March 2, 2002

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

Greetings from Brazil. Last month we went to the States for Ursula's annual checkup. Although they found some serious problems with her blood pressure and cholesterol levels, she showed no signs of tumors. She is on medication and will be going to the doctor here in Brazil next week to continue her treatment. We are so thankful that it is as well as it is.

This month of February has been very busy here in Cuiaba. We are thrilled to see the way the Lord is blessing the two new works that were started last year. The first one we started there in Varzea Grande in the St. Mary's community is really starting to be blessed. The pastor is growing along with the work. The newest which was inaugurated on Decmeber 15th here in Cuiaba now has the missionary-pastor living next door to the church and is starting to grow. Both of these works are being plagued with vandalism and robbery. Pray for them as they go through this. It seems that street violence is increasing more yet here.

Today I will be going on a bus in 3 hours to a place called Primavera do Leste to open up another new work. The Boa Esperanca church is opening up a mission there under the leadership of an experienced mission worker. There is already a group meeting in his home and souls have already been saved. The church has gone in debt to buy a lot there for a church building to be built. I have felt led to ask that your dear people help us as the Lord leads. It will take about $8500 to put up a good functional building there. Will you pray about it and give as the Lord leads? Our goal is to start up the 3rd work in 2 years and get it in a building. You have already helped us get two of them up and going by His grace. Make all offerings for this project to Draper New Work Fund.

We want to express our appreciation to all for your support to the General Fund, the As Needed Fund (which is used primarily in the work), and the timely person gifts that are sent. For 25 years now the Lord has made it possible for us to labor here in Brazil. In spite of Ursula's health problems we are hoping to stay at least for 5 more years if the Lord permits. She has been faithful and continues to hang in there under difficult circumstances. The extreme heat here really bothers her health. Michelle is busy in her last year of High School and is making plans to come to the States at the end of this year to get ready for college next year.

We pray that the Lord will bless all of you. Do remember all of your missionaries and Be missionary!

In His Grace,

Harold & Ursula Draper

Harold Draper in front of the new building at the Jardim Fortalez Baptist Mission.