Bits February

The kids pitching in painting

Last week I started a Servant Leaders course called Processing Life Biblically with the men in Tupanatinga. During the month of February the Servant Leaders group has been going through it again online and it was a great opportunity to work through it with the group in Tupanatinga. The basic premise of the study is that God allows circumstances in our lives, both good and bad, to mold us into the character of Christ. The study shows how we can learn from what happens in our life. I have taken the course a couple times and taught it a couple times and it is always a good reminder of our need for growth.

But it is also bad because it seems like God likes to give up to date illustrations to use. Last week’s theme was patience that He seemed to be teaching me. The last couple of days really worked on my ego and selfishness. I am not sure I can take 7-8 more weeks of this beating! haha. 

Biblical Counseling Module

This month we were able to have another module; this time Biblical counseling with our new boss Randy Richner, who also taught a couple of Sarah’s modules for her Master’s. The course got a couple people interested in counseling and there are always opportunities for it. Especially when it comes to family life. Pray for our families in our churches! Living together can be hard but the Bible has answers! Sarah has been diligent in her courses as she dives deeper into how God’s Word can transform the heart and in how people can see that for themselves. 

The youth kickoff luau

Speaking of family, the girls are doing great. Evelyn takes all our training courses. This month three of us took a training for kid’s ministry. Evelyn is already helping out with nursery and does a great job. We always get great comments from adults in our lives about the girls. I would love for the girls to one day come back with us as missionaries as they would be great to work with! 

The last couple of days I have been in Tupanatinga working on a park for the kids just like we have in Arcoverde. We have a lot to do to get the church ready. I am planning on painting and being the main person on organizing the park. We got a good dent in it today. I plan on going on Monday afternoons for the next few weeks, doing that study Monday night; working during the day on Tuesday and then coming back. Please pray that we can get the building done and usable maybe even this month! (then we will still continue on to the second phase of the project). 

My brother Philip was here for two and a half weeks and we had a great time with him.  We did a few hikes in some of the natural beauty points of interest around us. We got a little taste of what it is like being around family as we are realizing how close our furlough is (August) and it seems to be affecting us a little as that date approaches (or as we realize how long we have been going hard in ministry in a foreign country since having a good break). Pray for our steadfastness as well as preparing the different ministries for our absence. 

Philip and the family in Catimbau

Matheus and Evie wearing the same camp shirt

Thanks for your prayers!

All for HIS glory,

David, Sarah my long fish doing swimming lessons and my English curriculum designer (yes, Anna Claire developed her own english lessons so she can teach a friend)