December 2020

 Hello my friends,

Last month, November, the focus was on the fact that the Lord guides and sustains.  Wow, I have experienced that firsthand as many of you have had with all that has surrounded COVID-19.  Out of respect for her privacy, I did not make it publicly known that my twin sister and her husband contracted the virus.  For a couple of weeks there I sure felt the distance between here and Kingfisher, OK.  I called every day for a while, checking on her. God’s Faithfulness and Presence sustained me for sure.  She and her husband are doing well.  She is almost 100%, still tired but she will get there!  Her recovery was the ultimate birthday gift for this sister!

 

We are continuing to work with our English project and planting into the lives of our students.  We have been able to focus on several girls specifically and it has been a blessing to see them respond.  We love these girls like our own!  This weekend we are having two of the girls who go to our church and are sisters, spend the night Saturday night for a PJ party celebrating Patricia’s birthday.  We are grateful to the Lord for drawing them close to us and their mother is thrilled!

 

Speaking of birthdays, we had such a special time two weekends ago celebrating my birthday.  We went to Manaus and celebrated with 2 couples, Magno and Sarah and Flavio and Carol.  Magno and Carol are brother and sister and they both serve in the Air Force and live on base.  Magno and Carol are students of Nayara studying English.  Another English missionary also joined us!

 

Sarah, Magno’s wife leads an awesome ministry called Justice and Mercy International (and her English is awesome).  Here is a link that will explain her ministry that works all up and down the Amazon helping people as well as in Moldova.  In the second video below, you will see a girl named Mary Katherine and she is the Executive Director of JMI (lives in Tennessee) and Nayara is teaching her Portuguese!  How cool is that!!  If you are interested in finding out more, check out the links below. Nayara and I are praying and asking God what He wants us to do next year to help them, that is how much we think of them.  The link to their website is https://justiceandmercy.org/ and a wonderful short video can be seen here at https://youtu.be/Wu6vxEvrZDg.  I do hope you take a moment to watch them, you will be blessed!

 

We are continually amazed how God is bringing people across our path, fellow missionaries who teach English, people who minister to riverside communities and through a scholarship for Nayara, she is participating in the Perspectives Mission Class this semester via online.  Last Saturday morning, she met with a small group who heard about what God is doing in India (through a couple from her state of Minas Gerais) and in France.  God is working, yes, even during this crazy year we have had!

 

I pray that as we head towards the time of year when we reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth, I hope that we all can be very intentional in making time to celebrate Him.  Nayara and I are going to be reading through the book of Luke starting tomorrow December 2 and reading the book starting with the last chapter!  This way we end up on Christmas Eve reading about His birth.  I can’t take credit for the idea, I read it somewhere.  Nayara will read a verse in English and I will read a verse in Portuguese!  It should be fun.

 

Through my devotion material with Christine Cain, I recently wrote this down in my journal.  Proverbs 3:5 My God is not limited by the circumstances around me.  He is aware of my needs; He is my Provider.  He is with me; He is my Guide.  He is Faithful; that never changes.  His Goodness is unfailing; that is a fact. His Word can be trusted, always and every day!

 

So, my friends, I pray God’s blessings upon you and your family.  Thank you for having such a significant impact here in our little part of the world in the Amazon.  We have heard from many people who have come up to us and I share this with you because you are a part of this team. 

 

“Thank you for coming to Brazil.  My life is changed.  You not only teach about English, but you teach us about God and how He wants to change our whole life – in school, work, family, and church.  Thank you!”

 

And I say again, thank you!  Merry Christmas!  We will be spending a little over a month in Belo Horizonte which is where Nayara’s family lives.  We will also be traveling to João Monlevade which is about 2 hours from BH to be with her church family.  This will be a needed time away for rest and refreshing with family and friends.  Bless you and your time with friends and family!

 

Lisa

August 2020

Hello, my friends from toasty Manacapuru, this is the update covering August 2020!

 

Life here is going on rather smoothly.  We continue to have full schedules with teaching online.  I must admit, I am ready for some face to face with students!  They are handling it well.  Nayara and Patricia’s business is going strong and the students are doing very well.

 

Depending on my travel plans we are looking to begin the English Project for 2 of the night classes soon.  The large beginner class will start up hopefully in February dividing them into two smaller classes.

