IF ANY TWO AGREE IN MY NAME

One of our dear, precious ladies has an intense struggle with depression. She has been in this battle for twenty-one years. We rejoiced in her conversion this past year and began to see a difference in her countenance and spirit. More recently, however, her struggle has intensified. Tonight a group of ladies from our church went out to her home for a singspiration and blessing time. The Lord brought many verses to mind as different ones shared promises from God, examples from the Word, or personal situations in which the Lord had brought them through a difficult time. We spent three hours together and it was just such a blessing to hear our ladies give counsel to her using the Word of God. When our time came to a close, we joined hands to pray for our sister, Tânia (white shirt, flowered skirt). She´s in a real battle, but the battle is the Lord´s. Remember her in prayer!

The 84 year old Lawyer

I ride the bus a lot and on many occasions I have had an opportunity to speak with someone about the gospel. This past week as I took a bus to go downtown, I made my way in and found it full, thus standing room only. Making my way towards the middle of the bus to increase the probability of a seat becoming free, I saw that there was one open towards the back. I sat down next to an older gentleman who began to thank me for sitting there. Oh boy, this is odd, I thought. After a few moments I gave him a tract and the conversation opened immediately as he began to share what his personal belief and life perspective is. It was obvious that he felt justified by his works, citing his faithful attendance to mass, prayers to God and high ethics by which he maintained his life. He shared two grievous statements: first, that he preferred not to dwell on the thought of life after death and second, he believed that Jesus had sinned. In the first, he errs because willful ignorance cannot negate truth and the second in that we could never obtain forgiveness of sin if Jesus were not sinless (as well as His death would have been in vain, etc.)! A lawyer, age 84--I do not know how open he was to accepting something opposite his belief, but I was surely thankful for the opportunity to share what God says, which, is promised to not return void. How important it is to give God's Word to those who have been blinded by false beliefs!

Tell It Again

Last week, Vera and I went out to visit a lady who came with her husband to our church’s anniversary conference. She was home but asked if we could come back later in the afternoon. That would not be a problem—we made plans accordingly. We then went over to visit Juliana, a young girl who participates in our 10-15 year old club. She was not home but her older sister, Pamela, was. We chatted and talked and sought to turn the conversation to Jesus Christ. Bridging our conversation by asking if she had a Bible, we shared with her how a Bible teaches us many things—the most important, however, is in how to have a relationship with God. This was not the first time in this home—nor was it the first time talking to Pamela. But in previous visits here, Pamela had never shown or expressed that she would like to receive the Lord as her Saviour. As we shared the gospel with her again, she listened carefully. When the gospel had been presented and she was asked if she would like to pray to receive the Lord as her Saviour, she surprised us by saying, “yes,” she did! We reviewed some points of the gospel to make sure she understood, asked her again if she wanted to receive the Lord as her Saviour, and again she said yes. She prayed and we rejoiced. We encouraged her to take opportunities to learn more, as in Sunday services or beginning a Bible Study. Please pray for her that she will come out and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spreading Rays of Light

This week I have been participating in EXPOINTER-- a weeklong,

expansive event. The range of events are great, covering horse, cow, heifer, sheep, buffalo competitions to selling enormous tractors and latest cars, an amusement park, cotton candy, art-craft booths, "guacho" or cowboy gear booths, sessions for learning how to cut meat for a true Brazilian barbeque and then some!

Many of our regional churches of like faith and practice came together to rent a stand, thus creating an opportunity for us to be inside the fair's gate with full permission to pass out our material. "Our material" has been thousands of tracts that have now circulated most all the grounds. Everyday there are new people and new opportunites to spread God's Word.

Yesterday I was at a craft stand and began chatting with the lady. The crafts she had were similar to the ones in Manaus, AM where I had just been. Sure enough, she was from that region. She also shared that she lived in Belem Novo, a town next to Ponta Grossa!! As I sought to direct the conversation to spiritual things, she began sharing her philosophy of life-- you reap what you sow, so try to do your best in life. It was a little hard speaking with her as she didn't seem open to hearing a different point of view.

But, the Lord has a way of changing things around. I was carrying pens from our booth and when I offered her one, she accepted the pen and ask for one for her friend. He came over and the conversation generated to my accent (as many conversations do) and our group increased to two more people who were their friends.

