May 3, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Savior:  

This morning Marie and I began our daily devotions singing in Portuguese, “Chuvas de Bençãos” (There Shall Be Showers of Blessings).  In Manaus we are having very much rain with the river rising rapidly beyond flood stage.  We praise the Lord that we have received during April spiritual “showers of blessings”.This Mission Sheets month is from March 31st to today May 3rd.  I preached 13 sermons during this month.  Nine were delivered at the 24th of March Baptist Church where I serve as pastor. I also heard nine sermons. On the 9th of  April after preaching a funeral service for 22 year old Everaldo de Sousa, a brother to one of the sisters of the church, I went to the cemetery where we buried him.  That night I delivered a short message at the new home of Pastor Marivaldo Alves Natário.  He and his wife Clarice, were celebrating with a special service 32 years of marriage.  On the 13th of April after the prayer service at the 24th of March Baptist Church, we went to the home of one of the daughters of Brother Elpidio Moreira Matos, where I preached a short funeral message.  He was 94 years old and I was his pastor for many years.  

Now for the good news!  Sunday morning after I preached to the 69 present at the 24th of March Baptist Church, I entered the baptistery with the 6 believers to be baptized.  There Pastor Ediberto baptized the three adults and I baptized the three youths.  Afterwards the church received three Baptists from three other Baptist Churches by letter.  Then the forty-one members ate the bread and drank from the cup in memory of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Three of the members were absent.   

I am thankful to report that on the 5th of this month, on a Tuesday we celebrated Marie’s 78th Birthday. Asa Mark’s family and us went out to lunch and had an enjoyable time.  Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow. 

In His Service,

Harold and Marie Bratcher

Brother Bratcher with four Brazilian pastors.