Tuesday and Wednesday, February 23 and 24, 2010,
Brazil
Dear Prayer Warrior,
CLM TURVO:
You know how it is when long awaited
news finally comes and you just want to jump up and down in pure joy. That is
how we are feeling right now in getting the news that some giants steps
have been taken in initiating a church plant in Turvo. It has been our request
and prayer before the first bricks were laid at CLM Turvo to start a Nazarene
church plant. We don´t always understand God´s plans or timing, but we will
rejoice that the time has come. Pastor Ivo from the church in Utinga, São
Paulo was here this weekend to talk to Luiz and Aninha, Pastor Rogério, Pastor
Luiz (from Guarapuava), and myself about these new developments. He shared that
Pastor Ariel and his wife from Bahia have expressed interest in such a project.
After an extensive evaluation and conversations, the Association of the
Apostolic Christian Church in southern Brazil will be inviting them to come to
spend some time in Turvo and will continue to proceed from there as the Lord
leads. Pastor Ariel and his wife have experience in planting churches and are
in their fifties. Two of their daughters are in Bible School in São Paulo. A
time ago, Sr. Paulo, who donated the land for CLM, also offered a piece of
property to build a church, about a mile from CLM. Hopefully, that offer is
still standing. Much prayer is needed for all of the pieces to come together,
the needs to be provided for, and for the work to begin. Please stand with us
in prayer.
The retreat over the Carnival weekend
was a blessing. It was mainly for adolescents and teens so it was quite
lively. There were just short of 150 people participating. The teachings were
good and we trust that the Holy Spirit was able to work in many
hearts.
CLM ENTRE
RIOS:
Early Thursday morning, Lizena and I
left to go to Curitiba to meet Fran Brower and Nanette Maletich who were
arriving at 10:00. They arrived on time and even had all of their luggage. We
went to Elisabete´s house and met up with several of the girls that Fran
remembers. That evening we went out to eat with the whole Curitiba gang
including Elisabete and Julio (and niece, Elaine), Berenice, Vera, Solange and
her husband, Carlos and their two boys, Huan and Nicholas, and Elenize and her
son, Guilherme. On the way home, we were able to meet up briefly with Neusa and
her daugther, Marion and Santina and her children, Bruna and Gabriel. For Fran,
as well as, the girls it was great to be able to connect once again and for me
it was great being with everyone and sharing them with Nanette. It was an
awesome evening. Tonight, we had another awesome evening by going out with all
the Guarapuava gang - Loeci and Marcelo, Claudemir, Lizena, Josiane, Rosilda,
and Marilda and her daughter, Samilly. Today, Fran attended the Women´s meeting
at church and had a great time renewing friendships and meeting a lot of new
women. Nanette will be spending an overnight at her friend´s Odilene´s house.
On Sunday, after lunch we will leave for Foz do Iquaçu with Talissa and Lizena.
The week is going fast, but I´m thrilled that we were able to meet up with so
many of the kids. Please pray for the rest of Fran and Nanette´s time at
CLM.
The public schools did officially
start school on Thursday although there are some teachers missing for the High
School. Please pray for Josiele as she has gotten difficult teachers for
history (which has always been a difficult subject for her) and chemistry (also
difficult for her). She is a dedicated student and really gives her all. We
are trying to get some more scholarships for English lessons. Geovane would
especially like to perfect his English and be challenged by learning another
language. Also, pray for Alex who is showing resistance to study and behavioral
problems. Continue to pray for Nicole and for the school as they understand
more and more her special needs.
Andy and Katie have arrived and are
excited to finally be on Brazilian soil. Jake and Amanda had found them an
apartment in a very convenient location. On Monday, the 4 of them went after
making the important purchases like refrigerator, stove, table and chairs,
dishes, etc. Today, they are moving in and getting registered with the Federal
Police. We are seeking the Lord to have a clear direction as to where Andy and
Katie are to be ministering. Please pray with us. Also, pray for their
language studies.
I was talking to the Social Worker at
the Courthouse and she gave me a list of children who are in need of a current
report from us, with some also needing medical and psychological evaluations.
All of these children are heading for adoption. Here is the list of the
children or sibling groups: (1) Tainara (from Turvo); (2) Alisson, Aline, Alex,
and Matheus; (3) Caroline and Carolaine; (4) Arivaldo, Raquel, Everton, and
Hellen; (5) Mariane (she will go for adoption together with her little
brother); (6) Maria Luiza (she will also go up for adoption with her 2 older
sisters). This is exciting news and needs lots of prayer from the Prayer
Warriors that each group will go to the God chosen family. Let´s go to
our knees as advocates for these children.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Church Plant in Turvo - that the
Lord would continue to open the doors convicting and providing for all of the
needs to actually start the work, for a binding relationship between Pastor
Ariel and his wife and the CLM family, for God´s preparation of the hearts of
the many individuals and families near by to hear and accept the
Gospel.
2) Spiritual Fruit from the retreat
that was held at CLM Turvo and for Geovane who was also at a
retreat.
3) Fran and Nanette - praise to the
Lord that they are able to be here, thankfulness for all of the older CLM young
adults that we could meet up with here and in Curitiba, for the time they have
spent with the present CLM kids, for their help and work, for God´s protection
and blessings on our trip to Foz do Iquaçu on Sunday and their trip home on
Tuesday, thankfulness for the time that Nanette and Lizena can share, also for
the time Nanette will have with Odilene and her family.
4) Studies - that the Lord will
bless this school year, for good relationships with all of the schools both
Homes work with, for increased learning and independence, for all who help with
homework and reenforcement, specifically for Alex, for some more English classes
scholarships, for Nicole and her adjustment to school and for her
protection.
5) Andy and Katie - praise and
thankfulness for their arrival, pray for their adaptation and finding their way
in the city, for their language training, for learning of the culture and the
making of lasting relationships, for discernment of God´s will for where they
will be ministering.
6) Adoption - that God would choose
a family for each child or sibling group mentioned above whether it be national
or international according to His will and timing, for the preparation of their
hearts and ours too.
7) Vera and Claudemir - for finding
of jobs that will allow for growth and provide for their needs.
8) Mike and Mary - that the Lord
would release their permanent visa in His timing, for their renewal and rest
while on furlough, for all the contacts they will be having, for safety in all
their travels and activities.
9) For strengthening, growing, and
renewing of all the CLM missionaries and for all the missionaries He is calling
to answer that call.
Forgive me for being a day late with
the Prayer Warrior this week. In spite of being committed to finish the Prayer
Warrior on Tuesday no matter what time, last night, I just couldn´t do it. It
was hard finding the spots today to finish it up, but the Lord is merciful and I
am thankful for being able to share our prayer requests and needs with you.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
loving God,
Mary