 

Speaking of travel plans, we are still waiting to see if the US will remove the travel ban for Brazilians.  I can come home, and I can return to Brazil but as of this moment, Nayara is unable to travel with me.  We will be making the decision soon.  The options are (1) for me to come home Sept 18 and return Oct 17^th.  During this time, Nayara has a scheduled trip home for a family event.  Option (2) is for us to wait until the last of October and the first of November and see if the border status changes.  There are some little concerns here with schedules and not to mention if the weather turns colder – we don’t have warm clothes!  Option (3) wait and come home next year.  We are continuing to pray about it all. 

 

If I do get to travel home, I am not planning on doing any large gatherings to talk about the project.  I will be contacting you to see if we can have a phone appointment.  I want to hear your voices and tell you about what is going on!

 

I am continuing to work on the curriculum – a slow process for me!  And we are in the process of reviewing all our material to make corrections and changes.  We always want to improve what we are doing! 

 

I am working on getting the brochure I usually print out and give to everyone in a digital format….like an e-book, flipbook type thing.  This will decrease cost and time for sure.  We are also looking into different subject areas to make into e-books for our students.

 

I am also working on getting a curriculum ready to help students get ready to take the TOEFL exam.  TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is necessary for students who wish to go to school or in some cases work in the US.  One of Patricia’s students is taking this exam and has many questions.  Well, that got me to thinking and researching.  All of this is in the beginning stages, my first step is to get the curriculum together, go through it with Nayara and Patricia, have them take the exam, and reevaluate the curriculum.  If it all looks good then we are thinking about offering a 1-day workshop on preparing for the TOEFL.  In our “neck of the woods,” these kinds of workshops are rare.  This is just another way to help bless and encourage the precious people here.

 

The online classes are going well.  I am working with some of the Amazonas.Languages students.  It has been fun watching them improve.  It is a little difficult doing this online, but they are troopers and doing well.

 

Nayara and I are doing great, thank you, Jesus!  We are working well here in the Mission House.  The church is now meeting again and Nayara is ministering on the Praise Team.  I have not yet made the jump to go back to church.  Children and people over 60 have been encouraged not to attend.  Everyone is very understanding.  I am not in fear, just exercising caution.  Praise God the numbers are not going crazy here with the virus, but we continue to be diligent in being careful.

 

This last month, the focus has been on the fact that God hears.  I am so grateful that during these crazy days, we are never truly alone.  As a believer in Him, He is always present.  He has heard our prayers, our concerns, our heartaches, and our joy.  That reality has greatly encouraged my heart.  During September, the focus is on the fact that God Delivers!  Hallelujah!  I look forward to what He is going to do in and through us in September.

 

I am continuing to stand in prayer for you and your family.  Thank you for your prayers and support during this interesting year.  If there is something we can be praying specifically about, please drop me an email.  It would be an honor to join you in prayer.

 

Bless you my friends,

Lisa

July 2020

Hello friends,

Well, July is over, and August is starting.  I still do not have a definitive word about my plans to come home for a visit.  I am still waiting on word from both the US and Brazil authorities.  So in the meantime, we continue to work.

Nayara and I are working on plans for when we continue the night classes.  At this point, we will continue with the Tuesday night class and the Friday night class.  These two classes are smaller so we will have plenty of space to be together.  The Wednesday class is a different story with 35 students.  Before we had to stop, we were on our 5^th week, so we were just getting started.  Currently, what we are leaning towards is not restarting the class this year.  Then in January 2021, they can sign up again but this time we will only be able to receive 15 students. We will try to open another night so we will have 2 beginning classes but no larger than 15 students.  We also will not be able to continue the class at the Public School.  This is a little sad to me but necessary.  Hopefully, those students who are serious about learning will take advantage of the night class opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday.

I am continuing to work with students in our Tuesday night and Friday night groups online along with several alumni students.  I am pleased with their progress and I really look forward to the group dynamic that happens when we are together.  This online time has been a good one on one opportunity for them to practice.  They were a little nervous at first, but they adjusted well.

I am now starting to work on putting the curriculum together in written form.  This is both a huge challenge and a bit exciting as well.  This online experience has helped us look at different elements of the curriculum as well.  Romans 8:28 is so true, “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I have started diving into a new program that helps writing e-books.  We are going to start giving out some encouraging type e-books for our students (1 per month).  These titles will be like …. Five things to remember when you are learning English…….How to use music to help you learning English, things like that.  We will be using these with our students and with promoting the Amazonas.Languages project as well as with Nayara/Paty and Ame Idiomas.  I am learning all about Instagram (I know I am a little behind), so we are using our time wisely.

