Real Nutz 4 Brazil

Who is in control of your life?

2010-01-09T11:40:00.004-02:00

Even though Texas lost, which I am glad. How can you argue with this video? Today we only see athletes praising God when they score and beat the other team. Hopefully all this will change with a young man named, "Colt McCoy" I love sports, played sports, but we can allow it to control our lives. We need to remember what Colt said, "God is in Control" even when we lose. Let's remember that Jesus is the reason we live as Christians, so that we can proclaim that to the world and those who do not know. The greatest victory we can have in this life is having Jesus as our savior and following HIM!
Take care!
We love you all!

What if?

2009-12-07T08:11:00.001-02:00

Mike and Donna Wilson wrote this, we need to pray and think about what God could do.

"Praise God for the strength of character of pastor, Davi Santos, in leading Igreja Batista da Comunhao to ask forgiveness from Primeira Igreja Batista for a church split that happened years ago. Today, both churches celebrated a joint worship service, requesting and granting forgiveness, and seeking God’s blessing as both churches reach Caxias. Pray that this spirit of reconciliation would spread throughout other evangelical churches in Caxias!"

PRAYER REQUEST FOR BRAZIL

2009-10-22T10:04:00.001-02:00

We would like for you to pray for Brazil Daily!!!
How?
Go to PRAYER REQUEST FOR BRAZIL

Here is the address, just click on it:
www.prfb.blogspot.com

Thank you for praying!!
The Stowell Family

Prayer for the IMB in Brazil

2009-09-23T13:18:00.001-03:00

BRASIL, REACHED? NOT YET! Pray for MARK JOHNSON and BRUCE MCBEE as they are leading 76 dedicated missionaries in the Brazil Cluster. Pray that while working with Baptist national pastors and laymen God will send a great urgency into their hearts as they continue to face the heavy darkness of a lost Brazil. 176,700,000 Brazilians still do not know for certain that if they were to die tonight they would go to heaven. Many of those who do profess ‛salvation‛ often do so based upon faith in Christ, plus their own works to keep themselves in God‛s favor. Pray that the masses will come to embrace the biblical message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone."

BRASIL, REACHED? NOT YET! (You may remember this as the theme of the Lottie Moon Focus on World Missions for 2008). Pray for God’s mercies on the lost multitudes (176,700,000 of the 190,000,000 people) in the population segments) in Brazil. Pray that God’s purposes will become clear to IMB leadership, the missionaries serving in Brazil and Brazilian Baptist partners that work together in this great country.

Mission Vol. Trip Promotional Video

2009-09-17T20:32:00.002-03:00

This a promotional video that we made for David Poupard at Hibernia Baptist Church in Florida. Hope you enjoy it.

Click on the Name of the church to go to their website:
Hibernia Baptist Church

KTBS 3 News | Shreveport, LA: ArkLaTex News - Pastor has served community for 50 years

2009-08-20T17:47:00.001-03:00

KTBS 3 News | Shreveport, LA: ArkLaTex News - Pastor has served community for 50 years

Shared via AddThis

BRAZIL For the 25th Time

2009-08-11T08:48:00.003-03:00

This was written by Karen Willoughby, a great lady! Be sure and visit The Baptist Message! The Louisiana Baptist Paper. Be sure and click the title, it will take you to this great article about Wayne Jenkins and their mission team.

Brazil for the 25th time.

Bill and Patty Stowell - 50 years at Emmanuel Baptist in Shreveport, Louisiana

2009-08-08T16:37:00.002-03:00

Just would like to share the video that our family made for our parents 50 years at Emmanuel Baptist in Shreveport, Louisiana. I am also posting the letter that was read to my parents on Saturday.

This was the letter read on Saturday Night:
Good Evening, from the Stowell family in Brazil. We are very sad that we are not able to be with all of you tonight. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, "Go", so we obeyed. Mom and Dad, you have taught me this and Amy's parents have taught her the same thing. Many people have said things to us like, "Are you sure you want to do this?" "You will miss out on so much?" "What about your family?" Sure, those things go through my mind, they go through Amy's mind all the time! Even today it goes through all of our minds. But, what would we say to our Lord when we have to face Him, "I didn't want to miss the Mexican food, I didn't want to miss the football games, Christmas, Thanksgiving and birthdays.” Those things are very hard to deal with. But in saying that, we are here on the mission field because we had parents who taught us that it is better to obey God than do what we ourselves want to do. Emmanuel, this weekend, my Mom and Dad are celebrating 50 years of service with you. Through these 50 years they have taught my sister, my brother, and me that obedience is better than just words. Although my parents are older now, it doesn’t mean that their passion for Jesus is fading. Young people remember this day because you will not see this happen very often. They are people who have run a race, a race for Jesus. Even today they are still running that race. This is exciting and we thank you, Emmanuel, for allowing my Mom and Dad to serve you these past 50 years.

