Novembeer 2 - Finados

Every November 2, is a national holiday called "Finados", translated in English as the day of the dead. It is similer to Memorial Day where people put new flowers on the graves in memory of their loved ones. Most of the graves are covered entirely with granite and many have little houses built over them with curtain covered windows. Inside these little houses are flowers, figurines, and other memorabilia. People also put lighted candles on the graves or at the bottom of the cross to light the way to heaven for the spirits/souls of those who have passed away. This is a Catholic and Spiritist belief. I find it sad that so many do not know Christ as their personal Savior and have the assurance of eternal life. Several evangelical groups were passing out tracts.

Brazilian Elections

October 3 was Brazilian elections for president, governors, federal senators, and state and federal representatives. Brazil has many political parties. Many people work for the campaign passing out little cards witht the picture of the candidate with their number. They also stand along the streets waving flags of their candidate. Each candidate has a number. The television gives and hour of free propaganda for the candidates at noon and again in the evening every day. Some candidates only receive 30 seconds, but the presidential candidates get 10 miniutes each.

On election day, a person votes on an electronic machine by pressing the buttons of the number of their candidate. By computer the votes are tallied instantly. If a candidate for presidente and governor doesn't win over 5o per cent of the vote a second election is held for the the top two candidates. The run off election for president and some governors was October 31 and the first women president in Brasil was elected, Dilma Jouseff.

Adolescent Retreat

" Life, what is Yours?" was the theme for our annual adolescent retreat in October. It was based on James 4:14: "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." There was a group of 30 well behaved kids. Eight of the kids were from Campo Verde and three of those accepted Christ as their personal Savior. It was neat to see the teens leading the praise time and even two of the workers children sang a special number. Everybody enjoyed the messages, games, competition, and Bible memory. some kids memorized 20 verses.

Micael was selected my the leaders to be the Best Camper for his participation, attitude, service, and leadership. Hungrey adolescents were served great food, but then had to wash the dishes and pans. It was fun to see them so happy and willing to work.

Women's Retreat

Although we had a very small group for our annual women's retreat this September, everyone enjoyed a time of fellowship and relaxation as well the spiritual times of singing and devotions. The speaker did a good job speaking on our theme of commitment. I was pleased that Rejane, a new lady that started coming to church, came with me to the retreat and loved it.

Couple's Encounter in September

Once a month we have a couple's encounter to strengthen the marriage relationship in the couples in our church. However, we have many who are not legally married yet, and we hope these encounters will stimulate them to do so. We are priveledged to have a couple come up from Cuiabá to lead these gatherings. Josiane and Geraldo worked with an organization called, "Married for Life" and are very well equipped to work with couples. Their lessons deal with points of conflicts and communication in marriage. Everyone enjoyed the macaroni dishes that was served at the end.

Surprise Birthday Party for Wanderson

In September, my porch are was filled to overflowing for a "Culto no Lar", a time of praise and preaching in the home. Mauro came up from Cuiabá to play his guitar for our praise time. Everyone loves his singing and original songs he composes. After the service, we had a surprise birthday party for Wanderson, our Brazilain leader in our church. Wanderson is rally wonderful and so faithful acapable leader in our church, especially during these past three months in the absence coworkers, Don and Zoe , who was in the US on home assignment. We are also very grateful to Adalberto and his wife Josiane who came up every weekend to preach in our services.

Baby Shower

In August we had a baby shower for Cleovanice. In spite of a cold spell that weekend, may were able to come. Brazilians always bring their children to any type of festa and there were quite a few so I them sing some children's songs they learned in sunday School. I was glad that Josiane and Adalberto came up every weekend to minister to the church, so she agreed to give the devotional. After a time of games, Cleovanice opened her gifts. Just two weeks after the shower baby Diogo was born.