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