Over the last 45 years, my father has taught me so much about ministry and missions. Growing up at Emmanuel, I remember many times Dad preaching about Lottie Moon and Home Missions. It is instilled in my parent’s hearts. Through this, Mom and Dad have taught me that everyone is the same in God’s eyes. They have taught me that I better treat everyone the same; treat people the way Jesus would. Watching my father over the years has taught me many things. He has taught me what it means to be like Jesus. When people were rude, he had a Christ like attitude. When people did him wrong, he still had that Christ like attitude. Being here in Brazil has made me a different person. People have been rude, done us wrong, stolen from us and I could go on with more. I have wanted to get back at them. I have wanted to just beat some of them up! But, my Dad would tell me to calm down, don’t ruin your ministry, forgive them and allow the Holy Spirit to work in you. Be that example to them that they have never had. The only way to be like that is through Jesus Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life and you being willing to allow Him to take control. That is what my Dad has been teaching me over these years. Thank you, Dad!!

My mom has always been there for me! Mom, I love you! I can remember so many times people asking for her to write poetry and her talent just coming alive. I believe God gave my mom a talent with words and art. I see that in my sister as well. I can’t paint or write, but I sure do love it!! Mom, you’re a big part of this celebration today! For a pastor to do what Dad has done, it takes a woman who is also called by God to love, encourage, support and at times give strength for him to survive. Mom, you have done all of this for Dad over these last 50 years. You are a true blessing!!

Emmanuel, thank you, again for allowing my parents to be here. You all have had a huge impact on my life. I am thankful that I can say that I come from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. A Family; a family that loves Jesus!

Have a GREAT weekend!!
We love you,

Pascal, Amy, Micah, Matthew and Miles

Louisiana Baptist Mission Trip to Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

2009-08-01T08:40:00.002-03:00

This is the 25th year that Wayne Jenkins and Dwight Lowrie have brought a group, hugh group, to Brazil. It was a honor also to see Dr. Worley. This is just a short video of some sights, sounds and pictures of their trip in Belo Horizonte.

Life Is Short, Death Is Sure, Eternity Awaits—Facts of the Matter

2009-03-19T07:19:00.001-03:00

This a devotional that I just wanted to share with all of you. If you like share it with someone else. Take care and God Bless!
Pascal and Amy

"We have finished our years like a sigh."

As I write, an Asia-Pacific-wide economic conference is in progress in this City. Red carpets are rolled out, the press stands at the ready, police sirens blare, and people gawk as the influential and powerful confer over economic policies affecting tens of millions of lives.

Impressive. Daunting.

Recently the founder of a FORTUNE 500 company passed into eternity. I had the privilege of knowing this man and his family. He was impressive! Daunting!

Shortly after his death, his son dined in our home and told of his father's waning months, as cancer slowly took its toll. This once powerful giant of American industry withered into a shell, finding the most basic functions a chore.

He had, as the Psalmist forewarned, "finished [his] years like a sigh" (or " whisper").

And that will be the inevitable conclusion of these powerful leaders attending this Asia-Pacific economic conference… As it will also be with us.

PERSPECTIVE is what is needed here: Life is short. Death is sure. Eternity awaits us.

Just walk through a cemetery and observe the infamous and the unknowns, along with the rich and powerful. All share the same piece of real estate.

There is no status in a cemetery.

Just as men share a common place of burial, men apart from Christ—regardless of "standing," will meet God in a common judgment:

"And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and the books were opened… and they were judged, every one of them… " (Revelation 20:12, 13a)

The Psalmist's wise words speak to our soul,

"So teach us to number our days that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom."

QUESTION: As you contemplate the inescapable reality that your life is moving toward death's conclusion, are you presently applying your heart to wisdom?

—Facts of the Matter

Back to Blogging and FBC Ocean Springs, Mississippi

2009-01-25T16:23:00.012-02:00

Hello to all! We want to apologize for not posting for quite some time. These past 5 months have been a challenge for our family and ministry. We believe that during this time God has taught us quite a few things. Patience is at the top of the list followed closely by forgiveness. We want to ask all of our prayer warriors to please forgive us for not posting and letting you know what was going on. We will promise to update better in the coming months. Now, on to something that is very special to us.

