April 10, 2008

Dear Pastor and praying friends,

          Our baptismal service in March went smoothly. Seven people, five being adults, were baptized in a small river. The time spent at the park also served as a church outing. All had a great time, and there were no accidents.
          A need has already arisen for another baptismal service, as we have seen ten professions of faith over the past six weeks. Two are men, five are ladies, and three are children from the Good Shepherd Baptist ministry across town. Fall weather is already upon us (we're in the southern hemisphere), so heading to the river is not a good option right now. So, the church has decided to install a baptistry in the auditorium. We've found a tank for less than US$300 that will serve well. We're going to use decorative natural rock with the installation, so it should turn out beautiful.
          Speaking of funds, the congregation's financial situation is growing stronger each month. We've seen the Brazilian congregation increase in their tithes and offerings for the past three months in a row. Please pray with us that this will continue.
          The attendance at church has also been increasing. Our Sunday evening services, which are usually the best attended, have been averaging between forty-five and fifty. Both Sunday School and our mid-week services are also showing good numbers. We've even got new teens that are getting more and more faithful. Numbers aren't everything, but they sure are encouraging.
          The Friday and Saturday before Easter, John took four men with him to a men's retreat about two hours away. There were twenty-one men present. Two of the men from our church, Emerson and Fladimir, were not saved. This month both have made professions of faith! Please lift up these men before the Lord in prayer.
          A "For Sale" sign has recently been put up on the property next door to the church. Our people soon noticed it, and they began to talk about how great it would be to be able to get it. The land would be a blessing. We could use the extra parking space and we'd like to be able to construct a recreation/fellowship hall for the church sometime in the future. For the past few Sundays the adults and youth have been gathering on the property, praying for a miracle. There is currently no possible way that the congregation can purchase it, as it would cost them US$40,000. We serve a mighty God, and we know that for Him there is nothing impossible. Would you pray with us for this miracle?

A summary of our prayer requests are as follows:

	Tithes and offerings of the Fundamental Baptist Tabernacle (the Brazilian congregation here)
	Spiritual growth of Emerson (age 29), Fladimir (41), Eriete (55), Elvira (75), Lorena (45), Marli (27),  Marlise (18), Janaina (10), Bruna (12), and Michele (10).
	Wisdom in stewardship of our ministerial funds
	The purchase of extra church property (US$40,000)
	Our family's health (we're entering into the cold and flu season)

Thank you again for your prayers and support of our ministry. May the Lord bless you and keep you in His grace.

Yelle Family

John & Neila
Joneia, Leila, & Katherine

Since May 11, 2008 you are visitor number: