March 3, 2006

Dear Brothers of the Beloved Lord Jesus and Sisters of the Savior:

For many of you readers of the Mission Sheets we (Harold and Marie) are praying for you. If you are not saved we pray for your salvation. If you are saved, we pray for your sanctification that you may “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever, Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

During this “Mission Sheets Month” which began February 1, and ends today, March 3, 2006, I preached 11 sermons in three Baptist Churches here in Manaus. Eight were preached at the 24th of March Baptist Church where I serve as pastor and Marie and I are members. Two (Sunday the 12th) were at the Comunhão Baptist Church during the absence of the pastor, Dr. Asa Mark Bratcher, and one at the Igreja Batista Biblica. I brought a message on missions at the request of the president of the Brazilian BFM. Marie heard me preach all 11. Besides hearing some two messages, I attended one pastors meeting and one meeting of the Brazilian BFM. We also celebrated the birthdays of the members of the 24th of March Baptist Church, among them, Antonio da Silva Costa´s 85th and of his wife of many years, Maria de Araujo Costa´s 90th. They are the church's oldest members. We also ate supper with Evangelist Ricardo with some other 11 present, celebrating his 36th birthday. Each Thursday I made visits on the church field with pastor Ediberto and some 3 or 4 others of the church. Also, I am trying to learn to “sing unto the Lord a new song.” See Psalm 96:1 and 98:1. My teacher is the pianist of the Comunhão Church, Professor Teixeira. I do not know many of the hymns in the “Cantor Cristão” the Portuguese hymnal that we use at the church.

During the month one lady asked for baptism and one boy requested to be received by letter from a sister Baptist Church. We are praying (pray with us) that our church will cause more joy in heaven (Luke 15:7-10). Tuesday the 28th was a holiday in Brazil: Carnaval. Many, the majority, walked after the flesh and not after the Spirit. Many of these started celebrating Carnaval 4 or 5 days before the holiday, “sowing to the flesh.” Many of the believers went on retreats, or camps outside of town. Marie and I were in the Lord´s house on the Lord´s day the 26th and stayed home the 27th and 28th. The Lord willing, we shall be celebrating my 79th birthday and the church’s 7th with special services the 22nd through the 26th. You who contribute to BFM do well. Continue, we ask you in the name of our Savior, to contribute. “Give and to you shall be given.” Brothers and Sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Galatians 6:18)

Yours in the Service of the Savior:

Harold and Marie Bratcher.