Categoria: News

I am most unwell and on a drip. Both my sodium and potassium levels are very low and I feel awful. I value your prayers.

Please also pray for our annual 10-day evangelistic outreach which starts tomorrow. It will be held at Juazeirinho. The team this year will have over 50 in it.

I am most unwell and on a drip. Both my sodium and potassium levels are very low and I feel awful. I value your prayers.

Please also pray for our annual 10-day evangelistic outreach which starts tomorrow. It will be held at Juazeirinho. The team this year will have over 50 in it.

Saturday night’s final service of 2022 went very well. I both led the service and preached. Prior to my sermon we enjoyed the participation of a wide range of church members. It started with the youth group singing and this was followed by a quartet. Liz then did a resumé of the church’s year giving thanks to one and all for their cooperation in the Gospel. This was followed by a duet and two words of greetings from different brothers. The variety of the programme was added to by ballet in praise of God by our granddaughter Alice, her friend Millena and a little 5 year old Eloisa who did very well. We heard 4 more words of greetings from brothers including our deaf pastor Luis Carlos and then there was a final duet. Everything was a lovely way to end the year with much praise to God for all those that came to make commitments to Christ.

On Sunday night (January 1st) I conducted the communion service and Rafael preached. We received two new sisters into fellowship – Maria and Salete. It was a good start to the New Year.

Yesterday newly elected President Lula was sworn into office. Thankfully all went off peacefully under a very strong police vigilance. The defeated ex-president Bolsonaro left the country prior to the ceremony!

Saturday night’s final service of 2022 went very well. I both led the service and preached. Prior to my sermon we enjoyed the participation of a wide range of church members. It started with the youth group singing and this was followed by a quartet. Liz then did a resumé of the church’s year giving thanks to one and all for their cooperation in the Gospel. This was followed by a duet and two words of greetings from different brothers. The variety of the programme was added to by ballet in praise of God by our granddaughter Alice, her friend Millena and a little 5 year old Eloisa who did very well. We heard 4 more words of greetings from brothers including our deaf pastor Luis Carlos and then there was a final duet. Everything was a lovely way to end the year with much praise to God for all those that came to make commitments to Christ.

On Sunday night (January 1st) I conducted the communion service and Rafael preached. We received two new sisters into fellowship – Maria and Salete. It was a good start to the New Year.

Yesterday newly elected President Lula was sworn into office. Thankfully all went off peacefully under a very strong police vigilance. The defeated ex-president Bolsonaro left the country prior to the ceremony!

We have received the sad news that our dear sister in Christ Pat White went to be with the Lord today. Our prayers and thoughts are with her children Peter and Sarah and all the family. Pat was an EAB trustee for many years serving as EAB treasurer. Her late husband Ken was chairman of the EAB Board of trustees and their son Peter was also an EAB trustee and editor of our InTouch magazine for many years. EAB remembers the White family with much gratitude.

We have received the sad news that our dear sister in Christ Pat White went to be with the Lord today. Our prayers and thoughts are with her children Peter and Sarah and all the family. Pat was an EAB trustee for many years serving as EAB treasurer. Her late husband Ken was chairman of the EAB Board of trustees and their son Peter was also an EAB trustee and editor of our InTouch magazine for many years. EAB remembers the White family with much gratitude.

Last night Liz went to the Women’s Fellowship end of year get-together. They all went for a meal at a restaurant. Liz says it was a lovely time of fellowship with a good number present.

I have finished reading a book called ‘The plausibility problem’ (the church and same-sex attraction) by Ed Shaw. It is a good book written by a pastor in Bristol who is a celibate homosexual.

I went for a walk with Liz at Green Pastures and saw a pair of Burrowing Owls. One quickly hid in its burrow whilst the other just watched us perched on a fence post. Later we saw a pair of foxes ahead of us on the trail. They just stared at us before disappearing into the bush.

I have been preparing my sermon for Saturday evening which is New Year’s Eve. The service will have various participations singing and testimonies. On New Year’s Eve we do things differently.

Last night Liz went to the Women’s Fellowship end of year get-together. They all went for a meal at a restaurant. Liz says it was a lovely time of fellowship with a good number present.

I have finished reading a book called ‘The plausibility problem’ (the church and same-sex attraction) by Ed Shaw. It is a good book written by a pastor in Bristol who is a celibate homosexual.

