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
