Autor: eabrazil

Job now refutes his friends’ “wisdom” and ensues on a strong attack of their arguments during 3 chapters, insisting that he is in no way inferior to them. Job points out that true wisdom and power belongs to God who controls all creation. He seems to say that his friends’ logic of ‘sin produces suffering’ is not always the case as many wicked men have been allowed to live happy lives by God. Job clearly showed that he did not share his friends’ simplistic world view. (Life is not black and white… it is coloured!) Job knew he was a righteous man yet he had become a laughing-stock to his friends. Job clearly argued that he was righteous but the just don’t always prosper and the wicked weren’t always punished. Job showed that he didn’t understand why some things happened, but he trusted in God nevertheless. Job closes the chapter showing that he was well aware of God’s greatness despite being bewildered by his current suffering.

Our church at São Vicente do Seridó, about a 2-hour drive east of Patos, is led by Missionary Nenem Guimarães, and she and her flock have just made a beautiful Christian gesture in the town. They organized a delicious and plentiful Christmas breakfast for all the road sweepers who absolutely loved it and said nothing like it had ever happened to them. (I should just explain to overseas readers that the term ‘missionary’ is used in ACEV to define ordained workers who are not officially pastors, though in effect they are!)

I went to Green Pastures and had a nice visit with our 3 donkeys: King Solomon, Queen of Sheba and Merrylegs II. They are well and nice and plump despite the drought. I saw White-naped Jays and Chalk-browed Mockingbirds whilst there. A small flock of Red-legged Seriemas came to drink water at our water fountain and 2 males got in a big fight over the females making a terrific din!

I have started a short course online on Philosophy taught by Dr. Luiz Felipe Pondé who is a professor at São Paulo University (USP).

Our church at São Vicente do Seridó, about a 2-hour drive east of Patos, is led by Missionary Nenem Guimarães, and she and her flock have just made a beautiful Christian gesture in the town. They organized a delicious and plentiful Christmas breakfast for all the road sweepers who absolutely loved it and said nothing like it had ever happened to them. (I should just explain to overseas readers that the term ‘missionary’ is used in ACEV to define ordained workers who are not officially pastors, though in effect they are!)

I went to Green Pastures and had a nice visit with our 3 donkeys: King Solomon, Queen of Sheba and Merrylegs II. They are well and nice and plump despite the drought. I saw White-naped Jays and Chalk-browed Mockingbirds whilst there. A small flock of Red-legged Seriemas came to drink water at our water fountain and 2 males got in a big fight over the females making a terrific din!

I have started a short course online on Philosophy taught by Dr. Luiz Felipe Pondé who is a professor at São Paulo University (USP).

Now is the turn for Job’s third friend or comforter to comment on Job’s predicament. His name is Zophar, (and with friends like the 3 “comforters” who needs enemies?) Zophar accuses Job of idle talk and mockery, and that Job’s hidden sin was the cause of his suffering. Nevertheless Zophar says that Job should be grateful because God was even letting him off from a lot! Zophar points to God’s mysteries as fathomless being longer than the earth and wider than the sea, and God recognizes deceitful men. The only solution, Zophar says, is for Job to put away his sin and allow no evil to dwell in his tent! For if Job puts his life right before God things will change and “life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning”. However he says that “the eyes of the wicked will fail” and “their hope will become a dying gasp”!

Liz is very busy distributing Christmas food hampers to the poor as we always do every Christmas time.

I led last night’s mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Dr Murilo gave the study on 1 John 2:1-17. It was a good service with a nice time of prayer and praise together.

Liz is very busy distributing Christmas food hampers to the poor as we always do every Christmas time.

I led last night’s mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Dr Murilo gave the study on 1 John 2:1-17. It was a good service with a nice time of prayer and praise together.

Yesterday we held a further online meeting of our senior leadership team to discuss an important issue which I can’t mention here. The meeting went very well. We value your prayers.

Yesterday I had my ears syringed for the second time in 4 months and it’s nice to be able to hear better. I think I should set up a wax factory!

Liz has popped out to Green Pastures to take bottled drinking water ready for the crowd on Sunday morning for the baptism of 11. After the 8 am baptism we always hold a church fellowship breakfast together. 

Yesterday we held a further online meeting of our senior leadership team to discuss an important issue which I can’t mention here. The meeting went very well. We value your prayers.