One of the friends asked me if I was working at the fair. I shared with her that we had a stand and that I was passing out the following tract: "Bah Gaúcho! Where will you spend eternity?"

She read that phrase out loud and looked at her friend and asked the question. He said, "I don´t know!" Yeah!! an opportunity to explain! And it was awesome. That was my lead in to share that you can know--God tells us that in I John 5:13. The Lord opened the door for me to share the Gospel and to address the lady´s philosophy of life in contrast to what God says. Praise the Lord!! She gave me her address and phone number to contact her later.

What a blessing when people listen to a presentation of the Gospel!

luciana

While in Manaus with my family, I had the opportunity to meet Luciana, a friend of Amanda's who was temporarily living with her family. One evening as we were in the living room together I asked Luciana if she believed in God. She said she did. "How would you describe your relationship with Him?" I asked. She gave an elusive answer and so I asked her another question that would probably bring a response she could give. "Did she believe that there is a heaven and a hell?" I like to ask questions of what people think, so that, through the help of the Holy Spirit, I can better address any area needed to explain the gospel. She began to explain her view of God and how people become a part of His family. After we talked for a little bit I asked her if she would be interested in doing a four lesson Bible study about God, relating that while we have our own idea or opinion on these issues, it is important to know what God thinks regarding these issues. The Come and See Bible study is evangelistic and great to use with people who want to "learn about God" more. She said she would like to do the study. As it was my last week in Manaus, we figured out what days we could do the study and started the next day. Amanda joined us in the study and understood well what was taught. The following day we received news that Luciana had found a place to live and would move out the same day--thus, we didn't finish the study. However, I was exciting to hear from Amanda that she would continue it with her. What a blessing to see her desire as a young Christian to see someone saved! Pray with me for Luciana!

A Blessing in Broken Things

I broke my glasses yesterday.

Right in half! I was just cleaning them. I wonder if the Lord is telling me to go get my eyes checked. They really didn´t look repairable but hey, why not give it try. This morning I got out some super glue to do the trick but when that had no effect, I went by an eye-glass store and showed the poor state of my glasses to the employee. After talking for a few minutes he stated, "You're not from around here." "Are you part of that church?" he asked, referring to a church nearby started by one of our missionaries. I explained my association and he started sharing about the different missionaries who had come by his store and their friendliness.
Hmm....sounds like planted seeds.

The conversation later turned to current events as he shared his thoughts on Michael Jackson's death. I listened as he talked about the unjustness of his upbringing and his father's treatment toward him. I don't mind hearing out people's thoughts and reactions to his death but I do share that his death takes my thoughts to a different angle...as with any death I wonder, did this person know Christ?

Life can be quite "unjust." But that really is not important. The response, rather, deserves more focus...what is your reaction to that situation and where did that road take you? Closer to God or farther away?

For believers, "all things work together for good to them that love God..."

If one doesn't know Jesus Christ-- what does it profit if a man's gains everything the world has to offer, yet loses his soul? There is nothing sadder. No, I don't know the standing of an individual before God. I do know that rich or poor, every person dies and takes nothing with them. A memory or a legacy is but a dot when we consider eternal life.

We continued to talk and the man allowed me to share the gospel, showing genuine interest in hearing the gospel. That's my blessing. I had an opportunity to share the gospel because my glasses broke. Praise the Lord! Pray for him. His name is Gilberto.

Fishing in a Park

IT´s energizing...

Ever tried it? Going up to people at random and asking them to participate in an informal religious survey. This afternoon a group of us met together at the Ring's house before heading out to a

new area that Bro. Ring would like to start a church plant. In the past the pattern has been find a location to put a church building, make contacts, direct people to the church. Bro. Mike said this time he wanted try a new approach--making contacts, start studies, then put up/rent a building.

THUS, we went fishing in a couple different areas today.

Sarah (visiting Brazil for 5 weeks), Natalie, and I started off trying to talk people in a bus stop. Not being too fruitful since the response was--my bus is about to arrive, we walked down the road and decided to see who was in the park. Hmm....teens! Teens in general are pretty open to listening so we split up and began talking. I was talking to a junior higher who had never heard the gospel. After explaining the gospel to him using different illustrations, I asked him if he had any questions. "I don't know," he said, "that's a lot of information!" That's true, it sure can be when you have never heard it before. We left him with a tract and trust that he will soon understand this message.

