Categoria: News

This final chapter of Proverbs starts with sayings of King Lemuel followed by an epilogue in honour of a noble woman. Lemuel recalls his mother’s teachings against sexual immorality (“do not spend your strength on women”) and against excessive drinking (“not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave beer). Remember to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and the needy”.

Then comes the final epilogue saying that a wife with a noble character is worth far more than rubies… she brings her husband good all the days of his life… she gets up early and gets the food for the family… she has the autonomy to purchase land and plant vineyards… she cares for the poor… she clothes the family well in the winter… she speaks with wisdom… her children bless their mother and her husband praises her… charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised!”

This final chapter of Proverbs starts with sayings of King Lemuel followed by an epilogue in honour of a noble woman. Lemuel recalls his mother’s teachings against sexual immorality (“do not spend your strength on women”) and against excessive drinking (“not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave beer). Remember to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and the needy”.

Then comes the final epilogue saying that a wife with a noble character is worth far more than rubies… she brings her husband good all the days of his life… she gets up early and gets the food for the family… she has the autonomy to purchase land and plant vineyards… she cares for the poor… she clothes the family well in the winter… she speaks with wisdom… her children bless their mother and her husband praises her… charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised!”

Proverbs 30 contains the sayings of Agur son of Jakeh. Agur starts recognizing his ignorance and insufficiency before God whereas “every word of God is flawless”. He then goes on to pray that God “give me neither poverty or riches but give me only my daily bread”. He goes on to decry those who curse their fathers and don’t bless their mothers… those who are pure in their own eyes… and those that devour the poor from the earth… sad, he says, is he that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother. Agur goes on admiring the way of an eagle flying, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea and the way of a man with a girl. He also considers small creatures (ants, conies, locusts and lizards) who are very small but very wise and then stately creatures (lion, cockerel, he-goat and king) which should be respected for their stately bearing. 

Proverbs 30 contains the sayings of Agur son of Jakeh. Agur starts recognizing his ignorance and insufficiency before God whereas “every word of God is flawless”. He then goes on to pray that God “give me neither poverty or riches but give me only my daily bread”. He goes on to decry those who curse their fathers and don’t bless their mothers… those who are pure in their own eyes… and those that devour the poor from the earth… sad, he says, is he that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother. Agur goes on admiring the way of an eagle flying, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea and the way of a man with a girl. He also considers small creatures (ants, conies, locusts and lizards) who are very small but very wise and then stately creatures (lion, cockerel, he-goat and king) which should be respected for their stately bearing. 

Proverbs 29 brings to a close the long sequence of Solomon’s wisdom sayings saying: a man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy… when the righteous thrive the people rejoice but when the wicked rule the                         people groan… an evil man is snared by his own sin… the rod of correction imparts wisdom but a child left to itself disgraces his mother… fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Proverbs 28 expresses further wisdom sayings… The righteous are as bold as a lion… evil men don’t understand justice… if anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable… he who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy… like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people… a tyrannical ruler lacks judgement… he who trusts in himself is a fool… he who gives to the poor will lack nothing. 

Proverbs 28 expresses further wisdom sayings… The righteous are as bold as a lion… evil men don’t understand justice… if anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable… he who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy… like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people… a tyrannical ruler lacks judgement… he who trusts in himself is a fool… he who gives to the poor will lack nothing. 

Proverbs 27 says: Don’t boast about tomorrow because you don’t know what it will be like… let another praise you… stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both… the kisses of an enemy may be profuse, but faithful are the wounds of a friend… like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home… don’t forsake your friend or your father’s friend… if a man loudly blesses his neighbour early in the morning it will be taken as a curse… the crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives… riches don’t endure for ever.

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honour is not fitting for a fool. This is how Solomon’s wisdom sayings start in Proverbs 26. They continue: Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse doesn’t come to rest… like cutting off one’s feet is the sending of a message with a fool… as a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly… as a door turns on its hinges so a sluggard turns on his bed… like one who seizes a dog by its ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own… without wood a fire goes out and without gossip a quarrel dies down. 

The chapters of Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue now: As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable… a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver… like an ear-ring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise-man’s rebuke to a listening ear… like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him… if you find honey, eat just enough or else you will vomit… like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble… give your enemy food and drink so as to heap coals of fire on his head…like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land… like a city with broken down walls is a man who lacks self-control.

The chapters of Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue now: As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable… a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver… like an ear-ring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise-man’s rebuke to a listening ear… like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him… if you find honey, eat just enough or else you will vomit… like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble… give your enemy food and drink so as to heap coals of fire on his head…like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land… like a city with broken down walls is a man who lacks self-control.

