Canaan Land Ministries

Prayer Warrior - 2010 - February 2

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:13:16 +0000

Tuesday, February 2, 2010, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Viktoria´s sister, Zsuzsa arrived in Curitiba on Wednesday. The plans were to come to CLM on Thursday, but our car was not ready until late Friday afternoon. Thankfully, they got home safely and even brought Lizena with them. It has been fun to get to know Zsuzsa. She has the Hungarian friendliness and a serving heart. She even manicures feet, followed by a great massage. For sure, the sisters will be enjoying their 6 weeks together.

The fun for the weekend was that the CLM Turvo family came for an overnighter. They were able to get a donation of gas and an extra van to go to Guarapuava to some interesting sites and then came on to CLM Entre Rios. They arrived at about 4:00 Saturday afternoon. There was time to get some volleyball and swimming in. There was a cookout planned, but it started raining just as the hamburgers were getting finished. So it was an indoor picnic. The kids slept mixed all up in various rooms in the house. It was good seeing them mix with each other more than other times they have been together. Sunday morning, we had our CLM Sunday School, family lunch with a full table, and an afternoon of swimming and sports. Some of the Turvo kids had their first experience at the big waterfalls near us. Sunday evening, we all went to church and the Turvo family left after that. It made us all desire to do much more of this type of interchange.

Viktoria was surprised to be contacted by the Soroptimist Club once again. This time they were interested in submitting her name for a national award called "Prêmio Soroptimista Ruby: For Women Helping Women. It would benefit CLM with a $5000 prize. She has been gathering information that depicts the ministry. It has been interesting to see how God has been providing everything she needs. We ask for your prayers that if it would be God´s will, that she would be selected.

School will be starting for 2 schools on Monday and for the other one on Tuesday. Book bags and school materials are all ready, as well as, uniforms for those who are required to wear them. A homework list is being made and we are trying to get them excited about the idea. Mariane and Nicole will be going for the first time, so you can image that they are probably about the most excited of all right now. Please pray for Joanna and Lobinho as they let Nicole out of their sight and in the hands of the school for 4 hours every afternoon. It is very hard for them, but they are thrilled that she has gotten this far. Pray also that it can be a good school year for all and that each of the kids can develop more self-motivation and independence in their studies this year.

On Friday, I went to talk to Mariane´s doctor about her finger. I still had more questions. The other option, other than putting in a pin, was to cut the finger off at the second joint, which might in the end provide more function. We have prayed so much that she would not lose her finger, that opting for this just was not settling. The idea of making such a decision for someone else´s body was really weighing. When the doctor seemed to be concluding that that would be the best way to go, I asked him that if it was his daughter, would that be what he would do. He hesitated and then said, "I think so." As we continued to talk, he changed his mind and decided we could go more conservative and a more radical surgery could always be done at a future time. So it was decided that he would open the tip and shave off some of the bone and close the tip again and open the side to put in a pin to secure the finger in a resting position. He said he would take care of everything and that I was to call him on Wednesday. I went to the car and praised and thanked the Lord for intervening and being present in that conversation. After the doctor´s, I went to the Courthouse and had a conversation with the Social Worker. She shared that Mariane´s mother had died, having been run over by a semi-truck. Her father has released his rights and Mariane will be freed for adoption very soon. Another reason, that I was thankful for the decision to do more conservative surgery. Please keep praying for Mariane for her surgery, for her understanding of the news about her mother, and for a wonderful family to adopt her according to God´s will.

Mike and Mary are leaving today for a 2 month furlough in the United States. They will return on the 31st of March. They will be doing fund raising and rest and renewal. With their leaving, Lobinho and Joanna´s return from vacation, and school starting, there has been a major need of reorganizing the schedules and responsibilities. Pray for Mike and Mary and for the CLM staff and kids during this period.

We have several birthdays this month. This week we have 3: Tomorrow, February 3rd, Berenice will be 29 years old, on Wednesday, February 4th, Marilda will be 39 years old, and on Sunday, February 7th, Moanna will be 8 years old. Berenice came to CLM with her sister, Elenize when she was 7 years old. Her mother had abandoned the family and her father was not able to continue to take care of them. Berenice proved to be a go getter during her growing up years, studying and perfecting her English and Computer skills and dreaming of going to college after High School. She was one of the first two members of the CLM Plus Program, moving to Curitiba in 2000 with Elisabete. They lived in a small apartment behind the house of friends for the first year, then moved into an apartment across the street. Berenice started college that first year and graduated in 2004. She worked at various apprenticeships and continues to have a variety of experiences in her field of International Business. She has initiated her Post-Graduate work in Economics/Accounting. She has also taught English on and off. She is presently in between jobs. She continues to live in Curitiba, recently moving into an apartment with two Christian friends. Pray for Berenice for continual growth in all areas of her life and that she will trust it all to the Lord Jesus.

Marilda came to CLM when she was 12 years old. Within that first year her mother died of alcohol poisoning. Marilda married Jelson when she was 19 years old and within the next several years had Douglas, now 17, Manuelly, now 15, and Samily, now 12. Marilda returned to school to finish High School and then went onto college for Executive Secretary. Various problems lead to separation and for the most part, Marilda has been raising the 3 children. The road has been rough, but Marilda has continued on, especially as a committed mother. She has even taken in a friend of Manuelly, Betina who was having difficulties with her stepfather. Marilda now works at CLM as our Secretary and is very efficient and committed to the children and the ministry. Pray for Marilda that the Lord will always give her the strength she needs to face the trials and continually grow in the confidence that He is in control. Pray also that she will have the means to build a house on the property that they bought close by to CLM.

Moanna is the oldest daughter of Lobinho and Joanna and the sister to Nicole. Moanna is a very beautiful, petite, intelligent and capable young girl. She likes to sing and dance and perform. She is good at taking care of her little sister with special needs. She is very expressive and very into all that is going on around her. Pray for Moanna as she goes into the second grade and that she would continue to be a good student. Pray that she can deal with the added attention that Nicole gets because of her condition and grow to be a mature, responsible, and well balanced young adult.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Zsuzsa - pray that her 6 weeks at CLM will be extremely special to her, that Viktoria and her can have lots of memorable experiences and times together, that CLM will leave a lasting impact on her life.

2) Viktoria - that God´s will will be done in regards to the Soroptimist Club Reward - For Women helping Women, to be able to take full advantage of her sister´s visit, for good health.

3) School starting - that the Lord would bless the 3 schools that we work with with good teachers and administrators, that it would be a good school year academically and behaviorally, for young Aline that we can discover what her learning difficulties are so we can help her have a successful year, for Lucão that he would be motivated and cooperative and pass the year, that all the others who passed weak or failed would have a strong year, for all the homework helpers to have much patience and diligence, for Nicole and Mariane who will be starting school for the first time, for Lobinho and Joanna as they release Nicole and trust that the Lord will protect her from any harm.

4) Mariane - for her surgery, for receiving of the news of her mother´s death, for adoption that God would choose the perfect family for her, that she would feel secure and safe through all of this.

5) Mike and Mary - for safe travels, for all of their plans during their furlough, for renewing and a clear guiding from the Lord.

6) Berenice - may the Lord bring growth in all areas of her life, for the finding of the right job for her, for continual development professionally, for all of her relationships.

7) Marilda - that the Lord would be her strength and her joy in all the trials she faces, for growth in all areas of her life, for her readjustment as she returns from vacation, for the building of her house this year.

8) Moanna - that she would mature and grow, that she can continue to be a good big sister to Nicole, that she would do well in school, that she would grow in her understanding of Jesus and all He is to us.

9) CLM Staff - that the Lord would give us wisdom and guidance in this ministry, that we would grow in unity, always being flexible and passionate in that which the Lord has called us to, for renewal every day and good health, for spiritual protection.

10) Claudemir - pray that he will find a job and a place to live before school starts in 2 weeks, pray for his spiritual awakening and good choice making.

11) Josiane - her friend, Andre will be visiting next week. May the Lord reveal His will in their relationship, for the further development of her ministry at CLM, for her relationship with the children, for assuming the authority that she has, for growth in all areas of her life.

12) Kevin and Elaine and family - that the Lord would open all of the doors for their coming - selling of their house, raising of support, visa for Kevin, plane tickets, and a date, for preparation of heart and spirit for the ministry that God has for them.

CLM TURVO:

I wish I had some more details about Luiz and Aninha´s trip. It is a time when you wish you could have been a mouse to see and hear all the interactions and conversations, making up for 50 years of separation. I´m anxious to hear the stories first hand. They are to be returning to CLM tomorrow, so please be praying for safety on their long trip back. The Lord has blessed the CLM family during their absence. Fabio and Edit have learned a lot and have certainly risen to the occasion. Rosilda and Kristen and Aline while she was there also were a big help and rose to meet the needs. Kristen and Rosilda will be returning to Entre Rios. Rosilda for just a week before she goes on to Curitiba to visit her sister and Kristen until the end of her stay at the beginning of March. May God continue to bless the ministry at CLM Turvo, may He help Luiz, Aninha, and Natalia as they re-enter and Fabio and Edit as they adjust to the changes. May they grow as a team in unity, flexibility, and passion.

School will also be starting up for them. Pray for the schools they work with, for their teachers and administrators. Pray for the motivation and good study habits for all of their students. Also, that they can have the homework and reinforcement help that they need. Pray that Fabio can get a computer lab set up for the children and that their internet service would become more reliable. Pray especially for Letricia and her learning difficulties and for Tainara, Willian, and Gabriel for their behavioral problems at school. Pray for a successful year.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Luiz and Aninha and family - for a safe trip home, for reflecting on and sorting out all of the emotions of their trip and their new relationship with Luiz´s family, for readjustment to their responsibilities and relationships, for the growing of the ministry at CLM Turvo.

2) Allan - missed an opportunity for a job while in Minas Gerais, so please keep praying that he will be in the right place at the right time to get a job.

3) Rosilda - may God bless her for her help at Turvo during Luiz, Aninha, and Natalia´s absence, for safe travels until her return to Canada, for special times with her relatives, for the opening of doors of opportunities once she returns to Canada.

4) Kristen - may God bless her for all that she has given during her short term experience, may He bless the last month that she has here, may the Lord guide and direct her life and future.

5) Fabio and Edit - for God´s renewal during their 4 days off, for supporters committed to financially support them in the ministry that God has called them to, for trust in the Lord for all of their needs, for growth in relationships and understanding of their own gifts to be applied to the ministry, for good health and strength and joy every day.

6) Letricia - for her special needs, praise God for her weight gain and growth, for God´s continual protection over her, for help with her learning difficulties.

7) Tainara - for improvement of her behavior especially in school, for better learning, for her future that she would be released for adoption.

8) Finances - for increased donations for CLM Turvo, for maintaining the budget, for the dollar to continue to rise, for grants or donations locally to help supplement.

9) Andy and Katie and little Roth - praise the Lord that their visa was granted, that the Lord would help them with all of the final details for their trip, that He would mark the date, that Jake and Amanda can find a good house or apartment for them to rent, for their language lessons, for God´s determination as to where they will be ministering after the language studies.

We continue to have hot days and lots of rain on and off. It has rained for about 40 days straight with at least one short shower a day or downpours all day long. Things are soggy, but the crops are growing really fast. Thank you for sharpening your swords and spears, and lifting your bow for us, mighty Prayer Warrior.

winning the battle,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2010 - January 26

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:33:48 +0000

Tuesday, January 26, 2010, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

I just returned from Foz do Iquaçu with Francielle and Aline. This was their trip for their 8th grade graduation. It provides them with the experience of traveling, staying in a hotel, eating in restaurants, and visiting special places like Paraguay and the Waterfalls. It was a good trip and everything went smoothly. We left at 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning and got to Foz by 11:00. We went to the hotel and then took off for Paraguay. The girls had their I.D. cards to be able to cross the border, but they questioned where their parents were and why I was with them. I had not taken any document stating that I was responsible for them. I suggested that the officer call CLM and verify who I am and that the girls are from there. He was more than willing to do that and thankfully, Viktoria gave the right answers! He let us go and told has to have a good time. The girls were given some spending money and they both seemed to know what they wanted fairly easily. What they bought, fit each of their personalities. After Paraguay, we went to a small, local zoo and then went swimming at the hotel. It was pizza buffet for dinner and more swimming for Francielle. Today, we had a nice breakfast at the hotel and then went to the Bird Park and then to the Waterfalls. Because of so much rain this summer, the falls were really powerful. In all of the times that I have been there, I have never seem them so full. As always, it was awesome to experience God´s wonders. We made it home in 5 hours with no stops and were thankful to be safely home. We thank the Lord for the trip and His protection.

In the last week, I have been traveling for two days, home for two days, and traveling again for two days, home for two days, and traveling again for two days. The middle trip in there was for Vera´s college graduation. It was awesome to see Vera getting that diploma. Studies have never been easy for Vera, but her determination has always won out in the end. We hadn´t thought that college would be something that Vera would decide to tackle, however, after getting some experience on the work field, she saw the need and had also gained a lot of confidence. The road wasn´t easy, but she was once again victorious and we are soooooooooooooo proud of her. But there was something even more impressive about this graduation and that was all of the people who were there to celebrate with her. They were from her father to her CLM family to people that Vera has worked with or studied with over the years or people that she met through other people. Vera´s ability to meet people and make lasting and valuable friendships was radiating that night. Those that have blessed her and been blessed by her is a very large group of special people. I marvel at who she is and the fight in her to be an overcomer in all she does. Pray for Vera that she would continue to grow in maturity and spiritually and that she would land a permanent and good job in her field (she is presently working a temporary job).

While in Curitiba for Vera´s graduation, we had planned on picking up the new Kombi. Viktoria would drive our car home and I would drive the Kombi. However, as we were turning the corner where we were to pick the Kombi up, the belt on the motor broke on the car. We pushed it around the corner and stopped in front of a Mechanic Shop. In the end, we ended up needing to leave the Corsa in the shop, since it could no longer make the trip home and we all came in the Kombi. We were praising God for where it happened and that we did have another vehicle to go home in. However, just to continue in the CLM style, there were some problems with the Kombi on the way home. The side door, for one, would not open when we stopped. It was pouring down rain and we were trying everything we could, but the door would not open. Rosilda ended up crawling over the front seat to get out. It finally opened, but when we got home it would not open again. The gears were also very difficult to get into the right gear. Thankfully, all is under warranty, but it is frustrating to start out this way.

Viktoria will be on her way to Curitiba tomorrow to pick up her sister, Zsuzsa (Susan). Needless to say, she is very excited. Zsuzsa will be staying for 6 weeks. Hungarian will be heard around the house again. Please pray for a safe trip for both of them and for a absolutely wonderful time together on Viktoria´s home turf.

We continue to be concerned about Mariane´s finger even though the doctor had said that she was free and didn´t need to go back. The tip of the finger that was black and the nail did come off, I think with a little bit of Mariane´s help. However, the tip of the bone is sticking out of the finger. More concerning than that is that the bone that was broken does not seem to be attached. Before Amanda would start working with her, we wanted to get an X-ray. When we asked the doctor to write a request for an X-ray, he indicated that she needs surgery to resolve the situation of the tip and to put in a rod to secure the bone in place. That would make the finger immobile permanently. We ask the Lord for wisdom that we might do the right thing for Mariane. Thankfully, the doctor is willing to do the surgery through the government health system which will not cost anything. Please pray with us.

The school vacation is coming to an end - there is a week and a half left. CLM Turvo is looking for some special activities for their kids and that would include spending a night or two at CLM Entre Rios. The would really be special for both families. We are making plans and looking forward to a special time.

We haven´t heard any details from Luiz and Aninha and family but all indicates that they are having a fabulous time. They hope to be home by February 5th since school will be starting on the 8th. Pray for a safe trip for them.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Francielle and Aline - that the trip will provide lasting memories, that it was a learning experience for them, that their spiritual growth and commitment would lead them to baptism and serving the Lord at home, at school, and at church, for inner healing and emotional maturity, for their futures.

2) Vera - praise God for who she is, that the Lord would guide and provide for her, for finding of a permanent job in her field, that she would be blessed and would bless through all of her relationships and friendships, for spiritual growth.

3) Viktoria and Zsuzsa - for safe travels for both of them, for a sweet reunion, for deep fellowship and sharing, that Zsuzsa would understand and really get a feel for the ministry that Viktoria has been called to.

4) Mariane - that God would complete the healing work He has started in her, for wisdom as to what to decide about the surgery, that the Lord would use all of this in her life and ours.

5) CLM Turvo´s visit - that it would be a blessing for all, for deeper bonding and relationships between the children, for lasting memory making.

6) Luiz and Aninha and family - that the Lord would continue to bless them on this trip and their new found family, that the Lord would help Luiz especially to work through all of the emotions involved in this whole experience, for continual contact after the visit, for time with Aninha´s family, for God´s protection over them on the trip back home.

7) School - preparation for the beginning of school, that the children would all be motivated to do their very best, for the schools and each teacher who will have contact with our children, for a successful school year for all, for organizing of the homework schedule.

8) Spiritual growth - for Aline, Francielle, Cristiane, and Geovane who have manifested a desire to participate in the discipleship program, that they might grow in understanding and commitment and be a powerful instrument in our family, that others might also make a commitment to Jesus Christ and also desire to grow.

9) Lucilene - received braces on her teeth last week and will be needing surgery to remove a tooth that is hidden in the roof of her mouth. Also, she will be having her back surgery in April. Pray for her that the Lord would guide everything that she is needing to get done and for peace in her heart.

10) Mike and Mary - will be leaving on furlough on February 2rd. Pray for all of the preparations that they need to complete until then. Also, pray for the preparations and reorganization that we need to make in their absence. Pray for safe travels and a blessed time in the States.

11) Lobinho and Joanna - will return from their vacation on Monday. Pray for their readjustment and orientation as they jump on the very fast moving CLM train, may God prepare their hearts and fill them with all joy.

It is late and this is going to have to cover everything for this week. Continue to stand in the gap for us, please. We are counting on you.

believing in His faithfulness,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2010 - January 19

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:32:43 +0000

Tuesday, January 19, 2010, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

I want to start this letter out sharing with you what the Lord showed me this week during my devotions. I happened to open to Nehemiah and started reading. You would have thought I had never read that book in my life. It was like things were popping up out of the page. I was marking things left and right. I was rereading and amazed at how God was speaking to me. Nehemiah motivated the people to rebuild the wall and gates of Jerusalem. Everyone was working together. But the enemy rose up and wanted to stop the work. In Nehemiah 4:16 - 17a, it seems to clearly talk about the CLM Prayer Warriors, Missionary Committee, and the CLM Missionaries:

"From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half (CLM Prayer Warriors) were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The

officers (Missionary Committee) posted themselves behind all the people of Judah (CLM) who were building the wall. Those who carried materials

(CLM Missionaries) did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other and each of the builders (CLM Missionaries) wore his sword at his

side as he worked."

Have you realized that you have been carrying spears, shields, bows, and armor to protect and ward off the enemy as the CLM missionaries carry on the work? Maybe that concept sheds some new light on your important role in accomplishing God´s mission in the lives of the CLM children and young adults. Please never take your calling and responsibility lightly. You are making a difference for the Kingdom of God. I encourage you to continue to be a faithful Prayer Warrior for CLM.

CLM TURVO:

Luiz and Aninha along with Etienne, Natalia, Allan, and Romualdo left for Minas Gerais in the middle of the night on Friday. There is news that they arrived safely and are spending time with Luiz´s new found family in Belo Horizonante. Before returning, they plan on stopping in Nepomuceno to visit Aninha´s family also. We have no further details, but assume they are having a wonderful time. Please continue to pray for them.

Fabio and Edit along with Rosilda, Kristen (arriving today), and Aline seem to be rising to the occasion. The children, of course, had to test out the territory a little, but quickly discovered that the rules continue the same. They are working, playing, and doing some special things during their school vacation.  All is going well. Keep the CLM Family in your prayers in the absence of Luiz and Aninha and Natalia.

There is one birthday this week. Suelen will be 13 years old on Sunday, January 24th. She came with her brother, Paulo in September, 2006, during the first year of CLM Turvo. They were pretty much abandoned and progressing more and more to life on the streets. They spent much of their time at a local gas station among the truck drivers.   Suelen is a very intelligent and athletic young lady. She just completed the 4th grade and once again had a very strong year. She enjoys sports, especially soccer and she is good. She is good at making friends and enjoys conversation. She is not timid. She needs to grow in honesty, obedience, and respect however, she is correctable and will listen and shortly change her attitude. She really enjoys messing with hair and will fix everyone´s hair in the evening after baths. Prayer for Suelen that she will seek the Lord in truth and sincerity and grow emotionally and spiritually.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Luiz and Aninha and family - that God would keep them safe in their travels, for deep intimacy with Luiz´s family, that Luiz can deal with all of the emotions that he is experiencing, that this encounter would lead to continual contact and growing relationships, that they can be a witness and blessing to Aninha´s family, that they would cherish this family time they are having.

2) Fabio and Edit - that the Lord would guide them and bless them with wisdom, perseverance, and patience during this time that Luiz, Aninha, and Natalia are gone, for deepening of their relationships with the children, for deeper understanding of the workings of the ministry, that God would cover them with His grace and spiritual protection and arm them for the battles.

3) Rosilda - that God would renew her strength each day and give her joy and deep love in all that she does, for building of relationships with the staff and children, that God would give her a peace and confirmation of His plan for her time in Brazil.

4) Kristen - God´s blessings over her during her stay at Turvo, that He will give her insight and grant her precious relationships with the staff and children, that the Lord would continue to grow and stretch her into all He desires her to be.

5) Aline - that her time in Turvo can be a growing time, that she would reflect on her relationship with God and develop a greater dependency, that she would grow in maturity and honesty.

6) Suelen - that the Lord would take hold of her life using her intelligence and talents for His honor and glory, that she would grow in obedience and respect and honesty, that her friendships would be genuine and lasting, that the Lord would guide her future.

7) Luaninha - that the Lord would comfort her in the absence of Luiz and Aninha and Natalia, that her routine can be maintained as normal as possible, that she can feel secure and loved.

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

We are very thankful to report that Jake, Amanda, and Kristen had a successful trip to Foz do Iquaçu. The first day things looked quite hopeless, but praise God, He guided them to the right place which was the Federal Police on the Brazilian side. They granted her a 2 month visa which gives her an extra 10 days over her departing date. What a relief and to think that she does not have to do anymore visa work. She was actually getting pretty good at it! Please pray for the last months of Kristen´s short term experience and for God´s richest blessings over her life and her servant´s heart.

Tim Morris from the First Friends Church in North Canton, Ohio arrived on Thursday after not knowing where he was for many hours. Due to problems we are having with our phones, he was unable to contact us to let us know that his plane from São Paulo was delayed 4 hours. Claudemir and Zach went to the bus stations several times to see if he was on one of the buses from Curitiba. Finally, the last bus arrived at 1:00 a.m. and Tim Morris stepped off. It was a relief when he had arrived safely. He will be staying for 3 months. We pray that the Lord would be able to do tremendous miracles in and through his life during his stay at CLM.

On Friday, Mike and Mary took a large group of kids and visitors to the São Francisco waterfalls. We have had so much rain that the whole trip was a challenge. Everyone agreed that it was well worth it, until the next day when their bodies were aching from head to toe from the rugged climb. We are trying to plan a few more significant summer activities that don´t cost much.

On Sunday, the church had baptism for 10 souls here at CLM. The testimonies were a praise and honor to God. They revealed lives and marriages transformed, liberation from demon procession, overcoming of addictions, families restored - so very powerful! Following the testimonies, the baptism took place in the CLM swimming pool. Many visitors and relatives were present and the Holy Spirit was truly moving. Josiele from CLM was also included in the 10. She shared about how many times and how cunningly she was tempted by the enemy to give up and to not get baptized. She knows her weaknesses, but has come to see that the power of Jesus in her life is bigger and is victorious. Her conviction to get baptized was strong and very powerful. She stood her ground and defeated the enemy. After the baptism, there was a community lunch with the church, relatives, and friends. It is always nice to see the farm filled Keep all of the new converts in your prayers that the multiplication will continue.