I went for a walk with Liz at Green Pastures and saw a pair of Burrowing Owls. One quickly hid in its burrow whilst the other just watched us perched on a fence post. Later we saw a pair of foxes ahead of us on the trail. They just stared at us before disappearing into the bush.

I have been preparing my sermon for Saturday evening which is New Year’s Eve. The service will have various participations singing and testimonies. On New Year’s Eve we do things differently.

We always dream of a wet Christmas in view of the lack of rain and high temperatures in December. This year it didn’t rain on Christmas Day but it did rain on Christmas Eve and the day before that. Hence we were thrilled to receive 64 mm of rain which is just over 2 and a half inches! PTL!

I preached at our Christmas Eve service and our youth group produced a wonderful cantata. It was an excellent service.

After church we had all the family to our house for the traditional Brazilian Christmas Eve supper which went off beautifully. On Christmas Day we had the traditional British Christmas lunch complete with stuffing and Christmas pudding which we had brought from England.

At night we had our Christmas Day service with the children doing their own Cantata which was lovely. Assistant pastor Rafael preached the Word. Then all the children received their presents round the Christmas tree.

We always dream of a wet Christmas in view of the lack of rain and high temperatures in December. This year it didn’t rain on Christmas Day but it did rain on Christmas Eve and the day before that. Hence we were thrilled to receive 64 mm of rain which is just over 2 and a half inches! PTL!

I preached at our Christmas Eve service and our youth group produced a wonderful cantata. It was an excellent service.

After church we had all the family to our house for the traditional Brazilian Christmas Eve supper which went off beautifully. On Christmas Day we had the traditional British Christmas lunch complete with stuffing and Christmas pudding which we had brought from England.

At night we had our Christmas Day service with the children doing their own Cantata which was lovely. Assistant pastor Rafael preached the Word. Then all the children received their presents round the Christmas tree.

 I have just got home after conducting dear Sandra’s funeral. There were just 30 present. Sacha missed her visit to the hairdressers to be able to do the singing and Mailson played an acoustic guitar. Liz opened in prayer and then we had a song. After this I read the Word and brought a brief message. This was followed by a second song (“Because He lives I can face tomorrow”) then my assistant pastor Rafael brought another brief message. This was followed by a third song prior to me closing in prayer. The family were very grateful for the service and the Gospel was preached to those present.

 I have just got home after conducting dear Sandra’s funeral. There were just 30 present. Sacha missed her visit to the hairdressers to be able to do the singing and Mailson played an acoustic guitar. Liz opened in prayer and then we had a song. After this I read the Word and brought a brief message. This was followed by a second song (“Because He lives I can face tomorrow”) then my assistant pastor Rafael brought another brief message. This was followed by a third song prior to me closing in prayer. The family were very grateful for the service and the Gospel was preached to those present.

 We received the sad news early this morning that Sandra Raquel (Down’s syndrome) died in the night. Sandra was a member of our Patos church and had been steadily deteriorating in health in recent years. She was 48 years old although she looked much younger. We thank Danbury Mission for having helped her for many years. I will be conducting the funeral this afternoon.

Last night Liz and I took part in the Pastor Frank Dyer School’s end of year Christmas service. We blocked off the street in front of the school and filled it with pupils, parents and staff. It was a lovely service. Especially nice was the singing by the children and a short play also performed by the children. At the end all the children and the staff received gifts and there were broad smiles all round.

We had a walk at Green Pastures and saw 3 Turkey Vultures up close. We also saw 2 Black Vultures by the lake.

Last night Liz and I took part in the Pastor Frank Dyer School’s end of year Christmas service. We blocked off the street in front of the school and filled it with pupils, parents and staff. It was a lovely service. Especially nice was the singing by the children and a short play also performed by the children. At the end all the children and the staff received gifts and there were broad smiles all round.

We had a walk at Green Pastures and saw 3 Turkey Vultures up close. We also saw 2 Black Vultures by the lake.

 Every year we hold a camp at Green Pastures during the Brazilian carnival period which usually is in the month of February. The dates for the camp in 2023 are from the 18th to the 22nd of that month. We had a meeting with the church about the camp earlier this month and last night we held an excellent meeting of the camp leadership team. We defined the theme for the 7 services as “It is time to care”. It is time to care for yourself emotionally and physically – care for the family – care for your neighbour in social action and with evangelism – care for the church and care for your spiritual life. Please pray for the camp and for all the preparations between now and then. Any contributions to help the poor go to the camp will be most welcome.

