Categoria: News

The Israelites went to battle with the Philistines and lost 4,000 men in a crushing defeat. Israel’s elders were bewildered by the defeat and gambled on a quick fix by bringing the ark of the covenant to carry with them into the next battle. There was great enthusiasm at this but in the ensuing battle it made no difference as Israel was even worse off this time losing 30,000 men, the ark of the covenant was captured and Eli’s 2 sons were killed. 

News travels fast and a Benjamite took the news of the crushing defeat, the capture of the ark and the death of Hophni and Phineas to Eli at Shiloh. Eli, who had led and judged Israel for 40 years, fell off his chair, broke his neck, and died. One of his daughters-in-law was pregnant and died in child birth with the shock, but the surviving son they called Ichabod which means the glory of the Lord has departed in the light of the loss of the ark of God.

The Israelites went to battle with the Philistines and lost 4,000 men in a crushing defeat. Israel’s elders were bewildered by the defeat and gambled on a quick fix by bringing the ark of the covenant to carry with them into the next battle. There was great enthusiasm at this but in the ensuing battle it made no difference as Israel was even worse off this time losing 30,000 men, the ark of the covenant was captured and Eli’s 2 sons were killed. 

News travels fast and a Benjamite took the news of the crushing defeat, the capture of the ark and the death of Hophni and Phineas to Eli at Shiloh. Eli, who had led and judged Israel for 40 years, fell off his chair, broke his neck, and died. One of his daughters-in-law was pregnant and died in child birth with the shock, but the surviving son they called Ichabod which means the glory of the Lord has departed in the light of the loss of the ark of God.

Samuel continued ministering before the Lord under Eli, although in those days “the word of the Lord was rare and there were not many visions”. But one night God called Samuel as he laid down in the tabernacle and Samuel ran to Eli thinking he had called him. After this had happened 3 times Eli realized that it was God calling him so he told Samuel that the next time it happened he should reply: ‘speak Lord, for your servant is listening’. This Samuel did so God spoke to him saying that he was about to do something that would make people’s ears tingle! God said he would fulfill his threats against Eli for having failed to restrain his sons. Eli enquired about God’s message the next morning and Samuel only told him after Eli’s insistence. 

So Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and he kept God’s word in his heart. All of Israel came to recognize his as a prophet of the Lord.  

This chapter starts with a beautiful prayer of praise and thanksgiving by Hannah. She exclaims: “My heart rejoices in the Lord… there is no Rock like our God… she who was barren has borne seven children… the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s”! Such joyful praise of God stands in stark contrast with the rest of the chapter’s description of Eli the priest’s wicked sons.

Eli’s wicked sons Hophni and Phinehas had no regard for the Lord. They used to steal portions of the sacrifices in the tabernacle and all the fat which was to be offered to God they took for themselves. The text says that they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt. To the contrary Samuel grew up in the presence and service of the Lord, and every year his parents visited him and took him clothes. Eli the priest used to bless them and Hannah gave birth to 3 sons and 2 daughters. Eli however rebuked his sons but they just carried on with their evil deeds and wouldn’t heed him, even having sex with women that worked at the tabernacle.

Then a man of God came and rebuked Eli with a prophetic message concerning the scorn of God’s sacrifices and offerings by Eli’s sons asking Eli why he honoured more his sons than he honoured God? God said that he would only honour those who honoured him. God said that he would punish the priestly lineage with shorter lives and that Eli’s sons Hophni and Phineas would both die on the same day. God said he would then raise up a faithful priest who would do according to his heart and mind.

This chapter starts with a beautiful prayer of praise and thanksgiving by Hannah. She exclaims: “My heart rejoices in the Lord… there is no Rock like our God… she who was barren has borne seven children… the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s”! Such joyful praise of God stands in stark contrast with the rest of the chapter’s description of Eli the priest’s wicked sons.

Eli’s wicked sons Hophni and Phinehas had no regard for the Lord. They used to steal portions of the sacrifices in the tabernacle and all the fat which was to be offered to God they took for themselves. The text says that they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt. To the contrary Samuel grew up in the presence and service of the Lord, and every year his parents visited him and took him clothes. Eli the priest used to bless them and Hannah gave birth to 3 sons and 2 daughters. Eli however rebuked his sons but they just carried on with their evil deeds and wouldn’t heed him, even having sex with women that worked at the tabernacle.

Then a man of God came and rebuked Eli with a prophetic message concerning the scorn of God’s sacrifices and offerings by Eli’s sons asking Eli why he honoured more his sons than he honoured God? God said that he would only honour those who honoured him. God said that he would punish the priestly lineage with shorter lives and that Eli’s sons Hophni and Phineas would both die on the same day. God said he would then raise up a faithful priest who would do according to his heart and mind.

 I went for a nice walk at Green Pastures and saw many holes dug by the Armadillos. I also saw a flock of 6 Guira-Cuckoos, a pair of Red-cowled Cardinals, a pair of White-tipped Doves and a pair of Picui Ground-Doves. Some of the youth were there organizing things for the Youth Conference which will be held there next week.