 Proverbs 24 continues Solomon’s wisdom sayings: Do not envy wicked men… eat honey, my son, for it is good… though a righteous man falls 7 times, he rises again… don’t  gloat when your enemy falls… the evil man has no future hope… to show partiality in judging is not good… an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips… finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

Next Saturday the Cadnam Methodist Church will be holding its annual fundraising musical concert for the work of EAB. Please support this wonderful event which produces some top class music. You can purchase tickets from Howard Babey at hbabey42@gmail.com  The church is in the New Forest 11 miles from Southampton and the concert starts at 7 pm. The address is Old Romsey Road, Cadnam, SO40 2NP.

I preached last night on Psalm 86 and Pastor Rafael led the service. It was a lovely service.

Last night it rained 18 mm at Green Pastures taking our total this year to 582 mm.

Next Saturday the Cadnam Methodist Church will be holding its annual fundraising musical concert for the work of EAB. Please support this wonderful event which produces some top class music. You can purchase tickets from Howard Babey at hbabey42@gmail.com  The church is in the New Forest 11 miles from Southampton and the concert starts at 7 pm. The address is Old Romsey Road, Cadnam, SO40 2NP.

I preached last night on Psalm 86 and Pastor Rafael led the service. It was a lovely service.

Last night it rained 18 mm at Green Pastures taking our total this year to 582 mm.

Next Saturday the Cadnam Methodist Church will be holding its annual fundraising musical concert for the work of EAB. Please support this wonderful event which produces some top class music. You can purchase tickets from Howard Babey at hbabey42@gmail.com  The church is in the New Forest 11 miles from Southampton and the concert starts at 7 pm. The address is Old Romsey Road, Cadnam, SO40 2NP.

I preached last night on Psalm 86 and Pastor Rafael led the service. It was a lovely service.

Last night it rained 18 mm at Green Pastures taking our total this year to 582 mm.

Proverbs 23 contains yet more of Solomon’s wisdom sayings: Do not wear yourself out to get rich… do not eat the food of a stingy man because he is always thinking about the cost… punish a child with the rod and save his soul from death… don’t envy sinners… don’t join those who drink or eat too much… don’t despise your mother when she is old… buy the truth and don’t sell it… a wayward wife is a narrow well… don’t gaze at wine when it is red because in the end it bites like a snake…. drinking too much makes you as confused as someone tossed about on the high seas!

I asked Deaconess Dodora of the ex-landless settlement if she could do a follow-up visit to sister Maria who accepted the Lord on Tuesday in São Mamede, and she found Maria happy in the Lord. She also visited sister Novinha who was baptized a few months ago.

QPR drew 0 x 0 at home to Bristol City yesterday.

Last night I preached at Green Pastures on John 7:14-24. It was a lovely service with a good crowd present. Folk came from the town of São Mamede and from the village of Picotes.

I asked Deaconess Dodora of the ex-landless settlement if she could do a follow-up visit to sister Maria who accepted the Lord on Tuesday in São Mamede, and she found Maria happy in the Lord. She also visited sister Novinha who was baptized a few months ago.

QPR drew 0 x 0 at home to Bristol City yesterday.

Last night I preached at Green Pastures on John 7:14-24. It was a lovely service with a good crowd present. Folk came from the town of São Mamede and from the village of Picotes.

I asked Deaconess Dodora of the ex-landless settlement if she could do a follow-up visit to sister Maria who accepted the Lord on Tuesday in São Mamede, and she found Maria happy in the Lord. She also visited sister Novinha who was baptized a few months ago.

QPR drew 0 x 0 at home to Bristol City yesterday.

Last night I preached at Green Pastures on John 7:14-24. It was a lovely service with a good crowd present. Folk came from the town of São Mamede and from the village of Picotes.

Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue to be displayed in Proverbs 22: A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold… rich and poor have one thing in common; the Lord is their maker… train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it… the sluggard says there is a lion outside!… do not exploit the poor… do not make friends with a hot-tempered man or you may end up like him.

Progressing with Solomon’s pithy sayings Proverbs 21 says: all a man’s ways seem right to him but the Lord weighs the heart… better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife!… if a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered… better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife… in the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has… there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord… the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

Progressing with Solomon’s pithy sayings Proverbs 21 says: all a man’s ways seem right to him but the Lord weighs the heart… better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife!… if a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered… better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife… in the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has… there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord… the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

Tonight I will be taking the monthly communion service at Green Pastures and preaching on the teaching of Jesus as from John 7:14-24. I value your prayers. 

I am progressing well with my résumés of the Bible and have completed another 10 chapters of Proverbs to complete up to chapter 20.

