June 2021

 

Hello my friends,

 

Wow, I can’t believe it is June 6, 2021, already.  I can't believe I missed sending a post last month.  I am sorry!  Last week got away from me as I meant to write this earlier.  Last week, Nayara went to Belo Horizonte to spend some much-needed time with her nephew and nieces.  So, I held down the fort with her classes with AME along with the project classes.  All went very well, and the students are progressing well.

 

First of all, I need you to please pray about some very serious needs some of our students and friends are facing.

·       *  We are staying with Ingrid and Jonathon here in João Monlevade, they live above her father who is the Pastor.  They are wonderful.  Right now, her mother Covid-19 positive, her mother’s brother is Covid-19 positive, in the hospital and on a ventilator and her grandmother is at the hospital and is being checked for Covid-19.

·       *  Nayara and I are well, taking all the precautions.  We received our 1^st of 2 vaccination shots last week with the 2^nd one schedule in August.

·     *    One of our students just lost her mother to Covid-19, this student is very precious to us, her name is Luciana and both of her daughter’s are very involved with AME and the project.

·       *  One of our students, Cleu, has a nephew that is missing and feared to have been swept away in the recent flooding.  They are still searching.

·       *  The flooding in the Amazon is at historic highs and many communities are dealing with major problems.  In Manacapuru, we have heard the city has experienced flooding but the church and our house and the houses of our students seem to be safe at this point.

·       *  One of our students, Graciete, is recovering from Covid-19 and has missed 3 weeks of class.

·       *  Our pastor in Manacapuru, Camilo, has been dealing with some kidney issues, not sure on all the details.

We are praying for these situations and speaking God’s Word and peace into every life.  Please join us in prayer.

 

A week ago, we had the opportunity to be the speakers at a Women’s Conference at Nayara’s church.  It went very well.  The theme centered around Esther.  I learned a tremendous amount in preparing for this and the Holy Spirit was Present!  We were grateful for this chance to serve this church!

 

We are continuing to work hard with both AME and the project classes.  We are grateful for the internet keeping us in contact with these wonderful people.  My plans are still a little uncertain as to when I will be able to return to the US for a brief visit.  There are things that I need there for sure, but I am waiting and praying right now.  The borders are still closed to Brazilian tourist visas so Nayara cannot come at this moment.

 

Thank you so much for your prayers and support.  God is working during this crazy time.  Please know that I am praying for you!

 

Blessings,

Lisa

April 2021 Update

Hello my friends,

I do hope you had a wonderful Easter Celebration this year.  It was good to focus and concentrate on how God demonstrated His love through His Son Jesus. 

 

Our work continues here based in João Monlevade.  This place is a gift from God for sure.  We are getting in the groove, adjusting with our new workspace and schedule.  We are blessed by the progress with the students, both with the Project and with Nayara’s online work as well.  We just have to be patient and flexible.  The Lord is giving us creative ideas to help keep our online students engaged and continue moving them forward with their English learning.

 

We are also trying to be a blessing here at Nayara’s home church.  Nayara especially has had the opportunity to preach and to lead worship. (online and in-person)  She is deeply loved here.  I had the opportunity to write 9 devotions for their online communication with their members using John 4,5,and 6.  Of course, Nayara had to translate.  That was fun and challenging at the same time.

 

Both João Monlevade and Belo Horizonte have been in serious lockdown this past month.  Not sure when it will be lifted.  We stay home most of the time only getting out when absolutely necessary.  The COVID virus and various strains are all over the place here in Brazil.  Please pray.  There are a lot of political challenges and administrative challenges that need to be overcome.  We had a follow up this week with our Orthopedic doctor in Belo Horizonte and he made a comment that really hit my heart.  He said that he has never seen the hospitals in the state that they are now experiencing.  Of course, elective surgeries are suspended but also surgeries that deal with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.  He said “… it's crazy, the hospitals are out of available beds, and supplies are strained.” We need prayer and breakthroughs! Just to give you an idea of the area we are in … Belo Horizonte has a population of 2.7 million.  João Monlevade has a population of 80,500.  The whole state of Minas Gerais has a population of a little over 22 million.  The “lockdown” and COVID are both hitting a lot of families!!

 

We are grateful to the Lord that we are healthy, as well as the family we are staying with and her family (Pastor of her home church).  We are trying to use every opportunity to be a blessing to them and continue to keep in close touch with our family in Manacapuru.  Thank you so much for your prayers and support.  God IS going to be glorified!

