Stepping Back and Moving Forward

Yesterday afternoon, Nicholas (my son) and I traveled to Alagoinha, a city about an hour and a half away from João Pessoa. I don't know if you remember or not, but a couple of months ago I met Fabiano in this city who I thought was an answer to my prayers for God to lead me to someone who could move the church forward. He seemed like he was a planner and could focus on a plan as well as execute it. Now, he is gone, not dead, just meeting with a denomination. I felt saddened by the fact that we did not have the man power to meet his expectations of visiting the city and studying with him. I also understand that each of us makes his or her own choices.

Sometimes we take steps back that may lead to steps forward. I met with the two men who are working with the church in Alagoinha. They have never really had a good working relationship, and the church has suffered a great deal because of their different visions in the way to deal with people. We have tried many different ways to help them, but it has been difficult which is why I was so excited about Fabiano, who now does not show any interest in wanting to know the truth. So, anyway, back to my meeting with Antônio and Zezito: together we planned for them to visit the members and spend time nurturing and maturing them. I had this same meeting months ago, but it didn't seem to stick. This time, I hope, will be different. They even set up a visit to one of the members last night.

Please pray:

· That Antônio and Zezito will love God more than their own opinions;

· That the church in Alagoinha will grow in maturity;

· That God will open people's hearts in this town.

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