Following lunch, I left with Bob, Zach, and Lizena to go to Curitiba. Lizena is on vacation and Bob and Zach left on Monday night. I returned home in the middle of the afternoon. Thankfully, I arrived home safely.  I will be going to Curitiba again on Thursday for Vera´s college graduation with Viktoria, Rosilda, Vera´s father, brother and sister-in-law. We will return on Friday, hopefully with the new Kombi. Then on Monday, I leave once more to go to Foz do Iquaçu with Aline and Francielle for their 8th grade graduation trip. We will return on Tuesday. My traveling will be done at that point. Viktoria however will be leaving on Wednesday to pick up her sister, Zsuzsa (Susan). She will be visiting for 6 weeks. They will return on Thursday. Then Mike and Mary will be going on furlough for 2 months starting February 1st. They moved their trip up in order to get it in before their temporary visa expires in case their permanent one doesn´t come through in time. Please keep all of these travels in your prayers.

Today, Mariane had one more visit to the doctor about her finger. He released her to full activity, no more appointments, and no more bandage. The tip will remove itself when the new skin underneath is ready, so now it is just work it and use it. Amanda will be working with her on specific fine motion movements and function. Please continue to pray for full recovery.

Mateus is doing very well, except at bedtime. It has been a challenge to get him to bed the smoothest way possible. He is protective of his bed, but doesn´t want to lay down in it. Tonight, I was able to have him fall asleep in my arms first and then put him in bed. With that, he sleeps through the night. All the kids mother him up, but Aline (his sister) gets the prize.  Mateus can captivate anyone´s heart. Please continue to pray for his adjustment.

Mike is working with Maria Joanna on a short three week trial of "real world". She had moved into the apartment behind Bethany´s house to live on her own and buy according to her needs. She is working in the laundry room in Lizena´s place. Mary C. took her to the store today and she had a tremendous lesson on what is expensive and what is not, what is within her budget and what is not. She has the illusion of going out on her own when she turns 18 this year. The purpose of this test is to show her that she needs to prepare herself for such a move. Pray that Maria Joana would have a powerful experience with the Lord and realize the realities of life and the preparations that she needs.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Tim Morris - praise God for His protection of him and safe arrival, that the Lord can show him all He desires for him and of him during his stay, for learning of Portuguese and the culture, for good health and God´s protection.

2) Josiele - that the Lord would bless her with continual growth in leaps and bounds, that she would be wise to the enemy and his attempts to discourage and accuse her, that the Holy Spirit will transform her timidness into boldness for Jesus and that she would touch many other lives with His truth and her love for Jesus, pray for all the other converts that they too would grow powerfully in His Spirit.

3) Bob and Zach - they should have arrived home several hours ago. May the Lord help them with the adjustment back to their normal routine while reflecting on their experiences in Brazil and at CLM, especially pray for Haisha and Hason as they too reflect on this time and give value to the wonderful father they have.

4) Mariane - for complete recovery of the movement and function of her little finger, that God would continue to heal.

5) Mateus - that he would continue to adjust especially at bedtime when he appears to be afraid, for wisdom for us in gently helping him with his adjustment, pray for his and his siblings´ future.

6) Rita and Gisieli - that the spirit of a calm, obedient, peaceful spirit can come over them, that they would learn how to control their anger and make wise choices, for discernment in approaching them when they are out of control.

7) Vera´s graduation - she is working temporarily and it appears to be a good stepping stone for her. Pray for her graduation and that we can really celebrate the tremendous accomplishment she made, that God would grant her deep growth emotionally and spiritually and provide for her every need.

8) Trip to Foz do Iquaçu with Francielle and Aline - for God´s protection in our travels and a wonderful time together of fellowship.

9) Arrival of Viktoria´s sister, Zsuzsa - that she would have safe travels, that this time together would be tremendously uplifting to Viktoria, that she can get a feel of Viktoria´s ministry, for overcoming the language barrier, that she will feel and experience first hand the love and purpose of the Lord at CLM.

10) Mike and Mary - for the granting of their permanent visa, for preparation for their furlough, for all of the contacts they will be having, for renewal and encouragement.

11) Maria Joana - that her living on her own experience can open her eyes to some of the difficulties she will encounter and how she can prepare herself better, for an openness to learn.

12) Lizena and Marilda - are on vacation. That the Lord would renew them, direct them, and help them to have clear vision of what the Lord desires for them, that He would be their joy and their strength.

Pick up your armor, shield, spear, and bows. We are in great need of powerful Prayer Warriors who are fighting the enemy for us, that we might be able to continue the work. Thank you so much.

a builder in His Kingdom,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2010 - January 12

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:30:19 +0000
Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Brazil Dear Prayer Warrior, CLM ENTRE RIOS: We can only talk and talk about the wedding. It was unique, beautiful, and everything the Lord had planned. The day was similar to what we have been having - some rain, some wind, some sun, and changing from one to the other. In the morning, the sun was so bright that I had a hard time looking out the window, but then that changed to a light rain. Many were asking what is Plan B. We said that there was no Plan B. Faith does not have a Plan B! Well, the rain stopped maybe about a half hour before the wedding was to start, but the wind picked up. It literally picked up the white tent over the altar. It was unrepairable. The flowers would not stay on the pedestals and the green carpet would not stay in place, until stones were put on it to secure it. Praying that the wind would let up some, we delayed the start of the wedding. It did let up some and the wedding began. A few hats were flying here and there. As Bob and Loeci and I began our procession to the field it started drizzling just a little. It felt so good and was like a touch of God. By the time, we got to the front it stopped. It drizzled on and off, but it didn�t seem like it was bothering anyone, except for maybe the photographers and the musicians who needed to protect their equipment. God was present and He was joining Marcelo and Loeci as man and wife. A big highlight of the wedding was when Loeci sang a song to Marcelo. It was absolutely heavenly and touching. There was another special number sung by 2 of their friends and sang in English. It too was absolutely great. The hat collection was beautiful and just as Loeci had dreamed it to be. Three days before the wedding, we found out that our cook would not be able to make it. He was sick and in the hospital and was not up to such an undertaking. Thankfully, we were able to get another group and they did a miraculous job. Everything was made that same day and fresh and wonderful. There were lots of salads, stroganoff with rice, and pork. The cake (from our local bakery) was chocolate and coconut and also delicious. There were so many of their very precious friends at the wedding. Loeci had groups of people from the 3 jobs she has had, including her present one. There were several that came from the States and Canada - Bob, Zach, Mark, Barb, Heather, Greg, Jenny, Andrea, Talissa, Jonathan, Rosilda. CLM Plusers also made the effort to be here and participate in this important family moment - Marilda, Julio and Elisabete, Berenice, Elenize and Guilherme, Josiane, Lizena, Claudemir. Many families from both Marcelo and Loeci�s church in the city and our local church in the colonies were here, also. CLM Turvo came in full force. Several of Marcelo�s relatives and family friends were also here. The CLM kids did a wonderful job before and during the wedding. We were so proud of them. Marcelo had 11 couples and Loeci had 10 couples in the wedding party, that they wanted to honor for having very significant influence and for being tremendous blessings in their lives. Everyone walked away smiling and commending what a beautiful wedding. God was present. His plan is best. Marcelo and Loeci left after the wedding to go to Foz do Iquacu for 3 nights. They were going to a hotel that has a water park which they both enjoy. Please keep them in your prayers as they adapt to married life and continue to be used by the Lord in a powerful way. It has been a little difficult getting turned around after the wedding. Besides being a little on the tired side it was hard to get the gears switched to summer activities for the kids and other projects that need to be done. This month still holds some travels, Vera�s graduation, and visitors. Jake and Amanda will be traveling to Paraguay with Kristen to once again get another visa for her to continue her stay here. We are praying for a 3 month visa, which she has not gotten up til now. Hopefully, this time they will give her what she needs to finish out her stay until March. Who knows maybe they will just tell her, she has to stay in Brazil forever! Bob and Zach will be leaving CLM on Sunday and flying out on Monday. On Thursday, Viktoria, Lizena, Rosilda, Vera�s father, brother, and sister-in-law, and I will go to Curitiba for Vera�s graduation returning on Friday. Somewhere by the end of this month, I will be taking Francielle and Aline to Foz do Iquacu for their 8th grade graduation trip. The visitor that will be coming on the 27th will create one of the most exciting moments in all the years Viktoria has been at CLM. Her sister, Zsuzsa (Susan) and first member of her immediate family will arrive. Our prayer is that it will be a very uplifting time for Viktoria and that Zsuzsa can take back to her family wonderful pictures and deep insight as to the ministry that Viktoria has here. Please keep this visit in your prayers. It was good to be able to get in touch with the Volkswagon dealer in Curitiba and place our order for a new Kombi today. I will be able to pick it up when I go to Vera�s graduation on the 21st. We will have to go by bus, to be able to return with the Kombi. We continue to have challenges with our vehicles. The old white Kombi will not start for anything. The gearshift on the blue Kombi dances all around. The newer white Kombi starts when it wants to. When we went to the city on Saturday for Loeci�s legal wedding, we had to push it downhill 6 blocks through intersections and it wouldn�t start, only to discover that the battery cable had come off. Believe it or not, when Jake tried to start the tractor to take the wedding tables back, it wouldn�t start! Oh, how refreshing a new Kombi will be! When Alisson, Aline, and Alex came to CLM there was talk of their little brother, Mateus coming to join them. Since there was a chance that they would return to their grandmother, it was decided that Mateus did not need a double move. Now that the visit have been terminated and the direction to be taken seems to be going in the direction of adoption, the question of moving Mateus has come up again. Since we had made a commitment to bringing the siblings together, we have accepted the transfer. He will be coming Thursday afternoon. He is a cutie, but the adjustment may take a while. Pray for Mateus. This Sunday, the church will be having baptism in the CLM swimming pool. Our Josiele will be baptized. Although, we know that she needs to grow in some areas of her life, we are confident in her sincerity and the commitment she has made to Jesus Christ. There are many more who have been disciple, we have also made the decision and commitment to be baptized. Please pray for this important step. One birthday this week for us is Sergio�s who will be 22 on Sunday, January 17th. He came to CLM from the streets of Pinhao when he was 8 years old. His mother has mental problems and was not able to care for him. Sergio showed various traumas from the dangers and insecurity of the streets. He graduated from High School and moved out to live with a friend and Claudemir here in the colonies. Since then, he has found a companion and they have moved in with her grandfather to care for him. He is not working at the moment. He stops in every now and then and comes for most family events. He is not walking with the Lord, but we trust that the Lord is still pursuing him. Pray for job, that he would marry his girlfriend, Gislaine, and that they will commit their lives to the Lord. CLM TURVO: Luiz and Aninha and family will be traveling to Minas Gerais to meet up with Luiz�s new found family and to visit Aninha�s family. They leave on Thursday morning. We have lined up for Rosilda and Kristen (after she returns from Paraguay) to go to Turvo to help Fabio and Edit during this time. We trust that things will go smoothly and for the full cooperation of the children. We ask for your prayers for safety and protection on the Moreira Family trip and for wisdom, strength, and direction for Fabio, Edit, Rosilda, and Kristen. Today is Tainara�s 5th birthday. She came to CLM when she was 2 years old. Her mother is very young and totally incapable of taking care of her. Tainara has a very strong personality. She can be very stubborn, demanding, and defiant. She also is very loving and affectionate and loves to sit on people�s laps. She likes to make other people feel good. She enjoys her baby dolls and like to sing and dance. She did well in school, although, she was very disruptive at times. She likes to talk and call attention to herself. Keep Tainara in your prayers especially for a family who will cherish and care for her. PRAYER REQUESTS: 1) Loeci and Marcelo�s wedding - praise God for a beautiful wedding, that everything went smoothly, for every guest that came and participated, for the cooks, decorator, and hairdresser, pray for Loeci and Marcelo as they begin a new chapter of their lives, for their relationship, for their jobs, for their schooling, and for their ministries, God�s protection on their return from their honeymoon. 2) Jake, Amanda, and Kristen - for God�s protection as they go and return from Paraguay, that Kristen will be granted a 3 month visa to complete her stay, for a great time of fellowship. 3) Bob and Zach - that they can take full advantage of their remaining time here, God�s preparation for their return home, for safe travels, God�s blessings on them as they have blessed many. 4) Vera �s graduation - praise God for this great accomplishment for her, that she would feel our love and support and how proud we are of her, that she would get a permanent job in her area, for continual emotional and spiritual growth. 5) Zsuzsa�s Visit - that the Lord would bring her safely, for the tremendous blessing of sister sharing, that she would be open to understand and appreciate Viktoria�s ministry at CLM, for special memory making. 6) Kombi - praise God for the new Kombi, pray that it would be available on the 21st, pray that we can get the other Kombis running and reliable. 7) Mateus - that he would adapt well, that his siblings will rejoice at his coming, that all would accept him into their hearts, pray for the future that God has planned for this sibling group and His timing. 8) Baptism - pray for a nice day, pray for Josiele and her growth and commitment to the Lord, pray for all others who will be baptized. 9) Sergio - pray that the Lord would remind him of all the teachings during his childhood and that he would return to the Lord, that he would marry his girlfriend and lead her to the Lord, that he would find a job, that he would grow in character and righteousness. 10) Mark, Barb, Heather, and Andrea - they will be traveling home on Friday. May the Lord bless and keep them, may their experience always warm their hearts, may they know that they deeply blessed Loeci and Marcelo with their presence as well as many others. 11) Jonathan - he is on his way to Rio de Janeiro for a work related opportunity to be an arquitechical consultant. May the Lord keep him safe and take him home without any difficulties. 12) Talissa - She has been Kristen�s shadow for the first week. She is doing great with her relationships with the children and certainly has a servant�s heart. May we be able to pass to her her schedule, that she would be strong during the time that Kristen and Rosilda will be gone, that God can stretch her in a loving way, for growth and vision for God�s calling on her life. 13) Vacation time and the return to school - that the Lord would bless our plans for activities and help us prepare for the return to school. 14) Luiz and Aninha and Family - that the Lord would clearly illuminate the entire way on their trip, that the encounter with Luiz�s family can be emotional and all he expected, that they may all have quality time with their new found family, for a good visit with Aninha�s family, for safe travels, for inner peace that exceeds all understanding that all will go smoothly at CLM Turvo - It is God�s work! 15) Tainara - that the Lord would tender her heart, for development of sensitivity to other�s needs and hurts, for overcoming the stubbornness and developing obedience, for success in school, that God would guide her future. We are blessed to overflowing. We are encouraged and grateful. God is good all the time. loving Him more and more, Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2010 - January 4

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:27:05 +0000

Tuesday, January 4, 2010, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Well, we had a great New Years and we are on the march to the wedding. We had tons of people here for a special New Years lunch. Julio (Elisabete´s husband) prepared barbequed ribs for all. It was interesting because the ribs were staked in a grill type thing and put in the ground. The wood fire was made in a circle around the meat. Even being a distance it was hot enough to slowly cook the meat. CLM Turvo was here, Jeane´s family, Solange´s family, Vera, Elisabete and Julio and his son, Juliano, some of Elisabete´s relatives, Kelly and Weslly, Ivone and family, Rosemarie and Mateus, Berenice, Loeci, Elenize and Guilherme, and probably some others here and there. It was a fun day just to be together. Some were swimming, some playing games and sports, some just talking and laughing together.

Adir, to our surprise, announced that he will be getting married this month. We haven´t met the girl yet, but he says he plans on bringing her here. His father-in-law also wants to come and meet everyone. He said that she is a hard worker and a good girl. He was so cute when he shared that he asked her to not prohibit him from doing two things: (1) Coming to CLM and (2) Playing soccer. Keep him in your prayers, please.

We heard disturbing news yesterday morning. Ivone called and said that she heard that Airton (her brother) was shoot in the chest. She had very little information and no one knew where he was. I called all of the Guarapuava hospitals, but did not find him.  Airton had lived at CLM for about 8 years before he returned to live with his father in the mountains. By evening, we had a little more information about his condition and where he is. He is in a hospital in Pinhão. They could not operate to take the bullets out because they had no blood to give him. One of his sisters went there in the evening to give blood. Airton has been in stable condition and responds well to questions.  He does not seem to know who shot him. They did end up doing emergency surgery this afternoon when they discovered that there was a bullet in his lung. Please pray for full recovery.

Last evening, our accountant showed up with a 13 year girl he had given a ride to. Maria Agusta was running away from her father having no idea where she was going. She had walked about 7 KM and then got a ride. She was left off by the first colony. As Gerald passed, she begged for a ride and shared her story with him. She said that her mother had died giving birth to her. She lived with her father and stepmother until 3 years ago when her stepmother left. Her father started drinking and with that came physical abuse and mistreatment of Maria. About 3 months ago, her father was put in jail for stealing whiskey from a bar. Maria has lived alone during this time. She feared that her father was being released from prison yesterday and decided to run for her life. Maria was very nervous and crying. She seemed like a really sweat girl and will be going into the 8th grade, which is good for her age. She has faced a lot. I called the Child Protection Agency and they took her to the government home because of her age. They will be able to check out the situation with her father and offer him treatment for his drinking problem. There is a reason that Maria came into (and out of) our lives. One thing is for sure, we can pray for her.

Evanira will be 38 years old tomorrow. Evanira came to CLM when she was 12 years old, joining her 4 younger sisters, Terezinha, Inês, Santina, and Neusa. She needed surgery for her crossed eyes and has suffering with visual problems. She graduated from High School and later took a Practical nursing course. She works on and off as a private nurse, usually for elderly people here in the colonies. She is the wife of Lauro and the mother of Kelly and Weslly. They live near CLM. Please pray for Evanira and her family, especially that the Lord could take His rightful place in their lives.

The wedding plans are coming along. Of course, there are a lot more details always coming up. We have the tables, benches, and plates. Now we are after silverware. The food needs to be bought, but the cook is sick. We ask for your prayers for Wilson, who is in the hospital. We have plans for the grass cutting, parking, poster at the entrance, cleaning, preparing the guest rooms, etc. The photographer is lined up, the cake ordered, the wedding dress and clothes for the kids and the hats are all ready, and the setup and decorations are under control. The ceremony and music are being organized. Pastor Rogerio and Pastor Fabio will be doing the ceremony and sermon and Mike will be translating it all into English. Nicole will be the flower girl and a young brother and sister will be the ring bearers. There will be 10 couples on each side (that is the Brazilian custom instead of bridesmaids and ushers) that will enter in support of the bride and the groom. Bob and I will be walking Loeci down the aisle. Loeci will be singing a song to Marcelo´s surprise. We are expecting a beautiful day, in spite of, the downpours we have been having everyday. More out-of-country guests will be arriving tomorrow - Mark, Barb, and Heather Scott, Andreia Giovanetto, Talissa Shaull, Greg and Jenny Bolinger, all from Tremont, Illinois. Also, arriving will be Rosilda Weinhardt and Jonathan Meister. More help is on the way. Please keep Loeci and Marcelo´s wedding in your prayers that more than anything it will glorify our Wonderful God.

We received 4 unexpected visitors tonight. Pastor Silvio from Goias, his wife, Cleide, his daughter, Raquel, and her boyfriend were passing through from Foz do Iquaçu and decided to stop in. I met Silvio in 1982 shortly after I came to Brazil. He had not been back to CLM since then. We were not expecting them, but God knew they were coming. The rooms were ready and we had lots of leftovers from dinner tonight. He had everything prepared.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

(1) New Years - we praise God for a good start for 2010, thankfulness for so many of the family being here, thankfulness for God´s promises for this year:

            Psalms 107:35 "The Lord turned the desert into pools of water, He turned the parched land into flowing springs."

(2) Adir - that the Lord would bless Adir´s marriage and that he would take the commitment as a very serious one, that he and his future wife can grow in their love and relationship with each other, that they would come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

(3) Airton - that the Lord would bring him through this trial to full recovery, that it would be discovered the motive and who shot him, that he would know that the hand of the Lord was over him.

(4) Maria Agusta - praise the Lord for His protection over her that she did not fall into the hands of those who would have harmed her, that she would be protected and that her situation with her father would be resolved, that she might have a bright future.

(5) Evanira - pray that she can find a permanent job with normal hours, pray that the Lord can transform their family and that the enemy can not bring anymore destruction to it, may their hearts be fully yielded to the Lord.

(6) Loeci and Marcelo´s wedding - that all of the preparations can get done, for finding of silverware to borrow, for the safe arrival of the guests who are traveling, for good weather, that the would be present and highly honored at this wedding.

(7) Talissa - will be staying for 6 months. May the Lord help her to adjust, to learn Portuguese, to build relationships, to allow the Lord to work a mighty work in her heart, may she clearly see what the Lord is calling her to.

(8) Rosilda - will also be staying on after the wedding. May the Lord convict her of His plans and may she be obedient.

CLM TURVO:

CLM Turvo also received unexpected visitors tonight. Eric from Argentina and his family arrived. He had been to Turvo on a work team probably 2 years ago. Both homes had unexpected blessings tonight.

Rebeca and Damares will be leaving this week. We are very thankful for their help here with the children. Their love and creativity was a real blessing. May the Lord continue to bless their walk with Him.

We are thankful that Luiz has connected with his biological family. He has been able to talk to his father on the phone and sisters and nieces and nephews, also. Luiz and Aninha are planning a trip to Minas sometime after the wedding. They are seeing whether there is a possibility that the whole family will be available to go. Pray for them and for discernment of the details and timing of the trip. May their reunion be everything and more than they anticipate.

Luizinho will be 12 years old on Sunday, January 10th. He came to CLM when he was 8 years old and had been abandoned and unwanted. Luiz likes to play with the other boys and is a big help with any jobs that need to be done. He is very dedicated in anything he does. Recently, Luizinho hurt his leg and has been in a cast. He is anxious to be getting it off soon. He is excited to be going onto the 4th grade next year. He is a happy boy and likes to make others around him feel good. He receives visitors very well. Pray for Luizinho that he will be granted a family since he is already free for adoption.

Willian´s 6th birthday is also on Sunday, January 10th. He is Gabriel´s older brother and they returned to CLM for the second time about the middle of last year. Their mother was a minor and very incapable to care for the boys. When she became of age, she tried to do everything to get the boys back and did. However, shortly after they returned home, she got herself in trouble again. She had gotten in a fight over someone else´s husband and had her house burnt down and went to jail. The boys were removed once again and returned to CLM. Willian presents as a rather traumatized little boy. There is a lot of violence within him and mischief. He has come a long way, but has a ways to go to learn obedience. Willian likes to play with toys, like cars and trucks and balls. He is best if he is not together with his brother. Pray for Willian for continued improvement and for a good future.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Rebeca and Damares - that the Lord would bless them for the time they spent volunteering at CLM, may it have marked their lives and brought growth, may the Lord always be with them.

2) Trip for Luiz and Family - may the Lord clearly show the details and the timing of their trip to Minas to personally meet Luiz´s family, for safety and tremendous joy.

3) Luizinho - that the Lord would provide a family for him and for his adjustment, for healing of his injured foot, that he would continue to have success in his studies, that spiritually he would grow and allow the Lord to be his all in all.

4) Willian - for inner healing for all of his traumas, that he would overcome the tendency towards violence, for academic success, that the mother´s rights would be removed and that they would be put up for adoption.

5) Year 2010 - that the Lord would grant a victorious year helping CLM Turvo grow in staff and children, that they would be able to keep within the budget, that they would prosper financially, that they would be able to move forward with the projects God has put in their hearts, that the hearts of the children would be turned to God, that God would be glorified.

6) Fabio and Edit - that they would adapt to their new ministry, that they would receive the financial support that they need, that they would trust that the Lord called them and will equip them right where they are, that the enemy would have no victory but that love and relationships would be victorious, that the Lord would strengthen them individually and their marriage through the trials of the first two years of ministry.

7) Adriana and Manuel - for their continual adjustment and adaptation to the CLM family, for academic success during the next school year, for building of relationships with staff and children.

Thank you for sharing in our week with us. Thank you for your prayers. May God bless and keep you and give you a memorable new year.

trusting,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - December 22

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:36:40 +0000
Tuesday, December 22, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

Where do I begin? --- And how do I make this short??????