I have finished by résumés chapter by chapter of the book of Judges, and have also done the 4 chapters of Ruth with that beautiful story of commitment, faithfulness and romance. Now I have started the 31 chapters of 1 Samuel. So that’s 8 books of the Bible done in 8 and a half months. 58 books to go!

Illiteracy in Brazil has slightly improved from 5.4% of the population in 2023 to 5.3% in 2024, which means 9.1 million can still not read or write a simple note.

Last night I spoke on the Song of Songs to the married couples fellowship, together with courting couples and engaged couples, who met together to celebrate Valentine’s Day which here is St. Anthony’s Day. At the end everyone ate maize which is the thing everyone eats here at this time of year.

The book of 1 Samuel covers the period of transition in Israel between theocracy under the judges to monarchy. It relates the life of judge and prophet Samuel, the rise and fall of Saul as king, and the anointing and preparation to succeed Saul by David. 

The first chapter starts by telling that Elkanah had two wives: Hannah, who was barren, and Peninnah. The child-bearing wife humiliated and provoked Hannah which made her very sad. But Hannah cried to God to help her become a mother and promised that if he did she would give him back to God under a Nazarite vow. One day Hannah was praying so intensely in the temple that the priest Eli thought she was drunk. Upon discovering the true motive of her prayer Eli blessed her wishing that her prayer should be answered. So it was that in due course Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son whom she called Samuel. Having weaned the child Hannah took him to Eli at Shiloh together with a thanksgiving sacrifice, and she gave him to the Lord’s service 100%.

The book of 1 Samuel covers the period of transition in Israel between theocracy under the judges to monarchy. It relates the life of judge and prophet Samuel, the rise and fall of Saul as king, and the anointing and preparation to succeed Saul by David. 

The first chapter starts by telling that Elkanah had two wives: Hannah, who was barren, and Peninnah. The child-bearing wife humiliated and provoked Hannah which made her very sad. But Hannah cried to God to help her become a mother and promised that if he did she would give him back to God under a Nazarite vow. One day Hannah was praying so intensely in the temple that the priest Eli thought she was drunk. Upon discovering the true motive of her prayer Eli blessed her wishing that her prayer should be answered. So it was that in due course Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son whom she called Samuel. Having weaned the child Hannah took him to Eli at Shiloh together with a thanksgiving sacrifice, and she gave him to the Lord’s service 100%.

The book of 1 Samuel covers the period of transition in Israel between theocracy under the judges to monarchy. It relates the life of judge and prophet Samuel, the rise and fall of Saul as king, and the anointing and preparation to succeed Saul by David. 

The first chapter starts by telling that Elkanah had two wives: Hannah, who was barren, and Peninnah. The child-bearing wife humiliated and provoked Hannah which made her very sad. But Hannah cried to God to help her become a mother and promised that if he did she would give him back to God under a Nazarite vow. One day Hannah was praying so intensely in the temple that the priest Eli thought she was drunk. Upon discovering the true motive of her prayer Eli blessed her wishing that her prayer should be answered. So it was that in due course Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son whom she called Samuel. Having weaned the child Hannah took him to Eli at Shiloh together with a thanksgiving sacrifice, and she gave him to the Lord’s service 100%.

Boaz went into town and sought out the kinsman-redeemer who was a closer relative than him. He explained to him before 10 elder witnesses that Naomi was selling land that belonged to their brother Elimelech and that he was first in line to buy it. The man said he would buy it until he found out out that the land involved taking on the widow Ruth! With this information the man didn’t want to know, so Boaz was left free to marry Ruth as her kinsman-redeemer and the deal was done and sealed by the removal of a sandal which was the cultural signal for closing a deal. So Boaz took Ruth as his wife, and they had a son called Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Boaz went into town and sought out the kinsman-redeemer who was a closer relative than him. He explained to him before 10 elder witnesses that Naomi was selling land that belonged to their brother Elimelech and that he was first in line to buy it. The man said he would buy it until he found out out that the land involved taking on the widow Ruth! With this information the man didn’t want to know, so Boaz was left free to marry Ruth as her kinsman-redeemer and the deal was done and sealed by the removal of a sandal which was the cultural signal for closing a deal. So Boaz took Ruth as his wife, and they had a son called Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Boaz went into town and sought out the kinsman-redeemer who was a closer relative than him. He explained to him before 10 elder witnesses that Naomi was selling land that belonged to their brother Elimelech and that he was first in line to buy it. The man said he would buy it until he found out out that the land involved taking on the widow Ruth! With this information the man didn’t want to know, so Boaz was left free to marry Ruth as her kinsman-redeemer and the deal was done and sealed by the removal of a sandal which was the cultural signal for closing a deal. So Boaz took Ruth as his wife, and they had a son called Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

One day Naomi encouraged Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz would be, having bathed and put on perfume and her best clothes, and propose to him the triggering of the kinsman-redeemer clause in the law so as to bring into effect their marriage. So after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and gone to sleep at the end of the corn pile, Ruth discreetly uncovered his feet and lay there. Boaz only realized what was happening in the middle of the night as Ruth proposed him to be her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz was over the moon, but admitted there was another man that would have first choice in making Ruth his wife, so he would have to be honest and see what the other man said first. So whilst Boaz was sorting this out Ruth went and told Naomi everything, giving her the barley Boaz had sent with her. So Naomi and Ruth eagerly waited the outcome!

