Bits September 2025

The Arcoverde church is experiencing a slow growth over time, with a good bit of visitors. We have ups and downs as a church, and we feel a new time is coming for growth. On my heart, as the next phase of ministry is healthy churches. Our town, as well as others, experiences a lot of church growth through division. Church members often float from one church to the next. Our church is not the exception. 

So what is a healthy church? Mark Dever wrote a book called 9 Marks of a Healthy Church and it has some great content on the subject. But you can’t just say, this is how it is going to be without needing to change some regional church culture. We have plenty of people who grew up or are used to different church cultures, and we are trying to establish our church culture. Old habits are not easily broken. 

This month, we had a day in which we talked about what a healthy ch
urch looks like and what we try to do in our church to be a healthy church. We had over forty people present on a Saturday afternoon! It went well; people seemed genuinely interested in what was presented. 

Sarah continues to be involved in different women’s ministry activities, whether it is conversations, going for walks, organizing, or serving. 

On September 20, besides Evie’s birthday, Camp Paradise celebrated 60 years of existence. We went to the camp for the celebration along with some of our bosses. It was a great weekend to talk to them as well as be at the camp. I am on the board of directors… but really, I don’t do much. The girls enjoyed walking around the places they aren't allowed to go during camp season

On Saturday, we have our annual kids day celebration. We have over 60 kids signed up to come praise, hear the gospel, play, and eat cotton candy. We are excited, and Sarah is working overtime on all the details. Pray for these kids! 

The following day, we travel to All Brazil, a conference for ABWE missionaries in Brazil. We will be gone a week and be able to speak in a couple of churches in Porto Alegre (where Evie was born), see our colleagues, and have a good time. 

All for HIS glory,

David, Sarah, and our sweet sixteen-year-old Evelyn (no, she is not driving yet, cause Brazil doesn’t allow until 18), and our crocheting Anna Claire, who is working hard on her big blanket, amongst other projects