The team is back together and working! A equipe está junta novamente e trabalhando!

Hello friends!  

(be sure to look at the new pictures – they are in order with the latest pictures first - 9 “pages” with captions. I will post the pictures after I post this...)

Wow, what a ride these past months have been.  I finally received all the necessary paperwork for my new passport and flew down to Houston, TX from Little Rock, AR on September 22 for the appointment at the Brazilian Consulate.  I received the new visa status (Missionary) and went back to the airport to catch a flight to Little Rock.  I had several interesting visits with an Ethiopian Uber driver, and with man from India who was traveling to Brazil.  I then left for Brazil the next day Saturday, Sept 23^rd.  It was an emotional good bye with the Duggins and Jose/Leoni who graciously let me crash at their place and it was an emotional “homecoming” with Nayara and the Pastor and his wife at the Manaus airport.  I loved seeing everyone at church the next day and Nayara had a special gathering of friends to welcome me back on Monday.  Nayara also did some special decorating in my room and even purchased a desk for me as well as some shelves with pictures of friends and family.  You talk about a wonderful homecoming gift!

We jumped back into work mode quickly and have not stopped since!  Let me give you some of the highlights. 

We are having 3 night classes that include 1 true beginner class and 2 continued classes from last semester which totals about 30 students. These classes are being held at the Mission House at the church.  We have added two young men to be at the gate to greet students and to help with security.  Our street in front of the church is quite active so these guys add to our peace of mind.  We did not have a problem last semester but felt this was a good move and we are able to bless these guys financially.  Both are taking the English class on different nights.

We are going to one of the Public Schools, José Mota, on Tuesdays for classes for the teachers and on Thursdays for classes with students.  This has been very exciting.  We have been able to meet some of the staff, pray with them, talk with them and get to know them.

In our time on Tuesday, we have English, History, Chemical and Portuguese teachers.  We have 6 teachers.  It has been a great time working with them teaching English.  We have even had times of wonderful sharing and prayer with them.  We are providing a “safe place” for them to talk and express themselves.  They are quick and motivated learners.  Please keep them in your prayers – God knows their names.

The work with the students on Thursdays is going well.  We initially had a tremendous number of students who indicated they wanted to come to the English classes.  Not all the students have followed through and attended classes.   We had some unexpected interruptions, like the school decided they needed to paint the classrooms as well as some holidays.  So, we are finally getting in a groove.  This week we are offering a make up day and will know for certain just how many students we have.  We have 3 new classes and 1 class that includes students from last semester.  Fortunately, the school is taking care of most of the printing of the material which has been a tremendous help.  This week we are planning for 90 students.  During these classes we have a lot of fun, laugh and learn together.  Many of these students have challenging life circumstances and we are embracing the time to get to know them, develop a relationship with them and help them succeed in learning English.

This past week we were blessed to be invited by the director of the Public School to join the other teachers for a city-wide event to honor teachers in Manacapuru.  It was a time of eating, singing, some danced and games.  It was a great time to continue to bond with the other teachers.

One big change this semester is we are not going to the community of Bela Vista.  We hope to return in February, but we will have to see what exactly the students want to do.  Communication is always a challenge due to cell service and internet issues.  We continue to pray for them and look forward to seeing them again soon.

With our Friday schedule opening due to not going to Bela Vista, we have had the opportunity to do some one on one work with a Columbian woman.  She is newly married, and she and her husband are missionaries and they come to the Tuesday night class.  She does not know Portuguese so Nayara is working with her on her Portuguese.  It has been awesome to get to know them and to hear their “story” and their heart as they share the Gospel here in Brazil.  One thing that they do to earn money is cook things and sell them.  The other day they brought us a “tamal”.  It had all kinds of meat and things inside all wrapped in banana leaves.  It was good!

Thank you so much for your faithful financial and prayer support.  God is working, and it is such a blessing to serve here.  Because of you, we can do little things such as purchase headphones with chips to help a few students who do not have a cell phone or internet service, so they can hear the audios we make.  One of those students who will use a headset is our Columbian sister as well as a young man who is 16 yrs. old, supports his mother and sister and goes to school full time.  He desires to be a Police Officer but is struggling in English which is required for him to do well on his entrance exam.  He has worked so hard and this headset will help him tremendously.  The two young men who help us watching the front gate have had some health issues and are a little behind in their English studies, so these chips will help a lot.  YOU are blessing Columbian missionaries, university students, high school students, teachers, mothers, fathers, and people who work in this city in retail and as a truck driver!

We are also excited about those that God has raised up to be our helpers this semester.  Patricia has been a tremendous friend to Nayara and me as well as a great helper with the classes.  Patricia is a university graduate in geography but feels that God wants her to work at the school, José Mota, working in the office.  She also works with the youth at the church and provides a children’s project twice a month on Saturdays.  Her heart for the ministry is HUGE and she has basically become one of our assistants.  She is with us on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and comes to almost every class in the evening.  Her English is benefiting from all this time we spend together.  We also have two others who are helping us with the grading of homework.  Our prayer has always been that God would raise up a team who could continue the work with English in the future.  God is answering that prayer.

