February 2, 2007

Hello from Brasil,

It seems like yesterday that we were entering the year 2000 and now it is seven years later. That gets scary when you are in your middle 60´s! But our Lord is so good to us. We have been blessed so much these past seven years. In this period of time, four new churches have been started from ground up here in Central Brazil. All seem to be doing well with the usual ups and downs that all churches and individuals experience.

In the past three months we have been able to build four Sunday School rooms at two of the newer works. We thank all who have given that this may be accomplished. Right now we are looking for a new pastor for the Altos do Coxipo Baptist Church. It is the only church that is really having a difficult time right now. We have two young ordained men in mind who might be used here. If it is the Lord´s will, one of them may work out. Pray with us about this. Our goal is to have by the end of the year Brazilian leadership in all of the churches and missions. Also we are working toward the goal that all will be able by July of next year be able financially to make it without outside help.

As some of our missionaries have mentioned the money exchange is really bad and has been for some time. This makes it very expensive to try and expand the work here in Brazil. The Lord has blessed and we have been able to do a lot with the offerings that recently came in. We are always amazed at the way He blesses.

Right now we are concerned for our oldest daughter, Karin Weaver. She recently had cancer surgery and has had to have another one in the same area. They believe they got it all. Our grand-daughter, Tiffany, is in the hospital also, with a serious kidney infection. She is eight months pregnant with her first child and our first great-grandchild. I would say without any hesitation that the only hardship we have ever suffered by being on the mission field these thirty years is not to be able to be with family when there is sickness or death. But the Lord has given us grace during these times.

Last of all I make an appeal for the General Fund. It is vital to the work.

We thank you all so much for your faithful support. May God bless you is our prayer.

Yours in Him,

Harold & Ursula Draper