A difference of a few days

Like most of you, we read the headlines on a weekly basis and are concerned for the economic situation in the U.S. but far more for the disregard of God and His Word. Though the global economic crisis affects Brazil where we minister, the country is doing remarkably well economically. We have enjoyed comfortable living in the past with a strong exchange of dollars to the national currency. But over the past two years, the exchange has stayed closer to 1,75 or lower, reaching as low as 1,58 in April of this year. That means less buying power, and as with many of you, there has been a “tightening of the belt” to our budget. This past month has brought a fluctuation that has actually been in our favor. Much of the difference is tied to the Euro and the financial woes in Europe, but we are suddenly enjoying a better exchange. So, what does that mean? When we exchanged $500 on August 17, we received R$790 Brazilian currency. Today, that same $500 amount gained us R$940. That’s a difference of R$150 and for us, almost two weeks’ worth of groceries. It’s not a sweepstakes winning but what we consider to be a blessing from the Lord and from our faithful supporters who have continued with us through this difficult economic time. We pray for God’s provision and blessing for your generosity.

When we returned to the Light of the World Baptist Church from our three month mini-furlough, many ideas of ways to reach out to the community had been discussed by members of the church and us. Some have been tried, others were set aside. Bruce made it known that he is available to repair small appliances of neighbors. This has had a few responses but not that have returned in the way of visitors at church. What has developed, though, is an outreach at the local town square one block away. We have challenged the members of the church to each give one hour toward this. Many neighborhood families bring their children to the square to play in the late afternoons. Where we could not get into these high rises to invite families, the families are coming down to the square and are usually relaxed and easily engaged in a conversation, especially if church members also have children. The members are enthusiastic and several have distributed invitations and conversed with people there. We are praying for the Lord to use the church in this location to reach out to the lost.

We are gaining valuable experience as we are out each day; Carol, walking and meeting ladies, Bruce, enjoying some coffee and tapioca while reaching out to men. We have learned more about Catholicism than we had known previously. We find many of the same responses that you do as you reach out to your unsaved friends and neighbors who have no time for “religion”. But we continue to share, right? May we all be faithful to shine for the Lord!