Nayara and I also had the opportunity to go to a community located on an island in Solimões River.  We spent Saturday and Sunday morning with the people there, playing volleyball and games along with making personal visits to people in their homes.  We had the chance to talk and to pray individuals.  They had a special service Saturday night along with a wedding.  We went with about 20 other people from the church.  Oh, by the way, even though it is very warm here, it gets really cold at night with all the moisture in the air, brrrrrrrr.  We traveled by boat and had to climb up a “ladder” and mud “steps” to arrive and to go down when we left.  It was about the equivalent to three flights of stairs.  That is how high the river normally gets and how low the river gets.  What an adventure!

Nayara and I also were able to help out with music and preaching at a recent children’s outreach event at the church.  It was awesome to see the children respond to the gospel.  Patricia and her team of workers are wonderful!  Many received prayer and I am not know how many children gave their hearts to Jesus. It was fun and a little like herding cats!!!

Okay there are just some of the highlights.  On a personal note.  I am doing great, feeling good, feeling peaceful.  My language is improving, and I do want to work hard and get better with my speaking.  I know this is where I am supposed to be, and no words can fully express my heart.  Is everything easy?  No.  Is everything comfortable?  No.  Do I miss my recliner?  Yes.  Will it be strange not to be in the same state with my sister during our birthday? Yes.  Do I want to be anywhere else?  No way.  Other than needing a haircut – all is good!

As Thanksgiving approaches in the USA, my heart is full of gratitude for many things.  I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord here in Manacapuru with Nayara (she is a super teammate and sister in the Lord).  I am grateful for your partnership with this work.  I am thankful for my friends and family in the States and around the world.  I pray your time with family and friends are full of joy and blessings. 

The plans are for Nayara and I to go to Belo Horizonte to be with her family from Dec 18 – Jan 28.  This is their “summer break.  We are already on the schedule to speak at her home church 7 times as well as in other churches.  Her Pastor will be away for 3 Sundays and we are honored that he trusts us to preach during that time. Please cover us in your prayers!  I know that Nayara is looking forward to being with her family and church family.  I am blessed that they have embraced me.  I hope to write again before Christmas.  Love to all

Until next time….
Lisa

Ei amigos, familiares, irmãos, mantenedores e intercessores de tantos lugares do mundo que estão orando por nós, enfim conseguimos postar nossas novas notícias aqui, mas é porque com cerca de 130 alunos do inglês a vida virou uma correria muito boa. Enfim, estou aqui para contar as notícias do nosso segundo semestre e agradecer por todo investimento nesse ministério fazendo sempre menção à igreja que me enviou para trabalhar nesse lindo projeto Segunda Igreja Batista em João Monlevade e o apoio incondicional da Primeira Igreja Batista de Raposos.

Começamos mais 7 classes de Inglês na Escola Estadual José Mota aqui em Manacapuru – AM. Aaahhh que presente maravilho Deus nos deu aqui. São alunos preciosos!!! Ao todo são 8 turmas na escola: 4 para alunos e 4 para professores (estão estudando conosco professores de português, inglês, história e química, eles são excelentes alunos). Na nossa casa temos mais 3 turmas de inglês à noite, mais dois alunos colombianos aprendendo Português às sextas feiras, mais uma aula de reforço escolar de inglês aos sábados e um aluno nota 10 pelo Skype aos domingos. Vejam só quantas vidas vocês estão nos ajudando a abençoar. Pensa numa vida corrida, mas na correria mais gostosa e divertida do mundo! Amando minha nova descoberta como professora!!! E agora mais do que nunca dou meu total respeito e gratidão aos meus professores, eita profissão difícil sô. Alguns dias da semana trabalhamos cerca de 18 horas sem parar. Ufa, mas é muito gratificante ver as pessoas aprendendo esse idioma tão especial. Deus seja louvado por alguns amigos que se tornaram monitores aqui e tem nos ajudado durante as aulas e na correção dos deveres. Deus é bom, sempre colocando pessoas especiais perto de nós.

Após enfrentarmos a “novela” da troca do visto da Lisa, graças a Deus ela conseguiu resolver e poderá ficar mais tempo no Brasil (Deus seja louvado pela Igreja Presbiteriana Ágata e Igreja Presbiteriana de Manaus que tanto nos ajudou nesse processo). Foram 4 meses sem ela aqui em Manacapuru e confesso que foi bem difícil ficar aqui “sozinha”, mas Deus e seus anjos estavam sempre aqui comigo. Ganhei uma amiga irmã nesse tempo. Deus me enviou Patrícia de presente para cuidar de mim aqui, ela me ajudou muuuuuito e continua me ajudando todos os dias. A Paty é líder de jovens na Igreja Presbiteriana Ágata, igreja que tem apoiado muito nosso projeto de inglês aqui no Amazonas. Deus me deu a graça de estar no meio de pessoas que amam a sua palavra e que querem ver as pessoas experimentando esse amor divino.  

Após esses longos 4 meses, a Lisa chegou e foi uma festa, ufa, o coração congelava a cada notícia de atraso do visto. Graças a Deus agora isso ficou no passado. Estamos muito felizes por trabalhar juntas novamente. Deus seja louvado pela vida da Lisa e de cada norte americano que tem abençoado o ministério exercido por ela aqui no Brasil.

É muito bom compartilhar com vocês que tem me abençoado e orado por mim enquanto estou aqui no Amazonas. Deus seja louvado por cada um de vocês. Que delícia tem sido aprender sobre as maravilhas do Amazonas e ver o que Deus está fazendo nos corações aqui. Quando puder vá até a nossa página de fotos e veja todas as coisas lindas que estão acontecendo.