Ruth joined in the barley harvest gleaning grain left over by the regular harvesters as the law permitted, and she happened to find herself in a field belonging to Boaz who was from the clan of her late husband Elimelech. Boaz noted Ruth, enquired about her, encouraged her to keep gleaning in his fields and was kind to her providing her with food and water. Boaz learned about Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and asked God to richly reward her. So Ruth managed to glean 22 litres of barley that day, took it home to Naomi and told her about Boaz. Naomi remarked that Boaz was a close relative and one of their kinsman-redeemers. So Ruth continued working in Boaz’s fields till the end of the barley and wheat harvests. 

Ruth joined in the barley harvest gleaning grain left over by the regular harvesters as the law permitted, and she happened to find herself in a field belonging to Boaz who was from the clan of her late husband Elimelech. Boaz noted Ruth, enquired about her, encouraged her to keep gleaning in his fields and was kind to her providing her with food and water. Boaz learned about Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and asked God to richly reward her. So Ruth managed to glean 22 litres of barley that day, took it home to Naomi and told her about Boaz. Naomi remarked that Boaz was a close relative and one of their kinsman-redeemers. So Ruth continued working in Boaz’s fields till the end of the barley and wheat harvests. 

The book of Ruth contains a beautiful story set in the period of the judges. The story involves 3 women, Naomi, Ruth and Orpah who all lost their husbands, having settled outside of Canaan in Moab to escape a famine. It is a story of love and devotion, and of the providence of God.

This chapter begins with an Ephrathites family from Bethlehem going to live in Moab to escape a drought. Elimelech and his wife Naomi were with their sons Mahlon and Kilion. However Elimelech died, but the sons married Moabite girls Orpah and Ruth, but 10 years later both sons died too.

When Naomi learnt that things had improved back in Judah she decided to return there together with her 2 daughters-in-law. Then Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to go home to their families, but the girls resisted. Eventually however Orpah did leave, but Ruth stood firm, was inseparable from Naomi and said that wherever Naomi went there Ruth would go with her with total commitment and devotion including to her people and God. Their return to Bethlehem coincided with the beginning of the barley harvest.

The aftermath of the previous chapter’s civil war left the tribe of Benjamin bearing on extinction, especially after the Israelite oath to refuse their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites. The dilemma was how to therefore provide wives for the Benjamites to make possible the tribe’s survival. This problem was partially solved by killing all men and women of Jabesh Gilead who had failed to assemble before the Lord at Mizpah, except the virgins, and this provided 400 wives for Benjamin, though this was not enough. So a scheme was elaborated for the annual festival at Shiloh whereby the Benjamin men seized wives from the dancing girls of Shiloh without them actually being given! All this happened in the days that Israel had no king and when everyone did as they saw fit. 

The aftermath of the previous chapter’s civil war left the tribe of Benjamin bearing on extinction, especially after the Israelite oath to refuse their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites. The dilemma was how to therefore provide wives for the Benjamites to make possible the tribe’s survival. This problem was partially solved by killing all men and women of Jabesh Gilead who had failed to assemble before the Lord at Mizpah, except the virgins, and this provided 400 wives for Benjamin, though this was not enough. So a scheme was elaborated for the annual festival at Shiloh whereby the Benjamin men seized wives from the dancing girls of Shiloh without them actually being given! All this happened in the days that Israel had no king and when everyone did as they saw fit. 

Having spent 3 days in João Pessoa on the coast, we arrived back in Patos, after a 5-hour journey, on Wednesday night. I saw the sea for about 30 seconds from a great distance whilst there! It was a good trip with very happy content. I heard Southern Wrens and Parakeets whilst there and saw plenty of Vultures, Crested Caracaras and Egrets. 

I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study last night and co-pastor Rafael gave the study concluding the book of Micah. Erika and Davi led the praise and worship.

Patos is highly decorated for the annual Saint John’s Festival with streamers all over the main street and lots of decorative lighting. The main festivities in Patos will be from June 19th to 23rd as St. John’s Day is on the 24th. However in Campina Grande the festivities started on May 30th and continue to July 6th!

Having spent 3 days in João Pessoa on the coast, we arrived back in Patos, after a 5-hour journey, on Wednesday night. I saw the sea for about 30 seconds from a great distance whilst there! It was a good trip with very happy content. I heard Southern Wrens and Parakeets whilst there and saw plenty of Vultures, Crested Caracaras and Egrets. 

