Bits May

 “Have you ever heard the story of creation before?” Stefan had just taught the creation story and was curious about those in the new Batalha study. There was a 65-year-old woman, a couple in their forties, and a few other married adults present. No one had heard the story of creation. These are people who confess their need for God, how He is good and faithful and One in whom they have faith. But they hadn’t heard the first story in the Bible. It was amazing to see and exciting to have the privilege of working in this community. Pray for Batalha to understand God’s story of Hope! 

As Stefan and Julia have integrated into life here, we are now praying about how that will change our scheduling. I have asked the leadership of both churches to consider roles and responsibilities in our presence in each church. It certainly has not been ideal to lead two churches and we have not been overwhelmed (but we are tired). At this point, we have three preachers in Tupanatinga and 5-6 who can preach in Arcoverde, including Stefan who can take a greater role. I want to make sure that I lead well and have a healthy balance of pulpit time while also continuing to develop leaders. Please pray for wisdom in these decisions! 

Sarah added another discipleship group this past month and she is up to three groups and a few counselees. She has kept busy for sure! We had the idea for the discipleship groups to have a reading competition with a nice prize. It was neat to see the excitement, the seriousness of the task, and the unity of some groups to complete the task. The book to read is a short read with powerful truths, “From Pride to Humility” by Stuart Scott. Pray for wisdom as we lead these groups and as they grow, that we would be able to have the right leadership, right timing, and that each group would continue with great discussions. We have switched from the groups having separate studies to encouraging the reading of the sermon passage and to chew on questions from the Sunday message. This has led to some great discussions and growth. 

There is a book called “Trellis and the Vine” in which the author talks about having the right structure in place to be able to support growth. We feel like we are on the cusp of this and the last few weeks there has been some good signs. Please pray that God will be glorified here in Northeast Brazil! 

Our friends Jeremiah and Cindy Cook were here this month and this team some other SWAT guys came with him. We had a few training days and it was neat to make new contacts and to serve the police forces here. 

This last month Evelyn started coming to the church a couple afternoons a week to help organize and plan events. She is doing a great job helping at the church as well as working at the local English school. Next week we have an outreach event for English for a couple of nights and then the following week we have a Harvest Party. We always invite the community but rarely have people from our neighborhood show up. Pray that our neighbors will start coming to these events! 

Thank you all for your love, prayer, and support!

All for HIS glory,

David, Sarah and our hard-working Evelyn and grandmother to four little kittens, Anna Claire