A dear friend gone to be with the Lord.

"the world was not worthy of them." Hebrews 11:38

That is the verse that comes to mind when I think of Pastor Ned Landers. Since early childhood I remenber him as my parents visited the church he served in while we were on fourlough. Him and his dear wife Marcene always had a big smile and friendly house when we went over to visit. They encouraged Telma and I in one of our most dire stages in ministry and God used him and Marcene to help Telma and I persevere to be where we are serving at today.

Ned was one of the few people I consider to be real pastors. The love of Jesus Christ shined through this dear man and his absence here will be felt.

Up to Alaska

Our trip to Alaska has been awesome. It has been great to see old friends and meet new ones. The weather has been great and we have enjoyed all the beautiful scenery. Our friends Stefan and Ivone along with their three kids have been very hospitable. We leave for Seattle on friday and to the final rounds of visits before we head back to Brazil. Keep praying for our safety in all these trips and for the financial needs we have to be met.

Missionary Injury month!

We have been busy visiting and sharing about the ministry in Brazil yet always find time for some fun! I know missionaries are not supposed to have fun and are expected to be constantley suffering! HAHAHAHAAH! Anyways we have had fun! So much that two weeks ago while enjoying tobogganing down a hill I crashed with Max,  he escaped uninjured and I sprained my back! That will teach him you might be saying! Hey, thanks! HAHAHAHHA! Well the story goes on and Telma and the boys were ridding some horses here last week and Telma fell of one as she was galloping in an arena. She dislocated her shoulder and got a black eye! Hey I did not give her the black eye, for all you funny people out there! HAAHHAHAHAHAH! Anyways we are doing well and slowly getting better!
The boys are behaving well and have not gotten into any injuries! HAHHAHAHAH!
This Friday we head up to Alaska to visit friends and make some new contacts! Will try to keep away from any too extreme activities! HAHAHAHAHAHHA!

SNowSNowSNow

Manasses was ovejoyed with all the snow that came down this week! He had been praying for it since we arrived in the US!

The game is afoot!

Manasses enjoying furlough! (that is an olive oil bottle behind him! Not Scotch!)

As we go around sharing about the ministry in Brazil and about the needs we are certain that God is already in the process to providing for all our needs! As Sherlock Homes would say, 'The game is afoot". The fun part really is meeting the brothers and sisters in Christ He will use to provide for our personal and ministry needs. As we meet the Church of Jesus made out of simple people like you and me, we are encouraged to continue in the service of the Lord in Brazil even amid the trials and tribulations! We love the service God has called us into yet it is not always an ocean of roses and when the going gets tough it is the prayers of those who love Jesus that pull us through!
So please pray, support or come experience first hand what Jesus Christ is doing in Brazil!

We are in eastern Washington this week and will be in western Washington next week. In the beginning of February we will be in Alaska and after that Bellingham, then it is one week to get ready and back to Brazil!

We already have 35% of the financial need for a vehicle already provided for! Please pray that we will get the rest before we return to Brazil!

1/3 of furlough done

Today we leave Boise, Idaho to visit friends in eastern Washington State. Furlough is going well and we are sure God will open all doors and fulfil all needs. The winter has not been a bad one so travelling has been very good. We still have two months ahead of us and look forward to getting together with all those that supported us through prayers or financially while also sharing the ministry in Brazil with new brothers and sisters in Christ we meet.

Visiting, Visiting, Visiting...

We have been here for three weeks now and have visited many supporters and scheduled many visits for the next two months.
It is always a shock to come to the USA and see the abundance God has provided for this nation. It is unfortunately though that so many Americans do not realize the blessings God has shed on this country. Our prayer is that God through His Holy Spirit will bring Americans back to a relationship with Him through His mercy!
Anyways, we hope to see you soon!

In the USA!

We made it up to Seattle after 24hrs traveling! It was a great trip and only missed one connection. This week we are resting from the trip, getting our time adjusted (Brazil is 6 hrs ahead) and starting to schedule visits. We will be here till the beginning of March and have the goal of raising prayer supporters, financial supporters and even workers interested in serving alongside us in Brazil! Please pray for us and we look forward to seeing you!!!

Out on furlough, will be back in three months!

We thought about putting this sign up at our house so that folks would not be concerned over us returning to Virgem da Lapa. This month was full of activity as we got ready to be three months out, had many evangelistic events and took care of planning for next year. We leave for the USA next Friday and till then will be on a miniature furlough visiting supporters from Brazil! Thanks for all your prayers and we hope to be with you soon!

Women´s rural labor union!

Ok, so the title does seem some bit socialist. But we have had the opportunity to do a 1 hour Bible study in all the events this union has in our area! It has been a huge set of open doors and many women who life far away have been impacted! Praise God!
Countdown to furlough at 25 days!