Safely home

One of our dear prayer supporters wrote before we traveled that they were “helping us through prayer”. I thought that such a perfect way of expressing what we believe so many of you do for us. We especially sensed God's protection as we traveled a total of 625 miles to Casa Nova, Bahia in search of a house to rent.

It was hot, right around 100 degrees. Now, I know for many of you, that doesn’t seem so bad but when it involves walking around on sidewalks or waiting in a small piece of shade, it feels more like 120. We were grateful to have air conditioning in the hotel room at night. Things get fairly quiet around the little town from noon until 3:00pm. We can understand why.

There are very few houses available to rent in Casa Nova. There are many for sale but we’re not in a position to buy a home presently. We had followed out all leads, talked to many on the street, and were beginning to wonder if we would need to stay over the week-end to find something. Through it all, we trusted the Lord for a house, according to His plan. Finally, Thursday evening, we were able to see the inside of an available home to make rental arrangements with the owner. The house needs some painting and small repairs but the owner has agreed to let us discount the rent for any supplies we might purchase. The three- bedroom home will be more than adequate for our needs for the coming year. It is located just two blocks from the church where we will minister.

One bedroom will have to serve for Bruce’s tool shop. Another will serve to receive any Seminary students or out-of-town guests that might come to help us with our plans to evangelize in the interior towns. There is adequate space in the house for a small office area, too.



So, now we have about six weeks to get all our belongings sorted and packed up, do some shuffling of furniture from the present church location to the proper owners and gathering some of our belongings that are in different locations so that all will be in one place for the moving company. I think this is called forced downsizing and a good experience every few years to remind us that our belongings are not eternal, but people’s souls are. I don't think we'll call this truck to move our things, though!

Thank you again for accompanying us on our trip through your thoughts and prayers, it was great to have you along! Print or Generate PDF

Hobbies

Is there an interest or a hobby that you’ve had for years and never been able to find time for it? Since high school, Bruce has loved to tinker in electronics. For the past month or so, he has had a wonderful opportunity to expand his knowledge in electronics repair.

There is a small shop just a few doors away, and Bruce has become friends with the Christian owner. They are working together a couple of hours each day to get the shop caught up on a backlog of broken TVs and stereos. In the process, Bruce is learning many new tricks. We aren’t sure how the Lord will use his learning in the future but can see it opening doors to ministry on our next assignment. In the mean time, he is encouraging the owner through daily devotions together.

Last week-end, a candidate for the position of Administrative Pastor came to Igreja Batista Luz do Mundo to speak, to meet with the leadership and members, and get to know the church with the idea of being called to assume the bulk of the work. Pr. Mauro has wanted this from the church’s inception as his health does not allow him to be involved to the level needed for a growing church. His desire is to preach and leave the rest of the responsibilities with the other pastor. We are praying for God’s clear direction. This is the third candidate to be considered for the position.

New visitors appear each week and a few are returning several times. So, the members are encouraged. We see our planned exit as being the Lord’s perfect timing to move on and let the members pick up the slack.

We plan to travel 10 hours southwest to Casa Nova, Bahia the week of November 14th to look for a home to rent. We would ask for your prayers for safety in travel, and for wisdom. We should be back by the end of that week. Print or Generate PDF