Bits April 2025

We celebrated our 7th church anniversary this month. On Saturday, the 5th, we had a concert, inviting other churches to participate in worship. It was a packed house and very encouraging. One goal we have here is to help unite churches in a town where they stay pretty divided. We had several pastors present and other churches represented. The next day, the 6th, we had a special service with extra music as well. 

Easter service was also a blessing! Besides the service, we had four different groups hear about the importance of the Resurrection. Two schools came to the church and one foster care home, and then our group went to Batalha and presented there as well. Evelyn did a great job leading the kids’ songs a couple of times. Stefan is already thinking about next year and what we can do.

This month, we had another man, Thiaggo, in the church preach. He had preached elsewhere, but not in our church. He has been a blessing to the church, and it is great to see him growing. He signed up for a master’s degree with our ABWE seminary in São Paulo and has been working hard on his classes. Thiaggo sees a future in the pastorate. Another young man in our church has also been wrestling with this decision about ministry. This month, he said that he felt God’s call for ministry and has started looking into how he can go to a seminary. Praise the Lord for raising up new leaders. 

As a family, we were able to take some days off last week after Easter, after several grueling weeks of ministry. We are grateful to be at a place where we can afford to do that. One of the new pastors, Douglas, has experience with burnout and frequently encourages us to make sure we are taking time off when necessary. 

We have another month of ministry before we go to the states for two months. It has been two years since we have been back to the states as a family. Before we go we are working on structuring the church better so that is can run more efficiently. Pray we can get all of our kinks worked out! We appreciate your love and prayers.

All for HIS glory,

David, Sarah our reader and teacher Evelyn and our 12 year old AC who is learning all things hair and make up. 

Bits March 2025

For years now, our churches have done a women’s tea. This year for the Arcoverde we put Luma in charge of the tea. Her organizational skills helped her to do a wonderful job. Sarah and Luma were the speakers for the event and Evelyn took photos. We encouraged our people to invite and pay for unchurched women they knew. There were a lot of visitors and it was a very special moment for the women. 

For the second year in a row, Evelyn and I went to Recife for English Camp. A group from Michigan has been coming down and running a weekend of immersion in English. There are several services during the weekend, small group time, and lots of fun. I went as a counselor and was glad to connect with some students. 

For the second month in a row, the teens put on a service. This Saturday night the youth entirely led the worship time. They also do a skit, have a reception team and media team. The youth group has grown so much that we now have a separate group for young adults (college and career age). 

Service with new flooring! 

We have several new families in the church that we are excited about and this past Sunday we had a time called “Get to know Koinonia” where we could talk about the church and why we do what we do. In a couple weeks, we will officially be adding 3 families to the membership. This weekend is the 7th anniversary of the church and we are celebrating with a mini-concert on Saturday night and then continue celebrating Sunday night. 

In Tupanatinga we finished up a study on raising children, did one on conflict resolution and this month will start up New Testament survey. The services have been consistent, but pray that we will be able to break some barriers in the city. Tupanatinga has more ramifications for being evangelical; it has been rigid catholic for a long time and families look down on those who are converted. Pray for courage for those who might face this persecution in order to come to church. This month Sarah was invited to speak at a school to the students’ parents about spending time with their kids. It seemed well received! What a great opportunity. 

Thank you for your sustaining prayers and support! 

All for HIS glory,

David, Sarah, teacher and photographer Evelyn, and artist Anna Claire (who turns 12 on Sunday) 

Women's tea!