I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study last night and co-pastor Rafael gave the study concluding the book of Micah. Erika and Davi led the praise and worship.

Patos is highly decorated for the annual Saint John’s Festival with streamers all over the main street and lots of decorative lighting. The main festivities in Patos will be from June 19th to 23rd as St. John’s Day is on the 24th. However in Campina Grande the festivities started on May 30th and continue to July 6th!

The result of the abominable happenings with the concubine in the previous chapter was full-scale civil war in Israel. For as the word spread about the concubine’s murder Israel united to punish the city of Gibeah and the Benjamites. Israel demanded that the men who committed the heinous crime be surrendered to face capital punishment, but the Benjamites refused. 

There therefore ensued a series of battles between Israel as a whole, versus the Benjamites, with initially the latter prevailing killing 40,000 men. However in the third battle things were inverted with Israel defeating Benjamin killing 25,100 men and taking and burning the city of Gibeah. They then went on to take and burn the surrounding towns and villages with just 600 Benjamin fighters surviving.

The result of the abominable happenings with the concubine in the previous chapter was full-scale civil war in Israel. For as the word spread about the concubine’s murder Israel united to punish the city of Gibeah and the Benjamites. Israel demanded that the men who committed the heinous crime be surrendered to face capital punishment, but the Benjamites refused. 

There therefore ensued a series of battles between Israel as a whole, versus the Benjamites, with initially the latter prevailing killing 40,000 men. However in the third battle things were inverted with Israel defeating Benjamin killing 25,100 men and taking and burning the city of Gibeah. They then went on to take and burn the surrounding towns and villages with just 600 Benjamin fighters surviving.

 A Levite from Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem, but she betrayed him, left him and returned to her father. 4 months later the Levite went after her and was well received by her father. After spending a few days there he left with his concubine, and on the journey they decided to spend the night at Gibeah, inhabited by Benjamites, where they were put up at an old man’s house.

During the night a group of men came banging on the door wanting to have sex with the Levite in Sodomite fashion! The old man resisted and offered his virgin daughter and the concubine in his place, but this the men refused. Faced by this clash of wills eventually the concubine was given to the men to rape and abuse her all night long, and at daybreak she was returned without life. The Levite cut his concubine into 12 parts and sent them to all areas of Israel. 

 A Levite from Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem, but she betrayed him, left him and returned to her father. 4 months later the Levite went after her and was well received by her father. After spending a few days there he left with his concubine, and on the journey they decided to spend the night at Gibeah, inhabited by Benjamites, where they were put up at an old man’s house.

During the night a group of men came banging on the door wanting to have sex with the Levite in Sodomite fashion! The old man resisted and offered his virgin daughter and the concubine in his place, but this the men refused. Faced by this clash of wills eventually the concubine was given to the men to rape and abuse her all night long, and at daybreak she was returned without life. The Levite cut his concubine into 12 parts and sent them to all areas of Israel. 

We are in João Pessoa again this week for the graduation ceremony of our grandson John David as a medical doctor, for an ecumenical thanksgiving service, and for the official registration of John David with the Medical Association (CRM-PB) when he will receive his registration number to be able to practice as a doctor.

So John David has graduated and is now a doctor. Congratulations!

The Patos men’s fellowship took another street service at São Mamede last night at which 2 decisions were made for Christ. Praise God!

On Saturday I took part in the EAB board meeting online via Messenger. It was an excellent meeting discussing various aspects of the work of the Lord. It was good to receive confirmation of Amy Gough’s visit here next January for the 10-day evangelistic outreach at Soledade. Recently engaged Amy is a theology and youth ministry degree student with Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London.

On Saturday night I led the weekly service at Green Pastures and preached the Gospel on John 3:1-21. Flávio went with me who is a masseuse of the Patos ‘Esporte’ football club. It was a good communion service with many participations. I saw a Burrowing Owl on the way.

A poor man with an old cart horse turned up to the charity, where our daughter Deborah treats the stray cats and dogs, and asked if she could treat his horse’s infected eye! So she has duly medicated it.

Last night I led the main service of the week on the day of Pentecost, and our daughter Sacha preached an excellent sermon on Psalm 103. The children sang a song for ‘Pastors’ Day’ as the second Sunday in June is commemorated here. It was a lovely service. 

The Danites were for some reason looking for a new home as they had already received land from Joshua. They sent out 5 men to spy out new options, and when they met Micah’s private Levite priest they consulted him as to whether God would bless their mission which he answered positively. The 5 went on to Laish which they found to be prosperous and temptingly vulnerable, so they reported this to their people.

The Danites therefore sent out 600 warriors to conquer Laish and on the way they stole Micah’s gods, ephod and carved image. They also took his private Levite priest to be their own tribal priest. Then they attacked Laish and burned down the city renaming it Dan after rebuilding it. They set up their idols, and Gershom, son of Moses and his sons were the priests for their tribe!

