Bits June

 One month down, a lot more to go. On the 18th the church in Arcoverde held the going away service for Roger and Marcy Smith. A beautiful poem was written about their story by a nearby Pastor friend of the church. Two days ago the Smiths landed in Florida after another going away service was held in their previous church plant. We are so grateful for their legacy here in Brasil and are now feeling the weight of their absence! 

In our first month here we have focused on conversations with people about their lives and the life of the church. There has been a lot to discuss and figure out! We have had difficulties in some areas, while other areas have shown great growth! We do have a good group of leaders and workers in the church in Arcoverde and we are grateful for that. We are forming a good leadership team and pray that God will use it to strengthen the church. 

Tupanatinga does not have as many mature leaders, but we have a very faithful group attending the church. We have been excited about that. We are hoping to have a baptism later this month. On Saturday the first we are celebrating a wedding for Lucas and Cassia. While we were in the States they were faithful in reading When Sinners Say I Do and talking with us on a video call. It was really neat to see their spiritual growth throughout the year. They are two that will be baptized in our next baptism. 

James 4 tells us that conflict shows us what our desires are. Our goal with conflict in the church is to target the heart issues and show how the gospel can transform us. This isn’t an easy process. Besides checking our own hearts, we are shepherding people through this heart transformation as well. Pray for open hearts to the gospel, not just in the lives of unbelievers, but believers as well. 

On Friday the 7th, a group from Oregon of 15 people will arrive to do flag football, English conversation, and youth events (and a few other activities). Please pray that the 11 days they will be here will be profitable for the gospel! 

All for HIS glory,

David, Sarah, and our two students. We are trying a different homeschool curriculum and school schedule this year and they have already started this month. I get to teach Bible and Sarah is teaching everything else, mainly using books and some videos.