Natalie found a divine appointment as she was able to talk to a man for a good while about salvation. As she talked, Sarah and I looked around and saw two girls sitting and smoking over on a small hill. I looked at Sarah. "What do you think?" "Let's go!"

It was amazing how the Lord brought people to us at that point. We went and started a conversation with the two girls --Giovanna and her friend--and when some of their friends walked by, they called them over to come meet the American (Sarah, not me. In this context, I become Brazilian. ;) Brazilians love to meet Americans and it is a great conversation opener. Unfortunately for Sarah she is not able to understand the majority of what is said around her but she is picking up a lot! For the next hour the conversation went in many directions as I asked the spiritual background of each person. One young man said he was looking for peace. Another young man, Tiago, shared he had particpated in a Morman church. The two girls who were smoking had recently been participating in spiritism. We were able to share the gospel (Natalie joined Sarah and I after awhile) and answer various questions that came up. It is so wonderful to share the gospel!! The gospel is so powerful--to have in our possesion the very words of God and to know that that is what the Holy Spirit uses to transform lives, make people sons and daughters of God, and brings new purpose and peace!

So here are the people to pray for...maybe we will see them next Tuesday.

Tiago (former morman) and girlfriend

Giovanna

Leonardo--the one looking for peace

Rodrigo--evangelical background

Alexandre--went to the Universal church but not interested in churches anymore...but was very open to talking

BELIEVER´S BAPTISM

IT IS COLD here and Anderson stilled wanted to be baptized. No heating units in the church for a warm building and the heating unit for the water didn´t work...

I can´t begin to express to you the JOY our church family received in hearing the testimony of our newest believer, Anderson. Anderson was baptized this past Sunday night and prior to being baptized, he asked if he could share what had happened in his life. He said he had spent a year in the military and during that time different questions about his life surfaced in his mind. What was his objective in life? Was it just to make a living? What was his purpose?

He stated, ‘I began to recognize that something was missing in my life... which was when Thais introduced me to Jesus Christ. I began to read some of the Bible and learn more, and, in a very rational way, I understood what had been done for me and that each person needed to accept what Jesus had done for them." Turning to family members also present, he repeated, "That'a what each person needs to do." Continuing, he shared, "On March 29, 2008, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and I have sought to read the Bible and practice it in my life. My baptism tonight is not for my salvation but to publicly say to my family and friends that I am following Jesus Christ.”

Have you ever heard such a testimony at a baptism? It was like seeing my dad get baptized all over again! What a blessing when someone comes to the Lord and wants to FOLLOW Him!!

Philosophy and Music

Do, Ré, Mi, Fa, Sol...

Tonight Thais and Anderson came over for a study on Christian philosophy of music and a session on how to read music.

In April, Priscilla and Rodrigo and I met weekly for the same study. Since Priscilla is taking a course each evening this month, our sessions were put on hold ...meanwhile, Thais and Anderson took interest in learning. The plan is to put the two groups together.

We are using a solfege/theory book and the translated book of Tim Fischer´s The Battle for Christian Music for our study.


I am using the Kodaly/Curwin method for teaching them how to read music, using their voice as the instrument.

The Mark of a Good Friendship

Our mother´s day tea had a good turnout—fifteen ladies came to participate on this day.

The theme was on friendship and the importance of being a Biblical friend to those around us—relationships in and outside the family.



Our speaker, Vera, is the wife of Claudio, who is a seminary student. She has immersed herself into the ministry of Ponta Grossa along with her husband. She is one of my piano students and soul-winning partners.

We had a short skit showing that biblical friendship may sometimes involve confronting others in love.

ALL DAY YOUTH OUTREACH

With the small group of young adults in our church, we met to organize a youth outreach that would, Lord-willing, bring in youth from our community....

Other churches of like faith and practice were invited to come and the outcome of the day was dynamic. We had 68 youth out that participated in small and large group competitions, intercalated with two short preaching services. From our community we received two new contacts and were able to see two old contacts participate. There was a lot of energy displayed during the day and we praise the Lord for the good sportsmanship and attitudes as well as how our church family came together to assist in the day.

