August 3, 2005

Dear Friends,

I'm sure you'll rejoice with us to know that we will be baptizing about ten new converts in a few days. We are happy to see all of these folks following Jesus in obedience to His command, but one man's conversion brings us a special joy. Paulo is the husband of Tina, a member of our church. Tina and her two daughters have been coming to church for several years. Tina had been involved in witchcraft and idolatry for many years before we met her. She was on the verge of lunacy just before she was converted a few years ago. Her husband, Paulo, had become very embarrassed by her behavior. Through steady Bible study, prayer, and Christian fellowship, Tina became a model of a godly woman. Paulo saw the transformation in her life and has himself surrendered to Christ as his Lord and Savior. Tina and his daughters had been praying for him and now the entire family worships the Lord together by God's grace.

One of our leadership training ministries is proving to be very effective. We call this ministry "friendship groups". Without going into all the details, our friendship groups seek to draw people to the homes of our church members where they are led in fellowship, Bible study, and prayer by lay leaders. As these groups grow too large to maintain close knit harmony and/or fit into the smaller homes, they multiply into two groups and a new leader assumes the responsibility for the newly formed group. At present, we have three such groups that are ready to multiply and the leaders who will be taking on the new groups are excited about being used of the Lord in this way.

The pioneer evangelism team, Project Life, will be going to Rio de Janeiro during the month of August. As many of you know, the city of Rio de Janeiro, though a natural beauty, is plagued with constant drug wars, kidnappings, and many street dwellers. The challenges before the Project Life team will be great, so we ask that you would be praying for them and the success of sharing the gospel there.

Thank you for your prayers and support of us in God's work in southern Brazil. May God bless.

In Jesus's love,

Bobby, Charlene, Brennen, and Jessie Wacaser