Jesus Prayed For Unity

            Men from all over the state came to João Pessoa last week, some driving up to 6 hours one-way, to meet and discuss the united work of the church.  Each congregation told of their future plans, past experiences, both good and bad, victories and defeats that each has had over the last few months.  Some asked more men to give Bible studies, spreading the work load.  Others mentioned transportation, visits from other congregations, and training the members as needs.

            After lunch I gave a short study on "Unity".  We looked at Ephesians 4:1-16 and asked questions like: (What is unity? What creates disunity? How can we maintain unity?).  We ended the day with a prayer.  Overall the meeting was positive.  We still have a lot of work to do, but I believe we are moving in the right direction, coming to understand that unity is something that requires effort, sacrifice and time. 

       

We need your prayers:

·         Please pray that God may work to form in us the body of His Son;

·         That His Spirit will rule our thoughts, attitudes and actions.

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.

Thank You for Your Prayers

I want to thank everyone for their prayers during carnaval (Mardi Gras).  As far as I know, everyone had a safe and peaceful trip to their respective retreats around Brazil.        In Patos we had a wonderful time of fellowship (staying up till 2 or 3 a.m. with the young people) talking about love, salvation and evangelism.  The food was plentiful and very good.  The lessons we heard made us reflect on our decisions, their consequences and opened our eyes to see God at work in the World.        I asked some people what was their favorite part of the retreat; Dylan said, "the offering" (collection).  What a surprising and wonderful answer.  Another person was lamenting that they did not spend a lot of time with most of the people at the retreat.  She spent most of her time getting to know one of the members from another congregation.  Nicholas said, "sometimes it is time better spent getting to know one person more intimately than talking with a lot of people and speaking on a superficial level."         God is maturing His Church. The retreat was a great way to start off the year in fellowship.      Thank you once again for your prayers.

Church Retreat

Hello brothers and sisters,

     I ask that you please pray for the church in Brazil.  Many will be travelling to four day church camps to get away from the carnavalistic atmosphere.  Many people travel during this time, some to see family and friends, others just to be as wild as they think they can be and a lot are drinking and driving.  Please pray for the safety of everyone.  I will tell you, next week, how the camp went, Lord permitting.

God bless and thank you for your prayers,

The church in Brazil