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

People are starting to drift in to CLM for the Holidays. The first arrival is Kim, Kristen´s younger sister. Believe it or not, we managed to keep it a secret. Kristen literally had no idea that she was coming. She flew down to Foz do Iquaçu with Peter (P.J.) and Amy, who were going onto Paraguay to visit Ben and Vivi.  P.J. and Amy wanted their bags picked up and also Kim so she would not have to travel alone. We tried convincing Kristen to do the trip, but were not successful. She was hesitant because of the language barrier. So Juan made the trip to Foz and Viktoria went to the city to pick Juan and Kim up. When they arrived at CLM at about 4:30 in the morning, Viktoria called Kristen to the phone, which gave her just enough time to be somewhat oriented by the time she got downstairs and met up with her surprise. There were just a few tears of great joy. Things are speeding up now that Rosemarie and her son, Mateus arrival this afternoon and Ben and Vivi and P.J. and Amy will be arriving yet tonight. Tomorrow it will be Vera, hopefully Berenice, Everson and Leticia and his brother, Esdras, Loeci and Marcelo and all who will be here for the CLM Family Christmas Gift Exchange Party. At Entre Rios there are about 85 people participating. We will see how many mess ups there are. It is hard to have it come out perfect with so many people, but it is sure great to be all together. Joanna will be receiving relatives all the way from Cuiba, an aunt, uncle, and cousins. May God bless all of our visitors and us, too. So tomorrow evening is the big CLM party. The homemade cookies (compliments of Viktoria and the kids) and the ice cream are ready and waiting.

Backtracking a bit: Mike and Mary had a good trip to Curitiba with Lucilene and Janete, other than sitting in the waiting room at the hospital for 5 hours waiting for their appointment.   It was hard to understand why this second appointment with Dr. Carlos was necessary when he basically said the same things when Luci had gone with Marilda. We had hoped that she would have her surgery during summer vacation so not to miss much or any school, however, the doctor is booked until April 8th. If there is a cancellation before that, we may be called. Lucilene can´t wait until it is over, and has shown some anxiety due to the several months of waiting. She will be getting her braces put on her teeth on January 22nd. Please continue to keep Lucilene and all that she is facing in your prayers.

We had three successful trips to the city in the evenings last Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to buy presents for the Gift Exchange. The people in the stores know us and do everything to help us out. The kids and teens enjoy it and it is fun to get out in small groups. The biggest challenge is convincing the younger kids that they are not buying for themselves, but for their secret pal.

We continue to take Mariane to the doctor for him to see the progress on her finger. He has stretched it out to once a week, with us rewrapping it every other day. Now, with the Holidays, she will go for a two week period. Finally, even I can say that her finger is making progress. The swelling has decreased and the open area is still draining, but is closing too. Dr. Decio Filho declared today that she will not lose her finger and that the dead skin on the tip of her finger should fall off itself and not require surgery. At this point, she is able to move the first joint (as attached to the hand), but can not separate the other joints. Once the superficial healing is completed, therapy to regain the movement can begin. We continue to pray for God´s complete healing, to His honor and glory.

School is out, but we do not know all of the results yet. From Imperatriz, Rômulo (7th grade) and Lucas Ramos (5th grade) have failed. We believe that the school is willing to continue with them and give them another chance. We are very proud of our Imperatriz students. They grew so very much and that is more important than passing or not. We haven´t gotten all of the results from the older kids´ school, but know that Lucão did not pass 5th grade. His learning disabilities and lack of motivation did him in this year. Of the younger children, Aline N. was held back because of her inability to read. We are praying for a major break through for her in this next year.

On the college front, a few of our students have had some last minute stress experiences, which have caused us to pray for a miracle for Loeci and Vera. They both received the report that they had fail a subject. Vera had really been struggling with Spanish. She ended up passing that subject, but failing English. She called the school and they said, yes, those are your grades and you failed. She is to graduate in January and very much needs her diploma in looking for a job. She decided that she had to talk to her teacher. Her teacher reassured her that no one had failed her class and that it was a mistake in recording her grades. The teacher has to make it right with the school. We praised God for His miracle. Loeci has appealed her grade and is waiting for the review to be completed. We continue to pray for a miracle for her. She had already failed that class last year and consequently, needs to take a fifth year of college. If she indeed failed, she would have to take a sixth year because the two classes she needs to take are in conflict with each other. Lord, we need another miracle!

We are very concerned about Luquinho since school has been out. He is continually doing all that he should not be doing. Diogo, Alex, and Everton have the tendency to be participating with him, but he is definitely the king of the pack. Once again, he was found with matches, this time trying to light a pile of dry leaves and so forth. Thankfully, the plan failed and the punishments came. Please pray that Luquinho can be inspired to good and constructive activities.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1)  Visitors - may God provide safe travels for all, may we all bless each other and share the love of Jesus.

2) Lucilene - for peace in her heart as to what she will be facing with the braces and with the surgery and recovery, that she can feel the support and love of the CLM family and the extended family also, that she would be able to talk about her concerns, fears, anticipations and so forth, that God´s hand will lead the way all the way.

3) Mariane - praise God for the visible progress in the healing of her little finger, praise God for His faithfulness in completing His healing process, pray for the continual superficial healing and for the return of normal and strong movement, thankfulness for Mariane´s patience and tolerance of all she has had to put up with.

4) School Year - we thank the Lord for the growth that our students experienced this year, for more independence in their studies, for a realization of their need to give a little more, for the opportunity that 10 of our students have to study in Imperatriz, we pray for preparation of their minds and hearts for next year.

5) Miracles - praise God for working a miracle for Vera allowing her to be conclude her college course in Executive Secretary, pray for a miracle for Loeci that a mistake in recording her grade will be found also, thankfulness that Claudemir recuperated his Portuguese grade.

6) Luquinho - that the Lord will protect him from himself, especially from his tendency to want to play with fire, for greater obedience and respect, that he could not be a negative influence on Diogo, Alex, and Everton, that he can be engaged in work and activities that will occupy his mind and time.

7) Christmas - Natal - for great fellowship and family times, that we can celebrate with our hearts and whole beings the birth of Jesus, that all the preparations will be completed, for a nice relaxing Christmas day.

8) Wedding Plans - that the Lord would continue to direct and provide, for a very comfortable and sunny day, for God´s continual preparation for Loeci and Marcelo as a married couple.

CLM TURVO:

Adriana and Manuel seems to be adjusting quite well to CLM and are happy troopers. Continue to pray for them as they build relationships and learn obedience and the love of Jesus.

All of the younger CLM students have passed and most of the older olds. Romualdo has not heard the final results yet. Pray also for God´s preparation of each of them for the coming school year.

Tomorrow is Natalia´s 23rd birthday. She has been a missionary since CLM Turvo opened in 2006. She is mainly responsible for direct care of the children, which includes day and night time duty, laundry room; homework, breakfast, and many more things. She especially likes music and has a beautiful voice. She also likes and speaks quite well English. Her dream is to be able to take a college course in languages, hopefully next year.   Keep Natalia in your prayers for spiritual and emotional growth and reaching of her dreams.

Rebeca is a girl from Curitiba that started coming to CLM many years ago. She has completed her course in Psychology and has come to spend 2 weeks for the Turvo family. She brought with her a friend from Germany. We are thankful for their participation in our Christmas celebration.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Adriana and Manuel - for their continual adjustment to CLM, for building of relationships, for obedience and respect, for accepting of the love and truth of Jesus.

2)  CLM Students - praise to God for those who passed the year and also for all they learned and conquered, preparation for the next school year.

3) Natalia - for spiritual and maturity growth, for ministerial growth, that she will be able to pass the college entrance exam that she can realize her dream, for all of her relationships, good health.

4) Rebeca and Damares - thankfulness for their visit, building of strong relationships, for God´s direction for their futures.

5)  Good Health - may God grant good health to the entire family.

We wish you all a very blessed and family Christmas. May the Lord truly be present with you. May the Year 2010 be a special one of victories, to God´s honor.

loving Jesus,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - December 15

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:13:31 +0000

Tuesday, December 15, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM TURVO:

CLM Turvo is full of exciting news this week. On Saturday, two new children arrived. They are from a city called Boa Vista which is north of Turvo. Their mother died and they were with an aunt who already was taking care of 8 children and could not handle any more. Adriana, 13 years old and her brother, Manuel, 11 years old were becoming mal-nutritioned and abandoned. Both of them will be entering the 4th grade next year. They are a little behind, but not so bad considering the situation they are coming from. Manuel is especially very skinny and is enjoying the freedom to eat and take away all his hunger. He has been fascinated to play with a little car that Luiz gave him. He played for hours. They are both really happy to be in their new home and safe and taken care of. For now, they are both very calm and helpful. Please pray for their adjustment and total healing.

Another amazing event is that Luiz was contacted by a TV show out of São Paulo called "Ratinho". On this program, they often have situations of people who through their help get reunited with lost family members. It appears that Luiz has 2 sisters that he has never met, who are looking for him. Luiz and Aninha are to have their expenses paid to go to São Paulo to be able to meet up with his sisters. Of course, it will be all televised. We are excited to be able to watch the program when it will be televised. Pray for God´s preparation of Luiz for this encounter and for what it will mean in the future.

Allan has been called for an interview with a lumber company near them called Ibema. He has been seeking a chance to get into the work field. Pray that the Lord would open the doors for this opportunity.

We rejoice that all of the elementary students have been declared passed onto the next grade. The older student still have not gotten the results. Luana, Paulo, Jhonatan, and Suelen are definites for passing. Romualdo has the possibility to not pass. May God help all of the CLM students to close this year and prepare for the next school year to be one of dedication and success.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Adriana and Manuel - for their adjustment to the CLM family, that all of the necessary exams and evaluations can be done within the time frame that the Judge has established, for their physical healing, for emotional cleansing, and for spiritual awakening, that the other children will accept them with love and warmth.

2) Luiz - for God´s preparation for their trip to São Paulo and his encounter with his sisters, that God would use this situation to work in Luiz´s heart in relationship to his pass and family, that the Lord would witness through Luiz and Aninha to his sisters of His love, for whatever future contact they will be able to maintain.

3) Allan - that the Lord would open the door of opportunity for him to enter the work field, that the Lord would direct him to further education opportunities, God´s blessings on his life for all of the voluntary help his continually offers to CLM.

4) CLM Students - praise to God for an almost totally successful year, for Romualdo and his difficulties in his studies that next year can be stronger and that he can be more motivated.

5) End of the Year Activities - may God help with all of the preparations, may the children be blessed and catch the spirit of the season, may Christ be glorified, may all visitors experience the special love of God.

6) Fabio and Edit - for them as they adjust to the ministry, children, and staff, that God would renew them, encourage them, and guide them everyday, for a clear schedule and responsibilities.

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Mike and Mary took Lucilene to Curitiba to see the doctor once more. They waited for 5 hours to have him say the exact same thing he said when Marilda took her last time. Although, we were expecting the surgery to be marked for January, there is only an opening on April 8th. If there would be a cancellation, it could be sooner. He reassured them that this surgery has a very high success rate and that she definitely needs the surgery. So we ask for your continued prayers for her. She is also to have surgery to remove a tooth hidden in the roof of her mouth and have braces put on her teeth.

Mariane continues to go to the doctor frequently to change her bandages. He is waiting for the dead skin to remove itself to be able to determine how to proceed. He asked Mariane to move her finger today and she really couldn´t get much movement out of it. The doctor just said that we will deal with the movement part when everything else is resolved. Although there was an opening today, it looked clean. She is to continue on antibiotics. Please keep praying for complete healing. Mariane was to have the last visit with her parents today before their rights are taken away. They did not show up for the visit. I was glad that I hadn´t told Mariane why we were going to the courthouse. I assume that they will proceed with the removal of rights process. Pray that God would choose a wonderful Christian mother and father for her.

On Friday morning, Nicole was interned in the hospital. She started vomiting in the middle of the night and had a fever. She had started to dehydrate. After 3 bags of IV, she perked up and was able to eat some. Her blood tests showed a profound anemia. That seemed like it came out of no where, for no reason. She came home from the hospital the next morning and has been recuperating. She was scheduled for a heart examination in Curitiba on Wednesday, but that was postponed. Once again, even with the high fever, she did not have a convulsion. I believe that if she is 2 years convulsion free, she will be removed from the medication. Nicole will start Kindergarten next year. We ask for your prayers for her further development during the summer and for preparation for this new experience.

We are making three trips to the city to shop for our Secret Pal for the gift exchange. Every year gets more challenging to buy something the other person would like for the $2.00 we have to spend. It is lots of fun though. We met up with João Nelson (brother of Susana and Gelson) last night. He left CLM about 5 years ago, when the Judge allowed him to go back with his mother. His desire for that was for sure the biggest mistake he ever made. He has suffered tremendously at the hands of a mother who does not know how to love or appreciate her son. He was sharing last night of how many things he has saved which are perfectly preserved that he got while at CLM. He said that he has a little card that I sent him when I was on furlough in the U.S. He is probably 6´3" or 6´4" with a heart of gold. Please pray for João Nelson, especially for his safety and that he would give his life to the Lord.

We are slowly receiving information about our students. Aline Nascimento has failed second grade mainly because of her difficulty with reading.  She has started using glasses to read. With some evaluations and a lot more input, we have the confidence that she will do much better next year. Lucão needs to repeat the fifth grade. His learning disabilities makes it very hard to keep him motivated. Behavior becomes a problem in the end. Cristiane did make it through and will be moving onto the 5th grade next year. We will get a better picture when we have all of the report cards in our hands.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Lucilene - for her future surgery that it will indeed be in April if not before, for all of God´s preparation for the surgery and the recovery, for resolving of the teeth issues, for a deep commitment to the Lord as her Lord and Saviour, for spiritual growth.

2) Mariane - continual prayers for full recovery of her little finger, for God´s chosen couple to adopt her, for preparing our hearts for that, preparation to enter Kindergarten next year.

3) Nicole - thankfulness for her recovery and for no seizures, pray for full recovery from the anemia, preparation for her entering Kindergarten, that the school can make the necessary adjustments for her special needs, God´s help and confidence for Lobinho and Joanna to emotionally release her to go to school.

4) João Nelson - that the Lord would give purpose and vision to his life, that he would experience the joy of living, for inner healing of the damage that his mother´s rejection and abuse has caused, for a deep relationship with the Lord, for more contact with the CLM family.

5) CLM students - God´s help for Aline N. to understand that we are not disappointed in her and that we are here to help her in every way possible to improve her reading, that Lucão would admit and understand his limitations but his responsibilities too, thankfulness for the ones who have greatly improved this year including Arivaldo, Raquel, Luana, and Luquinho.

6) Manuelly (Marilda´s older daughter) - has been facing some serious emotional problems and depression. May God continue to protect her from her own desperateness, for growth and understanding and reaching more maturity, for Marilda as she deals with her and the situations she causes, that they can feel the support and love of the CLM family.

7) Christmas Gifts from São Paulo - that they would arrive safely in the next couple of days, for God´s special blessings over all those who have contributed to provide these gifts for our children, for preparation of all other Christmas gifts for visitors and CLM Plus.

8) Kombis - for repairs of the Kombis so that they can be safely operating, for the Kombi funds that are being collected for providing new Kombis.

9) Jessica - for her safe arrival home, for the Lord´s help to pull together and complete a promotional DVD for CLM, that her experience at CLM can be life changing as she reflects on all she saw and learned.

10) Lizena - that she can feel direction and peace as to what she should do at the beginning of the year about job, living situation, and her studies, for drawing closer to God, for openness to the teachings and working of the Lord in her life, for all of her relationships.

11) Visitors - especially for Ben (Bethany´s brother) and Vivi and Amy (Bethany´s sister) and P.J. who will be coming shortly before Christmas and for some other visitors like Bob and Zach (my brother-in-law and nephew) who arrive on the 31st of December. Pray for safe travels and a blessed time at CLM.

We celebrate with great joy the birth of Jesus Christ and His tremendous blessings in our lives. May all who know us and this ministry come to know our Mighty God and love Him as we do.

truly in love,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - December 8

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:43:43 +0000

Tuesday, December 8, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

I have read and meditated on a few verses about having the faith of a mustard seed and moving mountains. I cry out to the Lord, "I believe and we need some mountains moved." MOUNTAIN # 1: Mariane´s finger is not progressing. It just seems to stay the same. We know that the healing has to come from the Lord and that the doctor is just an instrument in this process. We feel that the original doctor that treated her the night of the accident has exhausted his knowledge and techniques in dealing with this injury. Today, I will be taking her to an orthopedic doctor in Guarapuava to get his help to somehow move forward with this. I pray that God will use him today and that he will accept the case even though he didn´t attend the original emergency. We need a big mountain moved! MOUNTAIN # 2: We need a revival in the hearts of our CLM youth. That includes several who have already left CLM, as well as those at home. Here at home, we are dealing with some subtle rebellious spirits, disrespect, disobedience. Those things that lead to a hardened heart which resists the work of God. We need those mountains moved, so the Holy Spirit can work it´s way in bringing forgiveness, cleansing, and a new heart. We do not want to continue at a stand still. We believe, Lord. In the name of Jesus, move these mountains!

Friday was a big anticipated day for the CLM families. The Judge and many others who cooperated to make the event possible, invited CLM Entre Rios, CLM Turvo, and the government children homes (Fubem) to spend the day at a resort not far from Guarapuava. We were thankful that we were granted by the city council a bus to transport us.  We actually were the first to arrive and were there exactly at 10:00. We didn´t want to lose a minute of the fun. They had two small swimming pools outside, one with two slides, and an indoor one (only for the youngest kids to use). They also had paddle boats and a horse drawn wagon ride. They also had trails and a nice waterfall.  Swimming in a blue pool, even a very crowded one, was the biggest attraction. It was quite cool and windy in the morning, but even that did not hold the kids back. They provided a very good lunch, a snack, candy, and Christmas presents for all.    Some of our children have siblings who are at the government orphanage for one reason or another. Alisson, Aline, and Alex met up with their little brother, Mateus. Maria Luiza´s two older sisters were there and Luana found her brother, Batason. Luana´s siblings had just gone to Fubem a couple of days before, so this encounter was very unexpected. The Judge and his wife and several other officials were there on and off during the day.   All of the kids did well and enjoyed themselves to the maximum.

Last night, Dr. Glauco (the Juvenile Judge) called a meeting with those that work with children under his authority to explain the new law and the parameters within that that he is adopting for Guarapuava. We received about a 80 page handout and in the next 2 hours he explained their contents. I can´t help it but be impressed with his presentation, but also his sincerity, humbleness, personableness, and dedication to provide the very best for the children in need in our region. The preference and objective is to improve the home situation to be able to return the children to their biological family. When that is not possible, they will proceed to remove the parents´ rights and put them up for adoption. Dr. Glauco has established a time table of requirements for the Child Protection Agency that would determine the necessity of removal from the family and also for the institutions receiving the children. We will be required within 30 days to have a complete evaluation - medical, educational, psychological, historical, and family situation.  Our ministry has never included working with the families of our children. We do not have a Social Worker on staff. For now, we will need to call on the Child Protection Agency and other public agencies to help us. Hopefully, in the future, we will have means to hire a Social Worker and be able to find the best person for the job.  I know who that person is, but unfortunately, she lives in Curitiba (4 hours from here). By 6 months, it is to be determined what direction will be taken with a certain child. By law, a child should not remain in an institution for more than 2 years, unless that is the best or only option for them.  Time will show how well it all functions.

On Friday, we will be having our Christmas party for the CLM Team. The gift exchange will include all of the missionaries at Entre Rios and Turvo plus Lizena, Marilda, Etienne, and Josiane. We are going to a buffet in Guarapuava. Our baby sitters at Entre Rios will be Loeci, Kristen, Claudemir, Jessica, Vagner and Jacqueline (who have moved back to Colônia Vitoria from Bahia) and a friend of Loeci´s. I think they should be able to handle it. Please always be praying for the CLM Team.

We have been facing a lice problem. It is a constant battle and if you let up, which we did, it really comes on strong. A good solution for some of the boys is the shaved head route. Four of the younger ones got really into it today. We have some pretty funny pictures to share with you.

School is really winding down to the end. It is hard to keep the kids motivated. Some have already passed and others are done with all of their tests. Some have recuperation, but for the most part, it is a lot of games, parties, and movies now. It will be nice when they finally are out.

This Saturday, is Kelly´s High School graduation. Kelly is Evanira´s daughter and a CLM granddaughter. She is very bright and a good student. She will be taking the college entrance exam in January. Please pray that she gets in. She has a good chance and the free state university will probably be her only chance to go to college.

On Monday, Mike and Mary will be taking Lucilene to Curitiba for an appointment with one more doctor about her scoliosis before marking her surgery. Hopefully, it can be marked for January right after the wedding. She is also in need of surgery to remove a tooth that is planted in the roof of her mouth. It is unseen, but there. She will be getting braces on her teeth after that. She has a lot on her plate. Please keep Lucilene in your prayers.

Next week, we will be making 3 trips to the city in the evening to buy presents for our family gift exchange. It continues to be R$4,00 a piece, about $2.50.  The kids enjoy seeing the Christmas decorations at night. We decorated the tree tonight. Probably the best thing about the Christmas season is when the kids away from home start coming home. Berenice will be the first to get home on the 15th and then Vera and Loeci on the 23rd. Elisabete and Julio will only be here on New Years. Ivone will come then and maybe Solange, too. Christmas to me is about family. That was when God began His invitation for us to join His family.

An update on Mariane´s appointment: Dr. Decio Filho said that we will only have to wait it out. The finger will tell us how much of it has circulation. He didn´t think that the coloring looked too bad and didn´t think that she would lose anymore than the very tip, if anything. He said it could take a couple of more weeks to tell what will happen. May God move this mountain. We claim complete healing and recovery of complete movement. Amen!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Mariane - that God in all of His mercy and to His honor and glory would bring complete healing to her little finger.

2) Radical Transformation - for revival in the hearts of our young people, that Jesus would become their best friend, for filling of the Holy Spirit, for powerful impact on the entire family.

3) Dr. Glauco - that the Lord would continue to guide him and fill him with God´s wisdom, for the implementing of the new law, for a good working relationship with CLM, for the future of the children who are at CLM now.

4) CLM Team - pray for each one of the missionaries - Luiz, Aninha, Natalia, Fabio, Edit, Viktoria, Lobinho, Joanna, Bethany, Jake, Amanda, Mike, Mary C., and Mary G. - for daily renewal, for wisdom, patience, love, and fellowship with the Lord and each other.

5) Lice problem - that in the name of Jesus, we will have victory.

6) End of the School Year - that those in recuperation will do their very best to bring up their grades, that as many as possible would pass the year, for a strong finish.

7) Kelly - for a memorable graduation, for a bright future, that she would get into the State University.

8) Lucilene - that the Lord would be in control of all that she is facing, that Mike and Mary would have all the right questions to ask on Monday, for God´s timing for the surgery, that the surgery on her tooth and the braces could be done yet this month, that she will be in God´s hands all the way.

9) Rita - had a bike accident today and scraped herself up pretty bad. Pray for rapid healing.

10) Tree planting project for CLM Turvo - they have applied for a donation of transplants to plant Eucalyptus trees. Pray for the approval of this project and the carrying out of it.

11) Letricia and Luana (Turvo) - for their health and development, that Luana could sleep better, that Letricia would not fall as easily.

12) For end of year visitors - for the CLM Plus kids that will be coming home, for Rebecca (Curitiba) and her friend (Germany) who will be spending 2 to 3 weeks in Turvo.

13) Vacation - that it can be well planned for projects and fun activities, good family times, renewal and preparation for the new school year.

14) Allan - that he would find a job and get experience, that next year he would enter college or a vocational course.

15) Jessica - for safe travels home by way of Foz do Iquaçu on Sunday, for getting all of the footage she needs to pull together a DVD, that her experience at CLM will have changed her life forever and eternally.

16) Financial needs of CLM - that the donations would raise, as well as, the exchange rate, for the 2010 budget and all of the cut backs that are necessary, for Mike as he orients and directs the direction we need to take, for everyone´s cooperation.

Thank you for standing in prayer for us. We depend on your participation in this ministry.