The Danites were for some reason looking for a new home as they had already received land from Joshua. They sent out 5 men to spy out new options, and when they met Micah’s private Levite priest they consulted him as to whether God would bless their mission which he answered positively. The 5 went on to Laish which they found to be prosperous and temptingly vulnerable, so they reported this to their people.

The Danites therefore sent out 600 warriors to conquer Laish and on the way they stole Micah’s gods, ephod and carved image. They also took his private Levite priest to be their own tribal priest. Then they attacked Laish and burned down the city renaming it Dan after rebuilding it. They set up their idols, and Gershom, son of Moses and his sons were the priests for their tribe!

The last 5 chapters of Judges are very different from the first 16. No judges appear, the problem is not the philistines but rather the lack of a centralized government or king. “The reading here is unedifying” (Cundall & Morris) and reflects the precarious tendency in Israel towards pagan idolatry. The spirit of the age was a spirit of free for all when “everyone did as he saw fit”!

In chapter 17 Micah admitted to having stolen 13 kg of silver from his mother, he returned it and she forgave him. Micah’s mother then took part of this and had made an image and an idol which she solemnly consecrated to the Lord!

Micah had a shrine, had an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as priest! Then later he employed a young Levite as priest believing that this would be pleasing to the Lord! Such steps reflect an unbelievable level of syncretism! 

The last 5 chapters of Judges are very different from the first 16. No judges appear, the problem is not the philistines but rather the lack of a centralized government or king. “The reading here is unedifying” (Cundall & Morris) and reflects the precarious tendency in Israel towards pagan idolatry. The spirit of the age was a spirit of free for all when “everyone did as he saw fit”!

In chapter 17 Micah admitted to having stolen 13 kg of silver from his mother, he returned it and she forgave him. Micah’s mother then took part of this and had made an image and an idol which she solemnly consecrated to the Lord!

Micah had a shrine, had an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as priest! Then later he employed a young Levite as priest believing that this would be pleasing to the Lord! Such steps reflect an unbelievable level of syncretism! 

The last 5 chapters of Judges are very different from the first 16. No judges appear, the problem is not the philistines but rather the lack of a centralized government or king. “The reading here is unedifying” (Cundall & Morris) and reflects the precarious tendency in Israel towards pagan idolatry. The spirit of the age was a spirit of free for all when “everyone did as he saw fit”!

In chapter 17 Micah admitted to having stolen 13 kg of silver from his mother, he returned it and she forgave him. Micah’s mother then took part of this and had made an image and an idol which she solemnly consecrated to the Lord!

Micah had a shrine, had an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as priest! Then later he employed a young Levite as priest believing that this would be pleasing to the Lord! Such steps reflect an unbelievable level of syncretism! 

Brazil doesn’t celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day on February 14th owing to its proximity to Carnival. Instead it celebrates Saint Anthony’s Day (June 12th) as the celebration of courting couples, engaged couples and married couples. In the Patos church there will be a special evening on this theme on June 14th. 

On Thursday night I didn’t lead the mid-week prayer and Bible study as I usually do because I was getting over the flu. In my place deacon Dedé led the service and lawyer Murilo brought the study as assistant pastor Rafael was away caring for his sick parents. Our daughter Sacha led the praise.

My veterinary doctor daughter Deborah tells be that there are an estimated 30 million stray dogs and cats in Brazil with 2 thirds of these being dogs. In Patos, where we live, there are an estimated 15,000 stray animals. Yesterday Deborah gave a speech on animal rights at a university conference. She works regularly voluntarily for the Amparar Animal Charity.

I have had an amazing message on Instagram from Aivy Ann Roult Macedo Dias who is the granddaughter of Peniel Chapel missionary Ivy Roult. What a wonderful contact! I have been talking with her a lot and learnt that she is a pastor, her husband also is a pastor, and they have 2 daughters.

At Green Pastures I saw a White-naped Jay and a Wild Cavy.

Brazil doesn’t celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day on February 14th owing to its proximity to Carnival. Instead it celebrates Saint Anthony’s Day (June 12th) as the celebration of courting couples, engaged couples and married couples. In the Patos church there will be a special evening on this theme on June 14th. 

On Thursday night I didn’t lead the mid-week prayer and Bible study as I usually do because I was getting over the flu. In my place deacon Dedé led the service and lawyer Murilo brought the study as assistant pastor Rafael was away caring for his sick parents. Our daughter Sacha led the praise.

My veterinary doctor daughter Deborah tells be that there are an estimated 30 million stray dogs and cats in Brazil with 2 thirds of these being dogs. In Patos, where we live, there are an estimated 15,000 stray animals. Yesterday Deborah gave a speech on animal rights at a university conference. She works regularly voluntarily for the Amparar Animal Charity.

I have had an amazing message on Instagram from Aivy Ann Roult Macedo Dias who is the granddaughter of Peniel Chapel missionary Ivy Roult. What a wonderful contact! I have been talking with her a lot and learnt that she is a pastor, her husband also is a pastor, and they have 2 daughters.