The World Cup final ended the tournament in great style. What a match! It ended with Argentina winning as I had forecast. 

On Sunday night we had a really good service in Patos which I led together with Rafael and I preached on the first Psalm. The service at Green Pastures on Saturday night went very well too.

 Every year we hold a camp at Green Pastures during the Brazilian carnival period which usually is in the month of February. The dates for the camp in 2023 are from the 18th to the 22nd of that month. We had a meeting with the church about the camp earlier this month and last night we held an excellent meeting of the camp leadership team. We defined the theme for the 7 services as “It is time to care”. It is time to care for yourself emotionally and physically – care for the family – care for your neighbour in social action and with evangelism – care for the church and care for your spiritual life. Please pray for the camp and for all the preparations between now and then. Any contributions to help the poor go to the camp will be most welcome.

The World Cup final ended the tournament in great style. What a match! It ended with Argentina winning as I had forecast. 

On Sunday night we had a really good service in Patos which I led together with Rafael and I preached on the first Psalm. The service at Green Pastures on Saturday night went very well too.

Liz spent quite some time this week counselling people. One session with 2 ladies lasted 2 hours. All went well and was blessed of God.

I will be preaching tomorrow in Patos and will be leading the Green Pastures service tonight.

Deborah and I walked at Green Pastures yesterday and heard and saw many birds. We saw Guira Cuckoos, Cactus Parakeet, Black Anis, and Pigmy Owls.

So the World Cup final will be between Argentina and France. My guess is that Argentina will win. 

Liz spent quite some time this week counselling people. One session with 2 ladies lasted 2 hours. All went well and was blessed of God.

I will be preaching tomorrow in Patos and will be leading the Green Pastures service tonight.

Deborah and I walked at Green Pastures yesterday and heard and saw many birds. We saw Guira Cuckoos, Cactus Parakeet, Black Anis, and Pigmy Owls.

So the World Cup final will be between Argentina and France. My guess is that Argentina will win. 

Liz spent quite some time this week counselling people. One session with 2 ladies lasted 2 hours. All went well and was blessed of God.

I will be preaching tomorrow in Patos and will be leading the Green Pastures service tonight.

Deborah and I walked at Green Pastures yesterday and heard and saw many birds. We saw Guira Cuckoos, Cactus Parakeet, Black Anis, and Pigmy Owls.

So the World Cup final will be between Argentina and France. My guess is that Argentina will win. 

 Saturday night saw us holding 3 services at Green Pastures, Ipueira and Passagem. I took the service at Green Pastures, the Christians in Action team took the service at Ipueira and the youth took the service at Passgem including Pastor Rafael who dedicated 2 babies. All the services went well and were blessed of God.

Yesterday was “Bible Day” in Brazil and Sacha brought an excellent message from God’s Word. I led the service. That was at night. In the morning we had our annual church business meeting which went off very well.

On Saturday afternoon I sadly watched England get beaten 2 x 1 by France in the World Cup and thus get eliminated. I thought England played fairly well but of course not well enough. Harry Kane’s penalty miss was fatal.

 Saturday night saw us holding 3 services at Green Pastures, Ipueira and Passagem. I took the service at Green Pastures, the Christians in Action team took the service at Ipueira and the youth took the service at Passgem including Pastor Rafael who dedicated 2 babies. All the services went well and were blessed of God.

Yesterday was “Bible Day” in Brazil and Sacha brought an excellent message from God’s Word. I led the service. That was at night. In the morning we had our annual church business meeting which went off very well.

On Saturday afternoon I sadly watched England get beaten 2 x 1 by France in the World Cup and thus get eliminated. I thought England played fairly well but of course not well enough. Harry Kane’s penalty miss was fatal.

I today watched the sad spectacle of Brazil being knocked out of the World Cup by 4 x 2 on penalties after 1 x 1 in extra time. Croatia were the winners. Croatia played best in the first half as did Brazil in the second half and during extra time. However instead of defending deep in extra time after they had scored they carried on attacking flamboyantly and paid the price with Croatia’s late equalizer.

Yesterday we visited an elderly sister from our church who is not attending the services. We had a long chat with Sister Socorro and a nice time of prayer.

Last night we had an excellent meeting with Pastor Rafael who is our assistant pastor. We had a wide ranging discussion about the church. 

I have read the A Rocha’s (Christian environmental agency) annual review and it is very good. Our Green Pastures Nature Reserve is officially linked to A Rocha as a “friend” of A Rocha.