Tivemos a oportunidade de visitar uma comunidade chamada Fé em Deus, falamos do amor de Cristo e experimentamos das diferenças culturais do Amazonas. Foi uma grande aventura também já que o rio agora está baixo (quando ele seca um pouco) e para chegar nas comunidades precisamos subir barrancos com muita lama. O que vocês acham que aconteceu quando viemos embora? Sim, eu caí e foi muito engraçado. Kkkkkkkk...Não queira imaginar. Aqui nós trabalhamos muito, mas nos divertimos muito também na presença de Deus.

Tenho tentado ajudar na igreja local que nos apoia aqui (IPÁgata) cantando ou ministrando a palavra. Tem sido experiências maravilhosas. Outra coisa que me faz vibrar de alegria é fazer as traduções para a Lisa. Trabalho prazeroso e bem desafiador. Tenho feitos as traduções na escola, na igreja, na comunidade, com as crianças, enfim, em todo lugar. Isso é divertido!!! 1 ano apenas aprendendo inglês e Deus fazendo os milagres me ajudando nas traduções. E sobre o português dela? Sim, o português dela está melhorando, então, quando vocês a encontrarem ficaram surpresos. Falem bastante português com ela...hahahahahha

Obrigada por todo apoio. Espero vê-los em breve. No dia 31 de dezembro estarei na Segunda Igreja Batista em João Monlevade às 9h da manhã para compartilhar minhas aventuras aqui no Amazonas. Espero que você possa estar lá comigo para ouvir as mais divertidas e edificantes histórias ocorridas na minha vida nos últimos meses. Rsrsrsr

Espero por vocês. Grande abraço,

Nayara

Nosso tempo em Minas: Planejamento inicial

18-12 a 28: Belo Horizonte

31-12-17: Segunda Igreja Batista em João Monlevade (9:00 horas)

5-01-18 a 10-01-18: Belo Horizonte

7-01-18: Primeira Igreja Batista em Raposos (19:30 horas)

11, 13 e 14-01-18: Segunda Igreja Batista em João Monlevade (19:30 horas)

21-01-18: Segunda Igreja Batista em João Monlevade (9:00 e 19:30 horas)

24 a 28-01-18: Belo Horizonte

News for you... Notícias para vocês...

Hello my friends,

This will be a quick note today.  I wanted you to know of some things that are happening….and to join me in covering them with prayer.

I will be returning to the States this Friday.  I will need to move forward in securing a change to my visa during my stay in the US.  I am a little disappointed that this could not be resolved here but there is nothing I can do about that situation.  The church in Manaus is finishing up the paperwork needed to submit to the appropriate government agency.  I will be working on getting all the documents in order from my side and submit it as soon as possible in the Consulate in Houston, TX.   Please pray that all things would be done correctly and that I will be able to secure the needed changes as soon as possible.  My desire would be to return to Manacapuru in August.

Now, about the classes.  Nayara will continue classes for the last 3 weeks of the semester.  I will be joining her via Skype.  I am comfortable with this arrangement.  This is how I taught Nayara and look how she turned out.  She has been fantastic!  We are making the final arrangements so that the students from the Public School will come here to the church (we have internet) as well as the group in the community of Bela Vista will hopefully be able to meet in the school near the church.  Please pray that these final 3 weeks will go smoothly and God’s grace and peace will cover Nayara.  Nayara and I are continuing making plans for the next semester.  Just today, the nurse who comes to the house to do a regular blood work check on me wants to study English with us!  We meet people every week that want to know more information.

For me, I will be leaving late Friday, arriving Little Rock, AR Saturday morning.  I will be staying with the Ron and Jane Duggins in Conway.  As it turns out, Jose and Leoni will be leaving the day after I arrive to go have a visit with their daughter Doris in Florida.  So, that means I will be able to stay in Jose and Leoni’s apartment!  I will be there in Conway until the classes are finished on June 30.  My schedule will be almost the same there as it is here with all the classes etc.…  I also will be working on my documents etc. for the visa.

In July, I want to go to Stillwater to see as many of you as possible.  I will be contacting people about support for 2018 and as well as personal things I need to take care of.  I am excited about seeing family and friends after 7 months away.  I am not sure yet where I will be staying in Stillwater, but I know it will work out.  Please pray that I will be able to make contact with all of the financial support team, that the 2018 support budget will be taken care of, and that all of the personal stuff would be able to be completed. (Dentist, Dr stuff)

The work here in Manacapuru has gotten off to a great start!  Doors are continuing to open for future classes and contacts with people in the community and the school.  I do believe with all my heart that my place is here.  So, I am trusting Him to make the path clear and to give me favor with all the people I talk with.  Thank YOU for all your encouragement, prayers and financial support.  You are a special part of this work!

Tonight, Nayara and I have the opportunity to join a group of people who work with one of the World Vision Medical Boats.  We will only be gone for one day.  This is another dream come true for Nayara – I told her she needs to be sure to write all of these dreams down!  I will also have the opportunity to share in the service Thursday night.  I am always grateful for the chance to share from God’s Word!

This is a picture of João.  He is a wonderful young man who desires to serve the Lord and he is teaching the computer class Monday - Friday. LCM had the opportunity to help him get a much needed pair of glasses.  He is so grateful, please receive his heartfelt "thank you".

