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