At Green Pastures I saw a White-naped Jay and a Wild Cavy.

Brazil doesn’t celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day on February 14th owing to its proximity to Carnival. Instead it celebrates Saint Anthony’s Day (June 12th) as the celebration of courting couples, engaged couples and married couples. In the Patos church there will be a special evening on this theme on June 14th. 

On Thursday night I didn’t lead the mid-week prayer and Bible study as I usually do because I was getting over the flu. In my place deacon Dedé led the service and lawyer Murilo brought the study as assistant pastor Rafael was away caring for his sick parents. Our daughter Sacha led the praise.

My veterinary doctor daughter Deborah tells be that there are an estimated 30 million stray dogs and cats in Brazil with 2 thirds of these being dogs. In Patos, where we live, there are an estimated 15,000 stray animals. Yesterday Deborah gave a speech on animal rights at a university conference. She works regularly voluntarily for the Amparar Animal Charity.

I have had an amazing message on Instagram from Aivy Ann Roult Macedo Dias who is the granddaughter of Peniel Chapel missionary Ivy Roult. What a wonderful contact! I have been talking with her a lot and learnt that she is a pastor, her husband also is a pastor, and they have 2 daughters.

At Green Pastures I saw a White-naped Jay and a Wild Cavy.

 One day Samson went to Gaza where he spent a night with a prostitute. When the people heard he was there they waylaid him aiming to kill him at dawn at the city gate. However Samson got up in the night, took hold of the doors of the city gate plus the posts and bar and carried them to the top of a hill!

Some time later he fell in love with Delilah. Samson had a problem with women, but this time was to be his final downfall. For the Philistine rulers asked Delilah to discover what was the secret source of his extraordinary strength. Samson strung Delilah along every time she asked him for the secret of his strength. First he said the secret was by tying him up with 7 fresh thongs. Then he said the secret was new ropes. Then came another lie involving the 7 braids of his head. However every time Delilah tried these things they came to nothing.  Nevertheless Delilah kept on nagging Samson until one day he finally caved in telling her the truth that the secret of his strength was in his Nazarite vow and that he had never cut his hair. So the Philistines were able to capture him, gouge out his eyes, put him in bronze shackles and set him to grinding in the prison. But his hair started to grow again!

Then the Philistines organized a celebration in their temple to their god Dagon rejoicing at the capture and demise of Samson. There were about 3,000 people in the temple looking at Samson leaning against the temple’s 2 central pillars. So Samson asked God for strength one more time as he pushed the pillars with all his might. The temple collapsed killing everyone so that Samson “killed many more when he died than while he lived”.

 One day Samson went to Gaza where he spent a night with a prostitute. When the people heard he was there they waylaid him aiming to kill him at dawn at the city gate. However Samson got up in the night, took hold of the doors of the city gate plus the posts and bar and carried them to the top of a hill!

Some time later he fell in love with Delilah. Samson had a problem with women, but this time was to be his final downfall. For the Philistine rulers asked Delilah to discover what was the secret source of his extraordinary strength. Samson strung Delilah along every time she asked him for the secret of his strength. First he said the secret was by tying him up with 7 fresh thongs. Then he said the secret was new ropes. Then came another lie involving the 7 braids of his head. However every time Delilah tried these things they came to nothing.  Nevertheless Delilah kept on nagging Samson until one day he finally caved in telling her the truth that the secret of his strength was in his Nazarite vow and that he had never cut his hair. So the Philistines were able to capture him, gouge out his eyes, put him in bronze shackles and set him to grinding in the prison. But his hair started to grow again!

Then the Philistines organized a celebration in their temple to their god Dagon rejoicing at the capture and demise of Samson. There were about 3,000 people in the temple looking at Samson leaning against the temple’s 2 central pillars. So Samson asked God for strength one more time as he pushed the pillars with all his might. The temple collapsed killing everyone so that Samson “killed many more when he died than while he lived”.

Samson was infuriated that his ex-wife had been given to a friend, especially when he had second thoughts about her but was refused access to her by her father. Samson therefore came up with a plan of vengeance catching 100 foxes, tying burning torches to their tales and decimating the Philistines crops in the process. The Philistines therefore burnt Samson’s ex-wife and ex-father-in-law to death, and captured Samson tying him up. Samson however broke free and killed a thousand of them with the jaw-bone of a donkey! Then Samson found himself dying of thirst but God quenched his thirst and restored his strength through fresh water from a spring. And Samson led Israel as judge for 20 years.

Samson was infuriated that his ex-wife had been given to a friend, especially when he had second thoughts about her but was refused access to her by her father. Samson therefore came up with a plan of vengeance catching 100 foxes, tying burning torches to their tales and decimating the Philistines crops in the process. The Philistines therefore burnt Samson’s ex-wife and ex-father-in-law to death, and captured Samson tying him up. Samson however broke free and killed a thousand of them with the jaw-bone of a donkey! Then Samson found himself dying of thirst but God quenched his thirst and restored his strength through fresh water from a spring. And Samson led Israel as judge for 20 years.