I today watched the sad spectacle of Brazil being knocked out of the World Cup by 4 x 2 on penalties after 1 x 1 in extra time. Croatia were the winners. Croatia played best in the first half as did Brazil in the second half and during extra time. However instead of defending deep in extra time after they had scored they carried on attacking flamboyantly and paid the price with Croatia’s late equalizer.

Yesterday we visited an elderly sister from our church who is not attending the services. We had a long chat with Sister Socorro and a nice time of prayer.

Last night we had an excellent meeting with Pastor Rafael who is our assistant pastor. We had a wide ranging discussion about the church. 

I have read the A Rocha’s (Christian environmental agency) annual review and it is very good. Our Green Pastures Nature Reserve is officially linked to A Rocha as a “friend” of A Rocha.

I have prepared a sermon from the Psalms. It will be an exposition of the first Psalm.

Our eldest grandson has just managed to get himself a job. He is to be an architect’s assistant with the Guedes Shopping Centre and Supermarket group. Felipe has a degree in architecture. We are very pleased for Felipe and thank God for answering our prayers.

I watched Brazil beat South Korea 4 x 1 in the World Cup. The first 36 minutes were scintillating stuff with Brazil 4 goals up. They took their foot off the throttle in the second half and just avoided injuries and yellow cards. It was great to see the players dancing after every goal. Especially good was the Pigeon dance after goal number 3 by Richarlisson in which even the manager joined in. Richarlisson’s nick-name is pigeon!

Yesterday afternoon we had a nice walk at Green Pastures and observed (seeing or hearing) a number of birds. We heard a lot of Scarlet-throated Tanagers, Spot-backed Puffbird and saw a Chalk-browed Mockingbird, a Shiny Cowbird and a Southern Lapwing. If you put these names of birds in Google you can see photos of them.  

I have prepared a sermon from the Psalms. It will be an exposition of the first Psalm.

Our eldest grandson has just managed to get himself a job. He is to be an architect’s assistant with the Guedes Shopping Centre and Supermarket group. Felipe has a degree in architecture. We are very pleased for Felipe and thank God for answering our prayers.

I watched Brazil beat South Korea 4 x 1 in the World Cup. The first 36 minutes were scintillating stuff with Brazil 4 goals up. They took their foot off the throttle in the second half and just avoided injuries and yellow cards. It was great to see the players dancing after every goal. Especially good was the Pigeon dance after goal number 3 by Richarlisson in which even the manager joined in. Richarlisson’s nick-name is pigeon!

Yesterday afternoon we had a nice walk at Green Pastures and observed (seeing or hearing) a number of birds. We heard a lot of Scarlet-throated Tanagers, Spot-backed Puffbird and saw a Chalk-browed Mockingbird, a Shiny Cowbird and a Southern Lapwing. If you put these names of birds in Google you can see photos of them.  

I have prepared a sermon from the Psalms. It will be an exposition of the first Psalm.

Our eldest grandson has just managed to get himself a job. He is to be an architect’s assistant with the Guedes Shopping Centre and Supermarket group. Felipe has a degree in architecture. We are very pleased for Felipe and thank God for answering our prayers.

I watched Brazil beat South Korea 4 x 1 in the World Cup. The first 36 minutes were scintillating stuff with Brazil 4 goals up. They took their foot off the throttle in the second half and just avoided injuries and yellow cards. It was great to see the players dancing after every goal. Especially good was the Pigeon dance after goal number 3 by Richarlisson in which even the manager joined in. Richarlisson’s nick-name is pigeon!

Yesterday afternoon we had a nice walk at Green Pastures and observed (seeing or hearing) a number of birds. We heard a lot of Scarlet-throated Tanagers, Spot-backed Puffbird and saw a Chalk-browed Mockingbird, a Shiny Cowbird and a Southern Lapwing. If you put these names of birds in Google you can see photos of them.  

Liz and I have had another longish session of counselling. This time it was with a couple who I shan’t name. Please pray for this couple who need to get nearer to God.

On Saturday night I led the Green Pastures church service and Bible College student and journalist Ray spoke on Isaiah 9:1-7. Fred, Manoel and a group of women sang. It was a good service. At Ipueira in Rio Grande do Norte state a service was also held and led by brother Dedé of the Christians in Action group. A group from Patos also went to Juazeirinho for their anniversary service. I led the service in Patos last night and assistant pastor Rafael preached.

Prior to the Sunday service I watched the England x Senegal match in the World Cup which England won 3 x 0. England played very well and in the second half scored 3 goals and just didn’t let Senegal play. I don’t think Senegal got a shot in during the second half. So now England will play France in the quarter-finals which will be quite a match!

Liz and I have had another longish session of counselling. This time it was with a couple who I shan’t name. Please pray for this couple who need to get nearer to God.

On Saturday night I led the Green Pastures church service and Bible College student and journalist Ray spoke on Isaiah 9:1-7. Fred, Manoel and a group of women sang. It was a good service. At Ipueira in Rio Grande do Norte state a service was also held and led by brother Dedé of the Christians in Action group. A group from Patos also went to Juazeirinho for their anniversary service. I led the service in Patos last night and assistant pastor Rafael preached.

Prior to the Sunday service I watched the England x Senegal match in the World Cup which England won 3 x 0. England played very well and in the second half scored 3 goals and just didn’t let Senegal play. I don’t think Senegal got a shot in during the second half. So now England will play France in the quarter-finals which will be quite a match!

We had another 14 mm of rain (over half an inch) at the end of November bringing the total rainfall in the month to 110 mm (4 and a half inches). To get rain in November here is extremely rare so we are very happy! This means we have had 1,210 mm of rain this year (50 inches) which is a record high.

Liz and I have had two good counselling sessions with different people. I can’t give their names. Both sessions were really fruitful with one especially including a request for forgiveness which was beautiful. It is also lovely to see a young family back in church after a long time away. Praise God!

I watched England beat Wales 3 x 0 in the World Cup and Brazil loose to Cameroons 1 x 0. I thought England played quite well. Brazil played with their reserves.

After the Brazil match I had my haircut. I had it cut nice and short which is how I like it. It was far too long up till yesterday as I hadn’t had it cut since I was in the UK. 

We had another 14 mm of rain (over half an inch) at the end of November bringing the total rainfall in the month to 110 mm (4 and a half inches). To get rain in November here is extremely rare so we are very happy! This means we have had 1,210 mm of rain this year (50 inches) which is a record high.

Liz and I have had two good counselling sessions with different people. I can’t give their names. Both sessions were really fruitful with one especially including a request for forgiveness which was beautiful. It is also lovely to see a young family back in church after a long time away. Praise God!

I watched England beat Wales 3 x 0 in the World Cup and Brazil loose to Cameroons 1 x 0. I thought England played quite well. Brazil played with their reserves.

After the Brazil match I had my haircut. I had it cut nice and short which is how I like it. It was far too long up till yesterday as I hadn’t had it cut since I was in the UK. 

We had another 14 mm of rain (over half an inch) at the end of November bringing the total rainfall in the month to 110 mm (4 and a half inches). To get rain in November here is extremely rare so we are very happy! This means we have had 1,210 mm of rain this year (50 inches) which is a record high.

Liz and I have had two good counselling sessions with different people. I can’t give their names. Both sessions were really fruitful with one especially including a request for forgiveness which was beautiful. It is also lovely to see a young family back in church after a long time away. Praise God!

I watched England beat Wales 3 x 0 in the World Cup and Brazil loose to Cameroons 1 x 0. I thought England played quite well. Brazil played with their reserves.

After the Brazil match I had my haircut. I had it cut nice and short which is how I like it. It was far too long up till yesterday as I hadn’t had it cut since I was in the UK. 

I went to my ophthalmologist (eye doctor) this morning as my eyes are somewhat inflamed owing to an allergy the doctor says. I have been put on antibiotic eye drops 4 times a day for 2 weeks.

Yesterday evening Sacha had a minor accident in a car when she accidentally turned the wrong way up a one-way street in Patos. The street has recently been made one-way. She collided with a young woman on a motorbike. Thankfully the woman was not hurt and damage was small.

I watched Brazil beat Switzerland 1 x 0 in the World Cup yesterday. Switzerland made Brazil work very hard for their victory. The win means Brazil are qualified for the knock-out stages and will be able to rest some of their key players for their last group match and give the reserves a turn.

Sunday night’s service went well. I led it and Pastor Ângelo from Soledade preached an excellent sermon on Jeremiah 31:1-14. Last night’s prayer meeting saw 10 people present.  

I went to my ophthalmologist (eye doctor) this morning as my eyes are somewhat inflamed owing to an allergy the doctor says. I have been put on antibiotic eye drops 4 times a day for 2 weeks.