I have to run, class is starting shortly.  Again, thank you, and I will talk with you soon!

Lisa

from Nayara..... 

Ei amigos, estou feliz por mais uma vez poder contar para vocês o que está acontecendo aqui. Deus continua fazendo coisas lindas e em breve eu enviarei mais notícias sobre as primeiras semanas de junho. Coisas animadoras estão acontecendo e muitos sonhos estão sendo realizados.

Esse mês a Lisa retornará aos Estados Unidos para tentar modificar o status do Visto dela aqui no Brasil. Com a graça de Deus eu continuarei com as classes até o final do semestre onde teremos um intervalo de férias em Julho.

As coisas estão indo muito bem por aqui. Deus seja louvado!!! As saudades são sempre muitas, mas é maravilhoso ter a comprovação a cada dia que aqui é onde eu devo estar agora.

Continuamos contando com as orações de vocês.

Motivos de oração:

·        Saúde minha e da Lisa.

·        Para que Deus continue abençoando as pessoas e igrejas que nos mantem aqui nessa linda obra.

·        Para que o Visto de permanência da Lisa seja autorizado rapidamente.

Obrigada por todo apoio e carinho sempre.

Amo vocês no amor de Cristo.

Nayara

Wow, the time is flying by soooo fast! Uaaauu, o tempo está voando!

Hello my friends!

(check out the photo page, I will post the pictures right after I post this)

Please forgive the delay in making this post!  We have continued to have issues with the internet because of all the rain and our schedule has kept us moving.  The time has flown by so fast.  We have been incredibly busy which is great!  Let me catch you up on what has been going on here in Manacapuru.

The English classes have been going very well.  We have 15 classes (which includes two skype classes: one with a missionary in Manaus and one with Nayara’s brother in law and 3 classes with individuals) and we are starting to work with 3 classes in the Public School.  Which makes our total of 18 classes and a total of “registered” students could top 150!  We are blessed and humbled by this opportunity – and through your generous financial gifts, we can financially take care of all the class needs and our living expenses.  Thank you for your support and prayers. 

The classes are made up of people from different walks and professions.  We have a lot of fun learning together.  It is so exciting to see the growth in the students and to watch their excitement when they begin to speak in English. We laugh a lot when we do all the crazy learning activities, it is a joy.  We have two classes that are in a community outside of Manacapuru called Bela Vista.  We love those classes and the students are precious!  The roads to the community are a challenge for sure but it is worth it!

The opportunity in the Public Schools is a great one.  These classes will consist of students selected by the teachers who need some additional help with English as well as students who want to learn more.  We will also have a class of older students who are preparing to take the exam to get into college.  In the first class with the older students.  I admit, I was a little nervous.  When we started, I again had that awesome experience of Holy Spirit’s Presence and His Joy flowing in me and through me.  I had just met these students yet, I had His love for them.  I thoroughly enjoyed the over 2 hours with them and it seemed like minutes.  I cannot tell you how many times this has happened in our classes – this is further confirmation that I am exactly where the Father wants me.  These students in the Public School are not “church” kids and we are looking forward to these classes.  I am also excited about connecting with the English teachers and to look for opportunities to serve and assist them.  Some of the teachers speak English and unfortunately many do not and they teach their classes via PowerPoint and videos. 

During all our classes, Nayara and I try to look for opportunities to connect with each person.  This ministry is more than just learning English (which is important), but we are also wanting to look for opportunities to share about Christ and His love.  It has been rewarding for us to develop relationships with these precious adults, youth and children.  Please pray that God continues to prepare the soil of the hearts of those who do not know the Lord and that we would be sensitive to the right time to share with them.

I am also working on developing devotions that will be shared in our classes as well as other ministry projects within the church.  I found some good things based in the Character First material and fortunately they grant permission for use.  I have 18 right now almost finished.  It will be a blessing to share with the project leaders of the other ministry projects who would then in turn share with their students.  The ministry projects the church provides range from Children’s outreach, youth ministry, Athletes for Christ (soccer), music instruction, and Computer Classes.

Nayara is doing fantastic with her English!  I am so proud of her.  She has been invaluable in our classes and is a good teacher herself.  We make a great team!  We both have had opportunities to preach in the church which has been fun.  She has translated beautifully!  She is also working with me on my Portuguese.  It has been difficult to make the time for my language study but we keep trying.  Some of you may not know this but she is also a Registered Nurse.  Last week we went to Manaus and picked up her official card allowing her to practice as an RN here in Amazonas!  Also, I want to mention that we went to Belo Horizonte in March so that Nayara could participate in her graduation from Seminary!  Like I said, I am very proud of her!

The Missions House where we live is coming along nicely.  We have “screens” on the windows now which help keep our lizard friends and other friends outside where they need to be.  The living and work area upstairs are wonderful.  The downstairs is a good space for the new computer classes as well as the English classes and Sunday School for the kids on Sunday mornings.  In our office upstairs, we have a mini fridge, microwave and little toaster oven.  We try to cook for the week on Sunday/Monday and freeze our meals, then during the busy week we use the microwave and toaster oven to eat so not to disturb the computer classes.  So, we are finding our groove and routine!

