The First Ever AME Graduating Class

The First Ever AME Graduating Class

            I had the pleasure of being selected as the patron by the first ever graduating class of the AME program, and I spoke at their graduation last Saturday.

You may remember that the AME (Adventurers in Evangelistic Missions) is based on the concept of the AIM program in Texas. In fact, AIM directors Kris Smith and Pat Sheaffer came from Lubbock for this first graduation. These young adults spent eight months in João Pessoa, classroom time and practical mission work.  Then they move to selected congregations throughout South America (not just Brazil) and spend one year and two months helping these churches grow.  Back to their home congregations, they will be an asset to God's Kingdom for the rest of their lives. 

The five who graduated on this Saturday, Tais, Beliza, Ayane, Jackelayne, and Adeliton say that the AME experience has changed their lives forever.  The growth in knowledge of God's Word, the experience of helping other members of Christ's body mature and the fact that they have left the nest and comfort of their homes and families has truly changed them and given them a new perspective of themselves and the world around them. 

We thank God for Raniere Menezes and Diego dos Anjos who had vision, love and perseverance to see AME become a reality.  We thank God for these young adults who have placed their trust and faith in God, giving up for a time college, jobs, and promising careers to obey God's plan for their lives.  Now that it is over, they see the world through different lenses.  It is not just a place to call home, but there is real desperation, death, and hopelessness in the world, and they now have God's answers of peace, life, and hope.  God has increased our hope for this world through the desire and love that each AME student has shown by sharing our Lord's message with others.

 

Please pray:

·         That we, as teachers, may be examples of Christ to each student, new and old;

·         That the new students of 2015 will mature in their faith;

·         That God will continue to raise up men and women willing to serve Him with their lives.

Prayer Requests

    Joseph McKinney and I have been studying the Bible with Fernandes for almost one year now.  He was baptized, September 2014.  He still does not see the need to meet with the church on Sundays.  We continue to study with him and others on Tuesday nights. 

Please pray

·         that Fernandes may understand his need and the churches need for his presence on Sundays.

   

     Monica and I visited a son and mother last Thursday evening to share God's Word with them. 

Please pray:

•  that Diego and Lourdes will continue to grow in their desire to read and understand God's Word.

The World's Party vs. God's Party

          While many others from all over the world were partying hard during Carnaval, most of the churches were at camps, away from the partying, praying, studying God's Word, and sharing meals and life together.

          While many of the world were trying to forget their problems, looking for the next thrill and giving in to their lack of self-control, two young women, who had been studying the Bible with Givanildo, the evangelist in Emas, were immersed into Christ in a small, forgotten town.  They gave their lives to Christ, and He solved their biggest problem, giving them true joy and confidence to walk with God to control their fleshly desires.  It seems like they are off to a good start. 

          The rest of the world is still searching for the next party.  I can only imagine the party God and His angels had over these two sisters.  If God is throwing the party, I want to go.

Please pray:

·         that your sisters in Christ will be faithful to death;

·         that God's Kingdom will advance and His followers will fight their fleshly desires;

·         that more will join the heavenly party. 

 

Intensive

            "Intense" is a word I mainly use to describe feeling pressure from an outside source.  This past Saturday things got intense, but I hope from an inside source. I taught an intensive course to the church in Joao Pessoa with eight present.  Not a big group but it did give us opportunities to discuss in more personal ways how to practice what we were studying. 

            The course was based on the Bible, of course, but with ideas from a book called "The Mission of God's People," by Christopher Wright.  To sum up the study in one phrase: "Be a Blessing".  That is what God told Abraham to be and the mission continues through us.  I recommend the book; it has helped me in my study of God's Word.

Please pray:

·         that God will raise up men and women to serve Him in His Kingdom;

·         that each member of the body of Christ may be a blessing to one another;

·         that Christ's body will be a light to neighbors, calling them out of darkness.