Categoria: News

I enjoyed my customary Friday afternoon walk at Green Pastures walking with Francisco who takes care of the place on a day-to-day basis. Whilst there I observed a Neotropic Cormorant, a Great Egret and a Southern Lapwing at the lake. I also saw a Grey-necked Wood-Rail which ran across the trail in front of us. It is rarely seen. I also saw a bright rust coloured Caatinga Cacholote and a beautiful orange Campo Troupial.

On Thursday night I stayed up late to watch the Biden/Trump USA presidential debate and was very sorry to see how embarassingly frail and at times incoherent was President Biden. Trump was his usual arrogant self, but I hate to admit that he won the debate.

We have just got back on a 3-hour drive from Manaira in the extreme west of Paraiba State where I preached at a special thanksgiving of our church there. The service was to thank God for the church’s revamp which is beautiful and attracting many non-Christians to come and hear the Gospel. We drove there yesterday afternoon and had a meal with the pastor Francinaldo and his wife Carla before the service. We stayed with them last night. The church was packed out last night and there is a lovely spirit among all the church folk.

I enjoyed my customary Friday afternoon walk at Green Pastures walking with Francisco who takes care of the place on a day-to-day basis. Whilst there I observed a Neotropic Cormorant, a Great Egret and a Southern Lapwing at the lake. I also saw a Grey-necked Wood-Rail which ran across the trail in front of us. It is rarely seen. I also saw a bright rust coloured Caatinga Cacholote and a beautiful orange Campo Troupial.

On Thursday night I stayed up late to watch the Biden/Trump USA presidential debate and was very sorry to see how embarassingly frail and at times incoherent was President Biden. Trump was his usual arrogant self, but I hate to admit that he won the debate.

We have just got back on a 3-hour drive from Manaira in the extreme west of Paraiba State where I preached at a special thanksgiving of our church there. The service was to thank God for the church’s revamp which is beautiful and attracting many non-Christians to come and hear the Gospel. We drove there yesterday afternoon and had a meal with the pastor Francinaldo and his wife Carla before the service. We stayed with them last night. The church was packed out last night and there is a lovely spirit among all the church folk.

Liz has been to Joao Pessoa this week to see an eye specialist and the result is that she will be returning to wearing glasses. I rather like this as when I first met her 58 years ago she was wearing glasses! 😘

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study. It was a blessing.

On Wednesday Great Lumley Evangelical Church held their sponsored toddle with their Tiny Church in the local park and it was a real success! They had lovely Brazilian warm weather for the event which has raised 150 pounds so far for sheep in the EAB 4-Legs project. Congratulations to the church team for their initiative!

Liz has been to Joao Pessoa this week to see an eye specialist and the result is that she will be returning to wearing glasses. I rather like this as when I first met her 58 years ago she was wearing glasses! 😘

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study. It was a blessing.

On Wednesday Great Lumley Evangelical Church held their sponsored toddle with their Tiny Church in the local park and it was a real success! They had lovely Brazilian warm weather for the event which has raised 150 pounds so far for sheep in the EAB 4-Legs project. Congratulations to the church team for their initiative!

I enjoyed taking part in the Men’s Fellowship last night. We had a good discussion on the Lord’s prayer which was really blessed.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a good walk at Green Pastures. I took with me a lovely cactus plant and planted it in Marian Rashleigh’s rockery. The round cactus plant is about 30 cm in diameter and 30 to 40 cm high. Gardiner Orlando noticed it being thrown out by a well-off family so got it for us! I also took a roll of plastic pipe for watering purposes as we’re in the dry season now, and I took the Cockatoo to our little aviary there as we couldn’t find its owner.

Whilst walking at Green Pastures I saw/heard the following birds: Red-legged Seriema, Striated Heron, Campo Troupial, Greater Ani, White-tipped Dove and Picui Ground-Dove.

I am glad to tell you that it was in fact 4 teenagers who made commitments to Christ during the Youth Camp and not 3 as I had said in an earlier post. One was a young man whom we paid his way to go (money well spent!) and the other 3 were from our Patos school. PTL!

I enjoyed taking part in the Men’s Fellowship last night. We had a good discussion on the Lord’s prayer which was really blessed.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a good walk at Green Pastures. I took with me a lovely cactus plant and planted it in Marian Rashleigh’s rockery. The round cactus plant is about 30 cm in diameter and 30 to 40 cm high. Gardiner Orlando noticed it being thrown out by a well-off family so got it for us! I also took a roll of plastic pipe for watering purposes as we’re in the dry season now, and I took the Cockatoo to our little aviary there as we couldn’t find its owner.

Whilst walking at Green Pastures I saw/heard the following birds: Red-legged Seriema, Striated Heron, Campo Troupial, Greater Ani, White-tipped Dove and Picui Ground-Dove.

I am glad to tell you that it was in fact 4 teenagers who made commitments to Christ during the Youth Camp and not 3 as I had said in an earlier post. One was a young man whom we paid his way to go (money well spent!) and the other 3 were from our Patos school. PTL!

I enjoyed taking part in the Men’s Fellowship last night. We had a good discussion on the Lord’s prayer which was really blessed.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a good walk at Green Pastures. I took with me a lovely cactus plant and planted it in Marian Rashleigh’s rockery. The round cactus plant is about 30 cm in diameter and 30 to 40 cm high. Gardiner Orlando noticed it being thrown out by a well-off family so got it for us! I also took a roll of plastic pipe for watering purposes as we’re in the dry season now, and I took the Cockatoo to our little aviary there as we couldn’t find its owner.

Whilst walking at Green Pastures I saw/heard the following birds: Red-legged Seriema, Striated Heron, Campo Troupial, Greater Ani, White-tipped Dove and Picui Ground-Dove.

I am glad to tell you that it was in fact 4 teenagers who made commitments to Christ during the Youth Camp and not 3 as I had said in an earlier post. One was a young man whom we paid his way to go (money well spent!) and the other 3 were from our Patos school. PTL!

