Summer Favorites

Here's my summer favorites:

1. Swimming - don't get to do it much, but enjoy it when I can
2. Grilling out - nothing tastes better than grilled meat...any kind
3. Blue skies - I just love them!
4. VBS - my favorite event back home
5. Michigan sweet corn - when I get the chance to have some, it's the best in the world!

Who to tag? I don't know! If you read this and haven't already been tagged by someone, consider yourself tagged! (Can I do that?)

Exciting Days

The last couple of days have been very exciting for us. Last month we rented a building and started holding services in Corrego Fundo, a small town just south of Formiga. We had a couple of visitors for the first few services, but nobody coming regularly. Tim has been going out with Bruno to make visits 2-3 times a week. Yesterday, they were able to lead a 78 year old woman to the Lord. This morning they led her 72 year old brother to the Lord. This afternoon they led another man to the Lord. Praise the Lord! Also, this afternoon Lili and I were able to witness to a lady and her teenage daughter. They are very interested, but a little confused. Please pray that God will continue to bless as we try to reach the people of Corrego Fundo.

Our New Puppy, Inka

On Friday we went to pick up our new puppy. Her name is Inka. She is too cute. In typical puppy fashion, she is into everything! She thinks she owns the place already! She is a lot of fun to play with and has quite a personality! She seems pretty smart. She loves her tennis ball. She doesn't like it when we walk away from her, but she doesn't whine very long. She thinks she should be able to go wherever we go. Hopefully, she'll become a great guard dog.

Starting a Church in Corrego Fundo

For almost two years there has been a Friday night Bible Study in Corrego Fundo. The time has come to start a church there. Last month, Tim rented a building. We are holding services on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights. There is only one lady with her two sons that come regularly, but we are hoping that having a building to meet in will encourage others to come. On June 26th, we held an inauguration service (while the group from Capitol City was here) and had a few visitors. The first Sunday night, the owner of a nearby bar came. Last night we had another visitor. Praise the Lord! Bruno is the preacher. He has a lot of great ideas. Tim and I are helping him. We are excited about this work. Please pray that God will bless, that souls will be saved, and people will come to the church. Corrego Fundo is not a large town, but there are plenty of churches preaching a false gospel there.


Before

After (during the inauguration service)

Capitol City Youth Group Pays Us a Visit

On Wednesday, June 24th, a group of 15 arrived for a 10-day visit. Bro. Ben Thompson, his wife, and the six girls stayed with Charlie and Isabel, while the seven guys stayed with us. We had a great time! It was such a blessing to have them here! Of course, we kept them very busy! :)P

Wednesday, they arrived with plenty of time to get ready for the church service in Formiga. Thursday, we took them to see the work in Boticao (Pastor Anderson), passed out tracts in Arcos, and attended the service in Arcos that night. Friday, they visited the police station (courtesy of Bro. Carlinhos), passed out tracts in Corrego Fundo, and attended the service there that night. Saturday, we took them into town for some shopping, had lunch at Dona Naterca's, and had the youth activity that went from 3:30 to around 9:00. (Tired yet?) Sunday, of course, there was church in the morning, lunch for the girls at Dona Simone's and for the guys at my house, and church at night. Monday morning they left for Catatuiba. They returned in time for the service on Wednesday night. Thursday was a fun day, relaxing, playing, and after supper, out for ice cream. Friday, it was time to pack them up and take them to the airport. We hated to say goodbye.

Though it was a busy time, it was also a lot of fun. New friendships were made. Hopefully, it was a trip that burdened their hearts for the lost and the need that exists around the world! There are so many cities in Brazil that have churches that teach a lie, but no one to tell them the truth.

Our door is always open, so come on down!

Valentine's Banquet

In Brazil, Valentine's Day is celebrated in June. (My husband really likes this because his birthday is Feb. 14th. He feel like he gets a real birthday like everyone else - no pink or red stuff, nothing in the shape of a heart, etc.) Last Saturday, we had our banquet. This year's Valentine's Banquet seemed to go really well. We started off with salad and bread, followed by chicken stroganoff, rice, carrots, and broccoli. For dessert, we had chocolate cake with chocolate and strawberry syrup on top and some whipped cream. It was all very yummy! The young ladies did the decorating and the cooking. The young men served the food. Pastor Weber preached a great message. Charlie and Isabel did a little skit for us. It was hilarious! Everyone had a good time.

My Visit to Boticao

On Tuesday, June 9th, I went to Boticao with Dona Vera to visit her son, Anderson, and his family. We had such a good time! Anderson is the pastor of the church in Boticao. He currently has about 30 people that come to the services. You may think this is just a few, but there are less than 100 people that live in the town of Boticao! They are currently building a building to hold services in. Praise the Lord, they have plenty of space to grow. Anderson and Marianne had their first baby in April. Little Alexandre is such a cutie! He smiles easily and often. He is the only grandchild on both sides! He would definitely be spoiled if he lived near either set of grandparents!

While we were there, we went to the nearby town of Aguanil to visit Lucimar. Her husband was killed in a car accident in December. At the time, they had six children and Lucimar was eight months pregnant! The husband left behind a lot of debt. Needless to say, these last six months have been a time of trial, but also of blessing. God has provided marvelously for Lucimar and her children (ages 5 months to 12 years)! The mayor of Aguanil gave Lucimar a house to live in. Churches in the area have sent money, clothes, furniture, and food. It truly has been amazing to see God provide for this family!


Dona Vera with Alexandre


Alexandre


The church in Boticao