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.

Foz do Iguaçu - October 15, 2011

While Zoe and I were at the Women of the Harvest retreat at the Foz of Iguaçu, we went to see one of the world's most famous waterfalls. It has a chance to become one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and they certainly deserve it. There are 300 waterfalls spread out over a half a mile. You can see them from the Brazilian side and the Argentina side where you can see them from above falls.
It had rained the day before we went so the waterfalls were very brown.




From the Argentina side.

Women of the Harvest Retreat - October 16-19

In October Zoe Peffer and I traveled to the Foz do Iguaçu for a Women of the Harvest, a retreat for women in the ministry. The 48 women came from all over South America were refreshed with excellent Bible teaching and wonderful praise times. We were divided into 8 small groups for discussion and encouragement. A team of 20 volunteers came down to serve us so the afternoons were filled with pampering sessions for hair cutting, pedicure, massage, prayer, etc. We were showered with presents and fun times. I never felt so cared for and loved as I did at this wonderful retreat. I feel so privileged to have been able to participate in it. If you would like to see a short video of the WOTH retreat, click on the website below. If you look closely you can see a few pictures of me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YuZToS5o78

Children's Day Party - October 12, 2011

Children's Day is a big holiday here in Brazil. Our church had an outreach "fish" party on October 12. Our decorations were "under the sea" and children came through a "water" arch and entered the sea with seaweed hanging down and fish and sea creatures on the walls. The wind kept popping the balloons so our arch was short of some balloons!

Our Brazilian pastor's wife, Roza, told the story of Jonah with the theme of Be Obedient.









Unfortunately the city had a big program downtown so we didn't have as many lids as we planned for but we praise the Lord for those who came.


More kids came wandering in for the carnival like games and even face painting. By the end of the day we had about 50 kids that enjoyed fishing, and even trying to win a real fish.