One of our students, Nete, is the regional director for outreach projects with World Vision.  During her vacation in February, she met with us up to three times a day for the month to study English.  When asked why she wanted to learn English she shared that she is working towards taking some post graduate classes and she needed to take English.  But also, her desire is to be able to communicate and translate for the North Americans when they come down to work with the projects through World Vision.  Her diligence and hard work is an inspiration to both Nayara and me.  She is a joy to work with and it is exciting to see her experience success in her language study.  She takes us every week to Bela Vista on Fridays and we have rich times of sharing and laughter.  She also is the mother of Pastor Rogerio, pastor of the church.

We recently went to an Easter musical presented by the Presbyterian Church of Manaus.  It was huge, the place was packed and it was very impressive.  They had the outside all set up as Jerusalem with hundreds of actors.  It was packed and loud and I thought to myself, this is probably what it felt like in Jerusalem.  The report I received was over 2500 people indicated the desire to receive Christ as Lord and Savior.  What an awesome outreach!  We took two buses here from Manacapuru.  I so appreciate the heart and mission of this church and their staff.

Right now, Nayara and I are working hard with all the preparations for the classes that will take us up to the end of the semester ending in June.  It is both exciting and daunting at the same time.  The creative juices are flowing!

Please join us in prayer for several things:

1. For health and strength
We have a very demanding schedule.  We need to take care of ourselves and get plenty of rest – which can be a challenge.  We both are doing well, thank you Jesus.  We are starting to go to a gym to get some regular exercise early in the morning at least 3 days a week.  This will be great for me.  On a personal note I am losing weight, praise God!  I am the chief cook in the house and it helps that we don’t have a Chick-fil-a, McDonalds or a Hideaway Pizza nearby! lol

2. My visa status
Pastor Eustáquio is already working on the necessary paperwork to try to secure a visa that will allow me to stay beyond June 12. He is confident that we should be able to secure a year visa.  We need to stand in prayer together that He will make a way!  My heart is here – this is where I believe God wants me to serve. 

3. Wisdom and Favor in the classes
As stated earlier we are excited about the doors opening in the Public School for work with the students and maybe the teachers.  We need wisdom and favor in all our classes that we will be sensitive to their needs and have guidance to make whatever changes we need to make to help the students to learn English.  We are praying for and believing that our students will be successful in learning English.

4.  Transportation need
As the visa status is confirmed, we will need to consider buying a truck.  Yes, you read that correctly a truck.  Why?  The roads here are difficult with pot holes (they eat small cars for breakfast) and the rain comes down in buckets almost every day right now.  For safety, we believe a truck type vehicle would be best.  We not only go to Bela Vista and the schools every week but paying for a taxi every place we need to go for daily needs and for class materials adds up in a hurry.  We have a great taxi driver who takes care of us well but we are looking ahead.  I will let you know the specifics as we ‘cross that bridge’.

Check out the pictures under the picture tab and see some of the faces of our new friends.  We have been so blessed by the love and care from the Ágata church family.  The rain has been something else and we have had a taste of the heat to come.  But hey, we are in the Amazon Rain Forest!

Thank you for partnering with this work of the Lord.  You are blessing more people than you realize.  We are in this together!  Thank you, thank you!  

Please drop me an email and let me know how you are doing and how I can be praying for you specifically. 

Serving Him together with you,
Lisa

Olá amigos. Depois de um bom tempo sem postar “nadinha” conseguimos um tempinho para fazer isso. Estamos felizes por conseguir mandar notícias. Lembrem-se de verificar as palavras da Lisa (se precisar use o tradutor...rs) e também as nossas novas fotos.

Desde que chegamos aqui já se passaram 3 meses e 5 dias (parece que tem muito mais tempo...hahaha). Nesse tempo as saudades aumentaram, mas o desejo de servir a Deus no lugar em que sonhei por muitos anos e a certeza de que é aqui que Ele me quer agora cresce a cada dia. Agradeço imensamente pelas orações e contribuições! Vocês são amigos preciosos!

Esses primeiros meses tem sido de adaptação para nós. Costumes diferentes dos que vivi em Minas, sotaque diferente (estou amando isso!!!), gente diferente, natureza sobrenatural, chuva, chuva, chuva e chuva, sol quente, quente, quente. Esse Amazonas é um mito!!! Que lugar maravilhoso!!! Deus nos presenteou por colocar no Brasil esse Estado que abençoa o mundo inteiro através da floresta, dos rios e da sua gente linda. Se vocês vierem aqui conseguirão sentir e experimentar a beleza natural desse lugar. Sim, aqui tem muuuuuuuito peixe, mas eles sempre fazem os peixes com muuuuuuito coentro (desafio para mim que sou louca por peixe e tenho pavor de coentro). Conclusão: estou na terra do peixe, comendo pouco peixe – Lágrimas, como diria minha linda amiga Priscilla Abrantes. 

Aprender as coisas novas aqui tem sido divertidíssimo. Posso falar para vocês da minha expectativa quando alguém certo dia disse: “Hoje vai ter bombom”. Eu logo pensei: ohhhh glória! Porque eu estava louca para comer chocolate, mas aí fui descobrir que os amazonenses chamam balas (por exemplo: bala de morango, uva etc que vem em pacotinhos) de bombons ... pensem na minha cara de tristeza...hauhauhauhuah. Amo quando eles falam: “Que horas tem? Ao invés de “que horas são?”, ou quando me chamam de “TU” ao invés de “VOCÊ” e tantas outras palavras como: merenda, brocado, mano e mana, “deu capim na palheta”, cebola de palha, X-caboquinho, banzeiro e tantas outras expressões que me diverte e me ensina. Ahhhh que delícia esse lugar tão diferente e tão maravilhoso.  Minha professora de Caboquês tem sido a Nete, sempre presente comigo e Lisa. Eita Nete maravilhosa que tanto nos abençoa.

