July, 2003

Missionaries John and Alta Hatcher were with us July 4th for Tabernacle Baptist Church's fifty-fifth homecoming. He spoke on each of the three nights of special services. The messages were powerful, renewing the church's vision and commitment to evangelism and missions.

We enjoyed the time together with my parents. We had time to talk about missions and the future of of our Lord's work there in Brazil. Our son, Judson, was also here. After each day's activity we had a great time with family. Judson finished teaching a modular for youth pastors and leaders on Thursday, the night before the homecoming services started.

July is the mid-term school break for the Christian School. This time is used to do small repairs and maintenance on the school facility. School restarts July 31st. It was nice not to get out so early in the morning. We spent a couple of days at the church camp with the manager to dream and plan the work for the months ahead.

Wanda and I also had special time with missionaries Mike and Beverly Creiglow during July. We live in adjoining states here in the Amazon, but it's more expensive to go from Manaus to Cruzeiro do Sul than to the States. We enjoyed the fellowship and encouragement to strive harder in the Lord's harvest. I preached on missions Friday through Sunday. Each night the house was full and the praise was uplifting. Sunday evening (this is the big Sunday service here in Brazil) First Baptist Church of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre started a second evening service to meet their growth in attendance. Most of the national missionaries and evangelists from western Acre were in for the weekend. The gospel of Jesus Christ is reaching to the very remote areas. We rejoice to see the great work God is doing through Missionary Mike Creiglow's leadership and vision.

Pray for us and God bless you,

Paul and Wanda

Tabernacle Baptist Church. New mission point, Belem, Para.