July Update

 

Hello from Nova Viçosa, Bahia!

Life is busy, tourists are here, and we have a street party this weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) on the main street of the city!  Apparently, there is to be a famous singer here for Sunday night.  I don’t know anything about this person, not even a name.  I am sure we will hear the music here at the apartment!

Let me get you caught up on what has been happening.....

Allow me to start with some news.

God has blessed me so much through Nayara. 

·      She was my first English student, and she is flourishing with her English (yes, I am a proud momma!) 

·      She has been an incredible partner in ministry and in leading the English Projects.  I could write a book about her!

·      She has been such a great roommate as we have worked in the Amazon, in Minas Gerais and now in Bahia.

·      She has been a volunteer interpreter for a wonderful ministry called JMA who works ministering to families along the Amazon River for almost 4 years.  JMA also hosts different conferences during the year for Pastors, Women and Special Bible Teachers.  Many people come from the U.S. and participate as well as Pastors from the riverside and interior churches along the Amazon.

I could list so many things about this wonderful woman.  One thing I admire, and respect greatly is her heart for the Lord.  She is a completely sold out believer in Jesus!  In June, we spent some time together talking out on the beach, LOL, I know life is tough!  During our time together, she shared that the Lord had been speaking to her about the ministry with JMA.  She felt like the Lord was opening a door for her to officially join their team.  I was not surprised.  I experienced God’s peace immediately and I told her, you have to obey the Lord.  (I had the same kind of peace that I did when I left to come to Brazil!)  I told her that my work here in Nova Viçosa was not yet completed and she agreed.

So, what does this mean for the work here in Bahia?  Well, it continues for sure.  Patricia and I are stepping up and the work continues.  Yes, it will be hard not to enjoy Nayara on a daily basis, but we are strongly connected together as friends and as workers in the Kingdom.  I have never navigated life in Brazil without her, but God is faithful, and He will take care of me.  She will start officially with JMA in October.  I know many who work with JMA and I have deep respect for their ministry, I totally support them!  I have joked with some of them that yes, I still love them, BUT at this moment, I don’t like them! LOL.  Lord willing, she will be able to visit the U.S. in September with me!

The news about Nayara was a little surprise for the congregation, but they were very pleased that Patricia and I are staying.  Nayara had several trips already planned for June, July and August, and that actually worked out to our advantage.  The transition has been very smooth, and we are very grateful.

The work continues...

·      Bible School on Sunday mornings is going very well.  Patricia has moved over to help give leadership with the Children’s class where Nayara had been working.  I am continuing with the Adult/Youth class.  I am so amazed with Isabel who is a retired missionary with Wycliff Bible Translators and is originally from Canada (83 years old and going strong).  She is an awesome teacher – I wish you could hear her!!!

·      We are continuing in our Sunday Evening Service learning about the life of Jesus through the Gospels.  I am amazed at the insight the Lord is giving both Patricia and I as we study and share.  God is working!

·      On Wednesday night, we already studied about Who we are in Christ (Jan/Feb), Daniel (5 wks), Jonah (4 wks), Ruth (6 wks), Nehemiah (4 wks) and we are currently 2 wks into our study of Elijah!  I love it!  The people are enjoying it and so are we!

·      Our work with English continues online as well as on Thursday night with our in person class.  For those students who do the work, they are going.  For those students who fail to study.......God gives us strength and grace!

·      Patricia’s work with the youth girls is going strong.  It is amazing to watch them grow.  They are stepping up and are helping Paty with Bible Study on Sunday morning with the Children’s Class!

·      We have worked at our new property, clearing the grass a couple of times.  As the grass grows we have to keep it all in control!

One of the things I need to do while I am home for a visit is to renew my Drivers License.  Of course I want to maintain it for driving in the U.S. but I also need a current valid license so I can obtain a Brazilian license to drive.  So, I must come home! LOL! 

Please pray that all the needed finances will come in for me to come home and take care of the needed expenses.  We found a good ticket which is $800 + tax, and some other expenses that will be necessary will equal about $1500.  Thanks for praying!  If you would like to contribute, just send them to LC Ministries, P.O. Box 2464, Stillwater, OK  74076. 

I pray you and your family are well.  You are always in my prayers!  Bless you!

 

Lisa