August 19, 2004
Dear Friends in Christ,
We returned to find the
work a little down in number but not discouraged. They as well as we are
excited about the work and anxious to see what God is going to do. The young
couple that took the work while we were home has returned to their home church
in Arembepe. They have taken the work there while Bro. Frank Brim returns to
the States for furlough. Pray for this young couple as they search for God’s
will in their lives. Since our return in the month of June we have seen God’s
blessings. We have had 4 adults accept Christ as their Savior on visitation in
the last month and a half. Pray with us that these will become a faithful part
of our work.
We wish to once again
thank those of you that were so generous in helping toward the purchase of
land for the church. God has wonderfully blessed us with a portion of land
much larger than we had hoped possible. Almost from the first day that we
began the work in Monte Gordo I noticed a portion of land that I thought would
be great for the church; however, I did not think that we would be able to
purchase it. The land is a corner lot and is close to an acre. I thought it
would cost more than we would ever be able to pay; however, God must have
plans for that land. We have started the process of purchasing that very
piece of land, and the price that the owner is willing to sell is one-third
the price that others are asking in the same area. What a wonderful God we
have.
We are also starting
another semester in the Bible Institute in the work in Arembepe. I have the
privilege of teaching two classes. The first is Proverbs, and the other is
Baptist History. We are praising the Lord that Guaraci the first graduate is
back, but this time as a teacher for the course in hermeneutics. Please keep
the institute, teachers, and students in your prayers.
We are grateful for you
faithfulness to us and the ministry God has given us. We ask earnestly
for your prayers for the strength, wisdom, and power we so desperately need.
We would love to have any of you make a visit to see the people and the work
in Brazil. We would love to hear from any of you. E-MAIL ADDRESS---
altonehelen@terra.com.br
FIELD ADDRESS ----C.P 64
42700 Lauro de Freitas, Bahia
Brazil, S.A.
Received gratefully April ---
July________________
Alton and Helen Smith