Sports Ministry in Ingazeira

Since we sold the farm, we have been able to do some needed fixing up at the church grounds in Ingazeira. Carlos has been working hard to get three things done: Lighting for night sports, netting to protect our neighbors from unwanted stray balls, and some grass where there was just dirt to play on. Pray that this outreach will show the community our care for their young people in providing good recreation. Many start drinking and doing drugs at an early age and many things that go along with these problems, so pray we can be light and salt there in that town.

Koinonia's 15th Anniversary

We recently had Koinonia's 15th Anniversary service. It was a joy to have notes from ones far and wide who have been touched by this ministry through the years. A highlight for us was to have Phil and Bonnie Smith here as they provided our first meeting place at the English school they owned when the church was getting started. And then to top off our joy our daughter Stephanie and husband Daniel showed up as a total surprise for the event! We also had special music from a fine men's choir. The church also honored us for our 30 years of ministry with a nice plaque and a study Bible. We made more special memories!

Remembering...

50 years ago the Smiths got to Brazil. 30 years ago was my ordination. Lots to praise God for!

Triunfo Group turns meeting place back over

The missionaries in Triunfo have taken a difficult but important decision to turn over their meeting place for now. A dear family had been paying the rent to enable them to meet there for some time, but were not able to continue. We are all in peace about this as the group is moving back to the houses for their meetings. We believe all will come in God's timing. It was a little hard for Chico as the local missionary pastor not to feel that this is a step back, but he is doing okay realizing that ministry is all about people and buildings are useful tools. Pictured here is our team out there: Chico and Dalva and our new missionaries Jorge and Josy.

Sparkmans visit Outback

We had the visit of Pastor Lynn Sparkman and his wife Alma for a week. They spoke at our fundraiser evening at Koinonia giving their testimonies and tips on marriage. Pastor Lynn also preached on Sunday evening for us. Then on Monday we took them to the Outback to visit the three couples that minister there in two cities. The High Plains Baptist Church where Sparkmans ministered for many years sent funds for food baskets for some needy families. It was great to have them present to personally distribute some of these food baskets and meet some families in Ingazeira and in one rural community.

Remodeling and expansion

Koinonia Baptist recently was able to close in and air-condition its auditorium. This will multiply the possibilities for services and activities. The next phase will be to cover the sports area that is right beside the auditorium. For the time being a new netting was put up to protect the glass windows and doors from stray balls. Koinonia, which is the mother work for out outback ministries is celebrating its 15th anniversary in March. I am also celebrating 30 years since my ordination to the ministry. Time does fly!

Finally, but with good news

Well, I had a computer crash and now have it fixed and am up and running... The good news is the arrival of our first grand-baby, Leah. We were going to only be able to send Marcy to the States for the arrival, but a supporter insisted on paying my way too. Marcy gets to stay a month and I will stay for a little over two and a half weeks. It has been great to be with our kids and see our folks and brothers and all the rest of the gang. Anyway, thanks all of you for your patience in awaiting news from us. Now I will have to get a prayer letter out for those who don't check the blog.