Yesterday I had my ears syringed for the second time in 4 months and it’s nice to be able to hear better. I think I should set up a wax factory!

Liz has popped out to Green Pastures to take bottled drinking water ready for the crowd on Sunday morning for the baptism of 11. After the 8 am baptism we always hold a church fellowship breakfast together. 

Last night I took part in the Men’s Fellowship’s end-of-year get-together which was held at the ‘Coreto II’ open-air restaurant where we all ate pizza and played 2 games of bingo. The first game was won by Gilmarco and the second by Isaque. It was a lovely evening of fun and fellowship.

Last night I took part in the Men’s Fellowship’s end-of-year get-together which was held at the ‘Coreto II’ open-air restaurant where we all ate pizza and played 2 games of bingo. The first game was won by Gilmarco and the second by Isaque. It was a lovely evening of fun and fellowship.

Yesterday we watched online the thanksgiving service for the life of the ex-chairman of the EAB Board of Trustees, Bob Dalton, who is with the Lord aged 90. I had known Bob all my life as he was a frequent visitor to my home in North Kensington when I was a child. I was present at his farewell to Brazil at a train station when he came here as a missionary. Bob visited us twice in northeast Brazil where he ministered amongst us. We thank God for every memory of Bob. The service was lovely with the Gospel clearly and carefully presented. Our thanks go to Marian Rashleigh who went to represent EAB.

Half of December has gone and still no signs of rain here. December is the month that we can get early rains before they start in earnest in January. Please pray for rain which is needed desperately. I’m dreaming of a WET Christmas!

Yesterday we watched online the thanksgiving service for the life of the ex-chairman of the EAB Board of Trustees, Bob Dalton, who is with the Lord aged 90. I had known Bob all my life as he was a frequent visitor to my home in North Kensington when I was a child. I was present at his farewell to Brazil at a train station when he came here as a missionary. Bob visited us twice in northeast Brazil where he ministered amongst us. We thank God for every memory of Bob. The service was lovely with the Gospel clearly and carefully presented. Our thanks go to Marian Rashleigh who went to represent EAB.

Half of December has gone and still no signs of rain here. December is the month that we can get early rains before they start in earnest in January. Please pray for rain which is needed desperately. I’m dreaming of a WET Christmas!

Yesterday we watched online the thanksgiving service for the life of the ex-chairman of the EAB Board of Trustees, Bob Dalton, who is with the Lord aged 90. I had known Bob all my life as he was a frequent visitor to my home in North Kensington when I was a child. I was present at his farewell to Brazil at a train station when he came here as a missionary. Bob visited us twice in northeast Brazil where he ministered amongst us. We thank God for every memory of Bob. The service was lovely with the Gospel clearly and carefully presented. Our thanks go to Marian Rashleigh who went to represent EAB.

Half of December has gone and still no signs of rain here. December is the month that we can get early rains before they start in earnest in January. Please pray for rain which is needed desperately. I’m dreaming of a WET Christmas!

 In this and the following chapter Job replies to Bildad exclaiming “how can a mortal be righteous before God”? For Job recognizes that God’s wisdom is profound and his power is vast. With beautiful poetry Job finds himself at a loss to discuss with God his predicament because God is almighty moving mountains, shaking the earth, controlling the sun and the stars. How can I dispute with God, asks Job? How can I find words to argue with God? Even if I was innocent, says Job, I could only plead with God for mercy. Job found himself snookered because he didn’t understand what had brought such terrible suffering on him, he was not aware of any hidden sin, yet there seemed that no resource existed to sort out his dilemma. In despair he exclaims that “even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me”. And Job’s further bewilderment is expressed when he says that God “destroys the blameless and the wicked”! He goes on to say how he dreads all his suffering and sees no way to prove his innocence. If only, Job sighs, there was someone to arbitrate between him and God!

Now comes Job’s second friend or comforter called Bildad and he poured on the agony too insisting with Job, as had Eliphaz, that all his suffering was a result of hidden sin. Bildad states bluntly that Job’s children had received their penalty from a just God and Job’s only way forward was to plead with God and change his ways to purity and uprightness. Bildad insinuates that Job had forgotten God and was trusting in fragile spiders’ webs. For clearly God never rejects a blameless man, Bildad affirms, so clearly Job is declared guilty!

