ALTON and HELEN SMITH
WBF Missionaries to
BRAZIL

                                                                                                                           February 19, 2009

Dear Prayer Partners,

          “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Is. 40:29

            On November 11, 2008, we received surprising news that Helen needed surgery again. Her hernia surgery in August had not healed and was much worse. The packing and lifting had worsened the hernia, and the doctor said she needed surgery right away. We had to postpone our trip to Brazil and two days later Helen was in the hospital again having surgery. This being the third time for the same hernia the surgery was much more extinctive. Her doctor informed us that because of this her healing process would take much longer. We wish to thank each of you that have prayed for her but please do continue praying for her recovery and strength.  God continues to give the grace and strength needed.

            We returned to Brazil on January 21 with thankful hearts for all that God had done for us while on furlough.  We were able to increase our support because many of our supporters were able to increase their offerings; we were also able to add a few new supporters.  God has also supplied a good portion of the money needed to purchase our field vehicle.  We have found one we feel will meet our needs, but we have had much difficulty with the purchase.  We had money transferred from our bank in the states to the bank in Brazil, but the money has been lost somewhere.  We have been waiting for almost a month; needless to say, this hasn’t been easy to accept, but as always God’s grace and strength is there.  As we were writing this letter, we received word that our money has been found and that it should arrive at the bank in Bahia shortly. Please pray that all of this will be resolved soon. 

             My treatment for the iron storage disease has resulted in good reports, but my chronic fatigue hasn’t improved much.  God continues to give strength. We are happy to be back with our beloved church.  The church has had growth spiritually, but numerically it has dropped quite a bit. Please pray for the return of many of our children and adults.  We are grateful for your continued support because without you, our co-laborers in this great work, we wouldn’t be able to stay on the field.  Thank you!

In His Service in Brazil,

Alton & Helen Smith

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