| During this time of year we receive many questions about the
Christmas season in Brazil…the little clipart of Santa
to the left will give you some idea of how Brazilians enjoy
the season. It is surely not with sleigh bells ringing! Since
December is summer vacation time, Beach and BBQ are on the minds
of everyone. The school year ends in December so there are many
graduations as well as weddings. The children do not wait until
Christmas day to open their presents. They go with their parents
to the toy store and pick out what they want! Most Brazilians
think it is cruel and unusual punishment to make the children
wait until the 25th. There are more artificial trees and decorations
than ever before, thanks to the Chinese imports. Brazilians
have a large family meal at midnight on Christmas Eve with festivities
and religious services lasting into the early hours, so most
sleep in on Christmas day.
We want to wish you and your family the most blessed Christmas,
be it a white one or not. It is a wonderful time to reflect
on God’s great missionary heart revealed in His sending
to earth His only Son, the gift of eternal life! For this
reason the angels sang, “glory to God in the highest”.
Let’s also rejoice in God’s indescribable gift!
(2 Co. 9:15)
Visit to Churches
In September, Gordon took an 11-day trip to visit the Good
News churches located in the North and Northeast Brazil. The
first stop was Santo Antonio de Jesus in the NE state of Bahia.
After a 3 hour flight and 2 hour bus ride, Gordon arrived
at the church and was met by Pr. Walter Martins. On Sunday
they had their first baptism in the new church facilities.
Ten were baptized and five others were accepted as members
by transfer. What a great day! The next stop was Palmas in
the central state of Tocantins, named after the nearby river
and tributary off the Amazon. This time the travel was by
car…a small car! Prs. Walter, Ademilson, seminary student
Wellington and Gordon piled into the little Fiat for the 18-hour
drive! We left at 4AM and arrived in Palmas at 10PM, by the
grace of God! We were greeted by missionaries Mike Poe and
Natinha and Pr. Ernesto and wife Miriam. We spent the weekend
fellowshipping, worshiping and planning. Pr. Ademilson preached
at the Santo Amaro church on Sunday and seminarian Wellington
spoke at the Taquari mission on Saturday evening. Below are
a few pictures of the highlights. Thanks for your prayers
and support!!
 
 
 
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