Yesterday evening Sacha had a minor accident in a car when she accidentally turned the wrong way up a one-way street in Patos. The street has recently been made one-way. She collided with a young woman on a motorbike. Thankfully the woman was not hurt and damage was small.

I watched Brazil beat Switzerland 1 x 0 in the World Cup yesterday. Switzerland made Brazil work very hard for their victory. The win means Brazil are qualified for the knock-out stages and will be able to rest some of their key players for their last group match and give the reserves a turn.

Sunday night’s service went well. I led it and Pastor Ângelo from Soledade preached an excellent sermon on Jeremiah 31:1-14. Last night’s prayer meeting saw 10 people present.  

Last night I led the service at Green Pastures and Bible College student Ray Santana preached the Word from Matthew 4. He did very well. We also heard a word of greeting from Ana Beatriz and Isabela read the Bible and Manuel sang a solo. Also the Green Pastures women’s fellowship sang a beautiful song. They did exceptionally well.

A bird which is busy nesting at Green Pastures is the Long-billed Wren. It insists every nesting season to make a nest in the kitchen doorway which is quite a handful!

Please pray for a number of people in the Patos church who have gone down with Covid. Ricardo and his 2 children Ricardinho and Raysa all have Covid and Ricardo’s wife has the symptoms and will be tested tomorrow. Our fireman Romildo also has Covid.

I watched the England versus USA match in the World Cup and found it terribly boring. I hope their next match against Wales will be more interesting.

On Thursday night the numbers were down for the Bible study owing to all the ill health in the church. On Friday night the “Christians in Action” team went to Picotes village and held a lovely little open-air service.

We are awaiting the output test on our latest well drilling in the State of Pernambuco. We are pretty sure we have hit a strong water vein but one can never be sure before the test.

Our seniors ‘Young at Heart’ group made Christmas Decorations this week. They did very well.

I am watching the World Cup matches which involve England and Brazil. Both England and Brazil played well in their opening games. I have just finished watching Brazil beat Serbia 2 x 0. It was a tight match and Brazil played very well to win. They won well.

Last night I led and preached at the Fera School thanksgiving service for the students who are leaving school this year with their A levels. I preached a clear straight Gospel message on Jesus being the way, the truth and life (John 14:6). Someone afterwards sent me a message thanking me for the sermon which had really blessed them.

I am watching the World Cup matches which involve England and Brazil. Both England and Brazil played well in their opening games. I have just finished watching Brazil beat Serbia 2 x 0. It was a tight match and Brazil played very well to win. They won well.

Last night I led and preached at the Fera School thanksgiving service for the students who are leaving school this year with their A levels. I preached a clear straight Gospel message on Jesus being the way, the truth and life (John 14:6). Someone afterwards sent me a message thanking me for the sermon which had really blessed them.

Yesterday Liz and I travelled three hours east of Patos to Campina Grande for the funeral of 13-year-old David who had committed suicide. We went to support pastor Wostenes and his wife Gleydice. Pastor Wostenes led the very difficult service very well. I mean: what do you say under such terrible circumstances? The funeral service was at night so we only got to bed after midnight. Please pray for this family.

In the light of these extraordinary circumstances, with pastor Wostenes due to do the teaching, we decided to postpone the leadership conference which was due to start this week. I am not sure when we will be able to reschedule it for but we shall see. 

Yesterday Liz and I travelled three hours east of Patos to Campina Grande for the funeral of 13-year-old David who had committed suicide. We went to support pastor Wostenes and his wife Gleydice. Pastor Wostenes led the very difficult service very well. I mean: what do you say under such terrible circumstances? The funeral service was at night so we only got to bed after midnight. Please pray for this family.

In the light of these extraordinary circumstances, with pastor Wostenes due to do the teaching, we decided to postpone the leadership conference which was due to start this week. I am not sure when we will be able to reschedule it for but we shall see. 

Yesterday Liz and I travelled three hours east of Patos to Campina Grande for the funeral of 13-year-old David who had committed suicide. We went to support pastor Wostenes and his wife Gleydice. Pastor Wostenes led the very difficult service very well. I mean: what do you say under such terrible circumstances? The funeral service was at night so we only got to bed after midnight. Please pray for this family.

In the light of these extraordinary circumstances, with pastor Wostenes due to do the teaching, we decided to postpone the leadership conference which was due to start this week. I am not sure when we will be able to reschedule it for but we shall see. 

