In between a number of tasks that are clamoring vociferously for my attention, I am trying desperately to get this prayer letter written. With God's help, I will succeed!
The main event that occupied (and to a degree still occupies) our time since our last letter was the annual Ladies' Retreat at the Iguatu Camp. Every year ladies from all over the state (this year there were 180 of them) gather at the camp for a time of fellowship and refreshment. This year God blessed us with abundant rain, and the lake was full. How full, you ask? Just click here to see the water levels, as well as a more detailed report of what God did through the camp ministry.
Please be in prayer for our next big event--the event I am most excited about since we assumed the camp ministry last year. Some pastors and I were brainstorming several months back and came up with the idea of a work day. On May 22-24 the men of area churches will gather at the camp to tackle various projects that need to be cared for. The mutirão (work day in Portuguese) will be the first such event (on such a large scale) in quite some time. The pastors and laymen of our churches are excited about the possibilities. There are many aspects of the physical property of the camp which are in desperate need of attention--and it is very encouraging to see our Brazilian brothers take ownership of the situation.
One specific prayer request that I would like to submit to you, our faithful, dedicated, and proven prayer warriors, is for funds to buy supplies to take care of some of the larger needs (such as tile for the roofs, plaster for the walls, etc.). We have already received some offerings (all from Brazilian sources), but much more will be needed if we are to make a major dent in what needs to be done.
Puppet Ministry At the ladies' retreat we were able to give another puppetry course, which was very well received. We have one clip all edited and ready to air on TV. Based on past experience, however, we are going to hold off on airing it until we have several more episodes "in the can".
Let me share with you an exciting thing that God did today, in relation to the puppet ministry. When we prepared for the ladies' retreat, we prepared a certain number of materials. Of course there is a cost involved in putting together these things (the student manual, and accompanying CD, and the fabric for making the puppets). When it was all said and done, we had 25 kits left over. Today I got a call from a lady who wants us to give the course at a local medical school. The number of students? You guessed it...25!
Seminary God continues to work here at the Cariri seminary. We are currently working "full tilt" toward accreditation which will provide our students with many exciting venues for ministry. We have cleared many of the major hurdles...more to come. Currently we are preparing for a visit from the accrediting agency, where they will tell us what needs to be changed and how long we have to change it.
The doctrine class I am teaching is going well. I am having more fun with this than should probably be allowed. Hopefully our students are learning a little something in the process.
On The Web * We have not had a Caption Challenge in quite some time...but this picture of our youngest son and two female admirers was too good to pass up. * Check out what Spurgeon has to say about the current atheist resurgence. * Please pray for the pastor and members of one of our supporting churches as they pass through a valley of grief right now.
There! The prayer letter is written. My clock says 11:22 pm--and that means that the night is young!
Thank you once again for your faithful intercession on our behalf. We are humbled, and truly grateful.
