I was going to attempt a list of specific things I am grateful for, but my list and my words would fall short. God knows the details because He was there every step of the way. Please join me in humbly thanking Him.
For those who have continued to read this lengthy update, allow me to enumerate some of the divine appointments and opportunities during the three-week tour of a portion of the country. And if you tire after reading it, or need to catch your breath, please know that, yes, we tired physically and mentally, but were immensely blessed spiritually and emotionally. God is good! And He did a LOT!
For those of you who are already familiar with the Lord’s work in Brazil, some of the names will be familiar. For others, consider them names of people and ministries that you can pray over as fellow Kingdom servants.
In Campo Grande
- David and Adriana Mckinney (Sienna and Brielle) were our hosts. Zanatta, Director of SerCris, opened the doors for us to present two days of workshops. His wife, Leila, became one of our biggest fans.
- Igreja do Cristo Campo Grande Centro (CoC in central part of the city) hosted two more congregations for a Ladies’ Tea. The women delighted in how much fun they had in the Word and Christian fellowship. They loved the idea of Jesus meeting them for tea and the accompanying activities.
- I was invited to teach the Sunday morning ladies Bible class. Amazingly, the sermon that morning was an amen to almost every point shared with the women that morning and the day before!
In João Pessoa
- I got to meet Beliza’s sister, Bianca, and her brother, Kauã.
- We did a full-day workshop at AME (like AIM, Adventures in Missions, in Lubbock, Texas). Beliza was from the first graduating class! Joseph and Eda McKinney continue to serve the church there and are involved with the school, which meets in the same building.
In Recife—We cooked and repacked before catching an early bus with a group, heading to the Northeast Women’s Conference (Congresso Feminino). The 7-hour bus ride provided a beautiful view of the state, Pernambuco, from the coast into the interior of the country.
In Triunfo—We spent the better part of four days focused on “The Power of the Influence of Christian Women.”
Back in Recife—We spent a much-needed day of rest, then toured EBNESR with Teaching Director, Ricardo Sobral, and Publishing Director, Leylane Campos. What a joy to partner with them in equipping women for Kingdom work! Thanks again for your work, Leylane!
In São Paolo—We met Camila Sartori, friend of Jim and Carol Fincher, having met during her observation visit to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, last year. She and her husband hosted us in their home.
There were dozens more one-on-one meetings and conversations, as you can imagine. I will reserve the more specific God-stories for later updates.
Blessings and thanks!
M.