Tim & Betty Hawkins -  Brazil 

December 2009,

            The Scriptures tell us that when Jesus Christ was born they were; “… good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”  Lu 2:10.  Salvation through Jesus Christ should always make us be joyful because he has given us a priceless gift.  Let us share with those around us the true meaning of Christmas.

            We have been in contact with our churches in Manaus and are happy to report that the Lord is blessing the work in Manaus and throughout Brazil.  Several people have joined and the youth department is also growing at Covenant Baptist Church in Manaus.  Pr. Joao Lima is encouraged and the people are excited with what God is doing in the church.  They are trying to raise about  $3,500.00 Reais (U$D 2,300) to put a ceiling in the church by the end of the year.  Please pray with them on this.

            Bible Institute finished up another trimester on December 4^th with three more graduates ready to work in the Lord‘s vineyard.  Pray that the Lord would lead them as they continue to serve.  Pray also that God would continue to call men and women into His service.  There are still so many who need to hear the Gospel and be taught the unsearchable riches of Christ.  Brazil is a growing nation with many opportunities for service.  

            We have been going to some kind of doctor at least twice a week for some kind of exam or diagnostic test since September.  Betty has healed well from the surgery.  Thank you so much for your prayers during this time!  Everything is set for the Chemo treatments to begin on the 16^th of December.  We ask you to pray with us that these treatments will be effective and that she will tolerate them well.  Betty will also need to take a hormone treatment for 5 years after the 6 Chemo treatments every 3 weeks .  Betty also would like to do reconstruction, which will take several months to complete.  We originally came home for furlough and to treat her back.  She has 3 herniated disks and because of the Osteo-arthritis the nerve canal in her spine has shrunk some and is causing excruciating pain in her back and legs.  We went to see a spine surgeon on December 3^rd and he wants to give her some shots in the spine to try and relieve the pain.  Thankfully this treatment for her spine won’t interfere with the Chemo treatments.

            We again thank you for your prayers for Betty and all the calls, cards, e-mails and special gifts you have showered us with.  Thank you also for the faithful financial support all these years.

Your Missionaries to Brazil,

Tim & Betty Hawkins