 

Please keep me posted on anything that I can be standing with your in prayer about!  It is an honor to pray!

Bless you,

Lisa

March 2021

 Hello my friends,

Greetings from central Brazil.  Yep, we are still here either in Belo Horizonte (BH) or João Monlevade (JM) in the southern part of Brazil.  Let me update you on what is going on with us.

Nayara and I have been going through medical check-ups, this has been long overdue. God has been faithful in directing us each step of the way.  Praise God my issues do not require anything like surgery.  But I do need to lose weight (no surprise there).  Nayara also received that same counsel.  Nayara has a nutritionist that is helping her with a plan.  I know what I can do, now it’s a matter of doing it.  We are on some medication to help some of the low levels that we had on our blood work (like Vitamin D etc.).  My years of playing sports and being heavy have taken a toll on my knees but I still have some cartilage, thank the Lord.  I have had injections in both knees and hips, which should help.  We both need to go to Physical Therapy to help strengthen some areas.

One thing that these tests did reveal a problem for Nayara.  Her blood pressure is way too high.  She was referred to a cardiologist in João Monlevade.  Nayara’s father died when she was around a year old when he was 39 with a heart attack.  His pressure was high as well.  So, she has gone through the heart monitor/BP check for 24 hours.  Praise God there appears no valve issues which is good.  He did prescribe some heart medicine, so she is in the process of getting used to these.  She is now being watched to see how she responds to these medicines.

With that being said, she has been encouraged by her doctors that now would not be a good time to return to the Amazon.  She needs some time on these medicines as well as continuing with some other consultations to help her get on the right routine with food, exercise. (and me too).  So as a result, we have decided that it would be best to remain here (BH/JM) until at least June.  This will not be a problem with our classes since they are online anyway (due to the medical status in Manacapuru).  She can also continue with her students with AME as well.

We have a wonderful situation and support here with her Pastor’s Family/Church family here in João Monlevade.  As I have stated before we are staying here in João Monlevade with her best friend Ingrid, Joe, and baby Sara.  They have an upstairs for us and it's wonderfully comfortable.  When we go to Belo Horizonte, we stay at Pastor’s family apartment.  So, we have all bases covered.  The Pastor has given us one of their cars to use to travel to BH, and if necessary, we can always rent a car.

We are starting the English project next week, via online.  We are planning time in BH so that Nayara can be with her family and I can visit Dayse my friend.  This will usually be for a Thursday-Sunday depending on the calendar.  We are also having opportunities to preach and Nay to sing.  We are also looking to start a Cell group via Zoom with our church in Manacapuru!

We of course would want to be back in Manacapuru, but that is not the best place for us right now.  The ministry is continuing – praise God for technology.  Everyone is pretty comfortable now with Zoom these days.  The Amazon health crisis seems to be slowing down.  They have had a rough time since January.

Please pray for us that we will get in the best routine possible with our new situation.  Pray that Nayara will find the right solution and that her BP will go down and stay down.  Pray that we both would get on a pattern of eating that is healthy and possible for us to continue.  The challenge in Manacapuru is that believe it or not they have limited vegetables and fruit!  But we are not worried about that now, here the food is great, and the options are abundant.

Nayara and I are in peace.  We are excited about getting our classes started and moving!  Thank you for your prayers.  I and Nayara are so grateful for your support and love.  I am looking forward to great things in these days ahead!

Bless you!

February 2021

 Hello my friends,

I pray that you are well.  I have been watching the cold weather march across the USA.  Be safe and stay warm!

Let me catch you up on what has been going on with us.  We have not yet returned to the Amazon.  I am not sure that you have heard but the COVID-19 has mutated into what they are calling the Amazon Strain or the Brazil Strain.  It is very contagious and tends to hit the younger age group.  Initially at the first of January when we began hearing about this on the news and from our friends in the Amazon, we began to think about extending our stay.  Then our Pastor, Camilo, strongly suggested that we stay here while the conditions in the Amazon were so critical.  The hospital in Manaus (2 hours away from Manacapuru) was overwhelmed with patients and then the oxygen supplies ran out and people were dying all over the place.  So tragic!  So, we are staying put for now. 

We are staying in Nayara’s Pastor’s (from her home church in João Monlevade, 2 hours east of Belo Horizonte) apartment they have in Belo Horizonte.  This has been perfect!  They use this apartment when they have to come to BH for church and personal business.  It is a small 2-bedroom apartment in a gated complex.  We have been traveling back and forth to João Monlevade where we stay with Ingrid (Pastor’s daughter) and Joe (Nayara’s best friends).  We have loved seeing her church family and I have preached once and Nayara has preached twice already along with teaching a youth Bible study.  Great fun!

