March 28, 2003

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Savior:

Greetings from Manaus, Brazil. This MS letter is from February 26th through March 27th. I preached seven sermons at the 24th of March BC, and one at the New Jerusalem BC. I also heard ten sermons in three different churches.

Both of us, Marie and I, had check-ups with the heart doctor. The heart monitor test showed up well, as did the blood tests. The doctor congratulated me and seemed very well satisfied with my heart exam. So if I had not developed the bone disease, osteoporosis, I would be in good shape. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. I am more active now, but still use my crutch, whenever I go out.

Marie's heart condition seems stable. Her problem now is her eyes, as she has cataracts in both eyes. She is now in the midst of several exams preparing for surgery. She has lost 90 percent of vision in one eye, and 70 percent in the other eye.

On March 24, we had special services at the church. At the close of the service, my 76th birthday was celebrated with a large, decorated cake, snacks and soft drinks. I received several gifts and there were 89 present. I thank the Lord for each year he has given me to work in His vineyard. Our Sunday school attendance yesterday morning was 67 and 70 at the night services. Another blessing the 24th of March has received have been new church pews. Our old ones were of different sizes, shapes and colors. So we are grateful for the 20 new ones. They are well made by a member of the church who is a carpenter. He also made a pulpit stand and gave it to the church.

The Lord gave us the strength to make a 3 day interior trip to Parana da Eva. We had a good trip in spite of heavy rains. Thus we have shared with you, some of this month's news. We pray God's richest blessings upon each one of you, readers of the Mission Sheets. We thank Baptist Faith Missions for their prayers and support.

In His Service,

Harold and Marie Bratcher.