Samson grew up and fell in love with a Philistine woman much to his parents’ displeasure. Whilst in the courting process Samson was attacked by a young lion, but the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he ripped the lion apart with his bare hands. Some time later, when he went back to marry, he saw a swarm of bees in the lion’s carcass with honey, and him and his parents ate the honey.

In the 7-day wedding feast Samson set his 30 Philistine companions a riddle to solve within the 7 days, promising a prize of clothes for each of them if they could solve the riddle. However if they failed they would have to present him with 30 sets of clothing. The men struggled in vain to solve the riddle so they threatened his wife if she didn’t discover it for them. When she did this Samson was furious and he went and killed 30 Philistines to get their clothes for the prize! But Samson’s marriage was soon over and his wife was given to a friend.

Samson grew up and fell in love with a Philistine woman much to his parents’ displeasure. Whilst in the courting process Samson was attacked by a young lion, but the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he ripped the lion apart with his bare hands. Some time later, when he went back to marry, he saw a swarm of bees in the lion’s carcass with honey, and him and his parents ate the honey.

In the 7-day wedding feast Samson set his 30 Philistine companions a riddle to solve within the 7 days, promising a prize of clothes for each of them if they could solve the riddle. However if they failed they would have to present him with 30 sets of clothing. The men struggled in vain to solve the riddle so they threatened his wife if she didn’t discover it for them. When she did this Samson was furious and he went and killed 30 Philistines to get their clothes for the prize! But Samson’s marriage was soon over and his wife was given to a friend.

Samson grew up and fell in love with a Philistine woman much to his parents’ displeasure. Whilst in the courting process Samson was attacked by a young lion, but the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he ripped the lion apart with his bare hands. Some time later, when he went back to marry, he saw a swarm of bees in the lion’s carcass with honey, and him and his parents ate the honey.

In the 7-day wedding feast Samson set his 30 Philistine companions a riddle to solve within the 7 days, promising a prize of clothes for each of them if they could solve the riddle. However if they failed they would have to present him with 30 sets of clothing. The men struggled in vain to solve the riddle so they threatened his wife if she didn’t discover it for them. When she did this Samson was furious and he went and killed 30 Philistines to get their clothes for the prize! But Samson’s marriage was soon over and his wife was given to a friend.

Following the death of judge Abdon the Israelites abandoned God’s way and he punished them with 40 years of Philistine domination as a consequence. 

Then a man called Manoah, who had a sterile wife, received a visit from the angel of the Lord telling her she was to have a child who would be a Nazarite (Numbers 6) and when he was born she wasn’t allowed to cut his hair. As from that moment the woman could not drink anything fermented or eat anything unclean. When she shared the good news with Manoah, her husband, he prayed that the angel of the Lord would re-appear to them.

Then the angel of the Lord did re-appear and confirmed all he had said the first time, but Manoah didn’t realize who he was. Manoah offered him food which he refused, but he suggested he could offer a burnt offering unto the Lord. When Manoah burnt the offering the angel of the Lord went up in the flame making him finally realize who he was. So it was that the couple had a son whom they called Samson and he grew in God’s blessing with his spirit stirring in him.

Following the death of judge Abdon the Israelites abandoned God’s way and he punished them with 40 years of Philistine domination as a consequence. 

Then a man called Manoah, who had a sterile wife, received a visit from the angel of the Lord telling her she was to have a child who would be a Nazarite (Numbers 6) and when he was born she wasn’t allowed to cut his hair. As from that moment the woman could not drink anything fermented or eat anything unclean. When she shared the good news with Manoah, her husband, he prayed that the angel of the Lord would re-appear to them.

Then the angel of the Lord did re-appear and confirmed all he had said the first time, but Manoah didn’t realize who he was. Manoah offered him food which he refused, but he suggested he could offer a burnt offering unto the Lord. When Manoah burnt the offering the angel of the Lord went up in the flame making him finally realize who he was. So it was that the couple had a son whom they called Samson and he grew in God’s blessing with his spirit stirring in him.

In this chapter a civil war broke out between the Gileadites and the Ephraimites. It started because the Ephraimites were angry at not having been called to join the fight against the Ammonites. Probably they felt the lack of prestige and missed out on the bounty! The ensuing battle saw a great defeat of the Ephraimites with the loss of 42,000 men! The victorious Jephthah remained strong and led Israel for 6 years.

Following Jephthah the next judge of Israel, the 10th, was Ibzan of Bethlehem who had 30 sons and 30 daughters and who ruled for 7 years. Ibzan was followed by Elon the Zebulunite who was judge for 10 years. The 12th judge was Abdon who led Israel for 8 years. He had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who all rode donkeys. 

In this chapter a civil war broke out between the Gileadites and the Ephraimites. It started because the Ephraimites were angry at not having been called to join the fight against the Ammonites. Probably they felt the lack of prestige and missed out on the bounty! The ensuing battle saw a great defeat of the Ephraimites with the loss of 42,000 men! The victorious Jephthah remained strong and led Israel for 6 years.

