February 6, 2004

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

I have now been in Brazil for five days.  It was -12 chill factor in New York when I boarded the plane.  It was 90 degrees when I stepped off the plane here on Sunday morning in Cuiaba.  I was well received and we had a great service at the Altos do Coxipo church that night.

Yesterday I made the dangerous trip to Novo Diamantino.  I got back at three o'clock this morning with both front rims of my car all bent out of shape.  Thankfully I didn't burst a tire.  The work there is very stable under the leadership of Brother Edvan.  We pray that he will work out for a long time.  His family has adapted well there it seems and the people seem to really respect him.  I already have a marriage to perform on the 27th and another one is in the works.  I must do a lot of work to get our house fixed up these next few weeks.  It's in a mess.  That should take some of the excess pounds off in a hurry!  I will write more next time.  Please note my e-mail address above.  My temporary phone number here in Brazil is  011-55-65-627-4344.  Next month I should have my permanent number.  God bless all of you.  Pray for me as I plan this year's work here in Brazil.  My main business is preaching and teaching the Word, loving sinners and saints and trusting and obeying the Master.  That's a big job for such a worm as I.

Yours in Christ,

Harold Draper

Brother Draper back in Brazil.