Financial Peace

            One of the important aspects of any mission and its future continuance is the financial side of those who give.  If Christians are having financial problems, that is, overburdened in debt, then hardly anything will be left for supporting mission efforts.  The question of whether it should be this way or not is rendered irrelevant since this is the practice in most people's lives. 

            You may think that I am writing about my own support, or that of other missionaries and mission works, but I am actually writing about the local work here in Brazil.  Brazil is booming economically.  People have more financial buying power than they have ever had before by the increase in salaries, easy credit, some lower interest rates (although lower, they are still around 280% a year on major credit cards, yes, that is not a mistype).  Most everyone is buying new cars, new TV's, new everything, and going into major debt.  This is also happening with a lot of Christians.  The similarities of this new economic "freedom" remind me of the U.S. in the 90's. 

            If the church is to become mature and support its own workers and mission efforts then the Christians need to control their buying habits, live on less than they make, and save for emergencies by being content with what God has given them.  I have been teaching the João Pessoa church, material from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course. I asked for his permission to teach and distribute some of his material.  He happily agreed, and I began translating and teaching.  I have even had the privilege of cutting up Terezinha's credit cards. 

            I traveled to Patos this past weekend where I also taught this same Financial Peace material over a 16 hour intensive class.  I was already hearing the comments about saving to invest in God's Kingdom and stop wasting money on our own desires.  I also preached, using the parable of the Unfaithful Steward in Luke 16:1-13.  It was great to spend time with these Christians and to be encouraged by their desire to seek God's will in everything they do.

The mentality of those taking the course has changed, and with time the signs will show.   Please pray for Terezinha, the church in Patos, and all of those who have gone through this course so that God's Word may spread with more speed and through good examples.

One Missionary And A Half

            I traveled to Cubati where I spent the day with Afonso and Vania, visited families, gave a Bible study, taught the Church, and spent more time with Afonso and Vania.  I took Dylan, my youngest son with me on this weekend trip.  Training can never start too early.

            Leaving Cubati, Dylan and I traveled to Areial where we spent time with Sônia, Beta, and Beatriz, participated in a radio program, gave some ideas to the church (the three ladies) about how to evangelize, and we worshipped together.

            Leaving Areial, we traveled to Campina Grande where we met with the church and talked with the Brazilian mission team about their work, and I heard some ideas about our state-wide evangelism as well.

            It was a two-day, three-city trip but well worth it.  I saw a light bulb in Areial, not literally, although they do have them, but something seemed to click as we talked about evangelizing their city, and I think and hope they begin to move forward.  I was not as encouraged this time with my visit to Cubati.  Not that they are not moving forward, but I was hoping to see more progress.  It is a tough city and they need our prayers.  In Campina Grande I was encouraged and always enjoy meeting with the mission team.  It is great to spend time with them and be encouraged by their love and joy in serving the Lord.

Financial Peace

            One of the important aspects of any mission and its future continuance is the financial side of those who give.  If Christians are having financial problems, that is, overburdened in debt, then hardly anything will be left for supporting mission efforts.  The question of whether it should be this way or not is rendered irrelevant since this is the practice in most people's lives. 

            You may think that I am writing about my own support, or that of other missionaries and mission works, but I am actually writing about the local work here in Brazil.  Brazil is booming economically.  People have more financial buying power than they have ever had before by the increase in salaries, easy credit, some lower interest rates (although lower, they are still around 280% a year on major credit cards, yes, that is not a mistype).  Most everyone is buying new cars, new TV's, new everything, and going into major debt.  This is also happening with a lot of Christians.  The similarities of this new economic "freedom" remind me of the U.S. in the 90's. 

            If the church is to become mature and support its own workers and mission efforts then the Christians need to control their buying habits, live on less than they make, and save for emergencies by being content with what God has given them.  I have been teaching the João Pessoa church, material from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University course. I asked for his permission to teach and distribute some of his material.  He happily agreed, and I began translating and teaching.  I have even had the privilege of cutting up Terezinha's credit cards. 

            I traveled to Patos this past weekend where I also taught this same Financial Peace material over a 16 hour intensive class.  I was already hearing the comments about saving to invest in God's Kingdom and stop wasting money on our own desires.  I also preached, using the parable of the Unfaithful Steward in Luke 16:1-13.  It was great to spend time with these Christians and to be encouraged by their desire to seek God's will in everything they do.

The mentality of those taking the course has changed, and with time the signs will show.   Please pray for Terezinha, the church in Patos, and all of those who have gone through this course so that God's Word may spread with more speed and through good examples.

Monica Is Back

Monica traveled to São Paulo and spent a week in a retreat for missionary wives of South America.   She came back refreshed, relaxed, renewed, rejuvenated and reminded of the important things in life.  The event was sponsored and organized by a group of women from CCC (Continent Care Connection).   The women only needed to buy their plane ticket to get to the São Paulo airport, the rest was taken cared for by this wonderful group of women. 

The women received Bible classes, counseling sessions, moments of silence, solitude and prayer, relaxing massages, and of course a lot of conversation and sharing. 

Meanwhile, I was left all alone with my sons.  We had fun and were very busy.  Monica left us well stocked with food; all I needed to do was make some rice.  We had some late nights and we sort of camped-in, in the living room.  We were all glad to see her come home safely and very glad she was able to have some well deserved time to herself, with God and some God-fearing servants.

Thank you, CCC women. 

SEARA

    S.E.A.R.A. (an acronym for: Servants Sent to Announce the Kingdom of Love), you may remember began some seven years ago with the purpose of giving more Bible knowledge to members of the church.  This Saturday we spent the day studying the book of James.  Those taking courses in SEARA receive credit at EBENSR, the church's school of preaching in Recife. 

Please pray:

•  For growth in knowledge of God's Word for those studying;

•  For wisdom and maturity to put their knowledge into practice in their lives.

Elections

    The elections in the U.S. are just around the corner.  Here in Brazil they are already going strong.  Yesterday was Election Day.  All Brazilians have to vote or justify to a public official at a voting center why they cannot vote in their registered district.  If the person does neither of the above he/she must pay a fine, a small insignificant amount but it must be done for you to receive your salary if you work for the government, if you want to try to get a job or a passport.  Sounds like a big deal doesn't it?  There are so many candidates from so many different parties that they have two elections when necessary.  If a candidate does not win by 50% or more on the first day then there is a second election day at the end of the month between the top two candidates.  That vote is also mandatory. 

           

    So why am I telling you this?  To remind us all to pray that God will use whoever He chooses to put in office to accomplish His will.  Our King chose us, let's trust in Him.