We are back in Brasil after a quick trip to the States for the holidays. We took the opportunity to be together in the States with our entire family for the first time in years. Mary and her husband were able to go with us so that completed the family unit. We were not on furlow just on a family holiday. Our time there was wonderful.
Barb's mom had had a fall and we came to encourage her, but to be honest the main reason was that God had blessed our son and daughter-in-law with expecting our first grand daughter. We came to be present for the birth and God was good as he let us have two days with the most beautiful grand daughter we have ever seen. Her name is Briley Alaine Hensley and she and her parents are doing well. (photo included) What an awesome experience to get to hold your first grand child---just call me Grand Pa.
There was a 3rd reason for coming back to the States this time and that was Barbara's health. There were several tests that she needed to have done and past problems that needed to be re- checked. So she spent a bit of time in Dr's offices. Her previous problem had resolved itself but the Dr's discovered another small problem. We covet your prayers as we come back to Brazil to hunt a Dr for her so that the problem can be treated here.
Coming back to Brazil was quite a shock temperature wise. Here it is in the high 80s and the day we left the States it was 10. We are getting adjusted to the change and trying to get back into the routine. The ministries are going well considering the time of year, here it is holiday and everyone is either working as much as they can or is off somewhere on vacation. Here in Caraguatatuba we always have a decrease in attendance because of people working.
Our newest endeavor, the English speaking Church, is scheduled to start on the 16th of Feb. We are targeting the people that speak English and those that are studying in the schools that teach English as a second language. We covet your prayers as some of these people would never enter a Church if it weren't for something like this. When you remember this ministry we will be having the services on Saturday nights at 6:00 o'clock.
While we were home we were given a donation to help get the dormitory going. We have been saving another donation for some time now that was designated for the footer, so now we can get to work on this project. We will be making the blocks and letting them season while we are pouring the footer. Then we will start the walls. We will keep you up on the progress of this project.
While we are doing this we will need to attend to some construction problems that happened while we were in the States. Some of the roof on the mission point is Olaria blew off and needs to be repaired. Morro do Algodão still needs to be painted, tile on the floor and some concrete walks poured around the building.
We got back just in time to get the bills for the tax and insurance on the new van and our truck, believe me when I say, in the States we have it good in these areas. Also the repairs on these vehicles sometimes gets ahead of you because of the situation of the roads. Every 5000 miles or so I need to line and balance the tires. It is getting harder to keep up with these repairs as the dollar keeps dropping in value here. I know that we are not the only missionary that is having to look around to see where we can let somethings go for a while so I am asking on behalf of all of us for your prayers concerning our finances.
Pray with us as we minister here in Brazil and pray for our families there in the States and here in Brazil.
Speaking of family did I say that Grandpa is sending a picture of the gift that He sent to us on the 19th of January 2008? Well here it is, isn't she beautiful?!!?
I wish for God to richly bless you and yours this coming year.
Coming back to Brazil was quite a shock temperature wise. Here it is in the high 80s and the day we left the States it was 10. We are getting adjusted to the change and trying to get back into the routine. The ministries are going well considering the time of year, here it is holiday and everyone is either working as much as they can or is off somewhere on vacation. Here in Caraguatatuba we always have a decrease in attendance because of people working.
Our newest endeavor, the English speaking Church, is scheduled to start on the 16th of Feb. We are targeting the people that speak English and those that are studying in the schools that teach English as a second language. We covet your prayers as some of these people would never enter a Church if it weren't for something like this. When you remember this ministry we will be having the services on Saturday nights at 6:00 o'clock.
While we were home we were given a donation to help get the dormitory going. We have been saving another donation for some time now that was designated for the footer, so now we can get to work on this project. We will be making the blocks and letting them season while we are pouring the footer. Then we will start the walls. We will keep you up on the progress of this project.
While we are doing this we will need to attend to some construction problems that happened while we were in the States. Some of the roof on the mission point is Olaria blew off and needs to be repaired. Morro do Algodão still needs to be painted, tile on the floor and some concrete walks poured around the building.
We got back just in time to get the bills for the tax and insurance on the new van and our truck, believe me when I say, in the States we have it good in these areas. Also the repairs on these vehicles sometimes gets ahead of you because of the situation of the roads. Every 5000 miles or so I need to line and balance the tires. It is getting harder to keep up with these repairs as the dollar keeps dropping in value here. I know that we are not the only missionary that is having to look around to see where we can let somethings go for a while so I am asking on behalf of all of us for your prayers concerning our finances.
Pray with us as we minister here in Brazil and pray for our families there in the States and here in Brazil.
Speaking of family did I say that Grandpa is sending a picture of the gift that He sent to us on the 19th of January 2008? Well here it is, isn't she beautiful?!!?
I wish for God to richly bless you and yours this coming year.
Also don't forget--the light is on and your bed is turned down, so come on down.
In His Service,
Aj and Barb
