Over the past eighteen months, we have witnessed seventeen people choose to follow Jesus and have seen changes only God could effect in their lives. With such a thriving ministry it would only seem fitting that we should stay put and continue this work indefinitely. But God's ways are not our ways. We have received an invitation to work with a small group of Christians who are trying to reach the hundreds of thousands of Brazilians living in southern Florida. Through much prayer John and I have discovered that God is opening the way for us to move there in order, we believe, to evangelize.
John and I became Christians and were married a little over thirteen years ago. Since then John received a Bible degree in Tennessee, we trained in Texas for mission work, and we worked with a team to plant a church in southern Brazil. We then moved back to the US and were involved in various Stateside ministries until the spring of 2008. That's when we came here to northern Brazil to work with a small church in the area of evangelism. Throughout all of our travels the same two churches in Tennessee and Texas have sponsored and supported us, and for that we are grateful.
What we are leaving here is a small but thriving congregation. The ground has also been worked for a church plant in a town about three hours outside of the city of Natal. We plan to make regular visits to Natal to encourage the church here and to travel to Currais Novos to continue the work there.
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Finally got to see what is going on with you guys. Thanks for posting access to the blog. I am sad I wont get to see you before you leave for Florida. Hope it will be a great move for you guys. Much love, Gail
ReplyDeleteJohn, Samantha and kids....we heard you all were leaving but didn't realize it was so soon. We pray that the Lord will bless you and provide a smooth transition for your family as you go back to the States. We have thought of the same thing in working in Florida and are excited the Lord has opened a door for you all. I loved reading the blog on Sept 10 about Currais Novos. I am amazed there are places here in Brazil that have never heard the Gospel. Africa, yes. I was in many, but here, wow. Please, make sure this city continues to get a Gospel witness. Praying for you all....love you guys, Chris, Teresa, and Sara Boyce
ReplyDeleteThat is exciting! What is your timetable for moving?
ReplyDeleteWe are making plans to move to the U.S in December of ´10. Time to go on and work toward other goals in life. Interesting that as we have made that plan, the house churches are really starting to crank up. Just a reminder that God is the one behind all the kingdom work and that we are merely the instruments! Keep us posted on your happenings. Peace!
John and Sam,
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't believe how many years that it's been since we've had contact. Wanted to let you know that I've never stopped praying for y'all.
Lots has happened in my life since we last met and I see the same is true for you.
Praying that your move back to the states goes smoothly and that you settle in to the new job easily.
Blessings!
Anne Hamilton (you knew me as Anne Highfill)