March 1, 2005

Friends,

This month has been a special one for me, my brother Ralph and his wife Dianna and a special couple, Riley and Norma Whitaker from Paris , Kentucky, who came to visit Brazil. We were with them for 10 days and as they came to see Brazil they took us with them as translators. We got to visit with Paul and Wanda Hatcher while we were in Manaus.

As we were preparing for this visit my containers arrived. The ones that I told you about that I am going to use for storage and for the walls for the woodworking shop. Well, they arrived and I thought that all would be ready for them when they got here. But think again, there are two trees right in the middle of where I want these containers to sit. No problem, you say? Well, think again. I had to go to the city to get permission to cut these trees and it will take at least 14 days for them to decide if I can cut these trees. But the containers are here and so we had to just sit them off in the middle of the lot and wait until we get the word to cut the trees. I had to pay the crane to take off the containers and then when I get to cut the trees I will have to pay for him to come again and set the containers where they need to be. The one thing that I tend to forget is that things don't move as fast here as they do in the States.

I know that you are having a hard time visualizing how I am going to use these containers. Well, lots of people are watching to see the end results also. I will keep you informed and try to get you pictures so you won't have to guess what it will look like. But believe me, it will cut down on cost of building and that is what we strive for here.

Well, not all things are on hold - our seminary has started (second year) and we have completed our first three weeks. We are really excited about the response we are having with the seminary. This will provide the leaders and pastors we will be needing in a very short period of time. I say this because our Church now has three missions points and two preaching points in the homes of our members. Only one of these points has their own building, the others are rented or in the homes of members.

We are beginning negotiations this month for a lot in one of these neighborhoods because the home where we are gathering is getting too small for the meetings. The asking price is 10,000 Reals. We have the first 2,000 and the owner is willing to parcel out the remaining 8,000 in 4 payments of 2,000. We covet your prayers and your financial help in this matter.

Since our Church is in a growth phase, our one bus is not sufficient for both sides of town and we are in need of another bus. Is that not a great problem to have? AWESOME!!! We have bought a bus from Odali Barros in Garca and this bus is one that Pastor John Hatcher bought back many many years ago to start a bus ministry there in Garca. So this bus has a history that we hope to continue here in Caraguatatuba. Pray that we will be able to continue with the work that has started here.

We have voted to begin a mission in the city about one hour from here. God has sent us a pastor for the work. We will be looking for a place for this pastor and wife to live and maybe use their place for the work in the beginning. This pastor was trained in the seminar in Garca where Pastor John Hatcher started a seminary and Pastor Odali Barros today continues the work. So we are confident about his beliefs and doctrines. One more thing for you to take to the Lord for us.

Humanly speaking, it is impossible to accomplish these things but we know that through God all things are possible. It is marvelous to be here and get to see first hand how God works in the lives of the people here. I know that you too would love to see this first hand, so why don't you come on down!!

Thanks for your support, prayerfully and financially. And thanks to B.F.M. for being the constant supporter of missionaries. We are here because of you.

In His service,

Aj and Barbara