Christmas Program - December 21, 2011

This was the first year that I did not plan and direct the Christmas program which this year involved adults, youth and kids. It was held outside under the roof of our new church building without walls. The dirt floor surely added to the environment of the shepherds fields and stable. It also was unusually cold that night. At least those in costume did not get overheated. The scenes of the play is self explanatory. The children's angel choir was a blessing for all.

Church Christmas Party - December 17, 2011

We had about 50 adults and children who came to our church's Christmas party. We had a time of singing, a short message from the Word, and a fun game time. Then it was time to give out the presents to the kids and the gift exchange for the adults. Everyone seemed happy with their presents. We ended the party with a time of eating treats and fellowship. Everyone enjoyed their time together.

Cadet Christmas Outing- December 16, 2011

In lieu of a Christmas party I took my Cadet group out for pizza. Then we went to the city square and went up to the lookout tower. From the tower we could see all of Campo Verde. I took many group pictures. The kids had time to play on the exercise machines and playground. We ended the lovely evening eating ice cream.

Adolescent Reunion - December 1, 2011

Every few years, the very first adolescent group from our church in Tijucal where I worked for fourteen years gets together for a reunion. All but four were able to meet at Fabio's out door restaurant where he serves "espetihos", meat sticks cooked over a charcoal grill, and served with rice, manioc, salad and farofa. Fabio was also one of my group and now a military policeman during the day. These reunions are always a joy to see "my kids" who are all married, have children, and graduated from college. All but one is walking with the Lord and most of them have some kind of ministry in our churches. Thedy and Daniella are part of our local mission. Four in the group teaches school. Cristiane teaches school, but also works with Child Evangelism Fellowship. One of the girls who wasn't able to come is a pastor's wife. It is a joy to me to see how this group enjoys getting together. It is also a real joy to my heart to see fruit from a ministry 20 years ago.

Teacher Training in Pedra Noventa - November 28-December 4, 2011

One of my favorite things to do is to give a teacher training course for Sunday School teachers. The pastor's wife of our church in Pedra Noventa said there would be 5-6 students, but I made 10 notebooks just in case there would be more. It turned out that 12 people took the course, but it worked out okay because there were two couples who could share a book. We met every night for a week plus Saturday afternoon. I was very impressed that the students were very faithful and attentive and that the group was so joyful and united. On Sunday morning I had the privileged to give out 12 certificates to those who completed the course. Then Pastor Moises dedicated them to the work as teachers for the church. Afterwards we took lots of pictures. I praise the Lord for this group and pray they will be good teachers and win their students to the Lord and disciple them.

Women's Retreat - November 19-20

In November five us from Campo Verde attended our all church annual women's retreat at our Camp Jehovah Jireh which means "God will provide." And God always does, especially spiritually at our retreats. He also provided safety, fellowship, fun, and worship.

But we also faced some difficulties. We had a smaller group than usual due to scheduling conflicts. We got a late start on Saturday because the bus from Cuiabá had some difficulty and was very late in picking up the ladies so they didn't arrive until noon. Also we received news that brother in law of one of our ladies passed away so a group of ladies from that church had to leave Sunday morning. This was very sad as Wanderli was a dear brother in Christ.

In spite of some obstacles the retreat was very encouraging and uplifting. Roza did a wonderful job as our speaker teaching about who we really are in Christ and gave us many challenges to meditate on. There was time to study the Word and fellowship with the other women, laugh and be challenged with Bible quizzing. Zoe Peffer and I did a funny skit with her being my arms. We all laughed so hard. It really was a special time for all.

Kid's Retreat - October 21-23, 2011

October 21-23 was our kid's retreat at Camp Jehovah Jireh. We had about 50 campers from our churches. I was asked to do a morning session, but when I got there discovered that I was expected to teach both morning sessions. With lots of prayer I was able to prepare a second one for Sunday. After each session the kids met in small groups for discussion. Pr. César preached on Saturday night. One of our goals for our retreats is that people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Praise to the Lord three kids accepted the Lord as their Savior. Of course, there were plenty of fun times: swimming, sports, and competitive games as well as eating.

Al and Lynn Osden's Visit-October 26-November 8, 2011

Al and Lynn Osden, former missionaries in Cuiabá, were here in Brazil for several weeks. In the first week, they met with members of our national mission individually; then an all day meeting with the mission group together. Lynn had a meeting with the ladies on leadership before they came up to Campo Verde for the weekend. A youth activity was scheduled for Saturday afternoon. They played hockey in the city square. At halftime Al gave a short devotional. We had a couple's encounter Saturday night with a split session; Al teaching the men and Lynn the women. Al preached again for both services on Sunday. A very busy, but blessed time for all.

Leonardo and Cleide's Wedding - October 29, 2011

Leonardo and Cleide got married at a community wedding of three thousand brides and grooms sponsored by the government. Legal documents were signed there. The church wanted them to have a church wedding so two weeks later they had the religious ceremony. Since our church is too small, the wedding took place outside under the roof of our new, but unfinished, church with dirt floors and all. It worked amazingly well. Their three children participated in the wedding as ring bearer, flower girl, and carrying
in the Bible.

Bird Park- October 15, 2011

Right next to the waterfalls is a bird park. There were so many different wonderful kinds of colorful birds.