September 23, 2004

 

Dear Prayer Partners,

 

The countdown to our next furlough has begun.  We are planning to return Stateside the summer of 2005, after almost four years on the field.  The Lord is already providing the church here with capable leadership in our absence.

Several months ago Rafael and his family joined the church, coming to us from another Baptist church across town.  He is studying theology by correspondance, and is eager to fulfil God’s call upon his life.  Both he and his wife, Flavia, already have some experience in the ministry.  Rafael is now preaching twice a month. 

We have begun giving short courses for church based ministries.  Neila just finished teaching Child Evangelism, preparing our future Sunday School teachers for the ministry.  She had nine students who completed the course.  We are looking forward to getting into our new facilities, so we can divide our Sunday School into more workable age groups, and also begin a Children’s Church service.

John is planning a music ministry course to be taught in October.  He already has three men and two youth lined up for it.  Soon after the start of the class they will be leading the music in the services on a rotating basis.  One of the ladies in our church, Ivone, is taking voice, theory, and keyboard lessons with plans of beginning a children’s choir.

The Lord has already lined up caretakers of the work and our house.  Bro. Dave Cato and his family have plans to return to Brazil around the beginning of summer, 2005.  Neila studied with Bro. Dave at Massillon Baptist College.  His wife, Diane, worked in Manaus for a few years as a single missionary, where Neila’s family ministers.  This last July, Dave made a trip to Brazil and stayed with us for a week.  This gave him an opportunity to meet the congregation, and to help them prepare for their move.  We look forward to having them help us out with our work while we’re on furlough.

Please pray for us as we plan and prepare for our furlough.  We are needing a significant increase in our support.  John will be visiting as many churches as possible seeking new support, as well as reporting to our supporting churches.  Please pray also for the ministerial preparations here in Brazil for our absence.  A lot has to be done in the next 8 months.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern for our ministry.  You are in our prayers.

 

In His service,

 

 

John & Neila

Joneia, Leila, & Katherine