God bless,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - December 1

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:56:05 +0000
Dear Prayer Warrior, CLM ENTRE RIOS: Mariane´s finger continues to slowly get better, although the doctor still seems skeptical as to whether she will lose it or not. We believe that she will not. He feels that if she doesn´t lose it, there will most likely be no movement in the finger. He said if there is movement that will be a bonus. There is still infection and she is taking a stronger antibiotic. The coloring is better on the outside of the finger than on the inside. We are taking her to redress it everyday now. Mariane has done wonderfully with the whole situation. She seems to have not suffered from pain or discomfort. Keep praying for God´s complete healing. When you face a near disaster, you can´t stop praising and thanking the Lord for His deliverence. Yesterday afternoon, Amanda came running into the office saying something urgent. I didn´t quite catch it, but the urgency I did pick up. As I came to the first boys´ room I saw the curtain on fire. Since we had just had the electric fire last week, the fire extinguisher came to mind right away. I knew the one close by was an electrical fire one, so sent Donei upstairs to get the normal one. He was our fireman hero. Some who have already been to CLM Entre Rios may be already guessing who was responsible for the fire. If you guessed Luquinho, you are right. When questioned as to how it happened, of course, he in no way had matches!! It took the truth a while to come out, but the evidence was all over the room. He has been intense on decorating for Christmas, so that was what he was doing. He got candles from my room and snuck matches from the kitchen. He was a shocked little boy when he realized the curtain was on fire. He ran into the dining room crying and could hardly speak. The word "fogo" came out of his mouth and thankfully Kristen (our short termer) understood that word. We are so thankful that his clothes didn´t catch on fire and the bed linens and also that he didn´t just run and find. We praise God for His protection, even in Luquinho´s disobedience. Last night, the Kevin and Elaine King family left CLM. They spent a month here getting a feel for all areas of our ministry and seeking God´s will as to whether He is calling them to full-time ministry with CLM. They will be spending 2 weeks in Nepomuceno visiting Elaine´s family and then return to the U.S. Please be praying with them as they discern God´s will. This week we are awaiting the arrival of Jessica Beiler from New York. She is the daughter of a very good friend of Sonya Haring-Kaye. She will be coming for two weeks and desires to make a DVD of CLM, using her movie industry experience. It should be a fun time. Please pray for her visit, for the DVD project, and that the Lord would do a mighty work in Jessica´s life through this experience. Friday is the big day for the outing that the Judge is providing for our children. From their site on the internet, it looks like a fun place with lots of things to do. We have requested from the city for them to provide a bus to transport us all. Our Kombi situation continues to be challenging. Yesterday, the two white Kombis, which includes our newer Kombi, would not start. We don´t all really fit legally either, so getting a bus would be a blessing. It was approved by the mayor, but we need to check yet with the driver to see if the bus is actually available. Please pray for this detail. Also, pray for everyone´s safety and for good weather. We have three birthdays to celebrate this week. Josiele´s 16th birthday is today. Josiele came when she was 8 years old. I had actually met her several years before that because we had visited Ivone and Airton´s father. Josiele is their half sister. She had suffered some abuse by a stepmother that had taken Josiele with her when she left her father. Josiele is a very beautiful and quiet girl with a meek spirit. Her quietness leads her to a closeness making it difficult at times to really reach her. She is in her first year of High School and is an average student. She struggles with the sciences, but is committed and dedicated. She also got a scholarship to an English School and really has enjoyed her course this year. She has a passion for English. She has made a commitment to the Lord and to purity, but has her struggles with the pressures of today and the "but everyone does it" attitudes. She enjoys teaching and has indicated some desires of persueing it. Please pray for Josiele that she can have spiritual strength to stand strong on her convictions and move forward towards baptism. Alisson will be 11 years old on Friday, November 11th. He is the older brother of Aline and Alex and came this year. They come from a very dysfunctional family and spent most of their time on the streets. Alisson is a quiet boy for the most part and has a lot of signs of rejection. He presented himself as a boy who was not capable of doing much and seemed more in with the younger boys. That started changing when he became motivated to be able to be a part of the older boys´ devotions group. He is in the 2 rd grade and really struggling to keep up. There seems to have been absolutely no stimulation with a lot of traumas. He loves to go fishing and the excitement of bringing a fish back, no matter how small it might be. Pray for Alisson and his school work, as well as, for spiritual understanding and growth. Viktoria will be having her 46th birthday on Saturday. She has been a missionary with CLM for over 20 years and is a full fledged Hungarian. She is colorful, creative, artistic. One of her biggest gifts is hospitality. She likes to serve and makes people feel welcome in her home. She loves to cook and garden. At CLM, she is in charge of the short termer program, supervision of the employees, producer of the CLM calendars, in charge of food services, and many other projects here and there. She is by education an English and Math teacher and does enjoy teaching, especially on a one to one basis. She also enjoys photography. Pray for Viktoria as the Lord grows her and guides her into all He wants her to be. PRAYER REQUESTS: 1) Mariane - for complete healing of her little finger with full movement and function, that the results can be a testimony to many but especially Dr. Eros who has accompanied her since the beginning. 2) Luquinho - that the Lord would continue to protect him, growing him in obedience and wisdom, for more concentration in school. 3) Kevin, Elaine, Amanda, and Darren King - may the Lord grant them a safe and blessed trip to Nepomuceno and on back to the U.S., may God clearly convict them of His will for them for ministry. 4) Jessica - for safe travels and an extraordinary and life changing experience at CLM, for the DVD production while she is here. 5) Judge´s Party - that the Lord would indeed provide a bus for us, for safety at all times, for healthy interaction with all of the other children who will be there, for good weather and a fun day. 6) Aline Ramos - that the Lord would work a very mighty work of honesty, obedience, respect, unselfishness, that He would help her seek independence and responsibility. 7) Josiele - that the Lord can grow her and help her to determine who she wants to be without flowing with the crowd, for firmness in seeking the Lord and His will for her life. 8) Alisson - that the Lord would continue to help him grow in maturity, learning a lot of new things, for help with his studies and building of friendships. 9) Viktoria - that she would be blessed in her serving, oriented in her responsibilities, happy in her calling. 10) End of the Year Activities and the end of the School year - that God may be in it all CLM TURVO: CLM Turvo is also gearing up for the big gathering on Friday. They were able to get a donation from the mayor´s office to cover the gasoline they will be needing for the trip. Their Kombis are working just fine. Again, we pray for safety and a great day. The school year is coming to an end and several still need to make up some low grades. Especially pray for Romualdo. PRAYER REQUESTS: 1) Praise God for the donation for gasoline for the Judge´s party. 2) Wisdom for the end of the year studies and activities 3) Blessings on the financial reorganization and economizing that is necessary. 4) Futures - for the future of our children whether it is for adoption or returning home. 5) Projects for 2010 - that God would lead and provide the wisdom and understanding to write grants and more grades Let´s continue together! in Jesus, Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - November 25

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:19:36 +0000

Tuesday, November 24, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Yesterday morning, I took Mariane to the doctor´s. He took the bandage off and removed the stitches (11 of them). His comment was that it was better than he expected. To me, it appeared worse than I wanted to see. The black on the tip goes a little further down than before, there is some infection, and it is swollen. He put it back in the splint, wrapped it up, and said come back Friday.    The last couple of nights have indicated to me that there is a big spiritual battle going on over this situation with Mariane.  Saturday night, about 1:00 a.m., all three of the little ones that sleep in the room across the hall from my room woke up, kind of one by one, but real close together. Everton almost never wakes up. He was scared. I sensed it was spiritual and started praying. I prayed for them and for the whole house. I felt the battle was in relation to Mariane. I prayed for her finger and that the enemy would have no power in it at all. It felt powerful and they all slept the rest of the night.  Sunday night, it was just Hellen. She woke up several times screaming and very shook up. She must have been dreaming and one time mentioned blood. Again, I felt a connection to Mariane´s situation. The next day, Mariane shared that she had bad dreams, too. We are praying for a major breakthrough in this spiritual battle so the blessings of heaven can be poured out over Mariane and healing brought to her little finger. Please join us.

The Bridal Shower for Loeci on Saturday was great. It was so honoring to God. The Pastor´s wife shared some scripture about "dreams", those which God has for us and those that He has placed in our hearts. There were probably about 80 women there, from her church, our church, and from contacts she has had all over the place. She was radiant and praising God for all He has done and continues to do in her life and for the man of God He has given her to marry. She was very appreciative to all who came and the nice gifts she received.

Yesterday, I took Lucilene for a second opinion about her scoliosis and the need for surgery. The doctor confirmed that the best thing we could do for her would be to have the surgery. If not, she would probably suffer major problems in the future. Her scoliosis has progressed very quickly and is severe and there is no other means to correct it. The surgery is very tedious and the recovery requires intense therapy. She has one more appointment with one more specialist on the 14th of December and then hopefully she will be scheduled for surgery in January. We may find it necessary for her to remain in Curitiba for a while for the initiation of the therapy. At least, a part of it will be during summer vacation.  Both Lucilene and I walked away from the appointment yesterday with the peace to move forward with the surgery. Please keep her in your prayers in preparation, for the surgery, and for the recovery.

Our little Maria Luiza is starting to walk. She walks an easy 10 steps between people and is starting to let go and take a few steps on her own. She is full of expressions and is enjoying hearing herself scream, usually for joy. I have been so excited that my request to get Hellen out of diapers and off the bottle while I was gone was accomplished . She is quite independent and dry day and night. The bottle is not an issue. She will drink milk from a cup at night, but never asks for a bottle. The other night she happened to wet her bed in the middle of the night (which has been very rare) and in my sleepiness, I grabbed a diaper to put on her. She looked at me like, "Are you kidding? Are you thinking of putting a diaper on me?" I got the message and found underwear for her. She is definitely a two year old who thinks she knows how to do everything and that the world revolves around her. She is a stitch and very smart.

This week we have 3 birthdays. Lobinho (his real name is Wilson Lobo, but is called Lobinho which means Little Wolf) will be 35 years old on Thursday, November 26th. and   Lobinho was born and raised in the Guarapuava area. He began coming to our church with some friends and accepted Jesus. However, that caused an uproar in his family who were rather against Christians. He wanted to stand strong, but ended up drifting and choosing the easier way out. Several years later, after hitting rock bottom, he realized that without Jesus, life really has no meaning and he had no strength within him to walk the path he desired. This time, his decision for the Lord took root. Jesus became his best friend and companion. As he grew in the Lord, his world radically changed -- his values, his desires, his dreams, his character. Several years later, a young lady who had once lived at CLM, returned "home". It didn´t take too long for their eyes and hearts to meet. In 2001, Lobinho married Joanna and they now have two daughters, Moanna (7) and Nicole (4). Shortly, before they were expecting their second child, they were called to be missionaries at CLM. Lobinho is really touched when praising the Lord. He plays the drums, sings, and is a good praise service leader. He recently won the CLM weight loss contest and enjoys running, and of course, loves soccer, too. Pray for Lobinho as husband, father, and a servant of God.

Janete will be 13 on Friday, November 27th.  She is Lucilene and Elielton´s sister and came to CLM when she was 5 years old, after life threatening violence in the home. Janete is short in stature, but powerful in heart.   She has a meek heart and is a natural born servant. She likes to help and will see it through to the end. She is especially good with the babies and very responsible. They respond well to her. Janete is in the 6th grade and although school is not easy for her, she manages to get by. She is hanging in two subjects - Math and Science - and needs to pull some good grades this last quarter. She likes music and doing choreography and singing in groups. She also likes swimming and does well in sports. Pray for Janete as she continues to grow and mature, that she will make good choices and seek the Lord.

Rita will be 9 years old on Sunday, November 29th.  She is the next to the youngest in the 5 sibling group. Her sisters are Aline, Francielle, and Gisieli and her brother is Lucas. They were brought to CLM when their parents were put in prison for murder. By the time, both parents were released, they went their separate ways. Rita was 4 years old when she arrived.  She is a very intelligent girl who has been studying in Imperatriz for the last 3 years. She has kept up very well and learns very fast. She often struggles with respect and has difficulties with interpersonal relationships. She has the misconception that she is the boss. Her dream is to take ballet lessons, but her behavior hasn´t allowed her the privilege yet. Rita is very talented in music, especially singing, and also art. She enjoys swimming and other sports. Please pray for Rita that she can be submissive and respectful, as well as, sensitive to others around her. Pray that all of her talents and abilities can be developed, to God´s honor.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Mariane - that God would continue to do His work of healing and restoration to her finger, for full victory in the spiritual battle that seems to be raging, God´s help for Mariane to process all of this, that God will be glorified.

2) Loeci - praise God for a very special bridal shower that honored Him, for all of the wedding plans and that all will come together well ahead of time, for a God perfect day.

3) Lucilene - that the Lord would continue to lead in regards to the surgery she is needing, that the surgery will be scheduled in January (after the wedding, hopefully) so that most of her recovery will take place during vacation time, for emotional preparation for her, that all the arrangements can be made for the best care and best results.

4) Maria Luiza and Hellen - for God´s protection at all times, for continual growth and development, for greater gentleness for Hellen and obedience, praise for Hellen getting potty trained and off the bottle.

5) Lobinho - that the Lord would grow him in all areas, for the finishing of his schooling, for wisdom and discernment as husband, father, and missionary, for the opportunities to lead worship as the Lord would provide, for the opportunity to bless other couples through their marital experiences and training.

6) Janete - that she can pass the school year, that she will always be respectful and grateful and not be influenced by negative attitudes of others, that she would gain life through her serving and that it would be done with all joy, for a deep decision for the Lord.

7) Rita - for respect for authority and for her peers, for submission and humbleness, improvement of her interpersonal relationships, that she can merit ballet lessons before she is 40, for development of her talents.

8) Vera - she is asking for prayers that her apprenticeship can become a full-time job, for her finishing of her classes, especially Spanish that she has such difficulties in, for her college graduation in January, for adjustment to her new roommate.

9) Marilda - for God´s healing of her infected throat, for finding of another house to rent since the owner wants her house back, that God would choose the location and that it would be better and less expensive than where she is living now, for spiritual growth.

10) Meghan and Joacir - that they can obtain the necessary documents for Isabella to travel to Canada, for God´s timing for their departure, for Lydia´s trip tomorrow to return home, for Joacir´s adjustment to Canada and learning of the language, for continual growth and development of Isabella.

11) Josiane - will be starting a time of experience at CLM next week at CLM Entre Rios. Pray for her adaptation, for her responsibilities, for her professional development, and for all of her relationships, for continual spiritual growth.

BOTH HOMES:

1) Mike has been working diligently on a new bookkeeping system and a budget for 2010 for Entre Rios and Turvo. Due to a very low exchange rate we are looking at a need to greatly reduce our spending, which seems to be already at the bare minimal. However, by God´s grace and orientation, we accept the challenge. Please pray for this area of our ministry and for the cooperation of the entire CLM Family. Pray also for any possible extra funding that can supplement the budget such as selling of product from the fields or gardens, voluntary allocation of a portion of personal income tax to institutions, reduction in fees. Especially pray for the receiving of a discount from the electric company. Pray also that the exchange rate would go up.

2) On the 4th of December, the Juiz and those involved in the Family Department will be giving a Christmas "adventure" for the children from CLM Entre Rios and Turvo and the government orphanage. They collected money through the Criminal Department for minor offenses to provide a day for the children at a Hotel Farm. It is located about 50 km outside of Guarapuava in the direction of Curitiba. I have seen the signs, but have never been there. It will be there from 10:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, including lunch and an afternoon snack, swimming, games, covered wagon rides, etc. They will also all receive a Christmas gift - perfume for the older ones and a toy for the younger ones. We are going after the Mayor to possibly donate a bus for transportation to and from. We are getting special permission from the Judge for our kids to miss school that day. We are praying for a beautiful and enjoyable day. Pray for God´s protection.

CLM TURVO:

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Praise God for Kevin and Elaine King´s family visit and also the visit from Pastor Edygio from our church in São Jose dos Campos. Visits are always uplifting and encouraging.

2) Studies - pray that the children can have a strong finish and that all will pass, pray for motivation until the end.

3) End of the Year Activities - for planning and organizing of the end of the year activities, that the joy and true meaning of the season can speak louder than the business, pray for all who will be visiting during December.

4) Fabio and Edit - After having set up their apartment last week, they officially started their ministry at CLM Turvo as of yesterday. The staff had a meeting to make some decisions about schedules and responsibilities. Fabio and Edit feel very well received by Luiz and Aninha and Natalia and also the children and are so excited to be where they know without a doubt that God wants them. Pray as they adjust and discern their specific areas of ministry and for the building of relationships.

5) Luiz, Aninha, and Natalia - for their restoration and renewing, for the opportunity to go on vacation, for the adjustments to having more staff and the organization that needs to accompany this, for praise in their hearts for the anticipation of growth.

6) Andy and Katie - that the Lord would provide their visas in His timing, for patience and trust knowing that nothing is impossible with God, to keep their eyes on Brazil through God´s eyes, for God´s provision for them at all times.

There are always lots of things happening at CLM, especially as the year comes to an end. We pray that joy and peace will fill your hearts and ours, as we are reminded of the birth of our Savior and the hope He shines upon our lives. Thank you for ministering along side of us.

God is faithful,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - November 17

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:46:41 +0000

Tuesday, November 17, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Needless to say, the focus of our prayers and concerns are with Mariane. As I already wrote, I had a very disappointing doctor´s appointment with a "hand specialist" yesterday. But, I have come to realize that it was necessary to reconfirm that God is in control. Two doctor´s have indicated that there is a very large possibility that she will lose half of her finger. But, God has confirmed to us that He has saved it and it will be perfect. We are believing. It is easy to start doubting but we are coming up against that through His grace. She personally seems to be doing fine, not really suffering pain. She says she can move her little finger, but it hurts to do it. If she is actually moving the top half and can feel it, it is a good sign. Please declare her finger healed with us.

This morning, we had a little bit of excitement. Lucas was taking a shower and was yelling my name. I went there once and resolved his problem. A few minutes later, he started yelling my name again. I took my time, but was ready to let him know that yelling my name like that wasn´t necessary. He could just send someone to call me. When I got to the bathroom and before I could say anything (thankfully), he said that there was a fire. The wires to the shower had caught on fire and flames (not so big ones) were coming out of the outlet. I called Kevin, who also didn´t really further, not realizing what was up. The two of us were trying to think what to do and ran out the boys´ hallway door and ran into the fire extinguisher with big letters - "for electrical fires". Oh, yes that is why we have those. The whole scene ended up pretty comical as Kevin tried to figure out how to get the extinguisher to work. In about two squirts, the fire was put out and the breaker turned off. We are thankful for brick walls, instead of wooden ones and of course, that no one was hurt.

On Sunday, we had a special lunch in honor of our CLM employees to show our appreciation and love. Our 6 employees - Lizena (laundry and childcare), Marilda (secretary and childcare), Julia (laundry and cleaning), Clarice (cook), Doni (garden), and Luiz (barn and fields) - and their families were invited to our Sunday morning Sunday School and then for a churrasco (barbeque). Luiz, Doni, and Lobinho took care of the meat. Viktoria got all of the other preparations ready. We also gave them their Christmas presents early. We are indeed thankful for the Christians who work for us and their influence on our children.

Viktoria and Kristen left for Foz do Iquaçu last night. Today they were to be renewing Kristen´s tourist visa. We are praying that they will grant her 3 months this time. Kristen will be returning tonight if all went well today and Viktoria will stay another 2 days for some R & R. Pray for their safety and that they will accomplish their objectives.

We have been working with some rebellious spirits in some of our older girls and boys for quite a while. It appears that the Lord is directing an all out attack against it in the last week or so. He has given us some very powerful teachings and the discipline for disrespect and disobedience has been upgraded. We ask for your prayers for wisdom and consistency until the battle is won.

There is one birthday at Entre Rios this week and that is Luquinho´s. He will be 8 years old on Sunday, November 22rd and he is counting down the days. He is the younger brother of Geovane and Patricia and the older brother to Diogo. He came with his siblings because of the mother´s drug addiction. He is in the first grade and after several evaluations and medication, he is doing much better. He still can have behavioral problems but they are a lot less than before. One of Luquinho´s biggest problems is that he does not think before he says or does something. He also tends to be very destructive and disrespectful. On the other side, he is very creative and intelligent. He is also very charming. Pray that Luquinho can grow and mature and obtain much more self control.

This Saturday, we will be having a Bridal Shower for Loeci. It will be in the city at her church. There are a lot of people invited and should be a very encouraging and exciting time for her. Please continue to pray for the wedding plans and for God´s preparation of them as a couple.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Mariane - we declare in the name of Jesus the complete healing of her finger, pray for guidance as to how to proceed.

2) CLM Employees - pray for each of them mentioned above that they will be blessed as they work and serve at CLM, blessings on their families.

3) Kristen - that even though she only got another 30 days that she will be able to continue to renew it to be able to complete the 6 months, may God continue to grow and stretch her as she serves Him and the children, blessings on all of her relationships.

4) Viktoria - that the Lord would minister health and renewal to her, for God´s protection and a safe return.

5) The Battle of the Rebellious Spirits - that the Lord would continue the battle until the victory giving guidance and wisdom, that it all can be balanced with love and understanding of each child´s or adolescent´s needs, for perseverance and unity.

6) Luquinho - for continual progress in school, for more maturity and self control and improved behavior, for inner healing, for the future that God has for him and his siblings.

7) Loeci´s Bridal Shower and wedding plans - that hte Lord would continue to guide, that all of her friends and family can gather in support and encouragement, God´s preparation for the wedding and the marriage.

8) Josiele - that she would have the courage to confront the problems she is facing, that she can trust that each of us only want to help her, for a rededication to her walk with the Lord.

9) Mike - for the opening of the inner canal in the ear that colapsed and has been causing deafness for the last month or so, for total restoration of his hearing.

10) Budget for 2010 - Mike has worked on the budget for next year and we have come up with some policies, new and old, to cut cost especially because the exchange rate is so low. Pray for God´s blessings and for diligence in maintaining the budget.

11) Claudemir - finding of a new job, that he will see his college course through to the end, that he would determine where he wants to live, for spiritual growth.

12) Studies - may God in all of His grace help our children to have a successful school year.

CLM TURVO:

On Saturday, Fabio and Edit moved their belongings to Turvo and have been working hard to get their apartment set up, before totally initiating their ministry together at CLM Turvo. They are excited and looking forward to all the Lord has for them and will be teaching them.  We praise God that He has called them to Turvo. Please keep them in your prayers.

Marilda, Al and Lydia, Meghan, Joacir, and Isabella are in Turvo for several days. Al was able to help a lot with the electrical needs in Fabio and Edit´s apartment. Meghan´s parents will return to Canada at the end of the month. Joacir has received his visa to Canada and they are planning to travel there before Christmas.

Several of the older kids and sibling groups have been freed for adoption and their cases have been sent to Curitiba to CEJA for consideration for international adoption. Please be praying that the Lord could provide them with a forever family.

Allan has been out of High School since last year and has been looking for a job and an opportunity to study. Please keep him in your prayers so him can be given that first experience.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Fabio and Edit - praise to God for the calling He has given them, help to adjust and see the areas in which God wants to use them, for pacing themselves according to God´s principles, for all of their relationships.

2) Al, Lydia, Joacir, Meghan, and Isabella - blessing of their time in Turvo with good fellowship, God´s blessings on their plans to go to Canada, that God would guide all of the preparations.

3) Studies - that all of the students will apply themselves and do their very best this last quarter.

4) Grants - that the Lord would bless the writing of the grants and provide the extra funding that CLM Turvo, especially pray for the collections of 6 % of income tax.

5) Adoption - that the Lord would convict Christian families to the ministry of adoption.

6) Letricia - continued healing of her broken arm, for physical development and strengthening, for help with her learning difficulties.

7) Budget - for the development of a 2010 budget and maintaining of it.

8) Natalia - for the restoration of her strength, spiritual and maturity growth.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

loving God,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - November 10

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:07:37 +0000

Tuesday, November 10, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM TURVO:

Let´s start with the birthdays. Aninha sent me a little bit more information about Josiane who had a birthday on Sunday. Although, Josiane had suffered tremendously, today she is a very happy child. She likes to help others and is very neat, liking to clean. She especially likes to wash her toys and the baby doll´s clothes. She is doing very well in her studies and seems to learn easily. She is especially good in English - one of Carrie´s star students. She will be going to the 4th grade next year. She is very responsible. Keep her in your prayers, please.

