May 1 2003

Greetings from Brazil,

Have you ever seen a child standing cry at a restaurant because it was hungry or at the door of a store because it could not enter. How sad that would be! Well I have seen something even more sad here: two weeks ago I saw a child who had taken his bath, gotten on his best clothes and was ready to go to Church but there was no more room for him in the car. For me here I saw spiritual hunger. I began to pray and last week Barbara and I stepped out on faith and bought 2 VW vans. They are both 1980 and well used but they have 4 tires and will get from Church to the homes of these children. This Sunday where that little boy was crying we were able to pick up 23 children and take them to Church and Sunday School. How AWESOME is the God we serve!!!!

Needless to say Barb and I are busy like never before repairing the house that we have rented and looking for a place to put the school as we grow. We have our first boy, his name is Marcello, some of you will remember him he is the one we shared with you when we were in your Churches. We arrived home last night and this morning as I am writing this letter he is out in the front working. He is 18 years old and working at beginning his life over. Pray for him and us as we begin with only one and wait on the Lord to send more.

Also remember to pray for the work here in the Church where we are attending, Igreja Batista Nova Vida, New Life Baptist Church. We are beginning our second mission point. We rented a commercial store front and hope to have it ready for services next week. After the owners found out that we were Baptist, he lowered the rent $R 100.00 reais. It just never ceases to amaze me-how AWESOME He is.

Sometimes it is hard to write letters home. You sit down and start thinking, boy I wish you all were here because we are blessed to see these MIRACLES happening every day.

Barb and I would like for you to keep us in your prayers-as we left home there in the States it was cold and we were having that ice storm. But when we got here in Brazil it is hot and humid. The transition from one climate to the other is taking longer than anticipated. I don't know why but I seem to tire more quickly (HA HA). Also continue to pray for our language skills. I have preached 3 times and this is a special request just for me, my language skills needs improvement. We are continuing to go to class pray for a faster comprehension for me.

As always we want to extend an invitation for you all to come down and see your mission dollars at work here in Brazil. We love each and every one of you and want to thank you for your continued support of us through BFM.

In His service,

AJ and Barbara

A.J. and Barbara with a group they minister to.