April 2023 Update
Greetings from the Amazon!
This past month we’ve been continuing the Bible study in São José, the man who opened his house for Bible study is still the only one who has shown any interest. Which is disheartening but not too surprising, it is a hard village. Do please continue to pray with us for softening of hearts in São José, we are burdened for that village.
The work in Crajari continues as well. Pedro (Peter), a solid though new believer, has been growing in the faith, and recently expressed a belief that God wants him to be a preacher. He cannot read, but listens to the Bible on audio. Ezra has been taking Pedro along as he visits homes in the village and shares the Gospel, and Pedro has been really enjoying that. Do please pray for him to continue to grow in Christ and be mightily used of God in that village.
Recently another door of opportunity appears to be opening in another village called Novo Lugar, located on the same island as São José, but on the other side. This village has a church, but they are really needing (and wanting) Bible teaching, specifically in regards to the judeaizing teachings of some popular cults in the region. Last weekend Ezra was able to teach in their Saturday night and Sunday morning services, it was very well received and they have asked us to come back again soon.
Recently, on our way home from Crajari, our four wheeler broke again. We appreciate prayer for wisdom in what to do next, as we are in the middle of the rainy season and still have some months left before the road is consistently passable. We are grateful to the Lord for bringing our family safely home even though the rear wheel was wobbling terribly for a few miles.
Our kiddos are doing well. Henrietta (1 year) is talking and communicating so much, learning new words every day it seems. Philip (3 in June) loves to “read”, paging through books with little to no pictures, takes good care of his sister (sometimes :) and our new German shepherd puppy, Poodle. Andrew (4) is slowly expanding his Portuguese vocabulary, and he makes up for his lack of language skills with his friendliness.
This summer we will be making a very brief visit to the US, to attend MOP and to visit our sending churches in Wisconsin and Missouri. We will be arriving in the US the end of this month, and returning to Brazil Lord willing in early July.
Please pray:
- For Pedro’s spiritual growth and encouragement, and the continued work in Crajari
- For softening of hearts in São José, as well as the Holy Spirit’s work in the heart of Lasmar, the man who has opened his home for Bible study.
- For the believers in Novo Lugar, that the teaching of the Word would bear much fruit in their lives.
- For us parents, in training our children in the ways of the Lord
- For wisdom regarding the situation of transportation (or lack thereof) to Crajari
- For a profitable and blessed visit in the US later this month
- For us to strengthened with all might, according to the glorious power of the Lord, unto all patience and long suffering with joy (Colossians 1:11)
Thank you always for your love and prayers!
Love, Ezra and Joanna, Andrew, Philip, and Henrietta
