November, 2002

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Savior:

This month's Mission Sheet letter covers the happenings from the 29th of October until the last day of November. We prayed for all of the speakers of this year's Thanksgiving Conference. We are sure it was a successful one as usual. Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving Day with a dinner of Turkey and the trimmings. There were 9 who helped us celebrate. Every day we give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures forever, Psalm 106:1.

During this Mission Sheet month I preached a total of 10 sermons, 9 of them at the 24th of March Baptist Church, and one at a young people's retreat, the 15th of this month, a holiday. There were about 70 present, who heard my message on "Courtship". That was the subject I was asked to speak on. After finishing the message we returned home so I could rest, as it was a good distance away. 

Marie, my beloved wife of almost 48 years has been a blessing to me, giving me an ice bag treatment two times a day, and helping me to dress and undress. Thus she is carrying an extra burden. She still has her aches and pains. This year, here in Brazil I have seen six different doctors: heart, back, prostate and skin doctors. One of my newest doctors recommended that I see another doctor before the end of January 2003, to treat my beginning of Parkinson's disease. I hope to be able before the New Year to be able to preach standing rather than seated. 

The men of the 24th of March Church are very patient with me, they carry my chair, pillow and Bible, close to the microphone and help me back to my seat when the sermon is over. There I stay until the end of the Sunday school lesson. We have our preaching service first, then the Sunday school lesson. 

Please continue to pray for us as we pray every day for many of you. Please continue to contribute to BFM. We still appreciate all the cards, letters and e-mail messages that we receive. It is always an encouragement. We hope that all of you who read this letter will be blessed every day that remains in 2002 and every day during 2003. 

In the Service of the Savior: 

Harold and Marie Bratcher