Estive em Minas no mês de março para minha cerimônia de colação de grau e foi maravilhoso. Revi amigos/irmãos especiais e minha família nos pouquíssimos dias em que estive lá, e valeu muito à pena. Ver o Samuelzinho e a Vivi, minha mãe maravilhosa, irmãs e cunhados...ahhhhh que delícia. Voltei cheia de saudades, mas Deus é tão bom que encontrei aqui alguns novos amigos bem parecidos com os que tive que deixar em Minas. Achei a Gisele que é tão maluca como a Sabrina (Lindas da minha vida), achei a Patrícia que é fiel como a Ingrid, achei o Pastor Rogério que é servo como meu Pastor Romeu, achei o Scott (nosso cachorro protetor) que é como o Perez (Vc não é cachorro não amigo, mas é protetor...hauhauha), achei o João meu GalÃo preferido (dizem que ele é o Galã daqui....huahuaha...ele realmente é uma figura...então chamo ele de Galão) e o Gabriel cheio de boa vontade pra nos servir aqui na casa missionária. Esses dois são bem parecidos com meu amigo Galã Rafa Fraga (futuro marido da minha amiga/irmã Carol) e o Rafa Leocádio que está sempre disposto a servir. Achei uma Paulinha na figura da Tayse, esse menina linda, carinhosa e temente ao Senhor. Enfim, não estou fazendo comparações porque cada um de vocês são pessoas únicas e carrego vocês no meu coração onde eu estiver, mas a saudade ameniza um pouco quando tenho pessoas que me lembram vocês perto de mim. Tenho muita saudade de todos.

O trabalho aqui em Manacapuru está indo de “vento em polpa”; temos visto os milagres de Deus por aqui. Por favor, continuem orando, orando e orando por nós. Nesse mês ganhamos mais alunos de uma das escolas públicas da cidade e a nossa primeira aula com eles foi fantástica. Hoje temos 18 classes de inglês e ver a evolução dos nossos alunos nessa nova língua, é maravilhoso. Tem sido um privilégio imenso ajudar a Lisa nas classes. Ela é uma professora maravilhosa, e por falar nisso, preciso compartilhar minha alegria com vocês: aprender inglês tem sido uma das experiências mais fantásticas que já vivi até hoje. Confesso que estou maravilhada com essa oportunidade linda que Deus está me dando. Deus seja louvado!!!

Dentro das nossas 18 classes, duas acontecem em uma Comunidade chamada de Bela Vista. Tem sido uma benção passar as nossas sextas-feiras com eles. Nos venturamos na estrada até chegarmos lá sempre na proteção de Deus e a Nete guerreira no volante. É sempre uma aventura deliciosa! Em Bela Vista temos adolescentes, Jovens e adultos nas nossas aulas, muita gente linda e animada.

Os dias estão corridos e a nossa escala é super apertada. Damos aulas de Segunda a Segunda, haja fôlego...huahuahuah. Nos perdoem quando não conseguimos responder rapidamente os assuntos no Whatsapp e Facebook, mas é porque os nossos intervalos são sempre bem corridos. Por favor continuem enviando mensagens e permaneçam em oração para que tenhamos saúde, sabedoria e coragem para prosseguir com essa linda história que Deus escreveu.

Você pode estar se perguntando: será que a Nayara está precisando de dinheiro? A resposta é sim hauhauhuahua. O custo de vida aqui é bem alto, aos poucos estamos mobiliando a casa missionária, em especial, o nosso escritório (onde passamos todo o tempo quando não estamos dando aula). Na nossa casa funcionam também as aulas de informática e para não interromper essas aulas, que acontecem no andar de baixo onde fica a nossa cozinha, estamos montando uma pequena cozinha dentro do nosso escritório...hahahah). Outra coisa que nos faz ter um gasto grande é o uso do taxi. Em todos os lugares que precisamos ir temos que pegar um taxi. As despesas são altas, mas Deus em sua infinita bondade tem suprido nossas necessidades. Se você deseja nos abençoar e também os nossos alunos de inglês de alguma maneira (lanche, material, equipamentos e qualquer outra coisa que vier à mente de vocês) faça contato conosco.

Há duas semanas atrás consegui fazer minha transferência para atuar como enfermeira aqui no Estado do Amazonas, que maravilha! Agora poderei abençoar esse povo lindo aqui com essa profissão tão nobre recebida de Deus. Que privilégio! (É uma das artes; poder-se-ia dizer, a mais bela das artes! Florence Nightingale). Aproveitamos para conhecer um pouquinho de Manaus junto com nossa amiga e estudante maravilhosa, a Nete, mãe do Pastor Rogério. Foi divertidíssimo. Onde ela está, tem festa!

No mês passado começamos as nossas aulas por Skype. Estamos tendo o privilégio de estudar inglês com o meu cunhado Schester e também com a missionária Claudia Roder aos domingos. Mais um tempo precioso que Deus nos deu. O domingo é o dia mais delicioso de todos (sem desprezar os outros), mas é porque nos reunimos como igreja para adorar a Deus e também pela oportunidade que tenho de ver o Samuelzinho e a Vivi ao final das aulas com o Schester. Ai que delícia é ver os amores da titia!!!

