August 1, 2002

Friends and co-workers in Christ,

Our letter for last month must have gotten lost in the computer bank because we wrote and probably sent it to the wrong e-mail address. I think that is what is happening to your letters to us here in Brazil. Note the change of address and test it this month to see if it is working. We would love to hear from you. Since I will be catching you up on two months of activities here, sit and enjoy.

We have had many visitors from the States and have enjoyed every minute of it. There were the 3 people from Winchester Ky. then 4 more from Winchester and one more from Virginia Beach. And believe you me did we get some projects started and some others completed. The footer for the new kitchen was poured and the walls begun, the buildings were needing a paint job and that too was done. The trees were needing their anual white wash job and the curbs were getting pretty drab. Also the extra house on the property got a needed addition started. So as you can see we got busy in June and July and have put a new look on the place. Now the walls are up on the kitchen and the room addition is about finished but as you know, there is always something to be done and that is how it is here.

After those groups came and went we were privileged to host a group of young Brazilians who were headed to Bosnia. They met here for the first time to get to know each other and prepare for the ministry they were to do there in Bosnia. There were 15 of these young adults and they left refreshed and ready to face anything there was to face in Bosnia.

We were privileged to have another group from St. Charles, Mo. to spend two days with us as they left the country. We were glad to show our property to them and share our dream for the new Children's Home.

Speaking of the Children's Home, we are at the point of having the engineers and other specialist working on the plans for the homes and where they will be able to be built. The plans for the homes were promised for last week but we will probably get them next week. Sometimes trying to get things done here you meet yourself coming and going. But with patience you can eventually arrive where you need to be.

The mission is going well. We are holding our own and are beginning to have some visitors that are not our immediate neighbors. Our song leader, Ricarco, is beginning to take Guitar lessons on the guitar that one of the visitors bought. And with these lessons he is learning more about leading the singing. Pray for the continued growth of the Mission and the members that are here to grow in God's Word. It is more difficult here in the country because those that attend have to come by foot and on the unlit roads. So there are times when it rains that lots of them cannot attend. But God is blessing and we are pressing on.

The container is still at the port in Santos and we have no more hope that they will release it than before. My only response to that is this "All things are possible with God". You keep praying and we will keep expecting the release any day.

As always you have an open invitation to come and visit us here in Jacarei. But plan to do so next year because we are planning to come home for the holidays. We hope to get to come to your Church and see you personally but if not maybe we will see you at one of the Conferences during this time.

In His service,

Aj and Barbara

A.J. and Barbara with some they minister to. The young man feels called to preach.