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.

Comments

"What About Baptism?"

Edda and I went to a nearby city to study the Bible with a family, Genilda (who is already a Christian), Ana, Mariana, Luiza, and Jefferson. While we were reading God's Word, Ana's husband, Silva, came in and sat down, and then blurted out: "What about baptism?" It took me by surprise because he has barely studied with us, but, most certainly, is already thinking about spiritual matters. Our Bible study then took a lot of detours, answering this question or that. Silva said he still has a lot of questions, and we pray that the Lord will use us to answer them, bringing him to understand the Good News!

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...

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