December 1, 2004

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Greetings once again from Brazil.  We just came in from the airport where we took the body of our beloved Pastor Joao Candido da Silva and his family for them to take the body to his hometown in Sao Paulo for final burial.  I preached twice today as we stood with the church and family awaiting the departure.  He left a wife and three wonderful children.  They are all 17 years old and above.  Pray for this family as they adjust to life without their father and husband.  He was only 46 years old.  He had a three year battle with cancer.

We had our anniversary service at the Altos do Coxipo church this past month.  We had over 200 present for the special service.  I had the privilege to preach to pastors, and several churches were represented.  We baptized three into that church recently and our mission from that church baptized two last Sunday.

All of our works are reporting baptisms these past two months.  The Novo Diamantino Church will be baptizing six next week.  Two of them will be an odd couple in their late 70's.  That work is really being blessed under the leadership of the preacher, Edvan.

My family in the States has been having some serious health problems and Ursula has gone there to support them.  Her health also isn't the best these past weeks with this intense heat.  We are planning to make a quick trip to Germany this coming year if the Lord provides the means.  Some have asked if we need help for this.  We don't want to take away from the great need for the General Fund and the Missionary projects of each missionary.  If anyone feels led to give toward this we would be grateful.  The Lord's work must come first.  I've learned that through the years.  We do ask your prayers about this.  It's been 46 years since Ursula saw her family.

May the Lord bless each one of you and may you have a Happy Holiday Season.

Yours in Him,

Harold & Ursula Draper