If Christ Can Clean This Filthy Soul...

We are not used to public confession of sins. It makes us uncomfortable. It takes that which is naturally hidden and exposes it for all to see. When Izau gave his life to Christ and was baptized, we rejoiced and squirmed at the same.

Izau is Rosa’s husband and a cook at the Chinese restaurant where we have the midnight Bible study on Thursdays. Like 90% of the workers, he is from the small interior city of Esperança, but he has a bad reputation there. Michel, before Izau’s baptism, gave a summary of his life before Christ that seemed to go on forever: the prostitution, the parties, the violence, the drunken binges. We looked over at Izau and he was nodding his head in serene agreement. Michel concluded, “When you go into Esperança, there is a billboard. I want to put a huge picture of Izau with these words: ‘If Christ can clean this filthy soul, then he can clean you!’”

Praise God for Izau and Rosa. May God bless this Christian couple and use them to bring others to Christ through their transformation.

Comments

For the Kids, Part III

In the USA, there are two special days during the year that children love: birthday and Christmas. Brazil adds one more: Children's Day. On this day, children receive a present and since it coincides with Our Lady of Appeared Conception, Brazil's patron saint, it is also a national holiday. Each week we get kids from the Castelo Branco neighborhood together at the square in front of Dona Terezinha's house to talk about Jesus. For Children's Day, we invited the parents to watch the kids perform a play of the "Prodigal Son," then each kid receives his or her fill of cotton candy, cake, and a sack full of goodies. The parents who came received a Today's Portuguese New Testament and an invitation to the weekly Bible study at Terezinha's. Lori Hagewood has organized this activity for three year with the help from Terezinha, Joseph, and Michel (from the China Taiwan restaurant). Michael, Ashton, and Tif...

Pedro's New Family

Good Christian parents are invaluable in bringing about children’s faith, but in the absence of such, the younger generation must take up Christ’s banner and follow for themselves. Pedro and João have been coming to our church meetings for a long time. Their parents, though, haven’t even visited, showing no interest whatsoever, except for an internet search to make sure their kids weren’t getting into anything crazy. This past Sunday Pedro gave his life to Christ and was baptized into a new family. I admire young people who break with family tradition for the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let our Lord be praised through the dedication and sacrifices that young people make.

The Planting, the Watering, and the Increase

Emesson started coming to Bible Club over a year ago, when Neil Schultz and Cait Beckloff, our AIM team, were teaching it. For several months, they planted the seed in his and his sister's hearts. Unfortunately Neil and Cait's time in João Pessoa ended. In 2014 Bible Club received a boon when Erick and Jenny Paddy, former AIMers, returned to the field and picked up teaching the Bible Study for English speakers. They watered the sprouting seed in Emesson's life until God's Word became more important for him than just practicing his English. Last Wednesday night, God gave the increase, adding Emesson to the Family of Christ. Sometimes things don't happen when we think they should, but God is in control; His time is best, and we must thank Him for playing a small part in His plan.

McKinney Report

Search This Blog