Last night I both led the service and preached on Gideon from Judges 6 – 8, but the central feature of the service was the ‘Coral Adoração’ (Adoration Choir) from our Campina Grande Catolé church which presented a wonderful Christmas Cantata called ‘God with us’ which lasted about 45 minutes and it was very good. The choir’s conductor Gideão is a professional musician and music teacher and this makes the difference. The church was packed to capacity.

It was good to see in church a recently bereaved family. It was also good to see a new deaf couple in church who have just moved to Patos from São Mamede attracted by our deaf ministry.

6 were baptized at Soledade yesterday. PTL!

Last night I both led the service and preached on Gideon from Judges 6 – 8, but the central feature of the service was the ‘Coral Adoração’ (Adoration Choir) from our Campina Grande Catolé church which presented a wonderful Christmas Cantata called ‘God with us’ which lasted about 45 minutes and it was very good. The choir’s conductor Gideão is a professional musician and music teacher and this makes the difference. The church was packed to capacity.

It was good to see in church a recently bereaved family. It was also good to see a new deaf couple in church who have just moved to Patos from São Mamede attracted by our deaf ministry.

6 were baptized at Soledade yesterday. PTL!

We have found a nest in our garden on a cactus plant which is about the size of a large fist but it has a small entrance. We will keep observing it to see of which species it is, but I suspect it is that of the Southern House Wren (Troglodytes musculus) which lays 3 to 6 reddish eggs.

Sadly QPR lost away to Middlesbrough 3 x 1 yesterday. 😞

Somebody kindly presented me with my ancestry DNA test whilst I was in England and I have now received the results. These show that my ancestral roots are 31% in northern Wales & northwestern England, 28% southeastern England and northwestern Europe, 17% central Scotland and northern Ireland, 11% west midlands, 8% southern Wales, 2% east midlands, 2% northeast England, and 1% Ireland.

I had last night off from my usual Saturday night preaching at the Green Pastures church because they held their Christmas party with a lovely time of fellowship and food being had by one and all. So I had time to relax reading 3 more chapters of Mike Hollow’s book ‘The Soho Murder’. I’ve now read 32 of the 45 chapters and it’s very good.

Happy birthday to our daughter Lynn! May God richly bless you.

We have found a nest in our garden on a cactus plant which is about the size of a large fist but it has a small entrance. We will keep observing it to see of which species it is, but I suspect it is that of the Southern House Wren (Troglodytes musculus) which lays 3 to 6 reddish eggs.

Sadly QPR lost away to Middlesbrough 3 x 1 yesterday. 😞

Somebody kindly presented me with my ancestry DNA test whilst I was in England and I have now received the results. These show that my ancestral roots are 31% in northern Wales & northwestern England, 28% southeastern England and northwestern Europe, 17% central Scotland and northern Ireland, 11% west midlands, 8% southern Wales, 2% east midlands, 2% northeast England, and 1% Ireland.

I had last night off from my usual Saturday night preaching at the Green Pastures church because they held their Christmas party with a lovely time of fellowship and food being had by one and all. So I had time to relax reading 3 more chapters of Mike Hollow’s book ‘The Soho Murder’. I’ve now read 32 of the 45 chapters and it’s very good.

Happy birthday to our daughter Lynn! May God richly bless you.

We have found a nest in our garden on a cactus plant which is about the size of a large fist but it has a small entrance. We will keep observing it to see of which species it is, but I suspect it is that of the Southern House Wren (Troglodytes musculus) which lays 3 to 6 reddish eggs.

Sadly QPR lost away to Middlesbrough 3 x 1 yesterday. 😞

Somebody kindly presented me with my ancestry DNA test whilst I was in England and I have now received the results. These show that my ancestral roots are 31% in northern Wales & northwestern England, 28% southeastern England and northwestern Europe, 17% central Scotland and northern Ireland, 11% west midlands, 8% southern Wales, 2% east midlands, 2% northeast England, and 1% Ireland.

I had last night off from my usual Saturday night preaching at the Green Pastures church because they held their Christmas party with a lovely time of fellowship and food being had by one and all. So I had time to relax reading 3 more chapters of Mike Hollow’s book ‘The Soho Murder’. I’ve now read 32 of the 45 chapters and it’s very good.

Happy birthday to our daughter Lynn! May God richly bless you.

 Job now continues to struggle to understand his horrific suffering saying that he feels like a slave who endures nights of misery tossing and turning. His “body is clothed with worms and scabs”, and he thinks about death. Job complains in the bitterness of his soul that he would prefer to be strangled to death! Job says that he despises his life because his days have no meaning. Job asks God in what way has he sinned because he feels like he is God’s target who has become a burden to God. Job asks God why he does not pardon and forgive him?