We have also used this time to have various medical check-ups.  This has involved a wide range of tests, scans, and such.  This is the first time we have taken the time (we are beginning our 5^th year) or had the time to do this.  I joked with a friend that we could redecorate our office with all the MRI scans we have received.  I am grateful that the Lord that He has directed us to the perfect doctors for us.  God is good!

 I do have some work ahead to get into better shape and that will help me manage those areas that have been challenging to me (my back, hips, and knees).  I am scheduled to have an injection in both knees on Feb 18 which is a "praise God" and "oh my"!  I know it will help but not really looking forward to it.  My blood work looks good and I only have minor tweaks to my medication.  I am looking for a dentist for a possible root canal etc. yuck! but necessary.  We also have both gone to the eye doctor and next week we will pick up new glasses!

We are working through some questions that Nayara is having right now.  She is seeing a cardiologist and we are trusting God for wisdom.  We know that we both have major work in losing weight which will help both of us with our issues.  Change, especially with trying to lose weight, is always a challenge.  But we both realize that change must occur, and this is the time. There have been two words that have had in my heart, TRANSFORMATION and RESTORATION.  We both want to be transformed in our health and restored!  I would ask if you would join us in prayer that we would have wisdom and success in this process.  We both sense God’s leading and we both want to be obedient to what He is saying.  We both want to be healthy and strong to fulfill God’s purposes and plans through our lives.  Thank you for praying for us!

The work with the English project is having to be flexible.  Because of the health crisis there in the Amazon, we could not meet with our classes in person even if we were there.  So, we are in contact with our students in our existing class to move towards online learning again.  The 2 new classes will have to wait for now as well as we are not going to restart the classes at Jose Mota (public school).  We both have felt that chapter at Jose Mota is completed.  Nayara is continuing her online classes with AME.  I am also continuing to work here on the curriculum and continually modifying the material for better online use.  We are busy!

We are also in contact with our church in Manacapuru.  We are participating in an online Family Group.  In March/April we will be hosting one as well.  We have talked with friends and students online throughout this time.

On the personal side, besides the health stuff, we are enjoying the time with friends in BH and the church family here in João Monlevade, and Nayara’s family in BH.  We are also trying to carve out time to just rest and do some personal projects.  I am trying to teach myself about Urban Sketching and it has been a lot of fun.  My mother was a fabulous artist, and she would have loved what I am trying to do!  Nayara is spending as much time as possible with her niece, nephew, and newest niece in BH and here in João Monlevade she is loving the time with Ingrid, Joe, and their new addition Sara as well as Ingrid’s sister, husband and their new addition, Ana Liza, and with Ingrid’s parents (pastor of the church).  They have taken care of us so well and they have freely given us one of their cars to use in BH, so we don’t have to use UBER.  We have been deeply touched at their love and care for us!

The plan for our return to Manacapuru is still a little in doubt.  Right now, we are looking at the end of the month.  We are staying prayerful about it and talking with Pastor Camilo monitoring the conditions in the Amazon.  I think I have mentioned this before, but one thing that is exceedingly difficult is that Manaus has the only trauma center in the state of Amazonas. (2 hours from Manacapuru) We have a clinic type “hospital” in Manacapuru but neither of us want to visit there if we get sick!  So, we are listening to the Lord and walking in wisdom.

This last week, I came across and challenging quote.  I have been doing a lot of thinking about it so I will pass it on to you.  I can’t remember who wrote it, sorry.  Here it is … “I would rather live a life of discomfort that leads to God doing amazing things through me, than a life of complacency that leaves me feeling empty.”  Wow, what a statement!  This past year and recent days have been challenging for all of us.  I know for us, we are making it a major priority to spend time with the Lord, His Word and in Prayer.  In the midst of all the things we encounter, God wants to use us.  To use us as beacons of love and light to every person that we meet.  For us recently, that included a lot of people in the hospitals and doctor’s offices.  For you, it may look different.  But this truth is the same for you and for me, He wants to use us to extend His love and to share with people.

Please know that I am praying for you.  I am so grateful for your continued love and support.  Through you, I have been able to pay for all the medical things I have had to encounter.  Through you, we have had money for gas, food, electricity for the apartment and to bless our hosts here in JM.  Thank you. 

I will keep you updated!

Serving Him together!