ONE MORE IN THE FOLD....

A few weeks ago on a Sunday morning we received an answer to prayer. Anderson, Thais´ friend, received the Lord as his Savior. Our church family had been praying for him, witnessing to him, and encouraging him each opportunity possible. During our Sunday morning blessing time, Anderson raised his hand and declared, " Last Sunday, on March 29th, I prayed to receive the Lord as my Savior. Pray for me, because I am like a young baby in the things of the Lord."

And pray we must, that this seed may have strong root! Praise the Lord and to God be the glory!

I Must Turn the Conversation to the Theme of Themes...

Thais came to us about five or six months ago. Years before she had heard the gospel, participated in Bible studies, but had not become a believer. Time passed and through different circumstances that occurred in her life, she recognized her need, turned to God and placed her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. In those first services that she visited at our church she had many questions about the Bible, about God, and what He desired of her. It was evident that she had a thirst to know more about the Lord. Thais is 26 and she has been growing, serving, and taking every opportunity now to live for the Lord. Thais is participating in the ladies seminar class and in referring to our class on evangelism, she came to me recently and said, "Tati, I was on the bus today and as I was sitting there, this man started talking to me and after a little while the thought came to me....I must turn the conversation to the Theme of themes (from the material Come and See). How could I do this without him cutting me off? I began praying, asking the Lord to show me what I could say. Then...the man did the sign of the cross (many people do this here when they pass by a Catholic church). I asked him, "Sir, are you a Christian?"

"What? What's that?"

"It is what I am, I am a Christian."

"Oh, well I am Catholic."

"A Christian is someone who believes that Jesus died on the cross for their sins" she replied.

"Oh, well, everyone believes that."

They talked a few more minutes and she asked where he lived. The bus was arriving close to that particular area. I need to give him a tract! She offered one and he, hesitating slightly, said he would accept it--but only because she had talked to him and, well, because he really could use something--his wife had a surgery recently and had been suffering. Our world is needy! And what they need most is the powerful, penetrating work of the Gospel through faithful servants speaking and sharing His Word!

Easter Blessing

TURNING CONVERSATIONS TO JESUS CHRIST

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God... I Pet 3:18a


"Tati, there is someone downstairs asking for you."
"Oh, is it my dad?" I teased. I went downstairs from our Sunday school area to meet the mysterious Sunday morning guest.
*****
Saturday morning after evangelism, Vera went back to the church, which is also her home (the pastoral home is located on the church property), and I went to the bus stop to get a ride back to the seminary. The bus was basically empty and I chose a seat by the window. Every few minutes the bus would stop and more people would get on--children, adults, ladies with babies, elderly folk. I closed my eyes to rest a little when some moments later I could sense that someone had sat next to me. I couldn't tell the person's age because of my straight ahead angle but I could tell that the man was tall. Taking a tract out of my bag I handed it to the man.

"Sir, this will tell you how you can know for sure you are going to heaven."

He thanked me and began to share how there were so many problems in this world and how his vision was to re-educate parents and grandparents on how to educate their children. "It starts with the parents!" he said. "Yes," I agreed, "the parents need to train...and the starting place is with the Bible." We read Deuteronomy 6:6-9. He politely disagreed that the starting place couldn´t be the Bible since most people don't know the Bible. He continued to share his opinions and plans, yet, they were still incomplete because God was not in the picture. "You know," I tried to share carefully, "only when men and women give their heart to God and apply His Word will they make right choices and make a good impact on society. How would you describe your relationship with God?"

The next few moments took us through some truths about God and the exchange God offers to every person--acceptance of Jesus' payment for all our sin in exchange for eternal life in heaven with God . It was a hurried few moments because my bus stop was really close. His last comment was, "hmm, I never heard this before." Well praise the Lord, the conversation got him thinking! Quickly giving him one more tract, I got off the bus.

Have you guessed? Our Easter Sunday morning surprise was this man, coming to Sunday school twenty minutes before the starting hour. He had come from Canoas, a city about 30 minutes away if you come by car, which he did not.

"I started thinking about we talked about," he said, "and I wanted to hear more."

Edi-Luiz didn't receive Christ that morning, but we pray that very soon he will!