Our under-15 boys football team of our Juru church youth project has reached the final of the Paraiba Cup! This is the third year in a row that they have reached the final, having won it in 2022 and been runners-up last year. Local pastor Esequias (Ezekiel) does a great job sharing the Gospel with the lads and keeping them off the streets with healthy sport. The final is in two legs with the first at home in Juru and the second away at Agua Branca. Watch this space!

I am reading a book by C. S. Lewis called ‘God in the Dock: essays on theology and ethics.’ I am reading it in Portuguese.

The Youth Camp at Green Pastures is finishing today and has been very blessed. On Saturday Betania from Campina Grande preached and yesterday our daughter Sacha preached. There were 3 decisions for Christ at the camp.

Yesterday one young man was baptized at our Itaporanga church.

This morning a very tame Cockatoo (not a wild native bird here) appeared in our back garden looking very thirsty. It probably was scared by last night’s fireworks and somehow left its home. We are protecting it from cats whilst we try and find its owner. We also had a tree frog inside our water filter this morning. Liz has set it free and washed the filter.

I have made the bed two days running and am utterly exhausted! 😫

Last night I led the main service of the week and our daughter Sacha preached very well from Matthew 11:28-30. Numbers were down as many were away at the youth camp and others were at family gatherings celebrating St. John’s Day.

Our under-15 boys football team of our Juru church youth project has reached the final of the Paraiba Cup! This is the third year in a row that they have reached the final, having won it in 2022 and been runners-up last year. Local pastor Esequias (Ezekiel) does a great job sharing the Gospel with the lads and keeping them off the streets with healthy sport. The final is in two legs with the first at home in Juru and the second away at Agua Branca. Watch this space!

I am reading a book by C. S. Lewis called ‘God in the Dock: essays on theology and ethics.’ I am reading it in Portuguese.

The Youth Camp at Green Pastures is finishing today and has been very blessed. On Saturday Betania from Campina Grande preached and yesterday our daughter Sacha preached. There were 3 decisions for Christ at the camp.

Yesterday one young man was baptized at our Itaporanga church.

This morning a very tame Cockatoo (not a wild native bird here) appeared in our back garden looking very thirsty. It probably was scared by last night’s fireworks and somehow left its home. We are protecting it from cats whilst we try and find its owner. We also had a tree frog inside our water filter this morning. Liz has set it free and washed the filter.

I have made the bed two days running and am utterly exhausted! 😫

Last night I led the main service of the week and our daughter Sacha preached very well from Matthew 11:28-30. Numbers were down as many were away at the youth camp and others were at family gatherings celebrating St. John’s Day.

Our under-15 boys football team of our Juru church youth project has reached the final of the Paraiba Cup! This is the third year in a row that they have reached the final, having won it in 2022 and been runners-up last year. Local pastor Esequias (Ezekiel) does a great job sharing the Gospel with the lads and keeping them off the streets with healthy sport. The final is in two legs with the first at home in Juru and the second away at Agua Branca. Watch this space!

I am reading a book by C. S. Lewis called ‘God in the Dock: essays on theology and ethics.’ I am reading it in Portuguese.

The Youth Camp at Green Pastures is finishing today and has been very blessed. On Saturday Betania from Campina Grande preached and yesterday our daughter Sacha preached. There were 3 decisions for Christ at the camp.

Yesterday one young man was baptized at our Itaporanga church.

This morning a very tame Cockatoo (not a wild native bird here) appeared in our back garden looking very thirsty. It probably was scared by last night’s fireworks and somehow left its home. We are protecting it from cats whilst we try and find its owner. We also had a tree frog inside our water filter this morning. Liz has set it free and washed the filter.

I have made the bed two days running and am utterly exhausted! 😫

Last night I led the main service of the week and our daughter Sacha preached very well from Matthew 11:28-30. Numbers were down as many were away at the youth camp and others were at family gatherings celebrating St. John’s Day.

On the first night (of 5) of the late night (all night!) St. John’s festival over 100 mobile phones were stolen by a gang amongst the enormous crowd. Our grandson John David was one of those robbed. He was surrounded by men who forced him to hand over his phone.

On Thursday night we had a special youth service with participations from Leticia, Julia, Leo, Bianca, Davi and Murilo. It was a nice service.

A youth camp started yesterday at Green Pastures and will run until Monday afternoon. I preached at it last night in the opening service on Colossians 1:15-16. There are 80 young people taking part in the camp. 17 are teenagers from our Patos school which is lovely to see. One youth there is from Ibiara, another from Teixeira and 2 others are from Campina Grande. The rest are from the Patos church. It was a lovely opening service to the camp and after the service they all played bingo!  

Another snake was seen at Green Pastures yesterday as well as the Rattlesnake last Friday. This time it was a non-venomous Coral snake (Oxyrhopus trigeminus). It was right alongside the meeting hall.

Liz and I have been to visit a family whose father recently came back to the Lord. He was out but his wife was at home. We had a nice chat, caught up with all the family news and read the Bible and prayed with her. We learnt that the husband is firm in the faith and going on with God.

On Tuesday night I travelled with two vehicle loads of folk from the Patos Men’s Fellowship to the town of Sao Mamede where I led the street service. Many gathered to hear the Gospel and those who took part were Fabio, Rafael, Paulo Silas, Josue, Dodora, Rebeca and Dede. It was a lovely service. 

Please pray for our deacon and chief of the police Colonel Esau who has the great responsibility this week to police the St. John’s Festival with an estimated participation of between 70,000 and 80,000 people. Each night the festival starts about 11 pm and goes through the night till dawn with the enormous crowd crammed into a confined area called the ‘terreiro do forro’.

Another snake was seen at Green Pastures yesterday as well as the Rattlesnake last Friday. This time it was a non-venomous Coral snake (Oxyrhopus trigeminus). It was right alongside the meeting hall.

Liz and I have been to visit a family whose father recently came back to the Lord. He was out but his wife was at home. We had a nice chat, caught up with all the family news and read the Bible and prayed with her. We learnt that the husband is firm in the faith and going on with God.