 Elizabeth and I are utterly shocked to the core by the tragic news that Pastor Wostenes’s 13 year old nephew David has committed suicide. It was Pastor Wostenes that found David hanging in the bathroom. Please pray for the bereaved family.

We have just got back from another walk at Green Pastures where the gorgeous smell from the Pereiro trees is intoxicating. This native tree of our caatinga region has burst into bloom after the rain we had earlier in the month. We have 4 large trees near the meeting hall so the whole area is perfumed strongly. 

I have prepared a sermon for next Wednesday when there will be a special service at our Patos church for graduating senior High School students. I will preach on John 14:6.

Our ACEV/EAB leaders Conference is scheduled for next Friday to Sunday at Green Pastures. We value your prayers. In light of the shocking suicide we are thinking of postponing the event.

 On the 15th it was our 53rd wedding anniversary. We went for a nice walk at Green Pastures. 4 deer are regularly seen there as are 3 foxes. After the rain earlier in the month the wild life has come alive mating and nesting. The armadillos are very active.

On Tuesday night the men’s fellowship held a service at Nega’s Farmstead not far from Green Pastures. It was good to see Tarcisio in the service. Please pray for him.

Today I started doing Pilates physical exercises together with Liz, Deborah and Lynn. The one hour session twice a week is run by a physiotherapist. 

Luiz, who leads the Pinheiro church in the County of Manaira, has had a mild heart attack. He has since been catheterized. They unblocked one artery in his heart, but there are two more blocked which will need stents. Please pray for Luiz. 

Please also pray for Suzana who is the treasurer at our Princesa Isabel church. She has breast cancer and is far from well. 

 On the 15th it was our 53rd wedding anniversary. We went for a nice walk at Green Pastures. 4 deer are regularly seen there as are 3 foxes. After the rain earlier in the month the wild life has come alive mating and nesting. The armadillos are very active.

On Tuesday night the men’s fellowship held a service at Nega’s Farmstead not far from Green Pastures. It was good to see Tarcisio in the service. Please pray for him.

Today I started doing Pilates physical exercises together with Liz, Deborah and Lynn. The one hour session twice a week is run by a physiotherapist. 

Luiz, who leads the Pinheiro church in the County of Manaira, has had a mild heart attack. He has since been catheterized. They unblocked one artery in his heart, but there are two more blocked which will need stents. Please pray for Luiz. 

Please also pray for Suzana who is the treasurer at our Princesa Isabel church. She has breast cancer and is far from well. 

On Saturday Liz and I travelled 4 hours south-west of Patos to the EAB/ACEV Caroá church to speak at their 39th anniversary service. We had a lovely time of fellowship with the local pastor Valdemy and his wife Marlene. The service went well after an initial false start when a brief shower of rain sent us all running inside the church. The plan had been to hold the service outside the church.

We drove back to Patos on Sunday morning in good time for the evening service which I led. It was a tiring weekend with the travelling, but it was blessed and enjoyable. 

On Friday Liz went to the seniors’ young at heart gathering and spoke to them. It was very much appreciated.

On Thursday our assistant pastor Rafael’s grandmother died at Soledade so he went to the funeral the next day. Please pray for his family at this time.

I have been for a walk at Green Pastures where I saw a Burrowing Owl, many Guira Cuckoos, some Black Anis, 2 Southern-Lapwings, a pair of Narrow-billed Woodcreepers, a Rufescent Tiger Heron, a Great Egret, 3 Blue-Black Grassquits and some Picui Ground-Doves.

On Saturday Liz and I travelled 4 hours south-west of Patos to the EAB/ACEV Caroá church to speak at their 39th anniversary service. We had a lovely time of fellowship with the local pastor Valdemy and his wife Marlene. The service went well after an initial false start when a brief shower of rain sent us all running inside the church. The plan had been to hold the service outside the church.

We drove back to Patos on Sunday morning in good time for the evening service which I led. It was a tiring weekend with the travelling, but it was blessed and enjoyable. 

On Friday Liz went to the seniors’ young at heart gathering and spoke to them. It was very much appreciated.

On Thursday our assistant pastor Rafael’s grandmother died at Soledade so he went to the funeral the next day. Please pray for his family at this time.

I have been for a walk at Green Pastures where I saw a Burrowing Owl, many Guira Cuckoos, some Black Anis, 2 Southern-Lapwings, a pair of Narrow-billed Woodcreepers, a Rufescent Tiger Heron, a Great Egret, 3 Blue-Black Grassquits and some Picui Ground-Doves.