The church has begun to meet but children and people over 60 are asked not to come.  Wow, that has felt weird.  But I appreciate their caution for my health.  The virus numbers have been going down with the last report being 15 active cases (3348 total) and 135 deaths.  We all must do our part to keep ourselves safe as well as protect our neighbors. 

This month, the focus has been on how Mighty God has BEEN and IS.  Two things have stood out to me in my devotional time. 

·       First, the bottom line is God is GOOD.  Don’t let anything or anyone move you.  Yes, life is challenging – but He is still GOOD.  Yes, we all have faced some discouragement and disappointment through people and/or circumstances – but He is still GOOD.  Yes, some aspects of the future are not clear and maybe a little scary – but He is still GOOD, and He can be trusted!! 

·       Second thought, we need to view God through the lens of FAITH and CONFIDENCE.  (this is from Christine Cain).  This statement grabbed my attention all month.  I have had to evaluate my own heart, mind, and actions.  I choose what lens I view God through.  I like the words here, FAITH and CONFIDENCE.  These are strong words.  These are the lens that I must view God.  I need to fuel my faith and confidence through the WORD of God and through being IN the Presence of God. 

·       I was reminded of a statement my friend Dee McKinney made many years ago.  When difficult circumstances arose, she would often say in the middle of it all “That is a circumstance that is subject to change!”  Think about that statement this month.

Please know that I am praying for you my friends, your families, your city, and for our country these days.  In August, the focus is on the fact that GOD HEARS.  That is a timely focus!

Thank you for your love and support.  I will keep you updated about any travel plans.

Bless you,

Lisa

June 2020

Hello, my friends,

Wow, June just flew back so fast!  I want to start off by telling you a testimony from Camilo (pastor).  This is a part of what he wrote in a message to the church. 

Yesterday I talked to one of the nurses who took care of Théo, when he was admitted to Tropical Hospital. She told of the amazement that the doctor had to realize that the high rates of leukocytes in Théo's blood suddenly, overnight, decreased and returned to normal. When she found this, the doctor said, " But how did that happen? How it went down so quickly?" and was perplexed. But we know how this happened: The Lord is good, hears the cry of his people, and works miracles.

For all of you that prayed for Camilo and his family, thank you!  God indeed is good, and he hears and works miracles!

The virus as of yesterday's report is slowing down.  We have had over 3130 confirmed cases with 124 deaths.  We are being diligent to be smart when we must venture out.  We are praying not only for our community and for Brazil but also for the US.  I hate to hear the increase in cases!  We are still in a holding pattern about when we might be coming to the US.  The borders remain closed but will be under review mid-July.

Nayara and I continue to be busy with online instruction and encouragement.  I am so excited about the increase in students for Paty and Nayara through Ame Idiomas.  So for right now, I am working with the Project students and they are doing the Ame students.  I think Nayara has 15 students and Paty has 4.  There are several who are looking to possibly start soon.  God is blessing.

Speaking of blessing – yesterday we were told of an interpreting job opening possibly here in Manacapuru when North Americans come to town.  Guess what!  We have two students (sisters) who are seriously considering applying for the job!  Isn’t that awesome!  Our students will now enjoy some of the fruits of their hard work!  We are thrilled for them.  It will be interesting to see what happens!

This month, the focus has been on God’s Mercy.  Two thoughts on the subject that I wanted to share.  One night, I was having a little trouble falling and staying asleep, so I was praying, thinking, and listening about God’s Mercy.  This sentence popped into my heart.  “Mercy happens when the person who has the power and the right to bring judgment doesn’t bring punishment but instead extends compassion.”  That message has stayed with me through this month. I was challenged with reflecting on my heart, my attitude, and actions….do I extend compassion?  I am so grateful that God extends mercy and compassion!

(NIV)Titus 3:5   he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

(The Passion Translation)Titus 3:5   he came to save us.  Not because of any virtuous deed that we have done but only because of his extravagant mercy.

As we all navigate during these crazy days, may we operate with mercy and compassion, not because anyone ‘deserves’ it but because it is the nature of the God we serve.  Tomorrow, July begins, my study shifts from God’s Mercy to the fact that He is Mighty!  This will be good for me.  We serve a mighty God, and nothing is too hard for Him. 

Thank you for your faithful love, support, and prayers.  We know that God has us in His Hands.  Please know that we are praying for you too!

Lisa

May 2020

Hello friends,

May and come and gone, I should have sent this last week, sorry about that.

