July 17 - Last Day in Pedra Azul

When I come to Brasil It is always good to meet new friends but I am especially excited to see fellow church members do the same. Pictured here is long-time parkwayhills member, Joyce Gant, holding a new friend - a baby just 1 month old.  We are singing and Joyce is patting the child's back to the rhythm of God's praise. Heaven will be like this - where we make new friends not based on geography or age, but upon our common bond in Christ.

Thus far, in 2 days through last night, there are registered 191 professions of faith in Christ in Pedro Azul.  And we heard this morning from Boto Murim of near the same number of profession there. Many of these come from preaching points - either at the Praca, in Parks, or in our evening services - but a vast majority occur as our evangelistic teams go out, making conversation on streets and in the homes of any and all who will talk with them. 

As well, our VBS team - led by Debbie Irons - has worked in 3 different Escolas (schools) with amazingly full cooperation of local teachers and educators.  We have provided the children with games, crafts and the gospel - and many have prayed to receive Christ when given a gospel bracelet. And though we do not record their numbers in our decision counts - they will remain under the watchful eye of a local pastor, who will follow up with each child and their families in helping them on their way to Christ. How exciting it is to walk about the town, though, and see these precious children wearing their bracelets, and listen as many are able to explain what each color means - repeating back the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

As I close today, please pray for our final evening service in Pedra Azul, and for the 4 hour bus ride afterwards to our next town, Taioberas, where early in the morning the same hard, but marvelous, routine will begin again.  

Deus Abencoe, 

Pastor Sam