In May, we received a great answer to prayer in receiving our container! To say the kids were excited is an understatement! The arrival came at the perfect time as we began renovating a house on our property for the incoming pastor, who will be here on the 16th.
The last two months have been nothing short of busy days and very late nights. Along with situating everything from the container and renovating the house, we had the two in-ground swimming pool liners to replace! It took nearly a week just to prep everything - drain the water, remove the liner, and repair the areas in the foundation. Quite the experience! Fortunately, a couple from the States flew in to help. They were part of the youth group at Southwest Baptist Church back when the Brewers were called to Brazil!
Another great victory is we have divided into Sunday school classes again. Ashlie is teaching the girls from 7-9 years old and I am teaching the boys from 7-12 years old. This is a good first step because we are far from being fluent, but kids are so forgiving (for the most part!) And they have no problem letting you know you're saying the wrong words!! I have had very few adults help and correct my Portuguese, but not so with the kids.
Work on the online bible institute is still going well. We have been letting in beta testers and getting the last of the kinks out of the system.
Our children are doing well and are growing in their ability with Portuguese (they at least understand a lot more!) I started all the kids on piano about six months ago. After showing them what I could, I found an excellent course by Natalie Raynes that they have been going through. They have already been able to play a number of offertories. They are using what they have learned and are teaching a young Brazilian teenager who desires to learn piano.
This past Sunday, my wife and I, with the help of other church members, planned a departing reception for the Brewer's and their 27 years of service here in Itapuã. Many people showed up to show honor and appreciation for investing their heart and lives here and sharing the gospel. The Brewers will be returning to the States for a furlough next week. We have been preparing for this for months, as I have slowly taken on the administrative, financial, and practical aspects of this ministry and the mission here in Itapuã. It is a great honor that the Lord would allow me to continue a work that has seen so much fruit and impact here in Brazil.
I would ask for pray that this transition, which will take place Sunday, will be as promising as it seems to appear to us as well as the Brewers. This time of working alongside this Brazilian pastor will allow me to continue my studies in Portuguese, as we only have about 17 months in, and get an even more thorough grasp on the culture which will no doubt be of value as we continue toward the goal of training men and planting churches here in Brazil.
|
|
