December, 2002

Dear Brethren,

May the peace of God be with all of you.

Believe it or not, I am writing this letter from the U.S. We have much to be thankful for during this time of Thanksgiving. First we wan to thank God for His mercy to us. Before we ever knew Him, He died to save us and then chose us to do His work. He chose us and gave us the ability and the means to do His work. He was very generous in giving us a family we do not deserve. As you can see in the picture. Our son Joshua Odali (zinho) is not in the picture but is as good looking as the others. The names of the little ones from left to right are: Gabriel (2 years), Jonas (4 years) and Tito (4 years and 8 months). These 3 beauties are adopted, and honestly, we can't see the difference between them and our 3 older children. The older girls from left to right are Kathy Lee (18) and Amelia (16). Thank you, God, for our family!!

Part of the Barros family

We thank God for entrusting 122 kids in our hands to care for. This is the number of kids we have at the Alpha and Omega Home at this time. When these kids come to us they give some problems. They come with lots of problems and many bad habits. But, you know, they are precious to our Savior. Those are the ones God talks about when He says, "Those that receive one of these little ones in my name, receives me." We want to thank each one of you that have been a part of this ministry. Also for those who have a part in helping with the mission points and the Central Baptist Church in Garca. This includes transportation, construction and salary expenses. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We would like to take a moment to thank all of those who support B.F.M. You help many people to hear and come to know Jesus as their Savior.

We want to thank God for the opportunity to be here in the States for a few days. A church that has sent their teens down to visit the home invited us to come to a mission conference at their church. They sent me a ticket to come and Kathy's ticket was given to her by a couple who had been there at the home this summer. They thought that Kathy needed a break. It has been great to be here together. God is great! You might be asking who is watching the kids while we are gone. Our daughter Kathy Lee decided to take off a semester to help her mom. She said that her mother was too tired. Maybe Kathy Lee leaving college for a semester doesn't make sense to you. Kathy Lee is running the home along with Edson, my assistant pastor. When we first arrived they kept calling and trying to find us. I told them to leave me alone and they did. Well, needless to say, after a few days I was calling them to make sure that they were ok.

We would like to thank all those who have made this trip so delightful. Emmanuel Baptist Church, Steve Wainwright and the church he pastors, and our friends from Winchester; David, Bill, Stacey and Alceu, Shelia and Justin, Glenn and Judy Archer, John and Wanda Ballard and Peggy Foster who made her house our home. We had a special moment with a family in St. Louis, who asked us to stay with them so that their children would have the opportunity to meet and spend time with missionaries. They hoped it wouldn't be a bother. This is never a bother but a great privilege for us. We had a great time together. We played many games and the kids asked lots of questions.

Even though you may be reading this letter after Thanksgiving Day, take a few minutes and thank God for at least 5 things you are grateful for. God, thank you for my family, my salvation, being able to serve You, the air I breathe and the food. See! That's not too hard, is it? Well, until next time.

We love you all!

Odali and Kathy