Se eu tenho saudade do pão de queijo de Minas? Sim, muita...huahauhau, mas confesso que essa terra aqui também tem “trem bão demais”: Açaí, peixe, Pão com Tucumã e banana, castanha etc, ahhh e Pato no Tucupi com Tacacá como diria o Caio... kkkkkkkkkkkk. Ahhhhh e pra quem comeu o X-Fominha em Nova Viçosa, vocês não fazem ideia do que é o X-caboquinho.. Uhuuuuullllll.

Nas rápidas vezes que tive a oportunidade de admirar a beleza do Rio Negro e do Rio Solimões foi difícil conter as lágrimas: é simplesmente espetacular. Vocês precisam vir conhecer essas maravilhas de Deus. Continuamos contado com as orações e contribuições de vocês.

Motivos de oração:

- Que mais vidas conheçam à Cristo através dos projetos desenvolvidos aqui.

- Que os alunos continuem perseverantes no aprendizado do inglês.

- Que tenhamos sempre sabedoria para ensinar e humildade para aprender.

- Que tenhamos uma boa saúde e vida saudável aqui.

- Que a Lisa consiga o Visto de permanência no Brasil.

Obrigada por todo apoio sempre.

Deus abençoe vocês, abraços.

Nayara

Update January 2017 - Atualização de Janeiro 2017

Hello friends!

(photo alert! check out the photo tab)

We are getting settled here in Manacapuru.  It has taken a little time and work on the house continues – like putting in AC in some of the rooms!  Yes, you read correctly, AC, praise God!  We are very grateful for the ones in the bedrooms!!!  The downstairs is a space that is used for many things; class, special church dinners, smaller group meetings and at times for missionaries or special groups to spend the night. They have put up some retractable (up when we need them and down when do not need them) desk tops for class and for eating.  We have also been working on getting the office all set up.  In the office, we will have small group/individual instructions.  We still have some items to get but we are making it.  The internet has been a challenge.  That is a work in progress.  We have internet today thanks to Nete allowing us to use her modem.

We spent some time with Pr João from the Presbyterian Church of Manaus.  He is a wonderful man, loves the Lord, gentle spirit and has had a tremendous impact for the work of the Lord here in the Amazon area.  He is excited about the classes.  I was blessed to spend time with him.  The church there will be assisting me in getting my permanent visa.  I am so thankful for his assistance.

We have enjoyed getting to know the people in the church.  They are awesome and have received us with open arms.  In the future, we will be telling you about the people here so you can get to know them.  The worship is great and Pr Rogerio is a man who desires to grow disciples in the faith and to make a difference here in Manacapuru and surrounding areas.  He and his Cristiane and his mother Nete, have been so gracious with their time in helping us get everything we need for the house and the classes.  Nete works with World Vision and has such a passion to reach families for Christ.  She is an inspiration!  Just a couple of days ago, we got to visit her on a World Vision Medical Boat when it was at Bela Vista just 30-45 minutes from Manacapuru.

While in Bela Vista we had the opportunity to visit with Pr Jailson and his wife Sueli.  They are wanting to host two English classes on one day during the week.  This man has a tremendous testimony and I will try to share it another time.  The ministry has already expanded outside of Manacapuru and we haven’t started classes yet! 

The date for classes to begin is the week of February 6^th and will run until the end of June.  We have the basic schedule down and now we are working to finish the individual class prep.  We know that we must be flexible and we may even need to change the schedule but at least we have a plan.  The office area has been great to work and it has helped us to focus.  Did I say “Praise God for AC!”

Last night, I had the opportunity to preach my first Portuguese “sermon”.  I will admit I had the mixture of excitement and nerves.  Fortunately, I had Nayara by my side when I needed help with a word or two.  I was blessed and I pray the people were also blessed.

We now have a new logo to represent the work.  (thanks K).  I thought Kalyn captured the heart of the project very well.  Before I share her words when she sent the logo, let me share that Pr Rogerio had it in his heart to also make available Spanish and Portuguese classes.  Of course, Nayara and I will only be doing English but a family from Columbia will be doing the Spanish class starting in March and I am not sure who is doing the Portuguese.  Because of that vision, we decided on the name of AMAZONAS.LANGUAGES for the project.  

This is what K sent when she sent us the logo.

Here's a few notes on the meaning of the design elements...

- Blue, Green, Yellow colors = Common of the three nations included (USA red, white, blue) (Columbia yellow, blue, red) (Brazil green, yellow, blue), with an emphasis on Brazil's colors.

- Tree = Presbyterian logo, as well as the growth that will occur in the students as the Holy Spirit fills them and empowers their learning.

- 4 stars = each represents an element of the class: USA, LCM, Columbia, Brazil

- 3 white stripes = Father, Son, & Holy Spirit; the pure God who's power is present in every detail of this organization and purifying the lives of every person involved.

Kalyn Burk is the owner of Krockett Creative Services, LLC and I highly recommend her work.  She has helped LCM out as well as ARS.  Drop me a note and I will give you her contact information.

I am doing well, feeling good and loving the hammock and AC at night.  Nayara and I are going great and there is such a wonderful sense of teamwork as we go through each day.  I am so grateful for her, words cannot express. 