I do not know about you, but May was a difficult month.  I was telling a friend that I was feeling sluggish.  There were some definite challenges.  I had 2 friends in Campina Grande who died of COVID-19 (northeast Brazil) and one person here in Manacapuru.  Tough times for sure. 

Praise God our Pastor and his family are on the mend.  They are still in Manaus.  Thank you again for all your prayer support.  At one time 3 of the four family members were in the hospital.  Hopefully, soon they will be returning to Manacapuru.  As of yesterday, June 2, we have had 2437 confirmed cases and 96 deaths in Manacapuru.  Good news is that we have only 126 active cases and that number has been dropping.

Nayara and Paty’s new online business is going very well.  Nayara has 15 students will several more people thinking about it.  Paty has 3 students.  Several of these students are meeting two times a week.  The LIVE on Instagram has been going very well.  There Nayara has talked with a local psychologist, a popular social media expert, a fellow English teacher in Manaus, a friend in Belo Horizonte who is a Life Coach and even Ron Duggins in the US about entrepreneurship with Jane translating.  It all is a wonderful platform for further ministry opportunities.  I am so proud of Nayara and Paty.  I help with the preparation and talk with the students as a native speaker when it is helpful.  I am excited about Ame Idiomas.

I am meeting with students online to help them continue learning during this lockdown.  Unfortunately, many of the Public-School students do not have stable internet.  But we take the steps we can, and we will adjust where we need to when school resumes.  We are still uncertain when that will be, so we press on.

In May, I focused on the fact that NOTHING COMPARES WITH GOD.  That was a timely focus for me, especially when I was feeling down.  I watched again one of my favorite videos with Priscilla Shirer.  I would recommend everyone to take a moment and watch it.  https://youtu.be/At6pFpb46SI  I have printed the words here.  It really lifted my heart, encouraged my emotions, and stirred my spirit.

He is the First and the Last. The Beginning and the End

He is the Keeper of creation, and the Creator of all

He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all time

He always was, always is always will be

Unmoved, unchanged, undefeated, and never undone

He was bruised, but brought healing  He was pierced, but eased pain.

He was persecuted but brought freedom.

He was dead and brings life.  He has risen to bring power and He reigns to bring peace.

The world can’t understand Him.  Armies can’t defeat Him.  Schools can’t explain Him

and leaders they can’t ignore Him.

Herod couldn’t kill Him.  Nero couldn’t crush Him.

The new age cannot replace Him, and Oprah cannot explain Him away.

He is Light,  He is Love,  He is Longevity,  and He is the Lord.

He is goodness and kindness and faithfulness and He is God.

He is holy and righteous and powerful and pure.

His ways are right His word eternal His will unchanging and His mind is on us.

He’s our Savior, Our Guide, Our Peace, Our Joy,

Our Comfort Our Lord and He rules our lives.

I serve Him because His bond is love, His yoke is easy His burden is light

and His goal for us is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the Wisdom of the wise, The Power of the powerful,
The Ancient of Days, The Ruler of rulers, The Leader of all leaders.

His goal is a relationship with me He’ll never leave you, Never forsake you,
Never mislead you. Never forget you, Never overlook you and never cancel your appointment in His appointment book, never!

When you fall, He’ll lift you up.

When you fail, He’ll forgive you.

When you are weak, He’s strong.

When you are lost, He’s your Way.

When you are afraid, He’s your Courage.

When you stumble, He will steady you.

When you are hurt, He is going to heal you.

When you are broken, He will mend you.

When you are blind, He will lead you.

When you are hungry, He will feed you.

When you face trials, He is with you.

When I face persecution, He shields me.

When I face problems, He will comfort me.

When I face loss, He will provide for me.

and when we face death, He will carry us all home to meet Him.

He is everything for everybody, Everywhere, Every time, and in every way.

He is your God!  And that, sisters (and brothers) is Who you belong to!

And with those words my friends, I bless you today.  

Thank you so much for your continued support and encouragement as we minister here in Brazil.  Please know that I am praying for you often.  I will keep you updated on the possible dates of my return to the US for a visit.  Right now, everything is on hold.  We are in peace and protected by His Hand.

This month, I am focused on HIS MERCY.  I think that is so appropriate these days.  I am praying for my country every day, for healing, for reconciliation, and for God to move.

Bless you!

Lisa

April 2020

Hello from Manacapuru!

Well, I have been praying for you and your families during this crazy season we are experiencing. If you have anything specific for me to join you in prayer about, please drop me a message! In the middle of all that is going on, this we know, we are not alone, God is with us. I pray that His Peace and Comfort will cover you and your families.