Earlier his month, a group of three men from FBC Ocean Springs, MS, came to Brazil to do a vision trip. Dr. Mike Barnett, Darryl and Larry made up the team. Let me first say what a true blessing it was to have them here! It was a breath of badly needed fresh air! We had a wonderful time and our family fell in love with these men. I want to explain why they came and why they are coming back. When we were home on stateside, I was able to go to their church, meet with their mission committee, and present to the church what we are doing here in Brazil. It was soon after that FBC of Ocean Springs decided to form a partnership with our missions team here in Brazil for three years. They will help us plant churches in the northern zone of the Campinas area. While these men were here, we traveled all over, visiting cities, meeting pastors, and let them experience the culture of Brazil.

On Wednesday of their visit, we visited the city of Sao Jose do Rio Pardo. This city is located about 1 hour north of Mogi Guacu. The population there is around 51,000 and there are a few other cities located close by. We do know that FBC Ocean Springs will be staying in Rio Pardo at a local hotel. We will be talking with Pastor Messias soon about which city in which he would like for this group to work. So, please keep this in your prayers. Here is a list of the cities and populations in which they could work:

São José do Rio Pardo-51,100
Divinolândia-11,300
Itobi-8,000
Caconde-18,600
Tapiratiba-12,300
São Sebastião da Grama-12,510

We really do appreciate all of you praying for this endeavor. We truly believe that God is in this and that there will be great success in bringing in the harvest. Thank you to all of you for your prayers and we look forward to getting back on track with our blog and sharing stories about what is going on here in the Metro Campinas Area.
God Bless all of you!
Pascal, Amy, Micah, Matthew and Miles.

I would like to post a picture for Dr. Mike and Darryl. While they were here they fell in love with the Beef Triangle(Esfiha Fechado). I look forward to getting some more Beef Triangles for you guys!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

2008-12-24T08:53:00.002-02:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!
The Stowell's

Who was Lottie Moon?

2008-12-15T09:01:00.002-02:00

This was taken from "The M Blog", thanks to Guy Muse! We hope that all of you really have a great Christmas and New Year!
Merry Christmas!
The Stowell's

How many there are who imagine
that because Jesus paid it all,
they need pay nothing.
Lottie Moon, Tungchow, China, Sept. 15, 1887.

How do you define significance?

Thanks to Rick Boyne for posting this on his blog.

Locust in Brazil

2008-11-23T18:40:00.005-02:00

I want to share a short video with all of you of the noise that this locust makes. We remember when we got to Brazil we heard this loud noise and thought the power was fixing to go out. We really did not know what to think. A locust in Brazil is called a Cigarra. I filmed this in a town called Sao Sebastao da Gramma. Currently there are no Baptist churches in this town. Please pray that we will find that person of peace. We love all of you!
Pascal and Amy

Pinhal and Aguai-Big Oppurnities!

2008-10-13T06:29:00.009-03:00

The past couple of weeks have been good as we have visited with some pastors here in our area. I was especially encouraged about two weeks ago when Dario and I went to visit Pastor Bellini in a city called Aguai. He has been on my heart for some time. Pastor Bellini has been at the church in Aguai for almost 16 years. They have had some problems and quite a few people left. A while back he had asked me if I knew of a young person who could come and help him. I thought I had found someone but then they left and got married. So, we were there talking with him and he was excited to tell us that they are working in a new ministry with Gypsy's there in Aguai. I got very excited about this and told him that we had prayed for him, even asked some other people to pray for him. What is exciting about this is that in God's timing everything works out. After he told us this, I told him I knew exactly the people who could help him in this area. They are here in Brazil to work with the Gypsy's and they know their language. I asked if it was ok to call them and invite them to meet him. He was so excited about this. On the 12th of October, Jim and Charlotte Whitley went to visit Pastor Bellini. They went with him to the area where the gypsy's are staying and they had a service for them. That night in the evening service, Jim was able to speak about the work here in Brazil and the many hurdles that need to be overcome. Please pray for them in this work because it can be very difficult.