Lisa

2021 has begun! January Update

 Hello my friends,

Greetings from Belo Horizonte (BH) in the ‘central’ part of Brazil (a little south of central).  We are here spending Christmas and New Years with Nayara’s family as well as visiting her church home and family in João Monlevade (about a 2 hour drive east of BH).  We have experienced a mixture of things on this “vacation”.

Nayara’s Pastor & family own an apartment in BH, and this is where we have been staying.  It is a peaceful place, and we are so grateful for it.  I have been staying here a lot.  Nayara has been staying with her sister for almost 2 weeks who had a baby Jan 4 by C-section.  The Lord instructed Nayara to offer this service to her back in November.  So, this was not a surprise for us.  Her sister is not walking with the Lord and her husband is not a Christian.  This truly has been a mission trip for Nayara, and I have been supporting her in prayer each day.  She is dog tired for sure.  Tomorrow we will leave for
João Monlevade for a week stay with her best friend’s home who is also the Pastor’s daughter.  They are wonderful and have a lovely place to stay!  They built upstairs when the baby came and they call it Nayara & Lisa’s room, which is upstairs with a bedroom, bathroom and a desk area outside the room that looks out over the soon to be patio party deck with a great view!  We love it there.  We were able to spend about 4 days at the beginning of our trip where I preached on the Sunday evening.  Now Nayara will speak to the ladies this Sunday morning and preach that night.

Along with Nayara’s mission trip, we have both also had some much-needed medical checkups.  We both know that this is the time that we need to take care of ourselves and get serious about getting in better shape.  It is fortunate for me the dollar has been strong down here and I was able to get multiple MRI’s, scans and blood work done and it didn’t break the bank.  I am so grateful for each of you, through your faithful support, everything is paid for in cash!

During this break, unfortunately, the state of Amazonas has had a serious outbreak of COVID-19 and maybe the new mutation of the virus.  Manacapuru is on lockdown as well as Manaus.  This is a portion of an email received lately.

 Today, the state of Amazonas is experiencing a health collapse, whether private or public, due to the lack of oxygen cylinders, due to the high number of hospitalizations due to Covid-19, and also other respiratory complications.
    Patients are already being sent for treatment in other states.  The Air Force is transporting oxygen and supplies to Manaus.  It is indeed a war situation.
   I ask the brothers to pray for our state, for the situation that is happening, so that the Lord will be the provider of the resolution of this chaos.  By exhausted health professionals.  For the mourners, for the families, so that more people can know Jesus in the midst of difficulties.

 In Christ,

Pr.  Tomás Corrêa
 * Missionary of the National Missions Board in Amazonas *

So, the situation there is serious.  One of our student’s aunt died because of no oxygen!  Camilo, our pastor in Manacapuru, sent us an email suggesting that we stay in BH longer.  He is the 3^rd person who suggested it.  I talked with Rhonda Madison, the LCM chairman of the board, and she agreed that we probably should stay here a little longer.  If it as bad as they say we would not be able to start our project classes anyway.  This is not what we want for sure, but we are walking in peace.  We are now checking the airlines for the possibility of changing our tickets due to the pandemic. 

Here in BH, we are also in lockdown (2.5+million population of the city).  Even if Nayara had not been assigned to help care for her sister and baby, we would not have been able to do our normal running around.  I have been staying here at the house.  I have been resting, reading, playing with drawing, learning about watercolor, and watching movies along watching multiple services in North Carolina, OK and other places!  I have started using as my devotional Rick Renner’s Sparkling Gems which a friend gave me years ago.  Wow is it rich, I have loved it! I recommend it! I have also been reading a new book about a missionary in Somalia, what a challenge!

As we have started this year, I have also been having prayer time.  Praying for God to continue His transforming work in my life.  Praying for you and your families.  Praying for our country during this time of transition in leadership.  Praying for the English Project that we would do exactly what He wants and how He wants it done.  Praying for the students of the English Project.  Praying for Nayara & Paty’s online business with AME (English instruction).  There is not a shortage of things to pray for.

This I do know.  God is Present.  God is Faithful.  God is desiring to move this year in a powerful way.  The main questions are:  Am I taking time to be still before the Lord?  Am I listening to Him through the Holy Spirit and through His Word?  Am I being faithful to do what He tells me to do?  Easy questions to ask, tough questions reflect on and answer honestly.

Thank you for praying for us, for our city of Manacapuru, for this mission that God has called us to.  You all are so precious to us.  May God richly bless you in many new and unexpected ways!

in Him,

Lisa