Nayara and I are held up here in the Mission House. What a blessing this house is for us! We are contacting students online, posting some games for them to participate in, and generally just keeping in touch. I have been also having one on one time via the internet. (that has helped my Portuguese and their English!) Nayara and Patricia’s new online business is taking off, it is called AME Idiomas. Ame means love.   A – Amazonas (our state),  M – Minas (Nayara’s home state),  E – Estado Unidos (USA).  This business is for Translating (writing), Interpreting (speaking), and Instruction for English. They are active on Instagram doing a LIVE thing every Monday, they are gaining students as well. They basically use the same curriculum method we are using for our classes at Jose Mota and here at night.  It is all exciting, and we are grateful.  This unexpected time away from the classes has given them time to make sure everything is in order for the business and with all the legal stuff. This will also help with some revenue as well coming Nayara’s way!

I do not know if you have heard through the news, but the state of Amazonas has been hit hard with the coronavirus.  We now rank #2 worse state in Brazil. Manaus, the capital of the state, is about a 2-hour bus ride from Manacapuru. It has the only ICU Hospital in the state. The hospital there is overcapacity and as a result many many deaths. Here in Manacapuru, the cases of the virus are still on the rise. We are well. Nayara goes to the grocery store when absolutely necessary. We are using our laptop to stay connected with the church, our friends, family, and classes. I would appreciate you keeping us in your prayers, as we pray for you. We are just waiting to see about our trip back to the US, which was supposed to be mid-July. We are in peace.  

This month, the focus has been God my provider. I thought that was timely! I have found myself really having to make some choices every day.

• My joy is not in circumstances, but my joy is in my relationship with Him.
• God has promised that He will take care of all of my needs: physically, emotionally, spiritually.
• Don’t wait to “feel” better, you choose to focus on God-given plans and projects.
• We are not alone; God is with us!

Please join us in prayer concerning…

        physical health and protection

        wisdom with connecting and staying connected with the students

       for protection and provision for our financial donors during this time

       wisdom about our trip to the US

May God cover you and keep you and your family in peace. Bless you, friends.

Lisa

March 2020 Crazy Crazy Times!

Hello, my friends,

Well, yesterday the state of Amazonas closed the schools and that includes Manacapuru and the English Project.  After talking with Camilo, the leader here with Agata Church, it was decided that we too need to suspend our night classes along with the Public School classes.  We do not have a confirmed case here in Manacapuru, but there was one case in Manaus.  The officials are moving swiftly to do everything possible to protect everyone. 

For me, I am staying here in the Mission House.  We have enough food until the end of the month and we have people who will get whatever we need if a need arises.  They all understand that I need to be extra careful with my blood issues and my age.  Our friends here are great.

We are in contact with our students and coming up with creative ways to help the learning process continue, through videos, audios or whatever.  Our WhatsApp has been going off continually and we welcome the questions.  So, our work continues, just with some adjustments.  We are also using the time to prepare material for when the classes do resume.

I am praying for you each day for the Lord's protection over your family!  Please continue to pray for us as well.  Thank you for standing strong with us prayerfully and financially.  If you need to make changes in your financial giving please just inform me.  I am praying for His provision for all of us during these days.  Please let me know of specific things to pray for you!

One thing that has happened this week, Patricia who works with us had an appointment with the US Consulate in Brasilia to obtain a proper visa so she could travel with us in July.  Well, the US Consulate canceled all appointments and the airlines are canceling flights as well.  Of course, there is a measure of disappointment, but we know that if it is His plan for her to go with us, He will make a way.  As for Nayara and I, we are praying about when to get tickets.  We had planned July 14 - August 11 for our return to the US.  Please pray that we will know what to do and when.  We know that right now is not the time to make a final decision. (that is hard for my pre-planner self)  But as always God has taken care of us in every way.  We are wanting to be ready to do whatever He directs, if that is to go to the US this year or if we need to wait until next year.

For those of you who expressed interest in helping my friends, Gerusa and Lucianna, thank you so much, they have been blown away!  If you would like to make a donation you can do that through the Blog with PayPal or send a check to LCM, PO Box 2464, Stillwater, OK  74076 and enclose a letter saying it is for Gerusa or Lucianna.  It has been a joy to share your love with them.

We will talk again soon my friends.  I just wanted to touch base with you!

Lisa

February 2020

Hi guys!

Wow, February came and went by so fast!  We jumped in feet first with classes and they all have gotten off to a great start. 