Willian is 5 years old today. He is the brother of Gabriel and they are best of buddies. He really likes toy cars and a lot of attention. At school, he is doing very well. He likes to form words and read the letters of the alphabet. He will go to the 1st grade next year and he is very happy about that. He is a very intelligent boy and also loving. He has some physical and emotional difficulties which God is healing and transforming everyday. Please pray for his future and for continual development.

Evelim will have her 14th birthday on Thursday, November 12th. She has two younger sibling, Jhonotan and Letricia at CLM. They were removed for negligence and mistreatment from their parents. Evelim is a very loving adolescent. She likes to help the younger kids with their homework and likes to take care of them. In school, she is really improving. and will be going to the 5th grade next year. She is very excited about her grades, since she failed last year. We have recently discovered that she has a very good voice. Although she presents with some emotional difficulties, especially with anger and disrespect, but she has been making significant progress. Keep her in your prayers for continue growth and for a sincere walk with the Lord.


There are a lot of praise and thanksgiving to God that CLM Turvo would like to share:

Aninha is thanking the Lord for the hearing aid that she was able to get through the public health system. She was finding herself basically deaf in one ear, with limited hearing in the other.

Praise God for the volunteer help of Valeria, a hairdresser for cutting all of the children hair. May God bless her.

Praise to God for friends who have provide a dairy cow for CLM. May God bless them and their farm.

Praise God for putting the desire in the hearts of our children to participate in the ministry, helping in whatever is necessary such as the planting, maintaining the garden, planting trees, and in the preparation of food.

Praise God for the wonderful help that Carrie was during her time at CLM Turvo. Her English lessons were wonderful and lots of fun. May God bless her return home and readjustment there.

Another exciting event has taken place. Upon returning from Hungary, Fabio and Edit have shared how God broke them, lead them, clearly showed them His calling for them as a couple. In a very supernatural and miraculous experience God showed them both separately that He is calling them to CLM Turvo. It is truly an answer to our prayers for more missionaries. After finalizing a few details, they will be ready to move right in and get started. Please pray for them for their adjustment to full-time ministry as a couple, for their relationships with Luiz, Aninha, and Natalia and all of the children. Also, pray for financial and prayer support for them.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Josiane - pray for her release for adoption and for God´s chosen family to adopt her, pray for her continual success in school, pray that she will continue to enjoy her childhood like never before.

2) Willian - continue to help him in school, both in behavior and academically, pray for continual transformation, that God will determine his future.

3) Evelim - may God continue to help her be submissive and respectful, for her continual growth spiritually and in maturity, may her singing talent be developed.

4) Praise to God for His overflowing blessing on the ministry at CLM Turvo (see above for specifics).

5) Fabio and Edit - praise God for His leading and call to ministry at CLM Turvo, God´s preparations physically, emotionally, and spiritually, God´s protection against the enemy, especially over their marriage, wisdom and understanding and patience.

6) Luiz and Aninha and Natalia - for renewing in the Lord, for establishing a healthy schedule and taking their day-off and vacation, for vision and flexibility in changes that will come with the additions in the staff.

7) Allan - for the finding of a job and starting of a course to his liking, for God´s protection and for the development of maturity and responsibility.

8) Projects - for God´s orientation and success of the various projects (grants) they are doing to provide in many areas of need.

9) End of the Year Activities - for all the planning and preparation for the end of the school year and the celebration of Christmas, pray for Willian and Letricia´s kindergarten graduation.

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

This Sunday will be having our 1st Annual celebration for our employees. Marilda, Lizena, Clarice, Julia, Luiz, and Doni will be honored and shown appreciation. We will have a special lunch and they will receive a food basket, calendar, and other special gifts. May God bless these people who have so much blessed us.

Last Friday, Kevin, Elaine, and their two children, Amanda and Darren arrived safely. They are getting their feel of a typical day, if that is even possible. They seem to be fitting in just fine. Our prayer is that the Lord can give them a clear and supernatural calling to served God at CLM.  Pray for their health and God´s protection and for building relationships.

Loeci´s bridal shower will be held on Saturday, November 21st. Wedding plans are getting a little more solidified, but there is still coordination of various thing that needs to be done. Please pray that all details can come into place and that all can go smoothly.

Baptism was moved to the first Sunday in January because of Harvest time. Please continue to keep Josiele in your prayers for continual growth and protection from the enemy.

Cristiane accepted the Lord this week. She came to me saying she needed to talk to me later and I said that we should do it right then. She shared her desire to do and think those things that please God and we prayed together. Pray for God´s will in regards to the possibility of her returning to live with her mother and brothers. May God do what is best for her.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Employee lunch - may our employees feel appreciated and honored by the activities on Sunday, may they continue to be dedicated and responsible and reminded of the important role they play in this ministry.

2) Kevin and Elaine and family - that God will help them to get a real feel of CLM and give them the conviction from Him as to His will for ministry for them.

3) Loeci´s wedding - that we can get everything organized and ready, for a beautiful day, for God´s preparation for the lifetime that Loeci and Marcelo will be spending together.

4) Josiele - that the Lord would continue to grow her spiritually and emotionally, for all of her relationships, for protection from the attacks of the enemy.

5) Cristiane - for spiritual growth and growth in understanding the Christian walk.

6) Donei - has expressed the desire to seek the Lord and be discipled. May the Lord bring growth and victory in his life.

7) Health issues - pray for Mary Cochran who has been experiencing stomach cramps, for Mike who had an ear infection and is having difficulty hearing in one ear, for Joanna who has a doctor´s appointment in Curitiba on Thursday, and for Mary G. who has had very swollen feet and ankles since my trip back to Brazil, Rita for recovery from several bee stings on her foot.

8) Reorganization and Policy setting - for God´s guidance and our follow through.

9) Lizena - that the Lord will clearly guide and show her if she is to leave CLM and what she should be doing for living arrangements, academic course, and a job, pray for spiritual growth and that she would not give up until she has specific victories in her life.

Thank you once again for your continual support in prayer. May God bless you abundantly.

in Christian love,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - November 3

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:42:01 +0000

Tuesday, November 3, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

This is Mary Gibson again. I am back and trying to jump onto the fast moving CLM train. I have to admit that I forgot that it was Tuesday and that I should be writing the Prayer Warrior. I am trying to get caught up on all that happened while I was gone and what is in progress. I am unpacked and have gotten some very necessary hair cuts done. I have had a chance to share with some, but have many more to go. At the same time that I am over thrilled to be home, I am rejoicing in all that I experienced on my trip. The front part of the trip was a few quick, but great days in the Woodcliff Lake area. It was precious fellowship with those of my home church. The middle of my trip was between Pennsylvania and Ohio. It was an extreme blessing to spend quality time with my immediate family -- Tom, Sally, Mom, and Bob and all of the extended family, too. We traveled to North Canton and to Columbus. Mom held up well and of course, enjoyed every minute of it. The more she is on the go the more she likes it. At 93 years old, she is still a lot of fun to be around. She is probably weaker than last year and her eye sight is certainly far worse. That causes confusion at times, but for the most part, she is right with you. I am so blessed. I ended my trip by going through Tremont, Illinois and meeting with the Missionary Committee. My time there was short, but it was great to be able to meet up with many people so dear to me. Seeing Nina (Stuber) in her home environment just 2 months after her adoption was awesome. Seeing Jeremiah and Hannah Teater and how grown up they are was also special. Of course, it is always a blessing to stay with Steve and Di Meyer and their precious kids. The phone also helped to allow me to get in touch with many people who I would not be able to see. God protected me and blessed me beyond measure. Thank you for your prayers.

From all reports both from kids and adults, I believe here at CLM, they passed the month well. There were no major crises and the routine continued smoothly. The schedules of the adults were changed around and coverage was thinner. That is when we trust that the angel forces are greatly increased. Now, everyone is adjusting to changes again. We often relate that CLM is like not-quite-firm jell-o. When someone is gone it is like taking out a chunk of jell-o, the rest of the jell-o fills in the hole. When that chunk is put back in, it is like the rest of the jell-o makes room and it all levels out again. For sure, one needs to be very flexible at CLM. This was Jake and Amanda´s first month and without a doubt was a challenging one. Hopefully, they can breathe deep and continue to allow the Lord to reveal their ministries and help them build relationships with the staff and children.

We do have a birthday today. Patricia is 12 years old. She came to CLM right after her 9th birthday. They were having a problem at the government orphanage with her because she kept running away. She knew the city well. They wanted to try and see if being far from the city would help break that pattern. Within the first half hour she was here, she tried to run away. We ended up calling the police. It was kind of a funny scene. The police were telling her that she didn´t know where to go and she said that the city was that way. They told her that Paraguay was that way. From then on, she must have decided that she really didn´t know where to go and didn´t want to end up in Paraguay. She did continue though for 2 or 3 weeks to go through the routine of running away. When she got mad, she would go to her room and put on her black sundress that her mother had given her (and probably had stolen) and put her plastic shopping bag of possessions under her arm and start "walking" up the lane. It was a clear statement of I´m running away, but I want you to come after me. When we had made significant progress, we took the black sundress away and she never ran again. In fact, she could laugh at herself and started allowing herself to make herself at home. About half a year later, her two younger brothers, Luquinho and Diogo and one older brother, Geovane came to CLM to reunite the siblings. Geovane stimulated the running away again, but thankfully, that ended in a short time, also. Patricia is in the 5th grade and this is her first year at Imperatriz. She has struggled with a low self esteem and fear of rejection. The truth is everyone loves her there, but she doesn´t see that very clearly yet. She has also struggled academically, because she lacked a lot of the basics and again lacks a confidence in her own ability. The year is coming to an end and she really needs prayers to come out shining. Patricia can easily have mood swings and be sarcastic and disrespectful, but far more of the time, she is delightful. She also needs prayers for inner healing and character development and self confidence.

On Friday, Kevin and Elaine King and their two children, Amanda and Darren will be coming from Tremont, Illinois. They will be with us for a month, with the intention of discerning God´s will for a possibly call to ministry with CLM. We are excited about what the Lord will reveal during this time. Pray for a safe trip and that their hearts would be open to what God desires to show them.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Mary - I praise God in total humbleness for the blessed trip that He provided for me, pray that He will be my daily strength and encouragement to help to get caught up and on board for end of school year, Christmas preparations, visitors, wedding preparations for January, etc, etc, etc, for powerful and consistent private time with the Lord.

2) Jake and Amanda - that they would be encouraged each day, for the building of precious and trust filled relationships with staff and children, for good health, for finishing of their house, for Amanda´s Portuguese to get stronger and stronger, for God´s protection over and strengthening of their marriage, for God´s development of their ministry strengths and callings.

3) Patricia - pray for her studies and that she can redeem herself this last quarter so she can pass the year and continue at Imperatriz, pray for inner healing, improved self image and esteem, confidence in who she is, greater motivation in all she does, more balanced emotional stability, that God will guide her future and lead her into a deep relationship with Him.

4) Kevin and Elaine and family - for safe travels, for a life changing experience while at CLM, for His conviction of His will for their calling, special grace and protection for Amanda and Darren.

5) Loeci and Marcelo - for the Bridal Shower this month, for the wedding preparations, for paying off all of their debts before the wedding, for a decision as to where they will live, for a beautiful wedding day, for all of the out of country guests that will be coming.

6) Josiele - for deep joy and confidence to be baptized on December 6th, that she would have great joy to share this experience with others, protection against the enemy as he will try to discourage her, vision for God´s plans and callings on her life, for all the others who will be baptized that day.

7) Vera - for complete healing and strengthening of her knee following surgery, for a good grade on her thesis that she presented last week, for a confirmation that her work place will be hiring her, adaptation for her new roommate, for the Lord to be the center of all of her relationships.

8) Josiane - for a clear next step for her, for growth and direction.

9) Kristen - that she would feel more and more comfortable and understand more and more Portuguese, for her relationships with all of the children but especially with the older girls, for good health, God´s protection, and spiritual and emotional growth.

10) Lucilene - God´s preparation for her back surgery, that we will be able to get a second opinion, for God´s preparation for all she will go through, that her and her siblings would be given a God chosen forever family.

11) Fabio and Edit - for readjustment to Brazil, that the Lord would confirm and lead them in the next step He has planned for them, for reflection on their trip.

CLM TURVO:

Letricia fell at school last week and broke her arm near the elbow. She had to have surgery to have pins put in and has a shell cast for now. She actually is doing very well. Her biggest complaint was that her cast was heavy. Josiane was able to stay with her in the hospital. Please keep our little Letricia in your prayers for complete healing of her arm and general growth and development in all areas.

Carrie will be returning to the States tomorrow. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time at CLM Turvo and was so very homesick during the few short days she spent at CLM Entre Rios. She had hoped to still be here by the time her sister, Katie and her husband, Andy had arrived. However, their visas have been delayed once again. The government is asking for some more documents. This is what Andy and Katie shared:

    "The home office in Brazil has requested two additional copies of certain documents. Our expediter is taking care of this step for us and is getting those                 documents sent to Brazil this week. Please pray that these papers will arrive quickly in Brazil and that our visas will be approved so we can leave in

    November.     Also, please give thanks that we were led to our expediter, John Marquez. Pray that God will bless him, he has been a huge help."

Please pray Andy and Katie´s visas through so that they will be able to make it in November, Lord willing. Pray for Carrie´s trip home and her reflection on her experience.

Josiane is having another birthday on Sunday, November 8th. I say another because last year she had just gotten to CLM shortly before her birthday, but it was to be a temporary placement because there was an aunt who was suppose to take her. She wanted to stay at CLM at least until her birthday. She ended up staying and now it is time for another birthday. Josiane was living with her father who was gone most of the time and she had to fend for herself. As a 7 year old, she was not very knowledgeable of how to cook and so forth, but he worse was that there was hardly anything to cook. She came to CLM very mal-nutritioned. She has relished being taken care of and having a chance to be a child. She loves baby dolls and spends looks of time playing with them, even if it is by herself. She feeds them and takes them outside and walks around with them and covers them and swings them and changes them. She always has a doll in her hands. She is in the second grade and is doing Ok in her studies. Pray for Josiane´s future and that all she has learned and heard at CLM will stick with her and bring spiritual life.

Continue to pray for Aninha and full recovery of her knee surgery. Pray that the therapy will be helpful and that she will not have anymore falls.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Letricia - for healing of her arm, for complete overcoming of the mal-nutrition and strengthening, for better coordination, for cognitive development, for God´s protection over her.

2) Carrie - for a safe journey home, that the Lord can help her to process her experience and perceive all the areas of growth, that she would maintain the relationships that she developed, readjustment to the States.

3) Andy and Katie - that the Lord would move their visa process through and that the visa would be granted, that the Lord would bring them to Brazil in His perfect timing, for patience and perseverance and faith.

4) Josiane - that the Lord would bring inner healing, physical healing, for her studies, for her future, that the truth and love of the Lord would penetrate to the depths of her heart.

5) Aninha - that the Lord would bring complete physical healing, daily strengthening, renewed hope and vision, renewal and refreshment.

6) Romualdo - that God will have mercy on him with his studies, for spiritual growth and maturity.

7) Adoption - for several of the sibling groups and older kids that the Lord would send interested families to adopt them.

8) Dr. Glauco (Juvenile Judge) - pray for divine wisdom and priority setting in all decisions that he makes, that he would make efficient headway on all of the cases he needs to deal with, that he would not desire to be transferred to anywhere else, for God´s blessings on him and his marriage.

It has been good to be back in touch with you. You are greatly appreciated by all of the ministering team. We literally feel and benefit from your prayers. Our Father hears you and responds.

God bless,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - October 28

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:46:31 +0000
Dear Prayer Warriors, With Mary Gibson returning this Saturday, this will be my fourth and final update for this year! It has been a blessing for Viktoria and me to share with you what God has been doing this month. Please continue to pray for Mary as she finishes out her time in the U.S. with friends and family. Our desire is that the Holy Spirit has refreshed her soul and given her body much-needed rest, that she has enjoyed time with family, and laughed until the tears came with friends. We are excited for her return and eager to hear about her trip. First, the exciting news! Meghan and Joacir are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl! Isabella was born Monday night and is doing well. The doctor said that she is strong and healthy, weighing in at 7.2 pounds. Meghan plans to bring the baby home on Wednesday and her mom will arrive on Thursday night from Canada. Please continue to pray for the entire family. Amanda and Jake have jumped in with both feet to meet the daily challenges of CLM head-on and with a smile. Jake has whipped our computers into shape and has integrated software to help protect the kids from wandering into inappropriate websites. He has also implemented a schedule to provide times for our students to do research, as well as age-appropriate games. His knowledge and skills will provide a valuable resource to our kids. Amanda has done a great job of filling in the gaps with homework during Mary's absence. She has also organized the clothing rooms, made sure that each child's clothes are labeled, and that each has a sufficient amount of clothes that fit. With 30 children, you can imagine how time-consuming this task is! They have also been in charge of Family Nights this month and planned bonfire with s'mores and hot chocolate, and other fun games. Please continue to pray for their adjustment to the culture and language, relationships with the kids and other missionaries, as well as God's continual blessing on their marriage. The entrance to CLM has changed dramatically in the past month. Not just with the cutting down of over 100 large pine trees, but with the planting of hundreds of flowers that were donated by friends, Rose and Anton from the Colony. We also plan to plant new trees in the cleared area within the next week. Joacir and Sergio, two of our older boys, worked during the past two weeks collecting firewood, clearing brush, and cleaning up the debris that had been left. We were blessed with a surprise visit from Valdicleia and Paulo's new family this week! We had not seen them since they were adopted last November so it was wonderful to hear them share about their new home and school. Their adoption was finalized last week and they came to the Colony for their last documents. They are returning soon to spend a day with us. Please pray for this precious family. Berenice found an apartment and is planning to move at the end of the month. Instead of living alone, she is planning to live with two other girls from her church in Curitiba. It will be a new experience for all of them. Please pray for Berenice during this time of planning, making decisions, and moving. Please pray for development of deep relationships among her roommates, as well as their safety in their new home. Lucilene's visit with the specialist in Curitiba went well, however, the diagnosis of her exam is very serious: her spine has a 49 degree S turn. The doctor's opinion is that it will get worse in the future, and will affect her inner organs and respiratory system. Their advice is to have another exam in mid-December with the surgeon and then schedule the surgery after the new year. Please pray for God to guide the doctors as they deal with Luci's situation. Also, pray for Luci, that she would be prepared for the operation in every possible way, and she would feel His peace taking away any fear. May God be in control of all! Luiz, Aninha, and Natalia are so thankful for Carrie and all that she has done with the children at Turvo. They would like to ask for prayer that all goes well during her return trip to the United States next week. They also ask for prayer for Allan, that God would bless him with a job. Luiz also asks specifically for prayer for wisdom with all of the jobs that need to be done at Turvo. They praise God that Letricia's arm is healing well after her accident at school. Thank you for praying for CLM Turvo. Please join us this week in lifting these other requests to our Heavenly Father: * Lucao: for making better choices and learning responsibility * Fran and Aline: for their struggles relating to others * Josiele: for God's rich blessing on her life, continual growth in her relationship with her Savior, leading towards being baptized * Maria Joanna: for her to control her anger and aggressive behavior when provoked *Cristiane: for a skin rash from an allergic reaction *Mike: for an ear infection that has caused hearing loss in his left ear *Juracy: for a qualified and caring person to care for her *Loeci: for development of her final wedding plans *Vera: for continued healing of her knee (she is walking around slowly after her surgery last week) *Kate and Andy: for the last two documents needed for their visas in order to come to Brazil in November Ephesians 3:20 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." AMEN! Mary Cochran

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - October 21

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:59:03 +0100

Dear Prayer Warriors,
We have been blessed with another wonderful week at CLM.  Five different times this week, various people from the community dropped in with gifts for our family. The first was from Imperatriz, the private school here in the colony. The students there have been participating in a project called Mata Verde, which focuses on what they can do to preserve and protect the environment. They had beautiful handmade notebooks of recycled paper for each of the kids, as well as several potted plants. They also brought a special snack and cans of pop for everyone. On the next day, a man from the Agraria, the German company in the colony, came with over 300 servings of salgadinhos (appetizers) that were left over from a party they had earlier in the day. The following day, another woman from one of the nearby churches dropped in with several plates of potato salad and jars of pickles and two police officers brought candy for the kids. Finally, a Christian bookstore in the colony donated toys, Bibles, and some craft materials to us. It is beautiful to see how so many people here reach out to help our ministry. Please pray for each of them to feel the blessing of the Lord in their lives for their generosity and thoughtfulness. We received the report cards from Imperatriz and Lacerda but are still waiting to hear from Dom Pedro, where our older students attend. The exciting news is that Luana and Raquel have improved in every subject and will earn a reward for their hard work! Luquinho has also made some improvements academically but is having some behavior issues. Arivaldo's teacher is very impressed with the gains that he has made this year and he is becoming more confident in himself. Aline, Alisson, and Alex (the last three to arrive at CLM) are the ones that we are the most concerned about, specifically with reading. Cristiane and Elielton's teacher commented that he's not participating and improving as he was before.  This year has been a challenge for our kids at Imperatriz, too. Whereas they could pretty much skate by at the public school, the private school's curriculum is much more advanced and has been a shock for those who never really had to put much effort into their studies before. Our three youngest, Everton, Gisi, and Diogo, seem to be doing fine except for an occasional discipline problem with Gisi. Caroline and Carolaine are in the third grade and also are adjusting well. This is Rita's fourth year at Imperatriz and she continues to earn high marks. Patricia, Geovane, Lucas (5th grade), and Romulo (7th grade) have had the roughest transition. They have been dropped into advanced English and German classes with other students who are already fluent and it has been an extremely difficult year, filled with bouts of anger and tears. We are confident that this is a great opportunity for our children but desire wisdom on how we should continue next year. Please pray for each of our students to finish strong, as well as for each of the adults who are committed to helping them feel successful with their education. Pray specifically for Patricia and Geovane who seem to be emotionally struggling worse than the others, and for Lucao who has skipped classes lately and has no interest in school. On Friday afternoon, our farmer and our gardener took all of our older boys for a fishing trip. Although it was cold and rainy, the boys came back with lots of stories about their adventures and the "fish that got away!" Luiz shared with Viktoria after they returned that he and Doni take full responsibility for the boys as if they were their fathers on these trips. We are blessed that these two Godly men work for us and are so dedicated to the ministry here. Please pray for them and their families. On Friday evening, a group from a local church led by Viktoria's friend, Tuta, performed a drama based on Max Lucado's book, "You are Special!" The story is about a little Wemmick named Punchinello who can never seem to do anything right.  The people in his village all have gray dots and gold stars that they place on the other Wemmicks when they do something bad or something good. Poor Punchinello is always covered with gray dots, and dreams of earning gold stars. He meets a girl named Lucia and is intrigued because she doesn't have any marks. She explains to him that the stars don't stick because they don't matter. It only matters what Eli, the woodcarver, thinks about her because He created her. Punchinello is fearful but visits Eli, the Creator of his people, with Lucia and discovers that Eli loves him and thinks he is special. The performers did a great job of involving the children with their performance and everyone had a great time. Please pray that the seeds planted by this story delve deep into the hearts of our kids and they realize that they are intimately loved by their Creator. On Saturday night, Amanda and I labeled and passed out new pajamas for all the kids, a generous donation from the North Phoenix AC church for the entire CLM family. The kids were so happy and loved posing for pictures to show off their new duds! Thank you so much for this special gift!    Lucilene will be travelling to Curitiba on Thursday for a consult with an orthopedic surgeon. She has a fairly severe curvature in her spine and the doctors here in Guarapuava have sent her to a specialist for further study.  Marilda will be taking her and they will return on Friday evening. Please pray for Luci's doctor appointment, as well as for safety as she and Marilda travel. We have two birthdays this week here at Entre Rios.  Maria Luiza will celebrate her first birthday today! She came to us in February when she was just four months old after her drug-addicted parents abandoned her. When they discovered the baby had been removed, they tried to invade the Child Protection Agency. To avoid more threats and attempts to get their child back, it was requested that we take her since the parents were not familiar with CLM.  Maria Luiza was quite lethargic when she arrived and we were afraid that she had some significant developmental delays. However, we realized very quickly that God had different plans for this special little girl! She has become very active and alert, and is very close to being able to walk on her own.  Please pray for Maria Luiza's future and God's perfect will for her life. Raquel will be 8 years old on Saturday. She is the sister of Arivaldo, Everton, and Hellen. They were removed from their family when it was discovered that their older sister was being used as a prostitute to earn money for the family. Shortly after the children came to live with us, their mother died due to complications with the pregnancy of her ninth child. Raquel is a very sensitive girl who cries easily. She struggles in school but recently has shown improvement. She loves to color, play with dolls, and do puzzles. Please pray for a forever family for Raquel and her brothers and sister, as well as continued healing for the pain that she has already endured in her young life.
Aninha called and asked for prayer for Letricia. She fell while playing on a trampoline at school and broke her arm close to the elbow. She has already had an emergency surgery and is in a cast. She is such a small and frail little girl and we covet your prayers for her perfect healing. The last bimester in school is underway and the Turvo team asks for prayer that all of their students finish strong and that Romualdo improves.  Please pray for everyone who is planning to come and serve at CLM Turvo during the next few months. There is a couple from Bahia and another from Arizona, as well as Candice from Australia. Another couple from the Nazarene church in Sao Paulo is praying about serving there, as well.   Josiane spent this past week in Turvo helping out and was a huge blessing to the entire family. Carrie will be finishing up her experience and returning to Illinois in two weeks. She will be terribly missed and I'm sure will be a wonderful advocate for Turvo and the miracles that she has witnessed while she has served there. As you can imagine, with the number of children that we care for, short-termers are vital to our ministry. Please join us in praying for more workers! Finally, Allan is still looking for a job and we ask for you to pray for him, as well as the entire Moreira family. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and prayers as we share the love of Christ with all of these precious children. Mary Cochran

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - October 14

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:37:27 +0100
Dear Prayer Warriors,

We praise God for the perfect day He gave us to celebrate Children's Day on Sunday! It is traditionally the first day of swimming but with the cold and rainy weather we've had, we all had doubts if it would be warm enough to swim. God blessed us with a hot and sunny day...and our kids have a healthy glow to prove it! Close to 150 people came from our church and the colony to join us for lunch and a day of fun and fellowship. There was a water slide for the little ones and the soccer field, basketball court, and playground were in constant use. Mike added a balance beam to the deep end of the pool and the kids had a blast trying to make it to the other side without falling off. (Of course, it turned into more of a challenge when we gave them jousting sticks!)   God blessed us with another perfect day on Monday and the festivities continued. After lunch, the kids were doubly blessed to receive a bag full of candy and to discover they had no chores for the day. As soon as all the adults finished the dishes, everyone came together to play hockey for the first time. Viktoria, Jake, Lobinho, and Mike jumped on a team while I strapped on a whistle as the referee/photographer.  Everyone loved it and the little ones learned more about time...they must have asked 10 times during the 3 minutes they were in the penalty box if it was time to go back in! The afternoon was filled with more games, soccer, basketball, sand volleyball, and rollerblading. We had brownie and ice cream sundaes with homemade hot fudge sauce and whipped cream for snack. I had fortunately made plenty because 15 of Donei's friends showed up to spend the day with us and teenage boys can eat! Amanda and Jake filled about 200 water balloons and organized a balloon launch and relay which left everyone soaked and ready to swim. We ended the day at the pool with a bonfire and a weenie roast and again thanked God for another special day for our kids.