 Job now continues to struggle to understand his horrific suffering saying that he feels like a slave who endures nights of misery tossing and turning. His “body is clothed with worms and scabs”, and he thinks about death. Job complains in the bitterness of his soul that he would prefer to be strangled to death! Job says that he despises his life because his days have no meaning. Job asks God in what way has he sinned because he feels like he is God’s target who has become a burden to God. Job asks God why he does not pardon and forgive him?

In chapters 6 and 7 Job replies to Eliphaz expressing his extreme anguish and misery that he is experiencing, saying that the arrows of God’s poison are in him. Job rejects Eliphaz’s criticism as saltless food or the flavourless white of an egg! Job then repeats his desire to end his life in the light of his extreme suffering. He expresses his frailty faced with such overwhelming adversity, and says that not even his friends stick with him and are like dried up streams in the drought! Job’s friends, like Eliphaz, “have proved to be of no help” because they imagine dreadful things and are afraid. Job tell his friends to “show me where I have been wrong” and their arguments prove nothing and are very hurtful. He accuses Eliphaz of treating “the words of a despairing man as wind”. Job says bluntly that he is righteous and wouldn’t lie to anyone’s face! He says that his integrity is at stake and tells Eliphaz to reconsider his arguments and not be unjust.

In chapters 6 and 7 Job replies to Eliphaz expressing his extreme anguish and misery that he is experiencing, saying that the arrows of God’s poison are in him. Job rejects Eliphaz’s criticism as saltless food or the flavourless white of an egg! Job then repeats his desire to end his life in the light of his extreme suffering. He expresses his frailty faced with such overwhelming adversity, and says that not even his friends stick with him and are like dried up streams in the drought! Job’s friends, like Eliphaz, “have proved to be of no help” because they imagine dreadful things and are afraid. Job tell his friends to “show me where I have been wrong” and their arguments prove nothing and are very hurtful. He accuses Eliphaz of treating “the words of a despairing man as wind”. Job says bluntly that he is righteous and wouldn’t lie to anyone’s face! He says that his integrity is at stake and tells Eliphaz to reconsider his arguments and not be unjust.

Here Eliphaz continues with his theory that hidden sin is bringing its consequences to Job’s life. Eliphaz insinuates that Job is a fool for not realizing and admitting that what Job is going through is from God as a result of hidden sin because “hardship does not spring from the soil, nor does trouble sprout from the ground”. Eliphaz proposes that Job should “appeal to God” and lay before him his cause. He says he should “not despise the discipline of the Almighty” because he will wound but also will heal, God will ransom from famine and save from the sword in battle. In other words Eliphaz says that God will do all this for Job and give him more children making his “descendants like the grass of the earth” if he puts right that which is necessary in Job’s life.

 I have just heard the Southern Wren singing in our garden for the first time since we returned from the UK just over a month ago.

Our worker Missionary Guilherme Santos has been ministering in our Diamante church to where he will be moving permanently next month. Please pray for Guilherme.

Last night I led the Christmas service at the senior citizens complex called “Cidade Madura” (Mature City) on the south side of Patos. There were about 60 people present. Speakers were Liz, Adriana, Romildo, Claudia and Pastor Rafael and music and song came from Sacha, Rogaciano, Letícia and Vasti. It was an excellent service.

 I have just heard the Southern Wren singing in our garden for the first time since we returned from the UK just over a month ago.

Our worker Missionary Guilherme Santos has been ministering in our Diamante church to where he will be moving permanently next month. Please pray for Guilherme.

Last night I led the Christmas service at the senior citizens complex called “Cidade Madura” (Mature City) on the south side of Patos. There were about 60 people present. Speakers were Liz, Adriana, Romildo, Claudia and Pastor Rafael and music and song came from Sacha, Rogaciano, Letícia and Vasti. It was an excellent service.

 I have just heard the Southern Wren singing in our garden for the first time since we returned from the UK just over a month ago.

Our worker Missionary Guilherme Santos has been ministering in our Diamante church to where he will be moving permanently next month. Please pray for Guilherme.