On Tuesday night I travelled with two vehicle loads of folk from the Patos Men’s Fellowship to the town of Sao Mamede where I led the street service. Many gathered to hear the Gospel and those who took part were Fabio, Rafael, Paulo Silas, Josue, Dodora, Rebeca and Dede. It was a lovely service. 

Please pray for our deacon and chief of the police Colonel Esau who has the great responsibility this week to police the St. John’s Festival with an estimated participation of between 70,000 and 80,000 people. Each night the festival starts about 11 pm and goes through the night till dawn with the enormous crowd crammed into a confined area called the ‘terreiro do forro’.

Our Sunday services went well. In the morning is Sunday School for all ages and much less go to this than in the evening when we had a church full to capacity. In the UK I notice that it is the opposite with many more in the morning services than at night. I led the evening service and associate pastor Rafael preached from Acts 9. A lovely moment in the service was when all the children came to the front to sing, with 4 of them doing the song in sign language for the deaf. Then they gave us pastors (me, associate pastor Rafael and deaf pastor Luiz Carlos) a little present (a pen with our name on it) commemorating Pastors’ Day.

Yesterday I spent time dealing with a number of issues with different pastors. I also prepared a new sermon with an overview of Genesis 1-3 called ‘In the beginning… God’. It will cover 5 points: God created heaven and earth, God created man and woman, the Satanic deception, the fall, and pointers to hope in Genesis 3:15.

Our Sunday services went well. In the morning is Sunday School for all ages and much less go to this than in the evening when we had a church full to capacity. In the UK I notice that it is the opposite with many more in the morning services than at night. I led the evening service and associate pastor Rafael preached from Acts 9. A lovely moment in the service was when all the children came to the front to sing, with 4 of them doing the song in sign language for the deaf. Then they gave us pastors (me, associate pastor Rafael and deaf pastor Luiz Carlos) a little present (a pen with our name on it) commemorating Pastors’ Day.

Yesterday I spent time dealing with a number of issues with different pastors. I also prepared a new sermon with an overview of Genesis 1-3 called ‘In the beginning… God’. It will cover 5 points: God created heaven and earth, God created man and woman, the Satanic deception, the fall, and pointers to hope in Genesis 3:15.

Our Sunday services went well. In the morning is Sunday School for all ages and much less go to this than in the evening when we had a church full to capacity. In the UK I notice that it is the opposite with many more in the morning services than at night. I led the evening service and associate pastor Rafael preached from Acts 9. A lovely moment in the service was when all the children came to the front to sing, with 4 of them doing the song in sign language for the deaf. Then they gave us pastors (me, associate pastor Rafael and deaf pastor Luiz Carlos) a little present (a pen with our name on it) commemorating Pastors’ Day.

Yesterday I spent time dealing with a number of issues with different pastors. I also prepared a new sermon with an overview of Genesis 1-3 called ‘In the beginning… God’. It will cover 5 points: God created heaven and earth, God created man and woman, the Satanic deception, the fall, and pointers to hope in Genesis 3:15.

I went for a lovely walk at Green Pastures and saw and photographed for the first time a lethal Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)! It was a wonderful experience. It crossed the track Francisco and I were walking on and then stopped by a large rock where I managed to photograph it with my mobile phone. The ‘rattle’ on its tail is unmissable. I also saw large flocks of Eared Doves near the lake and a flock of Smooth-billed Anis. A group of the youth were at Green Pastures whilst I was there preparing things for the youth camp which starts on the 21st.

Our Pastor Joao George (Imaculada) is out of hospital and is much better. He thanks all those who prayed for him. 

Last night I led the weekly service at Green Pastures and our daughter Sacha preached the Gospel from Isaiah 43. She also led the worship accompanied by Rogerio on keyboard. Locals Nega and Manoel also took part. It was a good meeting. Whilst I was there Liz went out with the 6 grandchildren (who are in Brazil) for an ice cream. It’s alright for some! 😁

I went for a lovely walk at Green Pastures and saw and photographed for the first time a lethal Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus)! It was a wonderful experience. It crossed the track Francisco and I were walking on and then stopped by a large rock where I managed to photograph it with my mobile phone. The ‘rattle’ on its tail is unmissable. I also saw large flocks of Eared Doves near the lake and a flock of Smooth-billed Anis. A group of the youth were at Green Pastures whilst I was there preparing things for the youth camp which starts on the 21st.

Our Pastor Joao George (Imaculada) is out of hospital and is much better. He thanks all those who prayed for him. 

Last night I led the weekly service at Green Pastures and our daughter Sacha preached the Gospel from Isaiah 43. She also led the worship accompanied by Rogerio on keyboard. Locals Nega and Manoel also took part. It was a good meeting. Whilst I was there Liz went out with the 6 grandchildren (who are in Brazil) for an ice cream. It’s alright for some! 😁

On Wednesday afternoon Liz and I visited a 74-year-old widow from the church called Espedita who spent the day in hospital the day before until she discharged herself at night! Her son Ismael tried to get her to obey the doctors but she wouldn’t listen.

Liz led and spoke at the women’s fellowship on Wednesday evening. She spoke on ‘sharing’ from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

I have finished reading the book called ‘Seven things I wish Christians knew about the Bible’ by Michael F. Bird. I found it a good, helpful and interesting book.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and it went off very well, with lovely participations from Dede, Romildo, Mada, Deborah Maria and Carol. 

On Wednesday afternoon Liz and I visited a 74-year-old widow from the church called Espedita who spent the day in hospital the day before until she discharged herself at night! Her son Ismael tried to get her to obey the doctors but she wouldn’t listen.

Liz led and spoke at the women’s fellowship on Wednesday evening. She spoke on ‘sharing’ from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

I have finished reading the book called ‘Seven things I wish Christians knew about the Bible’ by Michael F. Bird. I found it a good, helpful and interesting book.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and it went off very well, with lovely participations from Dede, Romildo, Mada, Deborah Maria and Carol. 