Today, the judge invited the entire CLM family, as well as all the kids currently placed in children's services in Guarapuava, to a movie at the theater in the city.  Our kids were already excited about the movie, so you should have seen them when we told them we were going to the Children's Park afterwards...and then to the pizzaria for dinner! The sponsors of our students at Imperatriz blessed us with a donation and asked us to do something special for the children at Entre Rios. In the past, they have bought things just for our 10 students who go to the private school but this time wanted to do something special for all of our kids for Children's Day. It was a perfect opportunity to take them out for dinner since we were already in the city. Again, God blessed us with a warm and sunny day and the smiles, hugs, and "thank yous" from our kids blessed each of us. Our desire is for each of them to feel treasured and we are so grateful for everyone who helps to cultivate the true worth and precious value that God has placed on their lives. Please pray that the Holy Spirit continues to delve deep within each one, taking away any seed of doubt that it is their fault they aren't with their families.

When we met the CLM Turvo family at the cinema, our two groups were the only ones who arrived on time. The program was delayed as we waited on others to arrive. It was a little frustrating because we had rushed to get there but God used the time to allow the two families to visit. Aninha shared that they also had a wonderful Children's Day, celebrating the love and value that God has for each of their children. The big event was the water slide down into the deep end of their new swimming area. Carrie prepared a special treat...BUCKEYES! Anything with peanut butter is always special for our kids because we can't buy it here.

Please continue to pray for Aninha. She has fallen twice this past week. Her knee is sensitive and feels unstable at times. She needs to rest more but it is difficult for her when there is always so much to do. She has lost over 10 pounds and desires prayer to continue to lose more weight to alleviate the pain in her knee. Also, Luiz just finished planting about 3,000 eucalyptus trees which will make for a great investment for the future. May God bless their plantation!

We have one birthday this week at Turvo. Luiz will be 53 years old on Saturday. He is originally from the state of Minas Gerais and was raised at the Nepomuceno Boys´ Home. Twenty one years ago, Luiz and his family came to CLM as our farmer. As the years passed,  he and Aninha felt the call to serve as missionaries at CLM.  Four years ago, they were even more specifically called to serve as the Directors at the second CLM Home in the city of Turvo, Parana.  He is very knowledgeable and loves to learn new things. Luiz and Aninha have four beautiful children, Etienne, Natalia, Allan, and Romualdo. Please keep Luiz in your prayers for good health, wisdom, daily renewal and strength, an intimacy with Christ and with his family, and his ministry as a father to the children at Turvo.

Thank you for interceding on behalf of each of our children, each of the missionaries, and for the ministry of CLM.

Blessings!
Mary Cochran

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - September 29

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:02:46 +0100

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Well, the Phoenix/Ohio team got ahead of themselves and finished the painting of the Family Room. It is three tones of brown/tan. It reminds me of chocolate when I walk in and since I love chocolate, I love walking into our Family Room. Of course, another reason I like that room is because of it´s name. "Family" is something very precious and vital to life and instituted by God.  The women were looking for another project. Since, we had just gotten the couch and chairs in the office re-upholstered, there was an obvious need to have it painted. To bring out the colors in the couch, one wall is a textured red and the other walls are yellow. It is lively and bright and Annette thinks it is perfect in the middle of a Children´s Home. So, I am typing this in the middle of the covered furniture and the smell of paint. We have been blessed with the work team and are thankful to get to know each one of them a little bit more. Carrie (Pflederer) is here this week from Turvo, where she is having a short term experience. Mark (Keiper) left on Saturday and has arrive home safely. It was strange leaving his daughter, Kristen here, but he said that he couldn´t be more thrilled that she will be serving the Lord at CLM. Jake and Amanda and the team will be going to Foz do Iquaçu early Friday morning. The team will fly out on Sunday. Keep them in your prayers for safe travels and that the Lord will be able to accomplish in and through each of them according to His purpose.

Saturday night will be Josiane´s college graduation. It had been cancelled several times because of the Swine Flu, so it is refreshing to know that now it is actually going to happen. She has invited several of the adults of our family - Viktoria, Lobinho and Joanna, Mike and Mary, and me - plus Aline. We have invited Meghan and Joacir and Doni (our gardener) and his wife, Juraci to help Lizena and Kristen out that night. Four of Josiane´s classmates have rented a hall and hired a cook to provide an after graduation dinner. We are looking forward to celebrating Josiane´s great accomplishment. Please pray for her as she pursues God´s plan for her.

I will be leaving early Sunday morning to go to Curitiba. I´m looking forward to the couple of precious hours I will be able to spend with several of our girls and their families there. The gathering will be at Julio and Elisabete´s house. That evening I go to São Paulo and will meet up with Vilma and her family. The following evening, I will leave for New Jersey (staying with Heidi Reinhardt at (201) 440-3645). On the 9th of October, I move onto Pittsburgh to visit my mother and sister, Sally and family (staying at Sally´s house at (724) XXX-1518). We will be doing some Ohio trips to visit my brother-in-law, Bob Larson (staying with Bob at (330) 492-4550). Included somewhere in there will be a trip to Columbus, Ohio to see my nephews. Thankfully, my brother, Tom will be able to come to Pittsburgh during my stay. On the 28th of October, I will go to Tremont, Illinois to meet with the Missionary Committee (staying with Steve and Di Meyer at (309) 925-9040). Please pray for my trip and all of the contacts I will be having. I want to be a blessing.

On October 5th, Jake and Amanda will officially be onsite full-time CLM missionaries. They moved to CLM Entre Rios about 2 weeks ago and are completing the remodeling of their house. Their house is located in the front and used to be known as the CLM Clinic. The materials to build the clinic were donated by various doctors probably over 17 years ago. After that program was no longer in operation, Lobinho and his family moved there. An addition was added. Now, Jake and Amanda have also made some adaptations, making it slightly larger and more insolated. Jake will be assuming responsibility for the computers and everything associated with them. He will also be in charge of the vehicles, their maintenance and repairs and will help with homework and substitute for devotions, among many other things. Amanda will be taking over the area of organizing and distributing clothes and shoes to the children, working on life skills such a telling time, tying shoes, and caring for what is theirs. She will also be involved in doing homework with some of the children. Their hours normally will be from noon to 8:00, with their day-off on Tuesdays. Continue to pray for them.

Joanna will be 29 years old on Sunday, the 4th of October. She is the wife of Wilson Lobo (Lobinho) and the mother of Moanna (7) and Nicole (4). They have been ministering at CLM for the last 4 years. Joanna has a special and unique understanding of this ministry, because she is a CLM daughter. She came to CLM when she was 10 years old with her brother, Jordan when their father was not able to provide for them. After 3 years, they left CLM to go live with their mother and stepfather in São Paulo. It was discovered that her mother was still using drugs and the whole situation became dangerous. They then ended up back with their father and stepmother in north-central Brazil. After a period of time, it became obvious that that situation was not a healthy one either. So after 3 years of being away from CLM and at the age of 16, Joanna asked if she could come "back home". It took a 52 hour bus trip all alone to get here, but she was home. She remained at CLM for 3 years until she married Lobinho in 2000. Joanna ministers at CLM on an average of 20 hours a week. Her other time is dedicated to her husband and two children, one of which is a special needs child. She is responsible for homework with some of the children, baths for the girls and lice control, and serving dinner and devotions for the younger children.  She is a good friend and a good example for the children. Keep Joanna in your prayers as she serves the Lord as wife, mother, and missionary.

There were some serious problems during the last visit of Francielle, Lucas, Rita, and Gisieli with the mother. Some abusive treatment, especially towards Rita, has caused serious concern and cancellation of future visits. Police and medical reports were made of burns inflicted on Rita´s neck by her mother. It took several days after their return to discover what had happened, but the exaggerated and unusual behavior of each of them was an alert. Please be praying for this situation and God´s determined outcome.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Phoenix/Ohio Team - that God would greatly bless their last couple days of their stay and their trip home, gratitude for their loving service and all their work.

2)  Kristen - that the Lord would help her to feel at home and rejoice in what God wants to do in and through her life during her time at CLM, that she can learn some Portuguese, that the Lord can develop her ministries, for the development of lasting and important relationships.

3) Josiane - that her graduation would be a blessing to her and that she will be surrounded by many that love and admire her, that the Lord would continue to give growth and guide her life.

4) Mary´s trip - that the Lord would help me to finish everything that needs to be done before Sunday morning so I can leave with peace and confidence, that all can go smoothly while I am gone, for Hellen, Rita, and Diogo who are very attached to me as well as all of the other children and adolescents, for safe travels and a wonderful time with family and friends.

5) Jake and Amanda - God´s blessings on the initiation and development of their ministries, for continual learning of Portuguese especially for Amanda, for balancing of ministry and marriage, continual adaptation, for the development of good relationships with staff and children.

6) Joanna - for God´s blessings as she continues to grow in Him and as a wife, mother, and missionary in God´s Kingdom, for good health and God´s protection, for wisdom in all of her relationships.

7) Francielle, Lucas, Rita, and Gisieli - pray for the truth and only the truth, pray for inner healing of the traumas inflicted especially for Rita, pray for the decisions made in regard to their futures.

8) Meghan - has had some problems with high blood pressure. May the Lord continue to protect mother and child during the rest of the pregnancy, for a good and safe delivery, for the visit from Meghan´s family, for Meghan and Joacir´s future plans.

9) Fabio and Edit - pray God´s protection over Fabio during the eye surgery he will be having, pray for their preparation to return to Brazil, for God´s leading once they return, for continual growth in their marriage and in the Lord.

CLM TURVO:

Carrie is doing real well and has been a tremendous help. She is giving the children English lessons and it is such a benefit for them. She will be here throughout the month of October. She has really enjoyed her time and during the days that she has been at Entre Rios, she has really missed "her Turvo" kids. Keep her in your prayers.

We are coming to the end of the third quarter and several of our children are really lacking in their grades. Luana and Romualdo are not doing well. May they take advantage of the last quarter to pull themselves through. Willian, Gabriel, and Tainara continue to have behavior problems. Besides their own learning process being difficult, they also disrupt the entire class and stress the teacher everyday. Pray for all of our students, that they can end the year strong and prepared for the next grade.

Pray for the project of encouraging people familiar with the work at CLM to direct a portion of their income tax to CLM. As the years go by and more and more people catch on, this can be a tremendous resource for special projects and needs.

Pray for the processes of our children, that God would determine the future of each one. May no child be returned to family or relatives if it will place them in danger or inhibit them from being all they could be. May God direct each case.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Carrie - may God continue to be her strength, may He help her with her daily responsibilities and give her eyes to see how else to help, may she build important and lasting relationships, may she learn Portuguese and the culture, for spiritual growth and stretching.

2) CLM Students - that each student will work hard to do their very best, special help for those who have red marks, budgeting of their time, improved behavior.

3) Income Tax - that more and more people will be aware of this need and determine to contribute, for wise use of the money.

4) Futures - may God´s dreams for each child be realized in their lives, for God´s protection.

5) Garden - that the Lord would bless the work and give a tremendous harvest in the garden.

6)  Allan - that the Lord would open a door for him to start to work, praise God that he passed his driver´s test, for spiritual and emotional growth.

7) Luiz and Aninha and family - that the Lord would continue to bring complete healing for Aninha, that she would pace herself, for God´s plans and protection for each of their children, the peace that they are in God´s hands, for wisdom and renewal each day.

8) Natalia - that the Lord would restore, direct, guide and fill her each day, that He would lead her in preparing for her future, for spiritual and emotional growth.

9) Etienne - that she would restart her college in January, that she would have conditions to get her driver´s license, for all her relationships, for spiritual and emotional growth, for God´s protection always.

During my trip Mary Cochran and Viktoria will be writing the Prayer Warrior each week. Thank you for your faithfulness and please continue to lift us up to our Almighty God.

loving God,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - September 22

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:50:36 +0100

Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Projects are moving along. The trees in the front are almost all down. There is still kind of a mess there and it really is looking bare! Any major change takes awhile to get used to. It will really be nice when the bushes are planted and blooming. It does make the front of the house lighter, with more sun coming through. It is also much safer with the storms we have been having lately. In fact, the men who are here working have had to do their work between the rains.

The other project underway is the painting of the family room on the second floor. The team from Phoenix/Ohio are working on that. It is a big room with high ceilings, lots of edging work to be done, and three shades of chocolate to paint, so it will not be a fast project. Melaney, Kristen, and Avanka are enjoying the baby and little ones. It has helped to have Josiane home for a couple of days to help orient them. Mark and John have also been working on tune ups on the Kombi´s which is much needed. Pray for John, Corrine, Annette, Melaney, Avanka, Mark and Kristen.

I am trying to get myself ready to travel on October 4th. I will be going to the States, especially to visit my mother who is 93 years old. My plans are to leave CLM on Sunday and spend a night and day with Vilma (CLM daughter) and her family in São Paulo. The evening of the 5th, I leave for Newark by way of Atlanta. I will be with my church family and friends until Friday, October 9th when I will be flying to Pittsburgh. The next 2 1/2 weeks, I will be between Pennsylvania and Ohio visiting family. On October 28th, I will go to Tremont, Illinois to attend the Missionary Committee meeting and of course, visit many that I love so much from there. My heart is divided, as always, looking forward to this trip, but already missing my family here. Please pray that I can be organized and efficient and get done everything in the next 11 days without too much extra stress and late nights.

Another important trip scheduled for tomorrow is the Stuber family´s return to the United States. Everything has gone amazingly smooth, in Guarapuava, Curitiba, and Rio.  Nina already has her Brazilian and American passports and visa. They are ready to go and will be leaving tomorrow night (Wednesday). The reunion with family and friends on the other end for sure is going to be an emotional one. Maybe a little overwhelming for Nina with so many new faces, but overwhelmingly exciting for all those anxious to meet the new Stuber daughter. Oh, what is going through her little mind. Dana has reported that Nina has been an absolute trooper. The only thing she was a little disappointed in was that her passport wasn´t pink to match her luggage! Please keep Dale, Dana, Sam, Max, Calvin, and Nina in your prayers for their trip, as well as for their adjustment once they are back home.

We ask for your prayers for Vera who will be doing the pre-presentation for her thesis tonight at 7:00 our time. She is a bit nervous so pray that God can calm her spirit and give her a confidence in what she will be presenting. She is also coming up on her knee surgery at the beginning of next month (10/9) and needs prayers.

Josiane´s college graduation is finally marked for October 3rd and has not be cancelled up until now. Some of the details are still up in the air, since it had been cancelled and remarked several times. Pray that it will all come together and be a beautiful memory for her. Pray that we can make the arrangements here so that many of the adults can participate. Also, pray for the next step that God has for Josiane, that she can discern God´s will and walk through His opened doors.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Tree Removal - for God´s continual protection that there will be no injuries, wise use of the money received, that the men working here would hear as well as see the gospel in our lives.

2) Phoenix/Ohio Work Team - for good health and God´s protection, that they can accomplish all of their projects, that the Lord can accomplish His projects in their lives through this experience, for special, lasting relationships. (I promise to post pictures next week)

3) Mary´s trip to the U.S. - that I can get everything done that needs to be before I travel, that the Lord would bless my trip and every contact that I have during that time, that the Lord would bless all at CLM and help all to flow smoothly.

4) Stuber family - God´s protection for their last two days in Rio, for a great flight, that Nina would enjoy the whole trip, for a wonderful and emotional encounter with family and friends, praise to God for opening all of the doors necessary and for helping Nina feel so secure and happy.

5) Vera - that the Lord would give her a spirit of peace and calmness and a confidence in what she needs to present, that she can finish up her college until the end of the year, for her upcoming knee surgery that all would go perfectly and that her recovery would be complete, for spiritual growth.

6) Josiane - for her graduation and for a job according to God´s will.

7) Elisabete and Julio - that the Lord would continue to do a mighty work of transformation in their lives, that they would get pregnant according to God´s timing, for God´s blessings over their marriage.

8) Meghan - for control of her high blood pressure, for a good rest of her pregnancy and a safe delivery, that God would direct them in their future plans.

9) Bethany and Juan - God´s protection over Juan who is in São Paulo for the week and a safe return, for complete recovery from the flu for Bethany, that Caleb won´t get the flu, God´s orientation and efficiency for Bethany´s ministry at CLM.

10) Nazarene Church of Colônia Vitoria - that the Lord would bring the victory over the spiritual warfare that it is facing, for protection over the Pastor and his family and all others involved in deliverance.

11) Francielle, Lucas, Rita, and Gisieli - pray that the Lord can minister to their hearts and bring peace in spite of the visit with their mother every 2 weeks which has caused tremendous confusion for them, pray for patience and discernment for the CLM family as to how to work with each of them, pray for the Judge´s decision as to if they return or not.

CLM TURVO:

Luiz and Aninha attempted two times to send me an e-mail with their prayer requests, but it did not come through and it is too late to call them. I will try to get the information from them tomorrow and pass it onto you. In the meantime, just keep lifting them up.

We thank you once again for your prayer support and participation in the ministry at Canaan Land Ministries. Please allow the Lord to continue to use you.

committed,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - September 15

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:57:08 +0100

Tuesday, September 15, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

It is another late start and I feel like I need to write two weeks worth since I really didn´t write much last week. I will try to do a quick summary, if I can - (Ha! Ha!). Nicole came home from the hospital on Friday. She was doing well, although she still had a little bit of a cough and was still on antibiotics. Another scare has passed. They were able to discover two types of infection in her lungs. They actually treated her for Swine Flu even without clear proof. They didn´t want to waste time or take a chance. We are glad to have her back home and ask for your continued prayers for her.

On Wednesday, Dennys and his sister, Daniela arrived from São Paulo. They are from the Nazarene church in Jacare, São Paulo. Daniela was only able to stay a week, leaving tonight, but her brother will be staying a couple more weeks. In November, Dennys will be leaving Brazil to work as a missionary in an orphanage in India. He believes that his experience at CLM is a tremendous opportunity to prepare for the ministry that lies ahead of him. Both of them have been a tremendous blessing and have jumped right in. CLM praises the Lord for CLM short termers and work teams. They are tremendous gap filler inners. Dennys helps with making breakfast, the morning clean up and getting the dinning room prepared for lunch, homework time, baths, among other things. Please pray for Dennys and God´s plans for him in India.

On Friday, the Stubers had their hearing with the Judge and District Attorney. He promised that he would be asking Nina whether he was interested in the Stubers being her forever family. She did reply with a positive and definite head shake. The bonding was obvious and the decision was made that Elaininha will be from now on "Nina Ann Stuber". Dale and Lino continued to work on paper work, including a new birth certificate. All of the documents needed from Guarapuava had to be in their hands or they would have had to postpone their departure to Curitiba. Thankfully, with the orders from the Judge, everything did get finished in time on Friday afternoon. So Saturday was the big day. After middle of the night packing, they were ready for the next leg of their trip. In Curitiba, they have gotten Nina´s medical examination done and tomorrow they will be going after a Brazilian passport and visa. They have done a lot of sightseeing, including a train ride from Curitiba to the Parana coastline. Nina is doing fabulous and we are so proud of her. They will be moving onto Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to get her U.S. passport and leaving for the States on the 23rd. Please continue to pray for them. Pray for Sam´s recovery from the flu and that he doesn´t pass it on to any of them who have not had it yet.

Vera is to have knee surgery on the 9th of October. She has been struggling to get scheduled for this operation for several years now. She will have physical therapy afterwards. Pray for perfect surgery and perfect recovery.

Two of the schools are having class on Saturdays to make up for the days missed due to the flu. The kids, as well as the teachers, are not thrilled with the idea. I keep telling them that I didn´t hear them complaining when they didn´t have school for those 3 weeks. It makes for a long week for us. It seems like there is a day missing. Please continue to pray for our students.

We will be initiating a tree cutting project probably next week. There is a company coming in to cut down the front pine trees which have gotten dangerously tall and are close together. CLM will have a new look after the bushes that are to be planted fill out. Hopefully, it will really be looking good by January for Loeci´s wedding.

Jake and Amanda continue to work on the remodeling of their house. They have finished their language studies and will be moving to CLM on Friday. That will save an hour of traveling everyday. They will be starting their responsibilities on October 5th. Please keep them in your prayers.

Thursday, we are expecting the Work Team from Arizona/Ohio to arrive. Included from Arizona are John and Corinne Gerhardt, Annette, Ivanka, and Melaney Niemiec, and Kristen and Mark Keiper from Ohio. Kristen will be staying for 6 months. We were really concerned this week when we heard that Kristen had not gotten her visa and really glad when we heard it came through even though they had to leave a day later. The rest of the team will be here until October 2rd. Keep them in your prayers.