This week we travelled just over 4 hours east to João Pessoa so that I could have check-ups with 2 excellent doctors. I will now do a series of blood tests and a scan and value your prayers.

On Tuesday night the Men’s Fellowship held a street service in the town of São Mamede which is half an hour’s journey north-east of Patos. A nice little crowd gathered to hear the Word of God.

Last night another little service was held at our Pastor Frank Dyer School which is south of the River Espinharas. A small group gathered for the service which was led by assistant pastor Rafael.

On Saturday I travelled three and a half hours south-west of Patos to inaugurate our latest little church at Travessia village in the County of Manaíra. It was a lovely service which started at 5:30 pm. People gathered there from Caroá, Pinheira, and Manaíra. I spoke on Psalm 73:28 – “It is good to be near God”. This little church is led by Brother Fábio who used to be an EAB sponsored child many years ago. He now has a degree in theology. The church is under the responsibility of Pastor Francinaldo. Please pray for this young church that it will grow in numbers from the 4 members it now has and grow in the grace of the Lord.

On Sunday I led the service in the Patos church and Pastor Rafael preached. Liz and I brought short words of greetings to the church. It was a good service.

It does not normally rain here in the month of November but we have had four nights of rain here with a total of 96 mm (4 inches). May this continue!

We arrived in Patos at 8 pm this Thursday (3rd) having got up the previous day at 4 am. It was a long tiring journey. The flight from Gatwick to Lisbon was half an hour late and the longer flight from Lisbon to Recife was an hour late, but apart from these delays all went off well. There was one big incident near to landing in Recife when a baby apparently was taken suddenly ill which caused a tremendous commotion on the plane. Such was the uproar that both Liz and I thought it was something terrorist related.

I arrived in Patos to find my book nicely printed about the history of ACEV from 1938-2018. All our leaders will receive copies at our leadership conference on November 25-27. Other copies will be distributed to Bible Colleges around Brazil.

This afternoon I went out to Green Pastures to see how things were after our two month absence. I saw the place where 6 of our chickens were devoured by foxes and wild cats. The rest of them have been put into a secure pen. A nature reserve inevitably has plenty of foxes and wild cats! A fox was seen attending a service at Green Pastures recently! It rained 32 mm (One and a third inches) last night!

The Coletas Community well has proved to have a lot less water than we thought. We did the test today. We will be drilling a new well at Carnaubeira da Penha community next week.

Our market garden project has taken 19 participants for an exchange visit to similar market gardens in Pernambuco state. There was a rich exchange of experiences and lots of mutual learning. 

We arrived in Patos at 8 pm this Thursday (3rd) having got up the previous day at 4 am. It was a long tiring journey. The flight from Gatwick to Lisbon was half an hour late and the longer flight from Lisbon to Recife was an hour late, but apart from these delays all went off well. There was one big incident near to landing in Recife when a baby apparently was taken suddenly ill which caused a tremendous commotion on the plane. Such was the uproar that both Liz and I thought it was something terrorist related.

I arrived in Patos to find my book nicely printed about the history of ACEV from 1938-2018. All our leaders will receive copies at our leadership conference on November 25-27. Other copies will be distributed to Bible Colleges around Brazil.

This afternoon I went out to Green Pastures to see how things were after our two month absence. I saw the place where 6 of our chickens were devoured by foxes and wild cats. The rest of them have been put into a secure pen. A nature reserve inevitably has plenty of foxes and wild cats! A fox was seen attending a service at Green Pastures recently! It rained 32 mm (One and a third inches) last night!

The Coletas Community well has proved to have a lot less water than we thought. We did the test today. We will be drilling a new well at Carnaubeira da Penha community next week.

Our market garden project has taken 19 participants for an exchange visit to similar market gardens in Pernambuco state. There was a rich exchange of experiences and lots of mutual learning. 

Yesterday we ministered at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Thamesmead. It was a lovely service. Marian kindly took us. We all had a wonderful lunch with Pastor Vic and Lona.

On Saturday we visited Lepe Beach in the New Forest with Philip. This was the beach where Liz and I had our first kiss 56 years ago! From Lepe we went to visit Hythe Pier where we located the plank with Liz’s Father’s name on it.

We return to Brazil the day after tomorrow. We will fly out of Gatwick airport at 10:20 am. We will leave Basingstoke at 5:30 am. We will sleep in Recife before travelling on to Patos on the 3rd.