Bits June

My favorite ministry time this month was when we brought the newly formed music group from Tupanatinga to spend a few hours with our group in Arcoverde. They arrived around ten in the morning, had a snack and then listened to one of our music leaders about the difference between secular and Christian music. It was very informative and interactive. Then most of our group arrived for lunch. After lunch we had a small meeting sharing some of how praise groups work as well as working through some of the issues that are faced. Then they just started playing a few songs together. Both groups enjoyed the experience and it gave me a good idea of how we can function more as a training center in the future.

We saw our friend and new attender at a
restaurant on the way to the airport

The church in Tupanatinga has really turned a corner. We have had consistent services with several new faithful families. Then having visitors is common. On Friday we used every last chair we have in our small room we rent. We are hoping to start construction soon as we have a good bit of funds, but we are waiting on the trustworthy workers  that our people know to be done with another project before we start. 

After a month without in person church services in Arcoverde we were able to meet Sunday morning. We had a good group there but still a good bit of people are waiting for it to be safer. Small groups have been able to continue though. This month we had some of the men together to study the qualifications of deacons and elders. While we haven’t placed any in positions yet, it was good to challenge them in these areas. Some of them already functionally act as deacons or elders as they preach, lead music or take care of the finances. 

Sarah continues to stay busy with her master’s classes. She only has a couple left and will be done with the classes before the end of the year and then next year will be spent writing her dissertation. She has stayed very busy with all of her commitments. 

Vinicius was a flight attendant on our first flight to
Brazil in 2008. On that flight he read Joshua 1
to encourage us. We ran into him at the airport!

Tuesday afternoon we arrived in Chattanooga to spend around a month here on vacation. It has been almost two and a half years since we have been to the farm (where Sarah’s parents live). We are planning on spending a lot of time with her family and see some of my family as well at the end of this month. This trip will give several people in the church the chance to stand up and lead, preach or just function without us! 

Thanks for all you do for the kingdom! May God bless you. 

All for HIS glory,

David, Sarah, our little reader and our little imaginitive girl who loves to play! 

The girls looking over the city