin America.
We continue to make plans for furlough. We’ve heard from several pastors who have expressed interest in having us in. While we hope to accommodate as many as would desire, please pray for the Lord to give us wisdom in planning and financing this time reporting to our churches. We love you all and appreciate your continual financial sacrifice and prayer on our behalf!
For the cause of Christ,