The month of June in north-east Brazil is the month of great festivities, focused on St. Anthony’s Day on the 13th (the equivalent of St. Valentine’s Day in the UK), St. John’s Day on the 24th (this is the biggest festival), and St. Peter’s Day on the 29th. This is the harvest month of beans and maize and lots of maize based dishes are eaten. It is also the cooler time of the year with temperatures only reaching 33 degrees.

I have had my hair cut today. I hope you like it! I had it cut at 7 am. 👦😇

I have been preparing my sermon for our youth camp to be held at Green Pastures from June 21st to 24th. I will be preaching on ‘It all starts with Jesus’ from Colossians 1:15-16. Please pray for this camp.

Our grand-daughter Louisa and her husband Tiago are now safely settling in at Basingstoke and our grandson Arthur is back in Patos after his Afro-European tour.

I have been having important discussions with Pastor Manoel Severo of our Mata Redonda church, between Joao Pessoa and Recife. These have been linked to discussions with our senior leadership team too.

Last night Liz and I took part in an excellent meeting of our school teachers.

The month of June in north-east Brazil is the month of great festivities, focused on St. Anthony’s Day on the 13th (the equivalent of St. Valentine’s Day in the UK), St. John’s Day on the 24th (this is the biggest festival), and St. Peter’s Day on the 29th. This is the harvest month of beans and maize and lots of maize based dishes are eaten. It is also the cooler time of the year with temperatures only reaching 33 degrees.

I have had my hair cut today. I hope you like it! I had it cut at 7 am. 👦😇

I have been preparing my sermon for our youth camp to be held at Green Pastures from June 21st to 24th. I will be preaching on ‘It all starts with Jesus’ from Colossians 1:15-16. Please pray for this camp.

Our grand-daughter Louisa and her husband Tiago are now safely settling in at Basingstoke and our grandson Arthur is back in Patos after his Afro-European tour.

I have been having important discussions with Pastor Manoel Severo of our Mata Redonda church, between Joao Pessoa and Recife. These have been linked to discussions with our senior leadership team too.

Last night Liz and I took part in an excellent meeting of our school teachers.

Joao George is the assistant pastor of our Imaculada church up in the mountains. He was operated on recently and is now back in hospital with post-op complications. Please pray for him. I am in daily contact with his wife Jacilene about the situation. 

Our grand-daughter Louisa and her husband Tiago travelled to the UK yesterday where they will stay until the end of July. It will be the first such an experience for Tiago so that will be nice. They will of course be staying at Basingstoke with Louisa’s parents and brothers.

On Saturday our grand-daughter Beatriz (Bia) won the State of Paraiba’s silver medal for girls table tennis losing in the final by 3 sets to 1. Paraiba is a state nearly 3 times the size of the country of Wales so she did very well. Bia and the gold medal winner now go on to compete in the Brazilian national table tennis championship in Recife later in the year.

On Saturday night I travelled to the town of Passagem to conduct the communion service and it went very well. The local leader Eduardo brought the message from Genesis 41 and was very good.

I led the service last night in Patos and preached on the promises of God from Psalm 119:49-56, continuing my series in Psalm 119. It was a good service. I do one block of 8 verses at a time so this was the 7th sermon in the series.

Joao George is the assistant pastor of our Imaculada church up in the mountains. He was operated on recently and is now back in hospital with post-op complications. Please pray for him. I am in daily contact with his wife Jacilene about the situation. 

Our grand-daughter Louisa and her husband Tiago travelled to the UK yesterday where they will stay until the end of July. It will be the first such an experience for Tiago so that will be nice. They will of course be staying at Basingstoke with Louisa’s parents and brothers.

On Saturday our grand-daughter Beatriz (Bia) won the State of Paraiba’s silver medal for girls table tennis losing in the final by 3 sets to 1. Paraiba is a state nearly 3 times the size of the country of Wales so she did very well. Bia and the gold medal winner now go on to compete in the Brazilian national table tennis championship in Recife later in the year.

On Saturday night I travelled to the town of Passagem to conduct the communion service and it went very well. The local leader Eduardo brought the message from Genesis 41 and was very good.

I led the service last night in Patos and preached on the promises of God from Psalm 119:49-56, continuing my series in Psalm 119. It was a good service. I do one block of 8 verses at a time so this was the 7th sermon in the series.

EAB has had people doing sponsored marathons, runs and walks, but I had never even heard of a sponsored toddle! Well this is what the Great Lumley evangelical church is organizing for June 26th when the children from their ‘Tiny Church’ will be doing a sponsored toddle round the football pitch in the local park. Their aim is to raise funds to buy a hair sheep for a poor family through the EAB 4-Legs project. The idea was inspired by an article in the latest edition of EAB InTouch magazine. Great Lumley is a lovely village in the northeast of England.

Yesterday morning I went for another nice 3 km walk at Green Pastures and saw lots of wildlife such as a Large Teiu Lizard and a Wild Tortoise. I saw and heard the following birds: Great Antshrike, Picazuro Pigeon, Greater Ani, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Roadside Hawk, Southern Lapwing, Common Gallinule, Chalk-browed Mockingbird & Pale Baywing. There was also on show a beautiful display of wild native flowers. Such walks are envigorating, good exercise and inspiring.

Yesterday afternoon I took part online in the EAB Board of Trustees meeting held at West Wellow in England. It was a very good and productive meeting which confirmed the next EAB AGM for Saturday, October 19th at 6 pm (fellowship tea) and 7 pm (celebration service) at Lighthouse Community Church, Hardley, Southampton.

EAB has had people doing sponsored marathons, runs and walks, but I had never even heard of a sponsored toddle! Well this is what the Great Lumley evangelical church is organizing for June 26th when the children from their ‘Tiny Church’ will be doing a sponsored toddle round the football pitch in the local park. Their aim is to raise funds to buy a hair sheep for a poor family through the EAB 4-Legs project. The idea was inspired by an article in the latest edition of EAB InTouch magazine. Great Lumley is a lovely village in the northeast of England.

