February 2008

 

Dear Friends and Helpers.

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself ..." Daniel 1:8a. In a day in which many are defiling themselves with human ideas, philosophies and doctrines of devils we must remain steadfast in God’s Word, knowing that it is established forever in Heaven.

We just finished up youth camp which is held annually during Carnaval time here in Brazil. This year we didn’t go to the "Island" camp with the older young people, but stayed here in Manaus and held a camp for 11to14 year old’s. This age is when we lose many to the world. God sent us 79 campers (15 from our church) and 20 helpers from 10 churches here in Manaus and one Congregation being started about 30 miles from here. Our theme was "Courageous like Daniel". The kids were divided into four teams with adults as captains. Lessons and preaching on Christian living and service, Bible questions, sports competition, memorizing scripture, sword drills etc. made for a very exciting (and noisy) camp. Overall the kids memorized over 700 verses in three days. Kelvin, one of our boys from Covenant, memorized 75 verses alone! Everyone went home excited and wanting to serve the Lord better.

In November a baptismal service was held with 11 following the Lord in Scriptural Baptism. We baptized a whole family whose kids started coming to Bible Club and through them we were able to win their parents. Preparations were also started to organize the Congregation into a Church. We went through the the By-laws and organization showing the responsibilities of the members and what was expected of each one. On December 9^th we held our organizational meeting after the evening service. The Church name is Covenant Bible Baptist Church. Pastor Jomar and his wife Regiane were called to pastor the church. This couple has been helping us for about 4 years. They will stay for one year to gain some experience, as he and Regiane are going to Chile as missionaries out of our church next year. Pray for this young couple as they pastor the church and prepare for the future. Pray also for our people as they become more involved in the church as treasurer, secretary and deacons.

Institute will begin on March 3^rd. We are expecting several new students from here in the city and the rural areas of our state. Almost 200 graduates continue to work in church planting, mission work and training their own people to serve the Lord. Three will de graduating in May. Continue to pray for this vital ministry of training Pastors and Missionaries. Pray for our pastors as we turn more of the teaching over to them. Thank you again for your prayers and financial support of this ministry!

 

Your Gospel voice in the Amazon,

Tim & Betty Hawkins