After more than eleven years of ministry in Brazil we are back in the USA for a year’s sabbatical. We are prayerful that it will be a great time of rest, renewal, reflection, & evaluation. And boy are we ready for it! We also know it will be a an important time of fellowship and family as Russell’s father faces his fight with terminal illness.
Please be in prayer with us as we head into this important time. Here are some important practical needs we have at this time:
· Housing—we are looking to base out of the Atlanta, GA area this year (near Powder Springs) as we want to be close to Russell’s family during this difficult/challenging period. God has blessed us with a house and we are trying to settle in and learn about the community and opportunities for the kids and the family.
· Furnishings—Since we are here for and extended period of time we also needed household furnishings as well for the house. We have stored all our house hold goods in Brazil and have arrived basically with our clothes and personal affects only. Thank you to all those who have loaned and given articles to help make this house like a home.
· Transportation—We have been blessed with the use of my dad’s 1991 mini-van. If any knows of an additional spare car/truck to help us cope with the school, activities, and other needs of a family please let us know. It would be a great blessing for both Wendy and I to be mobile during this year.
· School—We have been homeschooling our children in Brazil and will be seeking to determine what schooling option would be best for each of our children during this key time back in the USA this year. Pray with us as we seek God on this important point as well as many others.
· Prayer—We need your prayers. This is a really important year for us. We are praying for God to great things in our hearts, lives, family, and relationships.
· Transition—Change is always a challenge and transitioning from our life in brazil back to life in the USA, even for a year, is no small feat. We are all a bit overwhelmed with the changes and differences, but thankful for the privilege. Just the logistical challenges/needs alone are difficult; not to mention the cultural and relational adjustments.
· Protection—We need God’s continued protection and guidance as we walk through this process. We believe God wants to do great things in our hearts and lives during this time and we know the enemy would like to distract, derail, or impede us as we seek God and evaluate our first twenty years in ministry.
· Continuing Ministry in Brazil - God has raised up faithful Brazilian men and women to assume my ministry responsibilities so that we could take this important time. Let's continue to pray for the great work that God has begun that He will continue it to completion. Pleas pray for: Wellington & Louisa who have taken over our adult investigative Bible studies, Raul & Viviane who have taken over the leadership of the adult discipling ministries, and Diana who has taken over the leadership development and ministries director for our local Church plant, Communidade Horizonte.
Thank you for your patience and your prayers! We look forward to catching you up on all that’s been going on in our lives and ministry as we move through the next few months. Thank you for holding the rope for us throughout all these years! It would be impossible without you! We cherish your partnership in this Great Commission!
Please feel free to email or call! Your support and encouragement will be key during this important time!
With great love and affection!
