July, 2004

Faithful friends,

We are giving thanks to the Lord because we are back in Brazil!!! Yes, we got our visas and we returned to Brazil and our work here on the 19th of July. It was a long and hard 6 months but when the Lord is in control the outcome is always the right one. This did not come about without the prayers of God's people.

Sometimes it is very hard to be able to thank everyone for their prayers for the successful conclusion of our visas. The only means of accomplishing this is words, so, with those words, we want to say "Thanks for your prayers." As I am sitting here writing this letter I'm reflecting back on the past 6 months, sometimes saying---Why? I guess it is not for us to know everything now, but while in the States we accomplished several tasks for the work here in Brazil that we would not have been able to accomplish had we not been in the States. So for whatever the reason we had the problem with our visas we are just thanking God for all his interventions in our work and lives and the returning of us to Brazil.

As for the work here everything is going well. The main Church is averaging 120 in the evening services and about the same in the morning service. Two of the three mission points are growing. We will be working very hard on that one point that has fallen down in attendance.

We had several blessings while we were in the States and one of those is that we were able to raise enough money to put a large amount down on a piece of property for the vocational school. This week I have looked at 5 different locations. Pray for the Lords direction in the purchase of the right property for the school.

Just to show us that God does not need us but allows us to participate in his work, Just a week and a half before we were able to return to Brazil we had a Youth group from Shivley Baptist Church in Louisville come to minister here in Caraguatatuba. Without us here God was able to get them into one of the public schools and they were able to do construction on one of the mission points. So in the future I want to remember to thank the Lord for every time He allows me to participate in His work and receive the AWESOME blessings that He allows me to receive.

We have had John and Tommie Greatbatch and Taylor Brown with us this week and have had the opportunity to show them the work and seek advice on the plans that we have for the building of the school. God always sends the right person at the right time to help us in the things that we are doing. So anytime you think about coming to visit us here in Brazil just get your visa and come on down because God has plans for you us here in Brazil.

It has been a small adjustment getting back to Brazil, we came from temperature in the 80's and 90's to the 50's and 60's.But we are getting adjusted.

We just want to let you know one more time just how much we appreciate your prayer support and your financial support. Without you we would not be able to be as effective here in Brazil. Just remember, every time there is one life saved, one person changed that you have had a part in that along with us. I wish there were words that could describe the joy that we feel in having partners like you. Thanks to BFM and their supporters because that is the reason we are here in Brazil.

Continue to pray for us as we serve here in Caraguatatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In His service,

Aj and Barbara