August 6, 2008

Dear Brethren,

On this date 30 years ago I became pastor of First Baptist Church of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. Christ has made His church grow and I am glad to have been a part of this brief period of history. There have been some really tough times, but there have been many great times, too.

On my first Sunday as pastor we had about 50 people in services. This past Sunday we had 469 in Sunday school. I realize that that is not a very good growth rate for 30 years. On that first Sunday night we had only 20 or maybe 30 people. This past Sunday night we had 675 and we did not have the Sunday afternoon service which averages over 200. That growth rate is a little better.

During these years we also organized seven new churches. We now have nine full-time missionaries and support the other three pastors who work with me. Back then we had no missionaries and the only pastor was me and I have never received support from the church.

Last week we had Hershael and Tanya York with us. I had invited them to come down a couple years back while I was in the States. I wanted them to be here for our annual missions' conference. I worked it out for them to be here long enough to be in on another special event.

On Tuesday, July 29, Tanya, Hershael, Bev and I went by small plane to Thaumaturgo, many miles up the Juruá River. That night we organized First Baptist Church of Thaumaturgo. I presided over the meeting and Hershael spoke to the newly founded church. We had almost 300 present and the church was organized with 121 members. The airstrip is across the Amônea River and is a nice little walk. Everybody got to get their feet wet at the crossing and did some huffing and puffing to get up the long set of steps and hills to get into town. This was Beverly's first ever visit to Thaumaturgo. I haven't quite gotten her to admit that she enjoyed the trip, but I think she did. It is pretty certain that it was a memorable experience for the York's. Now you can just interpret those last two statements any way you want. One thing is for sure: I had a blast and the people up there enjoyed the short visit to the max!

Translating while Hershael York preaches

Hershael and Tanya York with Michael and Beverly Creiglow

Hershael and Tanya York with Pastor Ediberto and family

Hershael and Tanya York with Michael and Beverly Creiglow

Our three day meeting here in town was simply wonderful. The preaching was just what our church needed. We have had some really rough times recently and all of us were edified and encouraged.

On Saturday morning we had our preacher's meeting. There were 51 preachers present. There may have been more, but at least that many were counted. The ladies gave them a big banquet at noon. When we have this meeting at First Baptist Church, we always use most of the time for training. Hershael used the first hour to present ten unique challenges of the ministry and the second hour for ten practical suggestions. Our preachers and missionaries soaked it up.

The week with Hersh and Tanya went by way too fast. Boy, was it fun and refreshing, though. Hope they get back down soon. By the way: when are you coming down?

On July 10th, Melany Christine, was born to Andrew and his wife, Eline. She is their third child.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.

In Christ,

Mike Creiglow