Tonight I will be taking the monthly communion service at Green Pastures and preaching on the teaching of Jesus as from John 7:14-24. I value your prayers. 

I am progressing well with my résumés of the Bible and have completed another 10 chapters of Proverbs to complete up to chapter 20.

Proverbs 20 brings further sayings of Solomon’s wisdom: Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise… the righteous man leads a blameless life… who can say, I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?… even a child is known by his actions… a gossip betrays confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much!… if a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness… the lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being… the glory of young men is their strength, grey hair the splendour of the old. 

Proverbs 19 contains yet more of Solomon’s wisdom sayings: it is not good to heave zeal without knowledge… many curry favour with a ruler… he who cherishes understanding prospers… it is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury – how much worse for a slave to rule over princes… a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping… houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord… he who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord… what a man desires is unfailing love… flog a mocker and the simple will learn prudence.

Proverbs 19 contains yet more of Solomon’s wisdom sayings: it is not good to heave zeal without knowledge… many curry favour with a ruler… he who cherishes understanding prospers… it is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury – how much worse for a slave to rule over princes… a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping… houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord… he who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord… what a man desires is unfailing love… flog a mocker and the simple will learn prudence.

Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue in Proverbs 18: A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions… the words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts… one who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys… the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe… don’t answer before listening… a man’s spirit sustains him in sickness… a gift opens the way for the giver… the tongue has the power of life and death… he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

 Solomon’s wisdom sayings continue now saying: Better a dry crust with peace and quiet that a house full of feasting with strife… better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly… if a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house… a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity… a cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones… even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent!

Proverbs 16 continues the wisdom sayings of Solomon. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed… through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for… when a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him… better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice… how much better to get wisdom than gold… pride comes before a fall… pleasant words are a honeycomb… there is a way which seems right unto man but in the end it leads to death… grey hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained by a righteous life.

Proverbs 16 continues the wisdom sayings of Solomon. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed… through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for… when a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him… better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice… how much better to get wisdom than gold… pride comes before a fall… pleasant words are a honeycomb… there is a way which seems right unto man but in the end it leads to death… grey hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained by a righteous life.

More of Solomon’s sayings are in chapter 15: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger… the eyes of the Lord are everywhere… the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life… a happy heart makes the face cheerful… better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil… better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred… a hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel… how good is a timely word… the fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom.

Here is the continuation of Solomon’s pithy wisdom sayings starting with: The wise woman builds her house but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down… stay away from a foolish man… fools mock at making amends for sin… there is a way that seems right unto man, but in the end it leads to death… a simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps… a fool is hotheaded and reckless… a quick-tempered man does foolish things… all hard work brings a profit… he who fears the Lord has a secure fortress… the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life… a heart at peace gives life to the body… he who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker… righteousness exalts a nation.

Proverbs 13 is another chapter of Solomon’s wisdom sayings starting with: a wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke… he who guards his lips guards his soul… the righteous hate what is false… the light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out… dishonest money dwindles away… the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life… a longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul… he who walks with the wise grows wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm… spare the rod and spoil the child.

 Proverbs 11 continues with further random wisdom sayings from Solomon. He starts saying that God abhors dishonest scales and that accurate weights are his delight. He then says that pride comes before disgrace… when a wicked man dies his hope perishes… the righteous man is rescued from trouble… a man who lacks judgement derides his neighbour, but a man of understanding holds his tongue… a gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret… the Lord detests men of perverse heart, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless… like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful women who shows no discretion… the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Pastor Rafael gave the study on Zephaniah 2:8-11 and the words of judgement against the Moabites and the Ammonites. Tiago led the praise and Espedita and Vasti sang solos. It was a nice service.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Pastor Rafael gave the study on Zephaniah 2:8-11 and the words of judgement against the Moabites and the Ammonites. Tiago led the praise and Espedita and Vasti sang solos. It was a nice service.

Patos has 3 reservoirs and the main one, called Farinha, is now overflowing. PTL! The other 2, called Jatobá and Capoeira, are also taking in lots of water from the persistent rainfall, and the reserve reservoir at Coremas, from where Patos has a 60 km pipeline, is nearly half full. Thank you for praying.

Yesterday it rained 16 mm at Green Pastures taking this year’s rainfall up to 564 mm.

Yesterday I did a lot of work on the agenda for next month’s General Conference which will be held on the coast in João Pessoa on May 22nd and 23rd. Please pray for this important gathering of all our pastors and leaders. 

I read on the BBC that a lady pastor in Birmingham managed to drown a man whilst baptizing him and has been charged with manslaughter. I always baptize together with Pastor Rafael making such an accident virtually impossible!