Prayer points:

·        Health and strength as we finish the preparations and begin the classes.

·        That God would draw the students HE wants in the classes here in Manacapuru and in Bela Vista.

·        That we would be directed by Him in all things and in all activities – we are here to serve.

·        I need to sell my car – 2007 Honda Fit Sport.

·        That the process of getting the permanent visa would go smoothly.

·        That continued financial support would come in to hit the $3000 mark.

·        That we would get internet here at the house that would allow us stable connection

·        We are going to participate in a youth camp with the church at the end of February, we so want to continue to build strong relationships with the youth and adults.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support.  I cannot express my gratitude in words.  Each one of you are such blessings!  Love you!  It’s beginning to roll baby!

Until next time.
Lisa

(Vejam as nossas fotos na páginas de fotos desse Blog) Ei amigos!!! Há 15 dias chegamos em Manacapuru no Amazonas. Desde então Deus tem feito maravilhas em nossas vidas (em mim, em Lisa e em toda a igreja aqui). Deus seja louvado! Gostaria que vocês lessem as palavras que a Lisa deixou aqui também. Ela conta as coisas maravilhosas que Deus tem feito (caso você não saiba Inglês jogue o texto no Google, vai dar certo hahahah). Estamos extremamente animadas e trabalhando muito para que nossas aulas de Inglês se iniciem no próximo dia 6. Não consigo encontrar as palavras para agradecer a Deus por me presentear com esse tempo tão precioso aqui, na verdade esse não é só um chamado ou ministério, é também a realização de um sonho que surgiu há 12 anos atrás quando Deus colocou o desejo por missões em meu coração e me mostrou nitidamente o estado do Amazonas.

Temos conhecidos pessoas muito especiais aqui e elas estão super animadas com o projeto Amazonas.Languages (Nosso programa de Inglês e Espanhol aqui).Uma amiga especial da Lisa, a Kalyn projetou para nós com muito carinho um lindo logo que mostraremos para vocês na nossa página de fotos aqui no Blog.  Kalyn pensou em cada detalhe para elaborar esse logo, vejam só que interessante:

- As cores azul, verde e amarela são comuns nas três nações: Estados Unidos ( vermelho, branco e azul), Colômbia (amarelo, azul e vermelho) e Brasil (verde, amarelo e azul) com ênfase nas cores do Brasil.

- Árvore: Logo da Presbiteriana. Essa árvore está siguinificando o crescimento que nossos alunos terão com o auxílio do Espírito Santo de Deus.

- 4 estrelas representando: EUA, Colômbia, Brasil e LCM.

- 3 listras brancas = O Pai, o Filho e o Espírito Santo.

Conheci aqui também o Pr. Rogério e sua família, eles são bençãos do Senhor nesse lugar e tem nos ajudado todos os dias. Meu carinho todo especial à sua mãe Nete que trabalha na Visão Mundial e tanto nos abençoa com seu tempo e recursos, obrigada Nete!!! Nessa semana fomos conhecer o barco médico da Visão Mundial e saí de lá ainda mais apaixonada por ver as maravilhas de Deus e também por poder usar minha profissão (Enfermagem) para abençoar as milhares de vidas que estão ao redor do Rio Negro e do Rio Solimões. Em breve teremos viagens!!!

Lisa e eu trabalharemos com o Inglês aqui em Manacapuru e preciosos amigos da Colômbia (José e Fernanda) trabalharão com o Espanhol. É maravilhoso pensar que Deus usa nossos dons e talentos para abençoar tantas pessoas. A Ele toda honra e glória.

Na semana passada visitamos alguns irmãos de Manacapuru e foi maravilhoso. Estamos esperimentando as delícias do Amazonas e junto com elas desfrutamos também da bondade de amigos da Colômbia e Equador com sua cultura e comidas tão diferentes e ao mesmo tempo tão parecidos já que somos filhos e servos do mesmo Deus Altíssimo.

Outra coisa especial também, que Deus nos presenteou, foi com o ar condicionado aqui na nossa casa...hahahha...ohhh glória. Manacapuru é realmente muito quente e como daremos aulas durante o dia todo será especial para nós e nossos alunos estarmos em um ambiente mais fresco (o sol é realmente forte, mas as chuvas são constantes...eita terra abençoada!!!). Meu coração está completamente agradecido por estar vivendo esse momento e poder doar meus dons e taletos, que o próprio Deus me deu, para o louvor da Sua glória e o serviço no Seu Reino.

A você que contribui com essa obra, às igrejas que nos apóiam, muito obrigada. Oramos continuamente por você aqui. Muito obrigada mesmo. Continuem nos ajudando em oração para que mais recursos sejam enviados (o custo de vida aqui é realmente alto).     

Pedidos de oração: Não se esquecam de ler os pedidos de oração que a Lisa colocou acima, é muito importante que vocês estejam juntos conosco “em toda oração e súplica”.

+ Para que consigamos fechar na próxima semana todo o nosso currículo e programa de aulas.

+ Para que nossa saúde esteja em perfeito estado para o trabalho.

+ Para que iniciemos também as aulas na Comunidade de Bela Vista (próximo a Manacapuru) uma vez por semana.

+ Para que Deus continue enviando mais intercessores, colaboradores e parceiros.

Abraços cheios de gratidão.
Nayara