February 1, 2003 

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

This has been another very busy month. I spent over half the month in Florida where I was in five churches, including the Winter Conference at Park Ridge. I heard some great preaching and was fed spiritually. All told, I was in eight churches during the month of January. We are so thankful for all of you churches and pastors who invite us to come share about our work in Brazil and to preach the precious word of God. We have no greater joy than doing this.

Ursula's health continues to improve. I am hoping that by April she will be able to travel some with me. She is now getting some much needed dental work done that could not have been done until she felt better. Michelle is doing well in school and has a good part-time job. God is blessing us for which we can praise His Name. During the month of February I am scheduling only one out of state trip so I can be with Ursula while she has some teeth extracted. Due to her rheumatic heart, this procedure has to be done with care. We thank all of you who pray for her and our family. Yesterday our daughter Melody had an eight hour surgery on her heart at the University of St. Louis Hospital. It looks like it was a success. In six weeks they will know for sure. She seems to be doing extremely well.

Our report from Brazil is very good. All of our nine works are doing well except one that is without a permanent worker in Novo Diamantino. One of our more mature pastors in town is overseeing the situation. I have been told by Brother Sledd that some good offerings have come in this month for our new works in Brazil. I am in constant contact by e-mail and phone to the preachers and pastors in Cuiaba. All of the "as needed" funds you send are used in the field in Brazil. On rare occasions, I have in the past used some of this for doctor bills, etc., but in recent times all has gone to the work to help in the building, for workers' needs, and for Sunday School materials, etc. I plan to use it exclusively for the work unless some extreme emergency takes place.

I will be here in the States this summer for the first time in years. I still have most dates open starting in May. If you would like to come, please contact us at the address above. We thank all for your faithful support. God bless all of you. Let's keep on keeping on, our redemption draweth nigh.

Yours in Christ,

Harold & Ursula Draper