Tomorrow, will be Everson´s 27th birthday and Lucas (Ramos)´s 12th birthday. Everson came to CLM with his younger brother, Esdras when he was 10 years old. He left CLM when he was 12, after his father had completed treatment for alcoholism. He wasn´t excited about that and begged his father to allow him to finish the school year. He had to leave and things did go OK for the first couple of years until his father started having problems again and ended up in prison. Everson called and asked if he could come back "home". He finished High School and completed several mechanic courses. He got a job with Renault where he worked for several years. He finally moved away from home and lived in Guarapuava. He presently is working for New Holland and is doing very well. He got married to Leticia last July and they are now living in a small town about 2 hours from us where Everson was temporarily transferred. Everson is very musically talented and plays the guitar and the drums a bit too. Keep them in your prayers as they grow in the Lord and in their marriage relationship.

Lucas is the brother of Aline, Francielle, Rita, and Gisieli. They have been at CLM for 5 years. They came because both parents were in prison for killing their father´s brother. Much violence and unrest seemed to have marked their childhood. Coming out of prison their parents went their separate ways and are now together with other mates. The mother is interested in getting the kids back and the 4 younger ones are going on home visit every other weekend to be able to evaluate the possibility. Lucas is a handsome boy, but presents a lot of mood swings and anger. He is not strong in interpersonal relationships. He is studying in the 5th grade at the German School this year and is struggling. He likes sports, especially swimming and all the normal boy stuff.  Please pray for Lucas that he can have more confidence and better relationship skills.

Donei will be 15 years old on Thursday, September 17th. He came to CLM when he was 8 years old when he was found totally abandoned. A year or so later, 4 month old Andy came to CLM. He is a half brother on the mother´s side. Donei has had some very troubled years, making bad choices. At the same time, he has grown and is learning. He is a very handsome young man, intelligent, and talented. He is in the 7th grade and gets very good grades with little effort. He plays the guitar and is a great soccer player. He has been helping a lot lately with the younger boys especially at bedtime. They respect and obey him. He likes farming and has said that that is his interest for the future. Donei has a possible adoption coming up for which we are very excited. This is an opportunity that most 15 year old boys don´t get. Please pray for him and for Steve and Tammy.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Nicole - praise God for her recovery, may the Lord continue to strengthen her body and help her to be more resistant to everything that goes around, for her continual development in all areas.

2) Dennys and his sister, Daniela - thankfulness for Daniela´s time here and the impact it had on her life, for God´s blessings over Dennys and the time he will be spending at CLM, for God´s preparation for his ministry in India and his departure in November.

3) Stuber Family - praise God for the miracles He has been working in their family and in Nina, that the rest of the process would continue to go smoothly, for their trip to Rio and for their safety while there, for their return to the U.S. and all of the adjustments for everyone.

4) Vera - God´s preparation for her upcoming surgery and for perfect results, for wisdom in all the decisions she makes, for strength to keep up with her job and college, that they would indeed register her at her job which is up until now an apprenticeship, for God´s protection over her.

5) Tree Cutting Project - that the Lord would direct and protect.

6) Everson - that the Lord would grow him spiritually and emotionally, blessing his marriage, job, and relationships.

7) Lucas Ramos - that the Lord would bring inner healing, for help in dealing with the confusion and conflict caused by the visits with the mother, that he would feel loved and very special, for help to pass the school year and do his very best, for improved relationship skills.

8) Donei - pray for his future and God´s plan for him, that he can reach his full potential, that he would make good choices and pick good friends, that he would allow Jesus to reign in his life.

9) Jake and Amanda - pray for their move and adjustment to CLM, for the continual development of Amanda´s Portuguese, for the beginning of their ministry, for the finishing of their house, for developing good relationships with team, workers, and children.

10) Phoenix/Ohio Work Team - for safe arrival, for accomplishing the projects planned for them, for good team work, for good health and safety, that God will accomplish all He desires in each of their lives.

11) Gilmar and Edinete - a couple from São Paulo seeking the Lord about ministry with CLM. Pray for God´s clear leading and for the opportunity to visit CLM.

CLM TURVO:

Aninha seems to be recovering well. She is getting Physical Therapy 3 times a week in Guarapuava. The main concern is that she is probably trying to do too much. There are just some people who are really hard to keep down. Keep praying for her and her full recovery.

With spring trying to come, Luiz is preparing the garden. It is a lot of work, but so gratifying to sit at the table with fresh and healthy vegetables from your own garden. While the Stuber family spent a few days at CLM Turvo, Dale worked on a landscaping design for CLM. Luiz and Aninha are really excited to have a plan that can be worked on little by little. We had prayed for a long time that someone would come along that could help us on that project. It took Nina being adopted for that person to come. God´s timing for everything is so good. Please be praying for this project that it can be realized in a short amount of time.

A lot of flu has been passing around - not all Swine flu. When a child is sick, it is a neat time to be able to give some special and extra tender attention. Sometimes that is still difficult with having so many kids, but every little bit helps. Natalia has been battling a urinary tract infection. Pray for God´s healing and renewing of everyone´s strength.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Aninha - for complete recovery and strengthening of her leg, that she would be encouraged spiritually and emotionally, that she would trust in the Lord and have peace that God has wonderful plans for her children (including a job for Allan).

2) Garden Project - that the garden will be very successful, with vegetables left over to sell.

3) Landscaping Project - praise God for sending Dale and for the opportunity he had to draw up the plans, that little by little the landscaping would receive funding and be accomplished.

4) Good Health - for Natalia that she would be healed of the urinary tract infection, that all with the flu would get better and that others would not get it, for good health for all.

5) Carrie - that the Lord would be her strength daily, for all of her relationships, for learning of Portuguese, that God would continue to work a good work in her.

6) Second Floor - for the finishing of the second floor, for the furnishing of it, for the filling of it.

7) Municipal and State Grants - that they would be approved and the money available for use.

8) CLM Team - that the Lord would renew them everyday and fill them with all they need to meet the needs of the children.

9) Andy and Katie - may their visas be granted in God´s timing and may they soon come to Brazil to start their language training, for all of the last minute preparations.

Well, it is about time to send this out. It seems to have taken me forever to finish this. Thank you for your prayers and for lifting us up to the Father.

believing,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - September 8

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:15:22 +0100

Tuesday, September 8, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

We are having very hard storms since last night. There were hard winds, lightening and thunder non-stop, and heavy rains and a period of time without lights. It has continued to rain all time on and off and the lights have also been going on and off. I need to write a real quick e-mail before we end up not having internet anymore. We have a very important prayer request.

For quite a while we have not needed to ask you to specifically pray for Nicole but today we come to you once again and ask for your prayers. She was hospitalized today. There is a flu of sore throat, fever, and cough that is moving through CLM and of course, one of the most sensitive to anything like that is Nicole. Moanna has had it too. The fear with Nicole is if she would have a seizure if her fever would spike. This morning, they took an emergency run to the hospital because Nicole had vomited several times and was extremely weak and the fever started to spike. The good news is that she had no seizure. She actually has had no seizures at all since she has been on anti-seizure medication. They brought her back home and took her again to a doctor´s appointment in the afternoon. The doctor decided to intern her because her breathing was not good. They were not able to take a chest X-ray because the electricity had gone out. He felt it was safer for her to be on IV and under observation. So we are asking for your prayers for God´s healing and fast recovery for our precious little Nicole. Pray for Joanna who will be in the hospital with her and Lobinho who will be with Moanna. Ask God´s blessings over Aline, who is a tremendous help for them in watching Moanna when Lobinho needs to be gone.

I will send this so I can be sure you get this request and possibly send more tomorrow.

God bless you for being a CLM Prayer Warrior,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - September 1

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:14:44 +0100

Tuesday, September 1, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Today is the day that I am going to the city to have a conversation with the Judge. My desire is to re-establish some contact with him, since it has been quite a while since we have talked. I want to understand what actions he is taking with several of our kids to understand how we can prepare them. I am praying for a comfortable and Spirit directed conversation. Well, I´m back (obviously, I didn´t get much done on the Prayer Warrior this morning). I think the conversation went well, although different than I was imagining. He had a list all of our kids and where the processes are and he went through each child or sibling group. He was glad to be able to say that something was happening in every case. He also talked about the new law and said that it is very good. He said the part that everyone is saying that a child can not stay in an institution for more than 2 years has a clause after it saying unless there is no other option or if it is determined that that is the best option for the child. He asked me to read over the law. After talking to him, I went to the Social Worker to find out a little more on some of the cases. That was good, too. I think it was worth the time spent. Some cases are kind of at a road block, where others are moving in a certain direction. Some are quite complicated. Please continue to pray for the futures of all of our kids. Also, Dr. Glauco (Judge) has asked for prayer.

Things are going very well for the Stuber family. They are spending several days in Turvo. The idea was to go to a familiar environment, but not as familiar as Entre Rios.  The concept is working. As the boys have spent their time at the waterfalls building forts and so forth, Dale has spent his time developing a landscape design for CLM. Dana has been able to spend much precious and one to one time with Nina, which she has cherished. They will be returning to Entre Rios tomorrow. They will have 9 more days here before they move onto Curitiba on the 12th. They will be several days in Curitiba then onto Rio de Janeiro on the 19th to get the American passport for Nina and then leaving for the States on the 23rd. Dana shared in her update e-mail, her thoughts of coming to the end of their stay in Brazil: "............it makes me cry right now, thinking of leaving here, and thinking of arriving home. Both are very very emotional." Continue to keep the Stubers, including their newest addition, in your prayers.

Tomorrow, the 2rd of September is Josiane and Geovane´s birthdays. Josiane came to CLM when she was 11 years old. She was originally from Guarapuava, but went to Rio de Janeiro with a couple that said they had intentions to adopt her and many other children. It was suspected there were other mal-intentions involved and all of the children in their care were returned to their birth cities.  Her brother, another boy, and Josiane were sent to CLM. Josiane did not understand what was going on and why she was abruptly removed from a family who she thought was her biological family. It took her a good 6 months to begin to trust and even relate to the adults of CLM. But once she did, she started to blossom. Today, she is a beautiful young lady, with a very special heart. She will be graduating from college this month (it has been cancelled many times due to the Swine Flu) Her greatest interest is to work in a daycare. She loves children and they respond well to her. She hopes to do a post-graduate course next year. Keep Josiane in your prayers, as she faces many chances and challenges.

Geovane will be 13 years old tomorrow. He is the big brother of Patricia, Luquinho, and Diogo. They come from a very dysfunctional family. There is a total of at least 6 kids, most all with different fathers. Their mother is a drug addict. Geovane was taught to steal, spend a lot of time on the streets, and to resolve everything with intense anger and violence. Geovane is an intelligent and outgoing young man. He is studying at the German school and is in the 5th grade.   He has done very well this year and has worked hard at integrating with the other students. Geovane is a good worker, if he so desires to be. He has some extra responsibilities, such as milking the cows. He has a sensitive heart for God. Please pray for Geovane to reach his full potential, overcome his traumas, and have a blessed future.

Hellen (2 years old) went to the eye doctor and will need to use glasses

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1)   Dr. Glauco - that the Lord would mightily use him in determining the future for our children, that he would be able to handle the work load, for a second Judge for the Family department to be approved, for good relations with CLM.

2) Futures - that the Lord would direct the decisions determining the future of our children, that the children can believe that the Lord has a special plan for them and be patient to wait it out.

3) Stuber Family - that the Lord would continue to bless them and the journey they are on, for bonding and adaptation for Nina, that the document work can go smoothly and on time, for God´s preparation for their return to the U.S.

4)  Josiane - praise God for the special young lady that she is, for growth in her Christian walk, for maintaining of her relationships and friendships, for finding a job and continuation of her studies.

5) Geovane - for overcoming his intense and out of control anger and mood swings, for motivation and determination in his studies, for development of good work habits, for maturity and assuming more responsibility at home, for his future, for improved relationships with his siblings, that he would allow the Holy Spirit to work a transforming work in his heart.

6) Mike and Mary - that the Lord would continually guide Mike as he develops his new area of ministry as Staff Coordinator, praise to God that he recovered from the flu, God´s orientation and guidance for Mary as Educational Coordinator, for renewed strength daily to tackle the homework, for all of their relationships.

7) Mary G. - for finalizing my trip to the States the first 3 weeks of October, for scheduling in my absence, for preparation emotionally for the trip and for being away from CLM.

8) Joan - will be leaving on Friday to fly out on Saturday. Joan had most purposely come to be here for Josiane´s graduation, but due to the Swine flu it was cancelled to be re-scheduled for the end of September. Pray for a safe trip and a neat time of reflection.

9) Cars - we have been having a lot of car problems. One night, when everyone was ready for church none of our 3 Kombi´s would start. May God´s hand be over them that they may all function properly, that we can find a reasonable and good mechanic.

10) Hellen - that she would adjust to her glasses, that they would correct her visual problems, that she would not break her glasses (as she has several pairs of mine!)

CLM TURVO:

We are praising God that they now have internet! If you want to write to them their address is moreirafamily1913@hotmail.com . They would love to hear from you. This will make communication between Entre Rios and Turvo so much better.  Pray that it continues to function.

Dale was able to come up with landscaping plans for CLM Turvo. We now need to seek funding to make it a reality.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Internet - gratefulness for the functioning internet service, that we can make good use of it.

2) Landscaping Project - thankfulness for the design that Dale has come up with, funding to make it a reality.

3) Aninha - praise God for the surgery she had, pray for the Physical Therapy she will be having, pray for perfect and full recovery, pray for patience to allow the healing to take place.

4) Pray for the children who have been adopted in the last several months - Nataneal, Ana Paula, Zelia, Josefina, Elaine - for their continual adaptation and bonding.

5) Students - that they all can be dedicated and motivated, for a successful school year.

6) Andy and Katie - that the Lord would grant their visas, for His timing for their arrival in Brazil.

We praise God for His faithfulness. Pastor Rogerio has asked for prayer for his mother-in-law who has been diagnosed for skin cancer and will be having surgery to remove a spot on her neck. Pray for full recovery.

God bless you,

Mary

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:07:35 +0100
CLM NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 2009
Dear Loved Ones,
Deus e fiel!!              God is faithful!!

   All of God’s children can testify of the statement above. When we look for God’s hand in our lives, we can testify of His faithfulness everyday. We would like to share a miraculous story of God’s faithfulness to His will and purpose. This story has in no way arrived to the last chapters. Without a doubt, there are many more miracles to be seen in one young girl’s life.
   In April of 2002, an active little 2 year-old was brought to CLM. Her parents were living on the side of a major highway in a shack. Her mother had significant mental problems and did not talk and her father was an alcoholic. They already had several children who had been taken away and either adopted or were in the government orphanage. As Elaininha started to talk, it became obvious that she had some difficulties with her speech development. As she grew, she seemed to be growing into the problem, instead of growing out of it.   Speech therapy was started. When she entered school, she presented major difficulties in keeping up with her class academically. Further evaluations were done and it was determined that Elaininha needed a special school where she could get more individual attention, as well as, be followed by speech and psychological therapy. She was doing well, although she did not like the long van ride to the city and back everyday. At the end of 2008, Elaininha was finally free for adoption and a family from Guarapuava solicited guardianship of her. Unfortunately, the experience did not work out and she was returned to CLM 6 months later.
A couple of years ago, we were hoping so much that Elaininha would come up for adoption because of her special needs and because we believed that having a smaller family than CLM would really be beneficial to her. In sharing about her needs, a family from Tremont, Illinois showed interest in her case. Unfortunately, her case took a long time.   When she finally went to live with the Brazilian family, the American family continued to follow her situation.
   I will let Dale and Dana share with you how the Lord was working on their end: “We are Dale and Dana Stuber, son & daughter-in-law of Ken & Pauline Stuber. We live in Tremont, Illinois and have three sons. Sam is 15, Max is 12 and Calvin is 10. Three years ago, after coming home from Midwest Camp, Dale & I were talking one night and sharing with each other that God had individually told us it was time to pursue adoption. We had discussed if for a couple of years, but had never both felt the green light at the same time. Now God was saying "it's time" to both of us. We asked each other why? And felt the answer was because we have a family to share with a child, a house and yard and resources to provide and Dale wanted to bless me with a daughter. We were kind of scared and excited. Over the next few months we discussed it often and searched the internet for direction. We know many couples from our church and others that have adopted, so we had a great team of resources. We felt led to choose one or two daughters, ages 3-7. I talked to Mo Thompson (mother of 10 children adopted from CLM) and told her of our desire. She had just read the CLM Prayer Warrior e-mail which told of a girl, age 4, that would be a good candidate for adoption and that the court could free up at any time. Mo said God had put us in her mind when reading of this girl. We e-mailed Mary Gibson and asked about Elaininha and she told us all she knew. Then we prayed, and asked God if this was from Him. We were convicted that we were to follow Elaininha (whom we had named Nina) to the end of her story, no matter what the outcome.           We prepared our papers and waited for her to be free for adoption. We celebrated her 5th birthday at our home, without her, with cupcakes, and singing. We kept waiting, and Mary thought she could be released soon, so a year later, as she turned 6 we sent our dossier papers down to Brazil. We celebrated her birthday again, without her, with singing, missing her and wishing she was already in our family. We knew Brazilian families had first priority over International couples pursuing adoption of Brazilian children. We loved Nina and felt committed to seeing this through until the end. We did commit to enjoying our already great life with our three boys, keeping busy with their lives, and ours. Summer 2008 came and went; Nina was freed for adoption in September. We were so excited! We read different e-mails Mary would send, as different Brazilian families came to CLM to visit her. In October, Nina's guardianship was given to a Brazilian family, with the intention of adoption. She went home to live with them. Oh, how our hearts ached. We cried, and grieved. But we had always asked God to shut the door if this wasn't for us, so we did trust in His sovereignty, fully.
   In January, 2009, we received an e-mail from Mary telling us the family came to visit CLM with Nina. Things weren't going so well, the mother and oldest son were rejecting her as their daughter/sister. The father was heartbroken. Mary encouraged the mother to just decide that this was her daughter, a decision, not a feeling. We slightly got our hopes up, but mostly were just sad for Nina. We felt so terrible for her. Our youngest son, Calvin says he knew for sure at that point that Nina would be ours. Dale and I would not let our minds go there, mostly to protect our hearts.
   In March, Dale was ready to start pursuing another adoption, and started asking me to pray about it. I was not ready, but said I would pray about it. It had been a 2 1/2year journey and I didn't know if I could start over, plus I was getting old!!!!! We started planning to remodel our kitchen and life just went on. Then seemingly out of the CLEAR blue, I received an e-mail on April 8th from Mary Gibson, saying she wanted to call me, but didn't have my phone number. Could I e-mail it to her? Oh my! I thought either something terrible had happened to Nina, or something amazing was going on. Mary had never phoned me before. She called some minutes later, with Calvin and I being the only two at home. She told me Nina (still Elaininha at this time, of course) was being returned to CLM soon, the family had made their decision and it just wasn't going to work out. Mary had asked the judge about supporting us to adopt her, he was aware of our desire for her. Mary had just heard from the judge that YES, he would recommend that she be ours!!!!! That is why she had called. Her words were, "Your daughter is coming home!" I couldn’t really believe this. Calvin was amazed too! Some of my first words were, "We have a wild God!" I phoned Dale at work sobbing, and we were just shocked that whole evening. What a turn of events. Just as we were letting her go and moving on!
   Well, we began more paperwork, and celebrated her birthday in April for a third time, without her at home, with cupcakes, candle and singing. Adoption is equal to patience! So we tried to be patient, waiting for Brazil to invite us to come and spend the 30 days cohabitation. With paperwork and travel, the trip would be 47 days total. It was hard for Dale to keep juggling work responsibilities, wondering exactly when he would be leaving for such a long time! In July, we received the invitation, applied for our visas, packed and left for Brazil on Aug 7th. How wonderful it would be to finally meet our daughter!!!  We had sent her pictures of us and our home. We were wondering how she would receive the news of her adoption and have praised the Lord that she received it with excitement!  On Aug 8th, we met Nina at the Curitiba airport. How fun!
   At this writing, we are now in Brazil doing our cohabitation period, staying at CLM with our 3 boys and new daughter. It is going really well.   She is really loving and warm toward us, as she figures out this new way of living and new language! We can see now why God has chosen Nina to be in our family. Nina's speech and learning disabilities will receive much one on one attention and some excellent therapy in Illinois. While still in Brazil, we have taken advantage of traveling with her in between court appointments and have seen this wonderful country! We are now 2 1/2 weeks into our 6 1/2 week trip. We have already made memories to last forever! We look forward to bringing her home to meet our families and helping her transition to her new life. Nina Ann Stuber - we are amazed and glorify God for how He has worked to let us be your parents!”
   Woven all through this story is the sovereignty of God. God’s special plans for a little girl who had a very difficult and trauma filled start in life. Nina’s story will continue as she moves from a small town in southern Brazil to a small town south of Chicago. We expect to hear of mighty miracles and amazing accomplishments. The CLM family has been blessed to participate in her life and praise God for Dale and Dana and their three wonderful sons, Sam, Max, and Calvin who have been obedient to God’s call to adoption. May their love for her continually grow and help Nina to blossom into all that God meant her to be.

In Christian love,
CLM Entre Rios: Mary Gibson, Viktoria Fulop, Bethany (Shurance) Villalba, Wilson and Joanna Lobo, Mike and Mary Cochran, Meghan (Baumann) de Cruz, Jake and Amanda Teater
CLM Turvo: Luiz and Aninha Moreira, Natalia Moreira

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - August 25

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:05:10 +0100

Tuesday, August 25, 2009, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

We are more than excited to get news from Andy and Katie Roth about their visas:

I just wanted to let you know that last week our documents were approved in Chicago and being processed in Brazil. We are so thankful God led us to our expediter, he has been so helpful and saved us a lot of trips to the consulate. The staff at the consulate even commented on how complete our application was. They told us the processing time is 30-45 days and our expediter said he will ask every week about the status of our visas. Please pray we can be down there soon! We miss you all so much.

Please keep praying their visas through in God´s timing.

We are also rejoicing in the progress in Aninha´s recovery and she very much thanks you for your prayers. She had a doctor´s visit today and was liberated to do some walking within the house with her crutches. She feels some pain, but it is tolerable. She will be getting Physical Therapy. Please keep praying for continual healing and also that Aninha will have patience to acheive complete healing. Pray for the weight lost that is so very important to the health of her legs.

With the weather trying to get warmer, work is starting to be done in the garden. Joacir helped Luiz a lot while there to prepare the garden for planting. Please pray for Luiz as he envisions this project and makes the most of the resources they have.

School is back in session and we are working to get the kids back on track and motivated. Report cards are also coming out for the second quarter. Please keep our students in your prayers.

Carrie seems to be adjusting well, although maybe a little homesick to hear English, now that Meghan has gone back to Entre Rios. Carrie has been involved in giving baths, giving English lessons to the younger ones, and watching the younger ones, among other jobs. Meghan and Joacir were a very big help during their two weeks at Turvo. It was a God thing that Joacir had vacation just when Aninha was having surgery. Meghan will resume her ministries at Entre Rios during the month of September, finishing up at the end of the month. At the end of October, she will be having her baby.

Luiz and Aninha are asking for prayers for their children. Etienne is working full time at the Indian Reservation and studying in college at night. It is a very heavy load. She is considering joining the service as a nurse which would only be a possibility next year. Pray for God´s direction for her. Allan is desperately looking for a job. He will be applying for a job at the German Coop at Entre Rios. Pray that he would have his first opportunity in the work field from which he can later branch out. Also, Natalia is in need of a major regeneration after filling in for Aninha on the homefront, as well as, at CLM. May the Lord bless their whole family in a very special way.

There will be one birthday in Turvo this week. Letricia will be 5 years old on Monday, August 31st. She is the younger sister of Evelim and Jhonatan. All of them had suffered mistreatment and neglect from their family. Letricia especially suffered severe mal-nutrition and continues to battle it and it´s consequences. She is weak and lacks in good coordination and is having significant learning difficulties. She is also visually impaired. Letricia is very affectionate and friendly. She likes to talk and ask questions. Everyone looks out for her. Pray for maximum recuperation from the mal-nutrition and further development in all areas.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Andy and Katie - that the Lord would walk their visas through Brasilia and send the approval in His timing, that the Lord would prepare them for coming to Brazil - physically, emotionally, and spiritually, for their language studies in Guarapuava, for His development of their ministries with the children and their unity with the staff.