Patos has 3 reservoirs and the main one, called Farinha, is now overflowing. PTL! The other 2, called Jatobá and Capoeira, are also taking in lots of water from the persistent rainfall, and the reserve reservoir at Coremas, from where Patos has a 60 km pipeline, is nearly half full. Thank you for praying.

Yesterday it rained 16 mm at Green Pastures taking this year’s rainfall up to 564 mm.

Yesterday I did a lot of work on the agenda for next month’s General Conference which will be held on the coast in João Pessoa on May 22nd and 23rd. Please pray for this important gathering of all our pastors and leaders. 

I read on the BBC that a lady pastor in Birmingham managed to drown a man whilst baptizing him and has been charged with manslaughter. I always baptize together with Pastor Rafael making such an accident virtually impossible!

Patos has 3 reservoirs and the main one, called Farinha, is now overflowing. PTL! The other 2, called Jatobá and Capoeira, are also taking in lots of water from the persistent rainfall, and the reserve reservoir at Coremas, from where Patos has a 60 km pipeline, is nearly half full. Thank you for praying.

Yesterday it rained 16 mm at Green Pastures taking this year’s rainfall up to 564 mm.

Yesterday I did a lot of work on the agenda for next month’s General Conference which will be held on the coast in João Pessoa on May 22nd and 23rd. Please pray for this important gathering of all our pastors and leaders. 

I read on the BBC that a lady pastor in Birmingham managed to drown a man whilst baptizing him and has been charged with manslaughter. I always baptize together with Pastor Rafael making such an accident virtually impossible!

EAB marches forward evangelizing children, youth, adults and seniors, forming disciples, resourcing churches and impacting society with wells, toilets, market gardens, goats & hair sheep, chicken runs & schools. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the name of Jesus!

I am progressing well with my synopses of the Bible and am in Proverbs, the 20th book of the Bible, where I have completed the first 10 of its 31 chapters. 

Last night I preached the Gospel in the town of São Mamede. I preached on Mark 4:35-41 and Jesus calming the storm. ‘With Jesus in the boat all will be well’, was the theme of my sermon and one lady made her commitment to Christ afterwards. School teacher Claudivan led the service which was really good.

EAB marches forward evangelizing children, youth, adults and seniors, forming disciples, resourcing churches and impacting society with wells, toilets, market gardens, goats & hair sheep, chicken runs & schools. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the name of Jesus!

I am progressing well with my synopses of the Bible and am in Proverbs, the 20th book of the Bible, where I have completed the first 10 of its 31 chapters. 

Last night I preached the Gospel in the town of São Mamede. I preached on Mark 4:35-41 and Jesus calming the storm. ‘With Jesus in the boat all will be well’, was the theme of my sermon and one lady made her commitment to Christ afterwards. School teacher Claudivan led the service which was really good.

Proverbs 10 starts a collection of Solomon’s wise sayings such as “a wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother… righteousness delivers from death and does not let them go hungry… he who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful… he who takes crooked paths will be found out… the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life… wise men store up knowledge… the wages of the righteous bring them life… he who holds his tongue is wise… a man of understanding delights in wisdom… the fear of the Lord makes you live longer!”

Proverbs 9 focuses on the contrasting invitations in life from 2 women: Mrs. Wisdom as opposed to Mrs. Folly. Mrs. Wisdom builds a solid house with 7 pillars within which she prepares a banquet to which she invites people to “Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding”. She says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still. However then comes Mrs. Folly who is loud, undisciplined and without knowledge offering stolen water which is sweet and food to be eaten in secret which is delicious but leads to death. Thus the chapter clearly presents the contrasting ways of life between wisdom and folly.

 5 new converts were baptized on Easter Sunday at our second church in João Pessoa at Cidade Verde led by Pastor José Vieira. PTL!

Yesterday QPR drew 1 x 1 away to Preston North End. 

Yesterday we again brought people into our Care Centre’s dentist, Dr. Lariza, from outlying places without public transport. All went off smoothly. I saw 2 Burrowing Owls on the way. 

My ‘Folha de São Paulo’ newspaper tells me about Jane Asher, a 95-year-old British woman, who is still winning swimming awards. Well done Jane!

 5 new converts were baptized on Easter Sunday at our second church in João Pessoa at Cidade Verde led by Pastor José Vieira. PTL!

Yesterday QPR drew 1 x 1 away to Preston North End. 

Yesterday we again brought people into our Care Centre’s dentist, Dr. Lariza, from outlying places without public transport. All went off smoothly. I saw 2 Burrowing Owls on the way. 

My ‘Folha de São Paulo’ newspaper tells me about Jane Asher, a 95-year-old British woman, who is still winning swimming awards. Well done Jane!