Yesterday morning I went for another nice 3 km walk at Green Pastures and saw lots of wildlife such as a Large Teiu Lizard and a Wild Tortoise. I saw and heard the following birds: Great Antshrike, Picazuro Pigeon, Greater Ani, Sooty-fronted Spinetail, Roadside Hawk, Southern Lapwing, Common Gallinule, Chalk-browed Mockingbird & Pale Baywing. There was also on show a beautiful display of wild native flowers. Such walks are envigorating, good exercise and inspiring.

Yesterday afternoon I took part online in the EAB Board of Trustees meeting held at West Wellow in England. It was a very good and productive meeting which confirmed the next EAB AGM for Saturday, October 19th at 6 pm (fellowship tea) and 7 pm (celebration service) at Lighthouse Community Church, Hardley, Southampton.

I enjoyed preaching the Gospel on Tuesday evening in a street meeting in the town of Sao Mamede. 35 people listened attentively with another 15 listening on the doorsteps a bit farther away. It was a lovely meeting led by school teacher Claudivan.

Yesterday was world environment day and I led fifty six 4th year school children around the nature trails of Green Pastures including grand-daughter Amanda and taught them about caring for God’s creation. It was a lovely morning with plenty of good exercise. 

Yesterday we had Pastor Wostenes and his wife Gleydice with us for lunch. Then we had an excellent meeting of our schools coordinators with 18 present. What an important work the EAB Action Schools do seeking to lift very poor children out of poverty and pointing them to Jesus at the same time. 

Our grandson Arthur leaves Africa today flying to Rome on the final leg of his Afro-European tour. He rode a camel in Morocco, dressed as an Arab and slept (not much!) a night in the Sahara desert in a tent!

I enjoyed preaching the Gospel on Tuesday evening in a street meeting in the town of Sao Mamede. 35 people listened attentively with another 15 listening on the doorsteps a bit farther away. It was a lovely meeting led by school teacher Claudivan.

Yesterday was world environment day and I led fifty six 4th year school children around the nature trails of Green Pastures including grand-daughter Amanda and taught them about caring for God’s creation. It was a lovely morning with plenty of good exercise. 

Yesterday we had Pastor Wostenes and his wife Gleydice with us for lunch. Then we had an excellent meeting of our schools coordinators with 18 present. What an important work the EAB Action Schools do seeking to lift very poor children out of poverty and pointing them to Jesus at the same time. 

Our grandson Arthur leaves Africa today flying to Rome on the final leg of his Afro-European tour. He rode a camel in Morocco, dressed as an Arab and slept (not much!) a night in the Sahara desert in a tent!

I enjoyed preaching the Gospel on Tuesday evening in a street meeting in the town of Sao Mamede. 35 people listened attentively with another 15 listening on the doorsteps a bit farther away. It was a lovely meeting led by school teacher Claudivan.

Yesterday was world environment day and I led fifty six 4th year school children around the nature trails of Green Pastures including grand-daughter Amanda and taught them about caring for God’s creation. It was a lovely morning with plenty of good exercise. 

Yesterday we had Pastor Wostenes and his wife Gleydice with us for lunch. Then we had an excellent meeting of our schools coordinators with 18 present. What an important work the EAB Action Schools do seeking to lift very poor children out of poverty and pointing them to Jesus at the same time. 

Our grandson Arthur leaves Africa today flying to Rome on the final leg of his Afro-European tour. He rode a camel in Morocco, dressed as an Arab and slept (not much!) a night in the Sahara desert in a tent!

Our globe trotting 22-year-old grandson Arthur is now in Morroco where he plans to sleep for a night in a tent in the Sahara Desert and where he aims to ride a camel! He returns to Brazil a week today.

I led Sunday night’s main service of the week which was a communion service with a very full church. It was lovely to see Zaqueu there who doesn’t enjoy good health but who made the effort to be there for our monthly communion service. It was also good to see Gilmarco there who had been away for a long time at Maceio in the northeastern state of Alagoas. 

Yesterday afternoon Liz went with Deaconess Deborah Maria and some other sisters to visit 88-year-old Deaconess Beatriz who was operated on for cataracts last week and is doing fine. They gave her communion whilst there. 

There were six in the youth prayer meeting last night. It blesses my socks off seeing youngsters making the effort to meet for prayer on a Monday evening!

Our globe trotting 22-year-old grandson Arthur is now in Morroco where he plans to sleep for a night in a tent in the Sahara Desert and where he aims to ride a camel! He returns to Brazil a week today.

I led Sunday night’s main service of the week which was a communion service with a very full church. It was lovely to see Zaqueu there who doesn’t enjoy good health but who made the effort to be there for our monthly communion service. It was also good to see Gilmarco there who had been away for a long time at Maceio in the northeastern state of Alagoas. 

Yesterday afternoon Liz went with Deaconess Deborah Maria and some other sisters to visit 88-year-old Deaconess Beatriz who was operated on for cataracts last week and is doing fine. They gave her communion whilst there. 

There were six in the youth prayer meeting last night. It blesses my socks off seeing youngsters making the effort to meet for prayer on a Monday evening!

Our globe trotting 22-year-old grandson Arthur is now in Morroco where he plans to sleep for a night in a tent in the Sahara Desert and where he aims to ride a camel! He returns to Brazil a week today.

I led Sunday night’s main service of the week which was a communion service with a very full church. It was lovely to see Zaqueu there who doesn’t enjoy good health but who made the effort to be there for our monthly communion service. It was also good to see Gilmarco there who had been away for a long time at Maceio in the northeastern state of Alagoas. 

Yesterday afternoon Liz went with Deaconess Deborah Maria and some other sisters to visit 88-year-old Deaconess Beatriz who was operated on for cataracts last week and is doing fine. They gave her communion whilst there. 

There were six in the youth prayer meeting last night. It blesses my socks off seeing youngsters making the effort to meet for prayer on a Monday evening!