I was able to preach in Espirito Santo do Pinhal. I love the people there. They have been through the fire and back. It is a church that is mature, loving and wants to do the will of God. I want to give you a quick history about this church. When this current congregation was at the other location, a terrible thing happened and these people wanted to take care of the situation. But, some of the people in the church said that it needed to be left alone. They felt so strongly that God was telling them to do the right thing that they held their ground. Eventually, they felt they had to leave and the pastor left with them. As I was preaching to them, I told them how much I loved them and what a great opportunity they have ahead of them. This is a church with a great pastor, Jose Ricardo. This is a great church because of its people. Would you pray for the Good News Baptist Church in Espirito Santo do Pinhal. It is a difficult place to share the gospel.

One of the members preached in another church. He was telling me how he began to talk to them about how we are sinners, how we need a savior, how we need to make Jesus our Savior. He went on to talk about having a relationship with Jesus. What was amazing to me is that about half of the people there never had heard about this. Sometimes that is the problem down here. We deal with people who would rather have a miracle, a great emotional rush and the list goes on and on. Many know who Jesus is, but many do not know what it means to have a personal relationship with Him, making Him the Lord of their life. There are so many things that we deal with. Please pray for us and the pastors here that we will not be fearful in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Thank you to all of you for your prayers! We could never tell you how much that means to us! Blessings to all of you!
Pascal and Amy

Einstein quotes for Missions and Church Planting

2008-10-08T09:16:00.003-03:00

Always Love Reading Guy Muse's Blog. Just wanted to share what he put up this week. We love all of you and have a great week!
Pascal and Amy

Many Albert Einstein sayings and quotes are highly applicable to missions and church planting. The following are my "top ten" favorites...

10. "The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them."

9. "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

8. "The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."

7. "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them."

6. "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."

5. "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious."

4. "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."

3. "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

2. "The important thing is not to stop questioning."

1. "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Have any other favorites or comments about any of the above you'd like to share?

Work in Espirilto Santo do Pinhal

2008-10-05T09:34:00.013-03:00

On Sunday, the 12th, I will be going to preach at a little church in Espirto Santo do Pinhal. Pinhal as they call it, is a city of about 41,000 people. It has two Baptist Churches there: First Baptist and Good News Baptist. I will be preaching at Good News Baptist Church. Jose Ricardo is the pastor of this church and he also is a student of Ron Rogers at the seminary in Campinas. Pray for him as he leads, helping his people to see the vision God has set before them in planting new churches in Pinhal and the surrounding areas. Below is a picture of Jose Ricardo and his wife.

Please pray for me as I speak. They are wanting to start a new congregation there in Pinhal. This is great! Pray that people in this neighborhood will be open to our visits. Pray that we will find that person of peace and pray that the church members will not be discouraged in this work. Sometimes it can be very discouraging working and hearing things that are not very pleasant. But we need to remember who we are doing this for and that is Jesus Christ. Thank you for praying for this work! Amy and I love all of you so much and we could never express to all of you what it means for you to pray for our family and ministry here in the northern zone of the Metro Campinas Area. Below is a picture of the neighborhood where they want to start this new work.

Some more pictures of Espirito Santo do Pinhal, the captial of Coffee!
Below a picture of the city:

Below a picture of Downtown:

A statue commemorating their coffee heritage:

Please Pray for the new leaders of Mogi Guacu

2008-09-28T18:12:00.007-03:00

Above:(Our Friend Luciano who is running for city council, please pray for him this week and if he wins the work that lays ahead of him.)

Before I talk about the politicians here in Mogi Guacu, we ask that you continue to pray for us. It has been over a month now that we have not been able to get my drivers license. Also we would love for you to visit our Weekly Prayer Request Blog and pray for a certain prayer request each week. Just click on this link: StowellWPR

Above:(Never Knew that HE-MAN was running for office)

This week all over Brazil, people will be voting for mayor and city councilmen for their cities. We ask that you pray for the people as they get out and vote. Pray also for the new leaders that they will lead the cities in ways that are best for the people here. I have always enjoyed the joke that many brazilians tell and it goes likes this.... "In Brazil we don't have earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes; we just have politicians!" I laugh when I think about that. People have been dealing with governments since the beginning of time. But, in all seriousness please pray for the people this week and the city governments.

Above:(Alot of cars are fixed up this way to tell about who is running and their number. When you vote you vote by numbers, the first two numbers represent their party affiliation. The last three numbers represent the person who is running for office.)