We have 3 new classes, two at the Public School on Tuesday and Thursday and one large class Wednesday night.  The class on Wednesday night was so large we needed to meet in the church instead.  That move is good in that we have more space and air conditioning and difficult because it is a little more work.  But it is all worth it.  We have many new faces from the community and that is awesome.  The classes at the Public School are smaller 8-10 in each class but they seem eager to learn.  Both Nayara and I are pleased and excited about these students.

We recently were able to help with a mini-camp at the church for the youth.  It was fun and exhausting at the same time…..memories of youth pastor days!  Nayara continues to serve on the music team which is great.  She is a natural worship leader.  It has been a blessing to see how our relationships here are growing deeper.

Right now, we are helping Patrícia get her paperwork together for attempting to get a visa and go with us to the US in July.  She has an appointment March 20^th at the Consulate in Brasilia.  Nayara is going with her.  All of these plans are in His hands.  Of course, it is our heart's desire to see her have the opportunity to come with us.  Pray with us about this process and outcome.

This month, I have been focused on “HE IS LOVE”.  That was perfect since February 14^th is Valentine’s Day.  As I was reflecting on this character quality of God, three things came to my heart.

·       *  He LIKES me. He enjoys my company.

He not only loves me, but He likes me.  He likes to be with me.  All of us long to have meaningful companions in life.  When you have someone who genuinely likes to be with you and enjoys being around with you, you are blessed.  It is hard to explain the depth of emotions that I experience in my heart when I stop and take in the fact that God Almighty likes me and enjoys being with me! 

·       * He OPENS His heart to me.  He lets me come in and know Him.                                
This blows my mind every time.  As I yield myself to Him, He opens His heart to me and calls me to come on in.  Again, to stop and think that the Creator of the Universe opens Himself up and wants to have a relationship with me is absolutely awesome.  What a privilege, what an honor, what an opportunity!

·       * He EMBRACES me in good times and bad.  He is always with me.

This brings such peace and security in my mind, my soul and even my body.  As a single woman who lives far from family members and special friends, these facts ministers to me in a great way.

When the Lord dropped these three things into my heart, all I could do was smile.  He is such a loving Heavenly Father. 
In Romans chapter 5 verse 8 it says “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

He IS love.  He DEMONSTRATES His love in many ways.  I have been challenged to be alert to all the ways He shows His love to me and be grateful every single day.  I will be honest, sometimes this is difficult, but it is always worth it.

I pray that all is well with you and your family and friends.  I am so thankful for this opportunity to serve the Lord here in Manacapuru.  Thank you for partnering with me in this ministry through prayers and financial support.  God is doing a great work!

Bless you,

Lisa

January 2020

Hello, my friends,

I pray you and your family are blessed.  This month, Nayara and I have had time to have a break in Belo Horizonte with her family, spend some time with friends and her church home in João Monlevade along with several special trips including one to the beach in Salvador (east coast of Brazil).  This has been a needed time of rest and break of routine.

During this month I have been studying and meditating on God’s FAITHFULNESS.  As I look back on these 3 years in Brazil, I see His Faithfulness over and over.  He has guided my steps in every way.  When I take the time to stop (first step) and remember (second step) all the things I have learned about Him, I see (third step) His Faithfulness clearly.  During this break, we have been able to share with many people all the good things that God is doing through Amazonas.Languages English Project and how lives are being changed.  This project is so much more than about learning to speak English.  Through sharing with people our hearts have been encouraged.  We have been able to testify that God is indeed working in and through us and in the hearts of people around us.

When we were at the beach, I will admit it was refreshing.  Sitting there under the umbrella and looking out at the sea, I could not help but think about His Faithfulness.  The sand was all around us, and so is His Faithfulness.  The sea looked endless, and so is His Faithfulness.  At times the waves were strong and forceful, at other times they were gentle, but they kept coming, and so it is with God’s Faithfulness.

As I have been praying for myself, for Nayara, for the Project, for our students, for my family and for YOU, I have been asking God to help us stop, remember and see His Faithfulness.  Even when you don’t “feel” Him, He is with you.

Lamentations 3:22-23 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Psalm 89:1
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

Nayara and I are headed back to Manacapuru this weekend.  We are excited about a new Wednesday night class and new classes at the Public School, as well as continuing into the last year for our Tuesday and Friday night classes.  We miss them and it will be good to be with them again.  Thank you for your prayers and support.  God is doing some good things in and through us (including you)!

I will add some photos to the blog a little later.

God Bless you!

Lisa