On Friday afternoon I enjoyed a lovely walk through the wilds of Green Pastures taking special note of the many young trees that we have planted over the years. We planted over a hundred Umbu trees (Brazilian green plum) and it is wonderful to see them slowly growing. One of them is outgrowing all the others and is quite magnificent. Other trees that I observed were Angico, Aroeira, Pinhao Bravo, Juca, Jurema etc. All these trees are native trees from our region which manage to survive our annual hot droughts. There are no translations for the names of these trees.

Intense rain on the coast at Joao Pessoa on Friday caused bad flash flooding in the lower lying areas of the city disrupting traffic, inundating houses and partially submerging vehicles. 

Our Patos school needs some repairs done to its roof as it leaked a lot during the rainy season. The budgeted cost of the repairs is 566 pounds.

Last night I led the service at the Green Pastures church and a very good number came along to a lovely communion service. Marina led the worship, Bible College graduate Murilo preached from John 20 and Paulo Silas, Nega, Julio and Manoel also took part.

Our rainy season is now over as we are now in the month of June. Our rainy season this year was good with a total of 837 mm of rain. Our target for an excellent year is 1,000 mm. We will now have no rain until December or next year (apart from the odd shower), and it will get steadily hotter as the year goes on.

On Friday afternoon I enjoyed a lovely walk through the wilds of Green Pastures taking special note of the many young trees that we have planted over the years. We planted over a hundred Umbu trees (Brazilian green plum) and it is wonderful to see them slowly growing. One of them is outgrowing all the others and is quite magnificent. Other trees that I observed were Angico, Aroeira, Pinhao Bravo, Juca, Jurema etc. All these trees are native trees from our region which manage to survive our annual hot droughts. There are no translations for the names of these trees.

Intense rain on the coast at Joao Pessoa on Friday caused bad flash flooding in the lower lying areas of the city disrupting traffic, inundating houses and partially submerging vehicles. 

Our Patos school needs some repairs done to its roof as it leaked a lot during the rainy season. The budgeted cost of the repairs is 566 pounds.

Last night I led the service at the Green Pastures church and a very good number came along to a lovely communion service. Marina led the worship, Bible College graduate Murilo preached from John 20 and Paulo Silas, Nega, Julio and Manoel also took part.

Our rainy season is now over as we are now in the month of June. Our rainy season this year was good with a total of 837 mm of rain. Our target for an excellent year is 1,000 mm. We will now have no rain until December or next year (apart from the odd shower), and it will get steadily hotter as the year goes on.

On Wednesday afternoon Liz and I went to visit sister Raquel on her 77th birthday. Raquel is bed-ridden owing to knee and hip problems. She is very grateful to the EAB wheelchair bank which has loaned her a wheelchair for a year now. If Raquel was in the UK she would have had hip & knee replacements.

Another person who is being benefitted by the EAB wheelchair bank is Edmilson in the town of Ipueira in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. He has had one of our chairs for about a year and a half now as he broke his leg, but the bone has never healed. Please pray for him.

As the floods receed in the south of Brazil there are still 48,000 people in temporary shelter in schools and gymnasiums. 630,000 people are out of their homes and 114,000 are without electricity. The problems there are gigantic.

On Wednesday afternoon Liz and I went to visit sister Raquel on her 77th birthday. Raquel is bed-ridden owing to knee and hip problems. She is very grateful to the EAB wheelchair bank which has loaned her a wheelchair for a year now. If Raquel was in the UK she would have had hip & knee replacements.

Another person who is being benefitted by the EAB wheelchair bank is Edmilson in the town of Ipueira in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. He has had one of our chairs for about a year and a half now as he broke his leg, but the bone has never healed. Please pray for him.

As the floods receed in the south of Brazil there are still 48,000 people in temporary shelter in schools and gymnasiums. 630,000 people are out of their homes and 114,000 are without electricity. The problems there are gigantic.

Our grandson Arthur has now travelled from Heathrow to Barcelona where he is at the Primavera Sound Music Festival. He is travelling without baggage (just a rucksack on his back) and he flies dressed in 2 pairs of trousers and 5 shirts to avoid baggage! 😂 I asked him the other day if he was going from London to Basingstoke by train and he answered: “No way! It costs 20 pounds! I am going by coach which only costs 5.70 pounds!” 😀He is staying in Barcelona in a youth hostel sleeping on a top bunk with 7 other young men in the room.

Last night I led the Bible study about the integral mission of God and it went very well. There were 10 of us men there in the lovely men’s fellowship meeting.

Our grandson Arthur has now travelled from Heathrow to Barcelona where he is at the Primavera Sound Music Festival. He is travelling without baggage (just a rucksack on his back) and he flies dressed in 2 pairs of trousers and 5 shirts to avoid baggage! 😂 I asked him the other day if he was going from London to Basingstoke by train and he answered: “No way! It costs 20 pounds! I am going by coach which only costs 5.70 pounds!” 😀He is staying in Barcelona in a youth hostel sleeping on a top bunk with 7 other young men in the room.

Last night I led the Bible study about the integral mission of God and it went very well. There were 10 of us men there in the lovely men’s fellowship meeting.

Our grandson Arthur has now travelled from Heathrow to Barcelona where he is at the Primavera Sound Music Festival. He is travelling without baggage (just a rucksack on his back) and he flies dressed in 2 pairs of trousers and 5 shirts to avoid baggage! 😂 I asked him the other day if he was going from London to Basingstoke by train and he answered: “No way! It costs 20 pounds! I am going by coach which only costs 5.70 pounds!” 😀He is staying in Barcelona in a youth hostel sleeping on a top bunk with 7 other young men in the room.

Last night I led the Bible study about the integral mission of God and it went very well. There were 10 of us men there in the lovely men’s fellowship meeting.

Yesterday we had a rest day in Joao Pessoa where we still are after the Pastors & Leaders Conference. We will be travelling back to Patos later today. The service was led back in Patos by our associate pastor Rafael and our Bible College graduate Murilo preached the Word.

