May 10, 2008

Dear Blessed Brothers and Sisters of the Blessed Savior Jesus Christ:

This Mission Sheets month began April 6th and ended today, May 10th. During these days I preached a total of ten sermons, nine at the 24th of March Baptist Church, where I am pastor and one at Zion Baptist Church where Luiz Carlos de Souza is the pastor. The church was celebrating their 55th anniversary of the organization of the church which was on April 30, 1953. This was a happy occasion as this church was the first one we attended after arriving in Manaus almost 49 years ago.

During the same days, I heard six sermons. Three of those by Ediberto at the 24th church, one by Pastor Aurindo Folha (Brother Leaf) and one by Pastor Miguel Ferreira da Silva. This month I was reminded twice that death is still reaping. On the morning of the 24th of April, Ediberto and I went to the 14th of December Baptist Church where dear brother Liberato Rocha de Oliveira lay in state. I was his pastor during many years. He was 93 years old and leaves behind ten children, twenty-two grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. On the night of May 1st we went to the Moriah Baptist Church where Sister Aurelia Barbosa dos Santos lay in state. She died at the age of 84 and was a faithful member of that church.. I led the singing and Ediberto preached a short message. Sister Aurelia was the mother of four sons, the oldest is Francisco Barbosa dos Santos, a faithful member of the 24th church. Blessed be the memory of these two servants of the Lord.

I have also attended the regular meeting of the Brazilian Baptist Faith Mission and two special meetings. During these days, every Thursday around five p.m. we visited patients in the João Lucio Hospital. Aurea Belem Fragoso, 81, member of the 24th church is very weak and sick. We also visited Salomão, who is suffering with an infected leg. Last Thursday we were asked to pray at the bedside of at least ten more patients. We at the church still have problems caused by sinful members. Also one of the sinful pastors talked to me at the church and seemed at least a little sad and sorry for his sins.

We thank all of you readers of the Mission Sheets who contribute to the regular fund and or designate offerings for us – the Bratchers of Brazil - and have been a blessing to us during these days. We need and appreciate all the prayers and offerings we receive. Please continue to pray and to give. Our next Mission Sheet letter will contain details of our furlough, our new address and scheduled arrival in Lexington on June 13th. Any information you need, please contact Brother Dave Parks.

Yours in the Service of the Savior,

Harold and Marie Bratcher