2) Aninha - praise God for great progress, thankfulness for some many prayers, continual renewing and strengthening and patience.

3) Luiz - daily renewing, for the garden project, for God´s orientation and strength everyday, for patience, meekness, and unconditional love at all times, for God´s provision for his family.

4) Students - for renewed motivation and diligence with their studies, for a successful school year for all.

5) Etienne, Natalia, Allan, and Romualdo - that the Lord would protect and look over them always, that doors of opportunities would be opened for their futures, that the Lord would lead Etienne and help her with the tremendous load she is carrying, for a job for Allan, for Romualdo´s studies, and for renewing strength for Natalia.

6)  Letricia - that the Lord may continue to do His work in her, for continual recovery from the mal-nutrition and continual development, for the resources that she is needed especially academically, for adoption for her and her siblings.

7) Church Plant - for the Nazarene church plant in the city of Turvo, for Pastor Rogerio and Pastor Luiz (from Guarapuava) who are leading up the project.

8) Construction and landscaping - for continual progress in both.

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

We have one frustrated to-be college graduate. Josiane´s college graduation has been postponed and postponed and postponed because of the Swine Flu. Joan has scheduled her trip here this year to especially be here to celebrate her graduation with her. Up until now, the changes have still fallen within her time here. Now, however, it looks like it will be in late September. Disappointment all the way around, but nothing we can do about it. Some other celebration will have to be planned with Joan and Josiane. Pray for Josiane to find a job and be lead as to where and with whom to live.

We are thankful that Marilda is recovering well from her eye operation. She is not the most patient and obedient patient I have ever seen.  She was given a 30 day leave but all guesses have it she will be back on Monday. We pray for complete healing and no reoccurrence.

The Stuber family is doing real good. Nina continues to bond, as they do with her. They took a trip to Foz do Iquaçu and really enjoyed it. They were so amazed at how well Nina did and how comfortable she seemed. She seemed happy to return to CLM to be with her friends and to be able to talk Portuguese. I did notice that Dana is becoming more and more "mommy" instead of "mãe". She seems to be able to understand the English spoken to her even though she is not speaking much. She is a good sport about repeating words. Today, they went to meet the teachers and other staff members at Nina´s old school. They were so excited to meet her new family. Tomorrow, they will be meeting up with Lino and will have an interview with the social worker. On Friday, they will be going to Turvo for a while. Since Dale is a Landscape Design Engineer, he will be giving some suggestions and drawing up some plans for Turvo. Please continue to keep them in your prayers as they continue their co-habitation and as God continues working His miracles in this situation.

We have a very special birthday today. Nicole is 4 years old. Because of the difficulties and health issues that Nicole has faced in her short life, every little progress and accomplishment has be well celebrated. Recently, she became diaper free! She is talking more and more and physically continues to develop too. She loves people and life in general. She is a joy and a walking miracle. Please continue to pray for her.

It was neat to get a quick phone call from Valdicleia and Paulinho today. I was the blessed one who answered the phone. Today is also Valdi´s 10th birthday. Paulo was sure to tell me that his birthday is on October 25th. They said they would be visiting CLM sometime. It was great to hear from them.

I have a very important prayer request. I have asked to meet with the Judge to discuss our children and what their futures look like. He has agreed to Tuesday afternoon. I really just want to maintain the contact that we had at the beginning when he first arrived. Please pray that the Lord would prepare the Judge´s heart and the atmosphere for that meeting. May He give me deep insight, clear thinking, and a sensitive heart.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Josiane - that the Lord would comfort her heart, for the rescheduling of her graduation, for some special moments with Joan before she leaves, that the Lord would direct her future.

2) Marilda - for full recovery from her eye surgery, that she would be patient and obedient to get the best results, that God would bless her work and ministry at CLM.

3) Stuber Family - that God would continue to do His good and miraculous work in their family, that Nina would bond and feel safe and loved by her new family, that she can pick of the English language even better than Portuguese.

4) Nicole - that she would continue to glorify God in her life, for language and cognitive development, that she will be all that the Lord has planned for her.

5) Valdicleia and Paulinho - that the Lord would bless their lives and that they would continue to bond with their new family, that the seeds that were planted will bloom.

6) Meeting with the Judge - that the Lord would prepare and direct, that He would be powerfully present, that Dr. Glauco would be open to my suggestions and insights for our children´s futures.

7) Students - especially pray for Rômulo, Lucão, Maria Joanna, Josiele, Alex, Cristiane, Patricia, and Lucas, also pray for our homework assistance schedule that we may help all of our students have a successful year.

8) Luana - will have a hearing on Thursday to determine her future. Pray that she will be put up for adoption and can have a wonderful, loving family.

9) Jake and Amanda - for the finishing of the remodeling of their house, for the language studies, for the start of their ministry as of October 1st, for adjustment to the schedule and development of good relationships with the other members of the team.

10) Maria Paula (an 8 year old girl from the community who has an inoperable brain tumor) - pray for her miraculous recovery and support for her family.

Thank you for your faithfulness and please continue with us.

humbled,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - August 11

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:25:31 +0100

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Just to explain again, the reason there was no Prayer Warrior letter last week was because I was not home. My friend, Joan arrived in Curitiba on Friday and we got a bus to a beach in São Paulo. We were very blessed to be able to use the apartment of a couple from our Utinga church. It was a nice, restful week. The weather got better as the week went on. We returned to CLM on Thursday night and left again on Saturday morning to pick up the Stuber family. It was a very emotional moment as the Stuber family stood before their daughter for the first time. Tears flowed and it seemed that time stood still. Nina (which is her new name and which she insists that everyone calls her) was very shy and seemed to be trying to figure out if the people she saw on Skype and in pictures were really these people that were standing in front of her and wanting so much to hold her. Once we got in the car and to the hotel, she was full of giggles and seemingly fitting right in. On Monday morning, they had their first interview with the Social Worker and requested the Guardianship papers to be able to officially start their 30 day co-habilitation. The papers did not end up being issued until today. They will be receiving a visit from the Social Worker here at CLM. We are hoping that the Judge and/or District Attorney will come along. At that time, another interview will be set up and they will have a time space to travel a bit. The combination of being at CLM, where the territory is familiar and leaving for a while to be alone with her new family, we believe, helps her to comfortably more forward in the process of bonding. We ask for your prayers for Nina and the Stuber family (Dale, Dana, Sam, Max, and Calvin) during the next 6 weeks that all goes smoothly and right on time.

At the same time and in fact on the same plane, Sonya Haring with her work team arrived. Our friends Jozsef and Maria Toth arrived to take care of them and get them to the bus station and on their way to Guarapuava. Sonya, Sue, Coleen, Tereza, and Lauren packed into two small cars with their over abundance of luggage. Jozsef´s expression was that they only managed with the use of a "shoe horn". They have been very busy since they got here unpacking all the blessings they brought, organizing the clothes in the clothes room, and now are well into a project to paint the stair well and new clean-clothes room. They will be going to CLM Turvo for a day and doing some special activities for the kids. It is so fun to watch our kids enter in and build relationships with all of our visitors (they have a lot to choose from right now!). On Saturday night or early Sunday morning, the team will be leaving for Foz do Iquaçu and from there they get their return flight. Continue to pray for them, that God can do all He desire in and through them and for a safe trip home.

Because of the Swine Flu, our kids continue to not have school and many other things have been cancelled. It is kind of a continuation of the winter break, which will probably cause lots of problems at the end of the year. They will have been off 3 weeks, if they actually do start back next Monday.  As of now, it has been said that there are no confirmed cases of the Swine Flu in Guarapuava, but 8 people have died in Curitiba including a professor from Vera´s college. Please pray that the flu scare would pass and that God would protect all of us.

Lucilene is 14 years old today. She came to CLM in 2001 with her sisters Bernadete (no longer at CLM) and Janete and her brother, Elielton. They had ran in fear of their lives from their home late at night the night before. Their mother and stepfather were drunk and very violent. Lucilene is a delicate and beautiful young lady. She is a good helper and enjoys the babies. She is in the 7th grade and although has difficulties in school, she is responsible and dedicated to her studies. She likes to sing and has a really pretty voice. Her dream is to become a singer. Lucilene and some of the other girls have started visiting a couple of older women. I can see Lucilene being a good hostess someday and these visits are helping her know how to receive people. She has a sweet spirit and a sensitive heart to the Lord. Pray for her studies and for her emotional and spiritual growth.

Luana will be 8 years old on Sunday, August 16th. Luana came in April of last year from a very complicated family situation. No one in the family was interested in taking care of Luana, much less her mother.  It is their loss, because Luana is a very precious treasure. She is affectionate and friendly, but somewhat shy at the same time, with a pixy smile. She is courageous and of a strong personality and yet a gentle spirit. Sometimes she gets the giggles and it is delightful. Although she can complain at times, she is a good worker and the neatest in her room. She is in kindergarten and shows a lot of struggles with learning. Hopefully, after some more specific evaluations, we will be able to get a clearer picture of her difficulties and how to help her best. Our prayer is that she will be released for adoption and that God will provide a wonderful family for her. Pray for her continual development and for God´s future plans for her.

Visits continue for Francielle, Lucas, Rita, and Gisieli with their mother. It is definitely going in the direction for them to return home. There are tremendous concerns about that, but there are no legal reasons to remove the mother´s rights and the children seem more and more interested in returning.  Please pray for this situation. Alisson, Aline, and Alex also continue to have visits with their grandmother who desires to take responsibility for them (along with their 3 year old brother, Mateus). From the looks of things they will be sent right back into a similar situation that they were removed from -- drugs, violence, and perversity. Please pray that proof would be found and documented that the grandmother is not anymore fit to care for them than the mother and that the mother will not be absent from the scene as the Judge is requiring.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Joan - pray that every minute of her time at CLM will be filled with blessings and ministry, for good health and God´s protection, for time for intimate fellowship with me and other staff members.

2) Stuber family and their little Nina - that God would walk them all through the process of helping Nina bond and feel secure in her new forever family, for understanding for Nina as to what is happening and what all of this means, that the legal process would go smoothly without any hold ups or new requirements imposed, for safe travels wherever they may go, that Nina will be picking up and especially understanding English more and more, pray for Lino who works with the family during this process.

3) Sonya, Coleen, Tereza, Lauren, and Sue - that they would continue to be blessed and be a blessing, that God could speak to each one of them in His special way, for safe travels as they leave on Sunday to Foz do Iquaçu.

4) Swine Flu - that God would stop anymore spread of it, that all activities especially the schools can return to normal, for recuperation of the 3 weeks missed.

5) Lucilene - for emotional and spiritual growth, for help with her studies that she may become stronger and stronger, that she would continue to give her all in all she does, that God would bless her through the visits she enjoys making, that her dreams may come true, that her and her brother and sister would be adopted.

6) Luana - that her academic and learning difficulties can be discovered with an understanding of how to help her, for God´s protection over her, that she would be released for adoption and adopted into the family of God´s choose.

7) Francielle, Lucas, Rita, and Gisieli - that God´s will will be done and that the door to their returning home would be closed if it will be harmful to them, for Dr. Tânia´s evaluation of the situation and the mother´s capabilities to care for them, God´s preparations for their futures, for Aline and her future.

8) Alisson, Aline, Alex (and Mateus) - for living proof that these children will return to the exact same situation or worse that they came out of, that the Judge´s decision will NOT be to return them to the grandmother, that it would be decided if Mateus should be transferred to CLM.

9) Chris and Cindy - for safe travels on their trip home, that God would lead them in their reflection of their experiences, that they would spread the word of CLM´s mission.

10) Mike and Mary - congratulations on the celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary, that they would continue to blossom where God has planted them.

11) Vivien (Pastor Rogerio´s wife) - is facing multiply health problems. Pray that they would be able to find and diagnose the problem, for treatment and recovery, for spiritual and emotional encouragement and strength to face the trials.

12) Maria Paula (8 year girl in the community with a non-operative brain tumor) - that God would do a mighty work to bring healing and restored health, for support to her family, that they all would be drawn to God through this difficult situation.

CLM TURVO:

This week, Josefina left to join her new family. Her new parents are professors at the State University in Guarapuava and are thrilled with the blessing they have received. The adjustment at first was very difficult for Josefina, but things are improving each day. The adjustment for the CLM Turvo family and especially Luiz and Aninha´s family isn´t easy, but as always the desire was to make the move as easy on Josefina as possible.  Please pray for Josefina´s continual adjustment and for the family to be touched by God through this miracle that has come to them.

Aninha is to be having her knee surgery here in Guarapuava on Friday, August 14th. This week, she is making the final exams and appointments necessary before surgery. She will be on bed rest for 3 weeks after the surgery.  Aninha seems to be at peace and putting it all in God´s hands. We are thankful for the extra help with Joacir and Meghan spending about 2 weeks there and also the arrival of Carrie Pflederer from Tremont, Illinois. Carrie arrived today and will be staying 3 months. Please pray for Aninha for perfect surgery and perfect recovery. May God bring His healing and remove all pain and discomfort she has been having.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Josefina - for her continual adjustment to her new family and for the adjustment of the family to their new addition, that their contact with CLM can mark their lives profoundly, that the Lord will comfort Luiz and Aninha and their family and the rest of the CLM family.

2) Aninha - that the Lord will mightily work through and in this surgery to bring healing and complete recovery, for peace and courage entering the surgery and determination and patience after the surgery, that she will feel the prayers and support of all the prayer warriors, for extra strength and patience for Luiz.

3) Students - that school would begin once again, for strong motivation and dedication of the CLM students, for recuperation of the time lost, for protection from negative influence, that all would work to the maximal of their ability, for the volunteer who helps with homework.

4) Natalia - for continual spiritual growth, for the fellowship with other young Christians that she needs, for continual development of her ministry in the love and truth of God.

5) Etienne, Allan, and Romualdo - God´s blessings on their preparations for their futures, for finding of jobs for Allan and Romualdo, spiritual growth and seeking of the things of God, for God´s protection.

6) Gabriel and Willian - for overcoming of the trauma and regression that they experienced, for improved behavior, for accepting of love and affection, for their futures.

7) Meghan and Joacir - that the Lord would bless their time spent helping out at CLM during Aninha´s recovery from surgery, that the Lord would grant Joacir his visa to be able to travel to Canada, that they would continue to grow in love and support of each other.

8) Carrie - praise God for her safe arrival, that the Lord would grow and stretch her through this experience, that her life and testimony would be a light to the children, that her spirit would be an encouragement, for God´s protection and for good health.

We praise God for the birth of Sophia Grace to Brett and Katerina Larson. She is a beautiful and healthy baby. Brett and Katerina have long been involved in CLM and especially now are responsible for spending out the Prayer Warrior letter each week. I so appreciate them and pray for God´s supernatural blessings over their family.

God is faithful,

Mary

Prayer Warrior - 2009 - July 21

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:38:30 +0100

Dear Prayer Warrior,

Another late start, so let´s see if I can summarize more than usual. I´m not so good at that. The truth is I love sharing about our life here, what God is doing, and the people I love so much. I love knowing that there are many (the exact number, we have no idea) Prayer Warriors out there anxiously waiting to get this letter and committed to praying for all of the prayer requests. You often don´t get this letter until Wednesday, because it has taken me until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning (due to many interruptions and other responsibilities) to finish it and finally send it out. Brett knows to look for it in the morning, if it didn´t arrive before he went to bed. As I know God has convicted you of your calling to pray, He has convicted me to be faithful and committed to getting the CLM news out. So let´s continue together. It is wonderful to be a part of His Kingdom.

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Our most exciting news is that the CLM 2010 Calendars are finished and in hand. They are beautiful. Viktoria out did herself again. They are colorful with lots of pictures of very special children. Doesn´t that make you want to buy one or be a distributor of them. Please read the attached letter offering you that chance.

We had a full week of activities since this is the last full week of winter break. The public schools start back tomorrow and the private school, next Tuesday. I think we can say that it was a "Patrick Week". With lots of creativity and a heart full of the desire to bless the children he has come to love so much, he organized special activities for all. Monday and Wednesday were trips to the city with two different groups of the younger children to go to the Children´s Park and Wildlife Museum with a special treat afterwards. Tuesday night was a trip to the Bonna Bonnyne Pizzaria with the older girls´ devotions group and Wednesday was the same for the boys´ devotions group. All day on Thursday was Art Day. Patrick and Viktoria, with the assistance of several others, planned mini-workshops for every group of kids, according to age and abilities. The younger kids prepared a song to sing. Donei made a CD with Patrick with the guitar. The older kids put on a pantomimed play similar to one that had been presented at church and did a great job. Thursday night, all of the art work and talents were shared with the family. It was a great time where everyone could experience the joy of talents well expressed. We are thankful to Patrick for blessing us all. On Friday night, there was a bonfire to celebrate the end of vacation and as a good-bye to Willian.

Willian left on Saturday to live with his father. He has never lived with his father since his father left his mother on the doorstep of the hospital when they had a fight and the mother told him the child was not his. He never met Willian until he came to CLM at 9 years of age. He had his doubts that he was even his son until he couldn´t deny that the semblance was too obvious. Since the mother had been abusive to Willian and her lifestyle is not contusive to raising a son and the father has means to raise him, it was determined that that would be the solution. The father, the stepmother, and Willian are not real sure about this plan. We encouraged him to give it his best and trust that God has a purpose for this direction in his life. Please pray for him and this major and not so welcomed change in his life.

Over the weekend, Marilda, Caroline, Carolaine, and I went to Curitiba.  Since I was going anyway, we arranged for the twins to be able to spend some time with Jozsef and Maria, a couple interested in adopting them (of which they are unaware of for now). Berenice and the girls stayed at the couple´s house while the rest of us stayed at Elisabete and Julio´s house. On Sunday, Julio prepared a wonderful churrasco for all of his sister-in-laws and their families and of course, his mother-in-law! If was a very treasured moment for me to be with 8 of the CLM daughters and their families. To see the beautiful people that they have become, for the mothers and wives that they are, and the love they have for each other and for me warms my heart so much.   Pray for Berenice, Solange, Elisabete, Elenize, Neusa, Marilda, Vera, and Santina.

Our first set of visitors have arrived. Mike and Mary went to pick up their friends, Chris and Cindy in Curitiba and they made it home already. One bag was misrouted, but is on it´s way and should arrive here tonight or tomorrow. Chris and Cindy will be staying for 3 weeks. Greg, Linda, Kyle, Austin, and Erica Smith have arrived in Curitiba and are on a bus that will come to the colonies (they did arrive). Our friends, Jozsef and Maria picked them up at the airport and took care of them.   One bag was misrouted, but is on it´s way and should arrive here tonight or tomorrow. Does that sound like a repeat? The Smith family will be staying a week. Please pray for all of our visitors that the Lord would work in them and through them and keep them safe and healthy.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) CLM 2010 Calendars - praise God for Viktoria´s creativity and diligence, pray that they will be well distributed and be a blessing to anyone who buys or receives one (they make great Christmas gifts), that God would bless it as a tool to promote CLM nationally and internationally, that there will be enough income to cover next year´s calendar expenses.

2) Return to School - praise God for a good and special time during vacation, God´s preparations for the children to go back to school, that the second half of the year can be stronger than the first half, for Rita and her serious behavioral problems in school, for Alex who will be entering school for the first time and at mid-year, for God´s grace that our students might have a healthy self confidence and determination to not quit and to do their very best.

3) Patrick - will be leaving CLM on next Wednesday after a little over 3 months of ministering at CLM. Pray for God´s preparation of his heart as he leaves, that he will reflect on all that he experienced and learned and allow God to use it in his future, for guidance and God´s help as he enters college once again to pursue a major in Child Psychology and related support areas, for safe travels, for spreading of the news of God´s work at CLM.

4) Willian - that the Lord would give him peace in his heart that this is where he needs to be at the moment and that God is with him always, that he will be respectful and obedient to his father and stepmother, that God would supply the opportunities to benefit his life, that the seed of Jesus would blossom within him and attract others.

5) Jozsef and Maria - that the Lord would open the doors for them to adopt Caroline and Carolaine according to His will and timing, God´s preparation of all involved, thankfulness for the new friends we have.

6) CLM Sisters (as listed above) - that God would do a mighty work in each of their lives and within their families, that He would bless and protect each of them continually, that they would continue to grow and learn and be all that God desires of and for them, for many more opportunities to be together.

7) Visitors - praise God for the safe arrival of all of our guests, that God would reveal to their hearts all that He desires to teach them, that they can get a good over view of CLM, that they will promote CLM upon their return, for good health and God´s protection.

8) Elaininha and the Stuber Family - that the Lord would help them to get their visas and any other documents to be able to arrive in Brazil soon, for God´s preparation of everyone´s hearts, for understanding for Elaininha that God is giving her a forever family, for safe travels to Brazil and within Brazil.

CLM TURVO:

Greg and Jenny will be leaving next week along with Patrick. They have spent their two month short term experience at CLM Turvo and have been a tremendous help. They are already anticipating having to leave and the CLM team is doing the same. May God bless them as they reenter the U.S.A. and help them reflect on their experiences and the growth they acquired during their stay. That the whole CLM family would adjust to their absence.

Josefina, 1 1/2 years old, has been released for adoption. It will take no time to find a family for her because of her age and good health. Luiz and Aninha are going to especially miss her since she has lived in their home most of her time at CLM. Pray for God´s preparation of everyone involved and that He would choose the couple of His choice for our little Josefina.

The mother of a very close friend of Luiz and Aninha and actually of the entire family, has cancer. Marize and her husband have so blessed CLM with a trip to their farm in Maringa, providing book bags and all the necessary supplies at the beginning of the school year. Please pray for Marize´s mother that the Lord would spare her life and give her continual comfort no matter what she goes through.

Wilher will be 13 years old on Wednesday, July 22nd. He is the brother of Luana and Tamara. They came to CLM when their mother ran off with another man leaving the stepfather with the children. He turned them over to the authorities. It was later discovered that the man with whom their mother left is the father of the 5 siblings we have at Entre Rios. Wilher is a quiet boy and has a very strong relationship with Luana. I believe he is in the 4th grade and is an average student. He is a good worker and obedient. Pray for Wilher as he grows and develops and learns more about the Lord Jesus.

The CLM Turvo family have visitors from Nepomuceno. Carlinho is a professional hairdresser and has greatly bless the children with nice hair cuts and lice treatments. Tomorrow, he will be doing the same for Entre Rios. What a wonderful blessing.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Greg and Jenny - may the Lord be preparing them for their departure while keeping their experience very much alive in their hearts, may He also help the CLM family to adjust without them, may He bless them will safe travels and readjustment to the U.S., may He also guide their futures and help Jenny to find a job in the Tremont area.

2) Josefina - may the Lord choose a very special family for her, may He help Luiz and Aninha and their family as well as all of the others to adjust to her leaving, may they always cherish her in their hearts, for God´s preparation of Josefina and her adjustment to her new family.

3) Marize´s mother - that God would heal her of the cancer and be glorified in and through her life.

4) Carlinho and his family - God´s blessings for the blessings that they are bringing during their visit, for safe travels home.

5) Willian and Gabriel - for their continued adjustment to be back at CLM, that they will overcome the violence they show to each other, for inner healing of the many traumas they have experienced, that God would accomplish His plans for them.

6) Wilher - may the Lord bring deep inner healing and develop a healthy self esteem, may He help him with his studies and continually develop his character, bless his relationship with his sisters, may the Lord guide his future.

7) Return to school - for God´s preparation for all of the CLM Turvo students, that they can have a strong second half of the year, that those who are weak will get the help they need, for more voluteers to help with homework and reinforcement, for good behavior at school.

8) Aninha - for God´s timing and preparation for her surgery, for tolerance and strength to endure the constant pain she experiences, for joy in her heart and in the service of the Lord, that all of her needs would be met.

9) More missionaries and short termers - that God would wake up His people to see that the harvest is great, but the laborers few.

10) Luana (baby) - for good health and overcoming the cronic respiratory difficulties, that she would be released for adoption and adopted according to God´s will.

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you. Let´s come before the throne of grace together praying over all of our children and God´s ministry at CLM. May the enemy be put on the run and kept in his place always.

counting on victory in Jesus,

Mary