Last night I led the Christmas service at the senior citizens complex called “Cidade Madura” (Mature City) on the south side of Patos. There were about 60 people present. Speakers were Liz, Adriana, Romildo, Claudia and Pastor Rafael and music and song came from Sacha, Rogaciano, Letícia and Vasti. It was an excellent service.

This chapter and the next contain the first speech by Job’s friend or comforter Eliphaz. Eliphaz insinuates that Job’s suffering is a result of hidden sin. For “should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?” For the innocent do not perish, Eliphaz says, nor are the upright destroyed. But those who sow trouble reap what they sow! Eliphaz even cites some sort of vision where a spirit questions human piety before God saying “Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his maker?” For human sinners “are crushed more readily that a moth!

This chapter and the next contain the first speech by Job’s friend or comforter Eliphaz. Eliphaz insinuates that Job’s suffering is a result of hidden sin. For “should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?” For the innocent do not perish, Eliphaz says, nor are the upright destroyed. But those who sow trouble reap what they sow! Eliphaz even cites some sort of vision where a spirit questions human piety before God saying “Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his maker?” For human sinners “are crushed more readily that a moth!

Yesterday afternoon we held an on-line meeting of our senior leadership team which lasted an hour and a quarter and was very good. We discussed a problem and a couple of more minor issues. We value your prayers.

Yesterday I continued my keep fit endeavours with Pilates in the morning and Aquarobics in the afternoon. 🏃

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Pastor Rafael gave the study on the Great Day of the Lord in Zephaniah 1:14-18. The praise was led by Rogério and Rogaciano.

Yesterday was a difficult day bidding farewell to David Shearing. It was he that invited Liz to travel to London in October 1966 which led to Liz and I first meeting. David was such a faithful supporter of EAB and always proposed that the minutes were correct at the trustees board meetings. He was a lovely brother!

Yesterday afternoon we held an on-line meeting of our senior leadership team which lasted an hour and a quarter and was very good. We discussed a problem and a couple of more minor issues. We value your prayers.

Yesterday I continued my keep fit endeavours with Pilates in the morning and Aquarobics in the afternoon. 🏃

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Pastor Rafael gave the study on the Great Day of the Lord in Zephaniah 1:14-18. The praise was led by Rogério and Rogaciano.

Yesterday was a difficult day bidding farewell to David Shearing. It was he that invited Liz to travel to London in October 1966 which led to Liz and I first meeting. David was such a faithful supporter of EAB and always proposed that the minutes were correct at the trustees board meetings. He was a lovely brother!

A young Bible College student from Southampton, Amy Gough, will be joining us next month for just over 2 weeks with the focus on participation in this year’s 10-day evangelistic outreach at Soledade. She will also be visiting Barra de Oitis, Diamante, Vazante, Caroá, Manaira, Princesa Isabel, Juru, Tavares, Imaculada, Matureia, Teixeira and Green Pastures, ending up with a day on the beach. 😎

Yesterday we had our second doses of the vaccination against Shingles. I understand that in the UK the Shingles vaccination is only one dose, but here it is two with one before we went to Europe and the other now.

This morning we had the sad duty to watch our dear friend David Shearing’s funeral service in Southampton online via YouTube. There was a good crowd present. David was a faithful servant of God till the end, aged 88, and was at the EAB AGM on October 25th of which he was a trustee. We had a long chat on that day.

A young Bible College student from Southampton, Amy Gough, will be joining us next month for just over 2 weeks with the focus on participation in this year’s 10-day evangelistic outreach at Soledade. She will also be visiting Barra de Oitis, Diamante, Vazante, Caroá, Manaira, Princesa Isabel, Juru, Tavares, Imaculada, Matureia, Teixeira and Green Pastures, ending up with a day on the beach. 😎

Yesterday we had our second doses of the vaccination against Shingles. I understand that in the UK the Shingles vaccination is only one dose, but here it is two with one before we went to Europe and the other now.

This morning we had the sad duty to watch our dear friend David Shearing’s funeral service in Southampton online via YouTube. There was a good crowd present. David was a faithful servant of God till the end, aged 88, and was at the EAB AGM on October 25th of which he was a trustee. We had a long chat on that day.

After 7 days silence Job cursed the day of his birth. Job poetically struggles here to come to terms with his horrific suffering. Job wished that the light of his birth become darkness. He curses the joy of birth calling on the monster of the deep Leviathan to be roused in its place. Job wished that his mother’s womb had been closed, or that he had been still born, or that he had died soon after birth. Job lamented the knees that had nursed him and the breasts that had fed him. Job asks why those who long to die are not allowed to and talks of the joy of reaching the grave! Job says his groans pour out like water and that what he most feared had come upon him and he had no peace.