Our globe trotting grandson Arthur is still in Basingstoke with Philip, Gylmara and family. Tomorrow he flies to Barcelona for a music festival. Today they have gone to Brighton for the day.

Liz has gone to the beach now with Lynn, Amanda and Hutan. I don’t like the beach so I have stayed typing this! 😎

In the floods in the extreme south of Brazil the death toll has risen to 169 with 56 people still missing. 581,000 are still homeless though the situation is improving, but the recovery is a massive task.

Yesterday we had a rest day in Joao Pessoa where we still are after the Pastors & Leaders Conference. We will be travelling back to Patos later today. The service was led back in Patos by our associate pastor Rafael and our Bible College graduate Murilo preached the Word.

Our globe trotting grandson Arthur is still in Basingstoke with Philip, Gylmara and family. Tomorrow he flies to Barcelona for a music festival. Today they have gone to Brighton for the day.

Liz has gone to the beach now with Lynn, Amanda and Hutan. I don’t like the beach so I have stayed typing this! 😎

In the floods in the extreme south of Brazil the death toll has risen to 169 with 56 people still missing. 581,000 are still homeless though the situation is improving, but the recovery is a massive task.

Liz and I are in Joao Pessoa since Friday. We got up at 5 am on Friday and arrived at our church in Joao Pessoa at 11 am ready for the opening Pastors’ Conference fellowship lunch at 12 noon. Straight after lunch we held a senior leaders’ meeting and interviewed a candidate for probationary ministerial status and after this the first general assembly started at 2 pm.

The Pastors’ Conference went off extremely well and we got through a great deal of business in a harmonious productive spirit with rich participation from the pastors and other leaders. We gave ministerial status to Vera who leads the Ibiara church together with her husband Naldinho. We also ordained Naldinho, Matheus and Hortencia. The 11-person senior leadership team was elected for 2024 to 2028 with me chairman, Pastor Wostenes deputy chairman. The Leaders’ Conference in September at Green Pastures it was decided will have the theme of “the challenges for church growth” and will be coordinated by Gleydice. 

At the conference we learnt of new small churches having been started at the Sitio California where there are 5 believers, and at Lagoa da Ricarda where there are 2 believers. We heard the report from our Bible College in Campina Grande and from the radio programmes at Flores and Imaculada. We learnt too that our Matureia church is going to expand the church building to cope with its growing numbers. Our Flores church has grown and was given the recognition of the status as a large church. Now we have 25 larger churches, 27 medium size churches and 29 small churches making a total of 81 churches. We have a new market garden project at Large da Onca. 

The Pastors’ Conference ended with a lively and blessed celebration with 3 ordinations and I preached on church unity from Psalm 133. It was a lovely close to a lovely conference. Thank you for your prayers.

Liz and I are in Joao Pessoa since Friday. We got up at 5 am on Friday and arrived at our church in Joao Pessoa at 11 am ready for the opening Pastors’ Conference fellowship lunch at 12 noon. Straight after lunch we held a senior leaders’ meeting and interviewed a candidate for probationary ministerial status and after this the first general assembly started at 2 pm.

The Pastors’ Conference went off extremely well and we got through a great deal of business in a harmonious productive spirit with rich participation from the pastors and other leaders. We gave ministerial status to Vera who leads the Ibiara church together with her husband Naldinho. We also ordained Naldinho, Matheus and Hortencia. The 11-person senior leadership team was elected for 2024 to 2028 with me chairman, Pastor Wostenes deputy chairman. The Leaders’ Conference in September at Green Pastures it was decided will have the theme of “the challenges for church growth” and will be coordinated by Gleydice. 

At the conference we learnt of new small churches having been started at the Sitio California where there are 5 believers, and at Lagoa da Ricarda where there are 2 believers. We heard the report from our Bible College in Campina Grande and from the radio programmes at Flores and Imaculada. We learnt too that our Matureia church is going to expand the church building to cope with its growing numbers. Our Flores church has grown and was given the recognition of the status as a large church. Now we have 25 larger churches, 27 medium size churches and 29 small churches making a total of 81 churches. We have a new market garden project at Large da Onca. 

The Pastors’ Conference ended with a lively and blessed celebration with 3 ordinations and I preached on church unity from Psalm 133. It was a lovely close to a lovely conference. Thank you for your prayers.

Liz and I are in Joao Pessoa since Friday. We got up at 5 am on Friday and arrived at our church in Joao Pessoa at 11 am ready for the opening Pastors’ Conference fellowship lunch at 12 noon. Straight after lunch we held a senior leaders’ meeting and interviewed a candidate for probationary ministerial status and after this the first general assembly started at 2 pm.

The Pastors’ Conference went off extremely well and we got through a great deal of business in a harmonious productive spirit with rich participation from the pastors and other leaders. We gave ministerial status to Vera who leads the Ibiara church together with her husband Naldinho. We also ordained Naldinho, Matheus and Hortencia. The 11-person senior leadership team was elected for 2024 to 2028 with me chairman, Pastor Wostenes deputy chairman. The Leaders’ Conference in September at Green Pastures it was decided will have the theme of “the challenges for church growth” and will be coordinated by Gleydice. 

At the conference we learnt of new small churches having been started at the Sitio California where there are 5 believers, and at Lagoa da Ricarda where there are 2 believers. We heard the report from our Bible College in Campina Grande and from the radio programmes at Flores and Imaculada. We learnt too that our Matureia church is going to expand the church building to cope with its growing numbers. Our Flores church has grown and was given the recognition of the status as a large church. Now we have 25 larger churches, 27 medium size churches and 29 small churches making a total of 81 churches. We have a new market garden project at Large da Onca. 

The Pastors’ Conference ended with a lively and blessed celebration with 3 ordinations and I preached on church unity from Psalm 133. It was a lovely close to a lovely conference. Thank you for your prayers.

