Preparation Time

Since my return in August from Brazil, life has been crazy busy.  The Lord has confirmed His direction in many different ways and He has instructed me to "prepare as if I am going to Manacapuru".  Well, needless to say, there have been many things to do each day.  As it stands today here is what is happening:

• Nayara is finishing her last semester in Seminary in Belo Horizonte as well as making preparations to go with me to work in Manacapuru.  She has the blessing of her Pastor as well as her mother.  She is working hard learning English and she is doing great!  She is both learning English and helping me with my Portuguese lessons!  More about Nayara a little later.
• We are currently waiting for the formal letter of invitation (they have already asked me to come).  This letter along with other documents are necessary to obtain the necessary visa.
• I am now working hard in raising a financial support and prayer support teams.  I am very excited about sharing with people the work that we will be doing.
• The work that we will be doing there will be to teach English classes through the church but it is not limited to classes at the church.  We may do some individual lessons, tutoring as well as classes in some of the communities around Manacapuru.  There are many opportunities.
• We are wanting to use English as a vehicle to establish relationships and eventually be able to share the Gospel and disciple those who come to know the Lord.
• These classes will not be limited to just children but will involve people of all ages. 
• We may also be involved with some trips with the Medical Boat Ministry as well.

As we are waiting for the final confirmation, for the visa to be obtained and for the financial support to be in place, we are trusting the Lord to put all things in order. My lease on my apartment ends December 28 so by the first part of November a decision of go or no go will have to be made.  In my heart it is a go, but all these details have to be taken care of properly.  If it were up to me, I would love to leave by December 20, 2016.  This will give me time to get use to the summer heat and to get clothes that will be good for the Amazon.

This is a huge step for me.  Stillwater, OK has been home for all but 4 years of my life.  The peace I have in my heart is further confirmation to me that this is a God thing.  Yes, I will miss my family and my friends but these relationships are solid and our love is strong.  Yes, I am a little nervous but it is not based in fear, it is just I know I am going into new territory.  It is such a tremendous blessing to have Nayara with me on this mission adventure.  She knows her people, her culture and language.  She has had the calling of the Lord for the Amazon since 2004 and is a gifted woman of God.  She is also a Registered Nurse which is great!!!!  Please continue to pray as we make preparations.

Also, if you know of individuals and families who would be excited about this work and would possibly be interested in joining our financial/prayer team.  Please share the news and introduce me to them!  I know that whatever God calls me to do, He will make all provisions needed for it to be successful.  God is faithful!

I will be making some changes to this blog to get it ready to be used when we get to Manacapuru.  I will be encouraging everyone to sign up with their email in the upper right hand of the blog.  This will be the major avenue for me to get news out to everyone about what is happening with the work.  So be patient if you get notifications here in the beginning as I make some changes. 

Bless you all!