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.

Construction of our Church Building in CAmpo Verde

The construction of our main church building has begun. The pre-molded frames were put up and the roof. We are praying for funds to finish the building and some work teams to come and help to put in the floor, lay brick for the walls, put in the doors and windows, electricity, and plumbing. We are excited about having a bigger building since we were at capacity in our little building. The building looks bigger because it is two storys. The upstairs was finished two years ago and is used for class rooms and meetings. the only sad part is that we lost our play area and volleyball court.

Visit to Canton Evangelical Free Church - March 10-14

I hava been have a great home ministry visiting my supporting churches. In March I tarvel down to Canton, Illinois. I was welcomed by the marque sign out front. I spoke two times in the morning service. At the end of the service the pastor and the mission chairman prayed for me.

After the church service, we had a great pot luck dinner. I loved getting together with the various people who had me over for lunch or supper which helped me to really get to know a number of people personally. How I thank everyone who houed and fed me during my time in Canton.

On Wednesday I was at the church's AWANA program where I met with the k-2 grade class telling them about Brazil by showing them many Brazilian artifacts. I then did a lesson about our Brazilian flag to the 3-6th grade class, followed by talkung to the highschool group.

On Wednesday afternoon Josh, Ruth, and I made Brigadeiros (chocolate fudge balls) and coconut macaroon cupcakes to serve to the AWANA kids.

Calvary Ladies Brunch - March 19, 2011

In March, a group of ladies from my home church, Calvary Bible E Free Church, and several ladies who taught school with me in the Reddick School district many years ago, gathered at Karen Shafland's lovely home for a brunch. I displayed some artifacts and crafts from Brazil. I also made and served some typical Brazilian food for the ladies to taste. I then explained many of the customs and artifacts from Brazil and the ministry in Campo Verde. We all had an enjoyable time. All the ladies who attended received a cookbook of typical Brazilian cusine.

Calvary Ladies Brunch - March 19, 2011

Farewell to Wayne and Dianna Penner- March 2011

At the same celebration as the anniversary of Aparecida's church was a farewell to Dianna and Wayne Penner. Dianna went to Brazil in 1980 and after language school helped begin our first church in Aparecida teaching the children and women's Bible studies. She worked with Phil and Ruth Mosher and Bill and Kathy Miller. Wayne arrived in 1986 and met Dianna and they were married in December 1987. They have served in all 6 of our churches and Wayne became the director of our Bible seminary. Because of the nationals taking more responsibility for the work, they felt the need to serve their remaining years of service on another field where they are needed. Wayne and Dianna felt the call to go to South Africa to teach in the Bible seminary there.