This week we will be travelling to Joao Pessoa early on Friday morning for our annual pastors and leaders general conference which I will be leading, and I will be preaching at the celebration service on Saturday night when 3 new ministers will be ordained. We value your prayers as we prepare for this important event.

Our granddaughter Beatriz (known as Bia pronounced Beeah) became the female table tennis champion of all the schools in our region this week, winning the final in straight sets. Well done Bia! Bia will now play in the State championship in Joao Pessoa.

Our grandson John David’s book called ‘Magic Crystals’ is in the build-up for its official launch in July and people can now pre-order the book. As a good grandfather I have ordered my copy though I hardly think the book will be my cup of tea! 😉

I have had discussions with the Patos Education Secretary as we need the Council to clean up the piece of land we have rented next to our Patos school which will be used as a play and sports area. The Council has been dragging its feet about doing this work but after my intervention it would seem the work will be done ths week.

The floods in the south of Brazil are finally receeding with the death toll at 161, 806 injured and 85 still missing.

EAB’s little magazine InTouch #101 is now available online on the EAB website at http://eabrazil.org/2024/05/21/intouch-101/

This week we will be travelling to Joao Pessoa early on Friday morning for our annual pastors and leaders general conference which I will be leading, and I will be preaching at the celebration service on Saturday night when 3 new ministers will be ordained. We value your prayers as we prepare for this important event.

Our granddaughter Beatriz (known as Bia pronounced Beeah) became the female table tennis champion of all the schools in our region this week, winning the final in straight sets. Well done Bia! Bia will now play in the State championship in Joao Pessoa.

Our grandson John David’s book called ‘Magic Crystals’ is in the build-up for its official launch in July and people can now pre-order the book. As a good grandfather I have ordered my copy though I hardly think the book will be my cup of tea! 😉

I have had discussions with the Patos Education Secretary as we need the Council to clean up the piece of land we have rented next to our Patos school which will be used as a play and sports area. The Council has been dragging its feet about doing this work but after my intervention it would seem the work will be done ths week.

The floods in the south of Brazil are finally receeding with the death toll at 161, 806 injured and 85 still missing.

EAB’s little magazine InTouch #101 is now available online on the EAB website at http://eabrazil.org/2024/05/21/intouch-101/

On Pentecost Sunday at 8 am I baptized 10 new converts from our Patos church at Green Pastures, followed by a church fellowship breakfast. It was a wonderful morning!

Our globetrotting grandson Arther flew from London to Iceland on Sunday where he will be until tomorrow. He hoped to see the erupting volcano there, but I think it is out of bounds this week owing to its dangerous state.

I am getting positive feedback on EAB’s magazine #InTouch 101 which should have reached you by now via snailmail. 

In the month of May we always especially focus on the combatting of child abuse in our schools and this time a case of attempted abuse has been uncovered. Please pray as we handle this very delicate situation. I can give no more details than this.

On Sunday I led the main service of the week at night and my associate pastor Rafael preached from Luke 24. We received 13 people into fellowship. It was a lovely service.

The death toll in the floods in the south of Brazil has risen to 157 and there are still 88 people unaccounted for. Over 600,000 people have been displaced by the floods. Please pray. 

On Pentecost Sunday at 8 am I baptized 10 new converts from our Patos church at Green Pastures, followed by a church fellowship breakfast. It was a wonderful morning!

Our globetrotting grandson Arther flew from London to Iceland on Sunday where he will be until tomorrow. He hoped to see the erupting volcano there, but I think it is out of bounds this week owing to its dangerous state.

I am getting positive feedback on EAB’s magazine #InTouch 101 which should have reached you by now via snailmail. 

In the month of May we always especially focus on the combatting of child abuse in our schools and this time a case of attempted abuse has been uncovered. Please pray as we handle this very delicate situation. I can give no more details than this.

On Sunday I led the main service of the week at night and my associate pastor Rafael preached from Luke 24. We received 13 people into fellowship. It was a lovely service.

The death toll in the floods in the south of Brazil has risen to 157 and there are still 88 people unaccounted for. Over 600,000 people have been displaced by the floods. Please pray. 

On Friday night Liz and I travelled to a town called Passagem which is 37 km east of Patos. I preached the Gospel at our little church there which is lead by Eduardo and Cleide, helped by their son Davi who plays the guitar well. It was a lovely service.

On Friday we received a surprise visit from sister Felismina. She is a dentist who used to be a member of our church in Patos and now lives with her husband Pedro in Portugal. Pedro is Portuguese. She told us how badly they missed our church after their move abroad.

The ‘young at heart’ group of seniors met at sister Socorro Help’s house this week instead of their usual venue of the care centre. The meeting was really blessed as they encouraged Socorro Help who is far from well.

The 2022 census shows that there are 11.4 million illiterate people of 15-years-old and over in Brazil. EAB’s action schools are but a drop in the ocean, but we are contributing towards the solution of this problem as we make sure that over 800 children learn to read and write well.

Last night I took the service at Green Pastures which was good despite low numbers. Yesterday at our Flores church Pastor Nemias (Nehemiah) baptized 3 new converts. PTL!

Yesterday afternoon Liz and I went to visit two sisters from our Patos church: Toinha (aged 87) and Lourdes (aged 68). They live in a new small housing estate of 40 houses/chalets (1 bedroom + toilet/shower + living room with kitchen area) built by the state government for seniors and called Cidade Madura (Mature City). We had a lovely time of fellowship with our sisters in Christ and read the Bible and prayed with them.

Our grandson Arthur left by coach on Wednesday for Recife, from where he flew to Sao Paulo, Madrid & London. He will stay in London till Sunday when he will fly to Iceland. 

My one-hour TV interview about my life and ministry is having very positive repercussions and I am receiving many messages from people. I was invited to do the interview by the TV station. The interview has also gone out on state-wide radio. You can see the interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWD4Etk97wA . I know most won’t understand the Portuguese, but after the initial adverts you will at least be able to see me in action! We praise God for all the doors He opens to the Gospel.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study to which we had 25 present. It was a good service.