Following Jephthah the next judge of Israel, the 10th, was Ibzan of Bethlehem who had 30 sons and 30 daughters and who ruled for 7 years. Ibzan was followed by Elon the Zebulunite who was judge for 10 years. The 12th judge was Abdon who led Israel for 8 years. He had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who all rode donkeys. 

With the small amount of rainfall that we received this rainy season our wells are in deep trouble. For when we have normal rains this raises the underground water levels which hasn’t happened this year. This year’s rainy season was the worst for 10 years. The Green Pastures lake is bone dry and for our youth conference later this month, from the 20th to 22nd, we will totally be dependent on our 2 wells for showers, toilets, cooking, cleaning etc. for 250 people. Our main well burnt out its submersible electric pump owing to the low water level and we had to replace it. Now our secondary pump/well has burnt out and we will need to replace it as we need both wells for the large crowd of youth. Please pray.

I have just prepared a wedding ceremony that I will be conducting on June 19th at Junco do Seridó between Kelvin and Ana Beatriz. Both are Christians and Ana Beatriz is a member of the Patos church. Kelvin is from the extreme south of Brazil and they met via the internet. One unusual thing about the wedding ceremony is that the couple have requested no music, but I pray that their marriage will be full of sweet music! 💕🎶

With the small amount of rainfall that we received this rainy season our wells are in deep trouble. For when we have normal rains this raises the underground water levels which hasn’t happened this year. This year’s rainy season was the worst for 10 years. The Green Pastures lake is bone dry and for our youth conference later this month, from the 20th to 22nd, we will totally be dependent on our 2 wells for showers, toilets, cooking, cleaning etc. for 250 people. Our main well burnt out its submersible electric pump owing to the low water level and we had to replace it. Now our secondary pump/well has burnt out and we will need to replace it as we need both wells for the large crowd of youth. Please pray.

I have just prepared a wedding ceremony that I will be conducting on June 19th at Junco do Seridó between Kelvin and Ana Beatriz. Both are Christians and Ana Beatriz is a member of the Patos church. Kelvin is from the extreme south of Brazil and they met via the internet. One unusual thing about the wedding ceremony is that the couple have requested no music, but I pray that their marriage will be full of sweet music! 💕🎶

Jephthah was a mighty warrior – son of Gilead with a prostitute – and he was driven away by the legitimate sons of Gilead. However when the potential Ammonite conflict was imminent they went after Jephthah asking him to lead them into battle. Jephthah initially resisted the idea, but eventually agreed as they promised him he would head over all. 

Initially Jephthah attempted a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Ammonites but this was unsuccessful. Then the Spirit of God came upon Jephthah and he made a rash vow telling the Lord that he would sacrifice whatever came out of his front door if her returned from battle victorious. Thus Jephthah had victory in his battle with the Ammonites and devasted 20 of their towns. However he was gutted with he got home to be met by his only daughter and he told her of his vow! She accepted her destiny but asked for 2 months to prepare for this. Then Jephthah killed his only child and offered her as a burnt offering to God, and her biggest regret seems to have been that she died a virgin without getting married.

Jephthah was a mighty warrior – son of Gilead with a prostitute – and he was driven away by the legitimate sons of Gilead. However when the potential Ammonite conflict was imminent they went after Jephthah asking him to lead them into battle. Jephthah initially resisted the idea, but eventually agreed as they promised him he would head over all. 

Initially Jephthah attempted a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Ammonites but this was unsuccessful. Then the Spirit of God came upon Jephthah and he made a rash vow telling the Lord that he would sacrifice whatever came out of his front door if her returned from battle victorious. Thus Jephthah had victory in his battle with the Ammonites and devasted 20 of their towns. However he was gutted with he got home to be met by his only daughter and he told her of his vow! She accepted her destiny but asked for 2 months to prepare for this. Then Jephthah killed his only child and offered her as a burnt offering to God, and her biggest regret seems to have been that she died a virgin without getting married.

Jephthah was a mighty warrior – son of Gilead with a prostitute – and he was driven away by the legitimate sons of Gilead. However when the potential Ammonite conflict was imminent they went after Jephthah asking him to lead them into battle. Jephthah initially resisted the idea, but eventually agreed as they promised him he would head over all. 

Initially Jephthah attempted a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Ammonites but this was unsuccessful. Then the Spirit of God came upon Jephthah and he made a rash vow telling the Lord that he would sacrifice whatever came out of his front door if her returned from battle victorious. Thus Jephthah had victory in his battle with the Ammonites and devasted 20 of their towns. However he was gutted with he got home to be met by his only daughter and he told her of his vow! She accepted her destiny but asked for 2 months to prepare for this. Then Jephthah killed his only child and offered her as a burnt offering to God, and her biggest regret seems to have been that she died a virgin without getting married.