Wow! It’s hard to believe we are in 2012 already! I remember when I was a kid I was sure we’d have flying cars by now, and although I am sure there are somewhere in the world, God has called me to a life that is in some ways 50 years behind technological advances elsewhere, and I’m more content than ever. Although a flying car sure would make church planting and supervision more efficient… and pretty cool. 
We trust you all had sweetly blessed Christmases sprinkled generously with God’s love and grace. Here are a few of the highlights from our Christmas season…
Ruropolis Youth Conference… and a Big Headache
Ruropolis Waterfall... Before the Headache!
In mid-December, Josiah and I were invited to be the speakers for a youth conference in the small inland city of Ruropolis. Our church rented out the city auditorium and invited youth from all over to attend. There were hip-hop performances, skits and God’s life-changing Word. We pray that this event helped to grow the Ruropolis church with a permanent growth, in Jesus’ name! In our free-time, the locals took us to a waterfall which was absolutely gorgeous! However, after only about 5 minutes of enjoying God’s creation, poor Josiah busted his head on a rock beneath the waterfall and spent the better half of the afternoon a little nauseated and bleeding from the forehead. Praise the Lord the cut was not too deep, and he only suffered minor soreness in his neck for a few days. God’s hand of protection was certainly over us!
Remember Geandre??
Geandre and Monica's Engagement
For those of you who have followed our updates since the beginning, Geandre was our very first cell group member over 6 years ago. We remember how he would tremble nervously when asked to give the announcements in the group. Now he is all grown up, has a great job, is serving the Lord… and is getting married! We had the privilege of announcing their engagement at church in December (in Brazil, the engagement is a big deal done in the church, the wedding rings are prayed over and exchanged, but only worn on the right hand until the wedding day). He is marrying a beautiful woman of God named Monica. Please keep them in your prayers as they plan their wedding and move toward a life together serving Jesus.
Praying in the New Year
Praying in the New Year
This year we decided to do something very special for New Year’s. We held a prayer meeting in the community of Piquiatuba, invited the leaders from surrounding communities, and we all entered the New Year together on our knees praying and interceding. As the fireworks were sounding, the church was on their knees interceding for the salvation of their fellow community members and for God’s perfect will and plan in this upcoming year. It was truly a moving experience!
Amazing Testimony and Prayer Request
Conce
Conce, a lady from our church in the community of Jamaraquá has been praying for the salvation of her husband Pedro (the community’s Catholic leader and a heavy drinker) for years. Just recently, he has begun to show signs of hope. Over Christmas, he got extremely drunk and stayed that way for two days. During this time, he wrongly accused her of having another man and said many other hurtful things. After he sobered up, his own children called his attention to what he’d said to their mom and how unjust it was. He told Conce he would not ask for her forgiveness because she wasn’t God and only God could forgive. However, within only a couple days, he approached her as she was eating breakfast, threw his arms around and cried asking forgiveness for how he’d hurt her, and he also promised to never drink again! By New Year’s when Conce was at our prayer meeting, he still had not had a drink praise the Lord! So please agree with us in faith for his complete transformation and salvation, and for their family to be an exemplary Christian family in Jesus’ mighty name!
Homemade Banana Trunk Grill
Just for Kicks
What do you do when you have meat to grill, but no grill to cook it on? Easy! You cut down banana trees and use their soft trunks to stick various branches into, and there you have it! A “modern-day” Brazilian grill ready for a grill-out! (The meat was delish by the way…)