Last night I travelled with the Patos Men’s Fellowship to the town of São Mamede where I preached on Mark 4:21-25 and ‘The Lamp on a Stand’. Chief of the police and deacon Esau led the service which was very good with about 40 people hearing the Gospel in the middle of the street.

Last night QPR beat Birmingham 2 x 1 at home and find themselves in the playoffs section of the Championship! 😎

Tomorrow will be the funeral of our dear brother and EAB Committee member David Shearing at the Millbrook Christian Centre, Southampton at 12 noon. The service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7InN3MrkrlA

Last night I travelled with the Patos Men’s Fellowship to the town of São Mamede where I preached on Mark 4:21-25 and ‘The Lamp on a Stand’. Chief of the police and deacon Esau led the service which was very good with about 40 people hearing the Gospel in the middle of the street.

Last night QPR beat Birmingham 2 x 1 at home and find themselves in the playoffs section of the Championship! 😎

Tomorrow will be the funeral of our dear brother and EAB Committee member David Shearing at the Millbrook Christian Centre, Southampton at 12 noon. The service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7InN3MrkrlA

It was lovely to receive David Irish’s Christmas letter from Australia. Our good friend David was a missionary with his late wife Margaret in Papua New Guinea for many years and went back there this year. Next year he will be going to Zimbabwe to visit his brother Peter. David has a special place in our hearts as it was he who arranged the lunch for Liz at my house on Good Friday, 1967 when our courtship started.

I am now posting my news daily here on my blog, and no longer every other day as previously, so as to keep news shorter.

2 armed men stole 8 engravings by French artist Matisse and 5 from Brazilian artist Portinari from a library in São Paulo. The value of the works stolen is said to be “incalculable”.

Our granddaughter Louisa and her husband Tiago have flown to England to spend Christmas with Louisa’s family.

3 were baptized at the weekend from our Tavares church and 5 were baptized from our Belém church.

Please pray for our little church at Travessia where the local catholic priest is threatening people with a ban on christenings and the likes if they attend services at our church. Please pray for Pastor Francinaldo who ministers there every fortnight.

Our dear brother Bob Dalton’s funeral will be on December 15th. The committal will be at 10:30 am at Bowstridge Lane Cemetery, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4RB. The thanksgiving service will be at 1 pm at the Heathervale Baptist Church, Heathervale Road, New Haw, Surrey, KT15 3NW. Afterwards at the Foxhills, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, KT16 0EL.

It was lovely to receive David Irish’s Christmas letter from Australia. Our good friend David was a missionary with his late wife Margaret in Papua New Guinea for many years and went back there this year. Next year he will be going to Zimbabwe to visit his brother Peter. David has a special place in our hearts as it was he who arranged the lunch for Liz at my house on Good Friday, 1967 when our courtship started.

I am now posting my news daily here on my blog, and no longer every other day as previously, so as to keep news shorter.

2 armed men stole 8 engravings by French artist Matisse and 5 from Brazilian artist Portinari from a library in São Paulo. The value of the works stolen is said to be “incalculable”.

Our granddaughter Louisa and her husband Tiago have flown to England to spend Christmas with Louisa’s family.

3 were baptized at the weekend from our Tavares church and 5 were baptized from our Belém church.

Please pray for our little church at Travessia where the local catholic priest is threatening people with a ban on christenings and the likes if they attend services at our church. Please pray for Pastor Francinaldo who ministers there every fortnight.

Our dear brother Bob Dalton’s funeral will be on December 15th. The committal will be at 10:30 am at Bowstridge Lane Cemetery, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4RB. The thanksgiving service will be at 1 pm at the Heathervale Baptist Church, Heathervale Road, New Haw, Surrey, KT15 3NW. Afterwards at the Foxhills, Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, KT16 0EL.

I led last night’s communion service in Patos together with my co-pastor Rafael. 7 members of our drama group presented a text written by Thyago Nóbrega of our Campina Grande Catolé church in colloquial country bumkin Portuguese telling the Christmas story from beginning to end. It was very good. Then came the sermon from lawyer Murilo which was on ‘The Branch from Jesse’ (Isaiah 11) which was very good. Parallel to this our children had a special Christmas Feast which went really well too.