March 30, 2009

          The Fall weather has begun here in the Southern Hemisphere. The days are getting shorter and the nights are cooler right now. Some of the trees have begun losing leaves. This reminds us that we have just a few short weeks until the real cold begins, bringing with it times of frost and possibly even snow. As the season changes however, it is brought to mind the teaching of Christ about His eminent return and our responsibilities to be watching and praying, and to be ministering as good stewards of the grace of God. We praise the Lord for those good stewards who have not let these rough times discourage them in their charity and dedication to the Lord.
          Our family was blessed in February and March with the five week visit of Neila's parents, Joe and Elaine Hawkins. March 13th marked their 52nd year as missionaries here in Brazil. On April 13th we will be celebrating 17 years on the mission field. Incredible because it doesn't seem like that much time has passed.
          Unexpectedly we ended up with an extra week visit with Joe and Elaine. Their travel plans were forced to be changed. Joe was working on fence repair with John when he passed out and broke his collar bone upon falling. Tests have shown a blockage and arrhythmia. The shoulder is healing well, but he is now in the States to get the necessary medical attention to solve the heart problem. Please be in prayer for Joe and Elaine.
          With our church work, we are encouraged. Since the new year began, we've seen five professions of faith: one young man, Lennon (19 yrs); a mother and daughter (Neusa, late 50's, and Elenilce, late 30's); and two elderly ladies (Helga and Italia) These last two ladies were led to the Lord by Ivone Lourdes, one of our church members. In January, with the visit of one of the Brazilian missionaries the church supports, ten of our members dedicated their lives to the Lord. Nine of them are still faithful and showing spiritual growth. Last night we baptized three who made professions of faith several months ago: Nilton (46 yrs); Juliana (25 yrs); and Mateus (12 yrs). Nilton at the end of the services asked for the first lesson of a home Bible study course we offer through Source of Light Ministries. His step-daughter Grace is currently participating in the studies. Praise the Lord. It is such a blessing to see family men taking the initiative to go forward in their service to the Lord.
          The Lord has blessed us with special offerings from four of our supporting churches for the work on the church bathrooms and the parsonage. We believe we have enough funds for the church projects, but not enough to complete the work on the parsonage. It is enough, however, to close in the parsonage property with a front and back wall, and an iron gate in the front. We pray we'll be able to at least complete the ground floor addition, giving room for two temporary bedrooms. The work on the parsonage has begun, and soon we'll be getting the bathrooms, kitchen and new septic system in for the church. We do thank all of you who have participated with us in these projects through prayer and/or finances.
          We would like to be able to communicate to all of our supporting churches on a more regular basis through e-mail, but we lack many addresses. Some of the addresses that we have are no longer valid. Could you please drop us a line if you have e-mail, so we can get your current e-mail address into our file? Our address is < jnyelle@terra.com.br >.

          Our prayer requests in summary are:
                     * That the Lord would continue to provide the funds for completion of the church parsonage; 
                     * Spiritual growth of the new converts and those baptized;
                     * Joe Hawkins' health (Neila's father).

          We are extremely grateful for your prayers and support, especially through these difficult times. God's been very merciful with our finances, and allowed us to carry on with the ministry here in Southern Brazil.

In His service,

Yelle Family

John & Neila
Joneia, Leila, & Katherine

Mission Office: World Baptist Fellowship /  P.O. Box 13459 / Arlington, TX 76094-0459