Below I have a short video of how they promote their candidate for office here. It is totally different from the USA. Hope you enjoy it!
Pascal and Amy

When We Least Expect It

2008-09-23T08:54:00.013-03:00

Above:(Rubens and his wife Roseli)

There is a story in the Bible where Jesus talked with the Rich Young Ruler. He told him to go and sell everything. But, he went away sad. The interesting thing here is that Jesus still loved him. Sometimes, we just want to give up on people. We think they will never make a decision or they will never get back in church. I am always surprised when I think that someone will never get back in church and then the next thing you know, they are going back. Well, that happened while we were in the states. I had been visiting Rubens. I tried to start a Bible study with him. Then, he had to start work in another city. Still, every time he was in town I tried to visit him and encourage him. When we got back from our stateside, his sister-in-law told us that Rubens was back in church... not drinking anymore and is doing really great! WOW!

I know it is difficult sometimes when we try to help people. I remember my dad always helping people, keeping a positive attitude and sharing Jesus with them. It is easy to give up, but you know, Jesus didn't give up on us. He loved us! He loved us enough to die for us and that is what a true friend really is!

This past Sunday night Ron preached in Estiva. It was a great sermon, not just for Brazilians, but for all of us. He preached about our relationship with Jesus. Ron said this, "Some people love what Jesus can do for them instead of Loving Him. People would rather seek the gifts and miracles of Jesus instead of having that personal relationship that He wants with us." We not only see this down here in Brazil, but we see this same thing in the USA. Jesus never gives up. He still desires that personal relationship with every single person.

In closing, it is so good, and makes our hearts happy, to see someone come back to church and seek Jesus to have that personal relationship. That is why we are so proud of Ruebens and his family. Continue to pray for him as he walks again with Jesus Christ.

God Bless all of You!
Pascal and Amy

Above:(Ron Rogers, Pastor Joader, Roseli and Rubens)

Stowell Brother´s Working Out!

2008-09-21T14:28:00.003-03:00

I wanted to let all of you know that our internet is out. Therefore I am unable to update everything. I wanted to share a video we made of the guys working out. You can also see this video at their blog, here is the address: www.mmmstowell.blogspot.com

As soon as we are back on I will let all of you know.
Pascal and Amy

Gypsies in Brazil?

2008-09-14T09:10:00.000-03:00

(Above)Jim and Charlotte Whitley - Drinking Coconut Water while waiting for our friend to come and tell us where the Gypsies are staying.

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to help Jim and Charlotte Whitley find their people group here in Mogi Guacu. Their people group is called "Ciganos" which in English is called "Gypsies". Yes, there are Gypsies in Brazil! In fact, the population is estimated to be around 600,000 to 1,000,000. No one really knows how many are living here.

People are people all over the world. When you ask Brazilians what they think of Gypsies they say, "dishonest, dangerous, thieves, pickpockets, fortune tellers and people you just need to stay away from." In fact, the guy who took us to see the Gypsies said as he was leaving, "Be sure and watch your wallet!" Many people around the world have this type of idea of Gypsies.

(Picture Above)A Gypsy Family we met.

So, how does a Gypsy think? A Gypsy views life as each day being the most important day of their lives. For them there are two different types of people in the world: Gypsies and Non-Gypsies. In spite of what is said about them, they respect honesty and sincerity in a person. If they like and accept you, they will share with you all they have. Also, when they trust and accept you, they are the most open and friendly people you meet.

Right now, Jim and Charlotte are researching the traditions and world views of this group so that they can understand them and find ways to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Please pray for them as they research and find those Gypsies of Peace so that more of them will come to know who Jesus is.

Jim is from Seminole, Oklahoma and Charlotte is from Portales, New Mexico. Charlotte grew up in Brazil. Before coming to Brazil, Jim and Charlotte were missionaries in Romania(Working with Gypsies there). They have twin daughters and one son. Thank you for praying for the Whitley family this week and for their work with the Gypsies.

Quick Facts About Gypsies:
Gypsies have been in Brazil since around 1574 when they were first ordered to be
deported(from Spain) by the Pope in one of his edicts.

Since then Gypsies have migrated to Brazil at different times.

There are Gypsies are all over the world, but they originated from India. They were first thought to be Egyptians in England and later found out they were not from there. They found that they were from India by tracing back through their language.

Most Latin speaking countries call them ciganos. No matter what they are called, they are a group that exists on every continent on the world.

This is the International Gypsy Flag. The blue represents the open skies, the green represents the land and the wheel represents the Gpysies all over the world.

The Concrete Jungle - Hurry Up and Wait!

2008-09-10T00:00:00.002-03:00

Chris Julian posted this on his blog and we wanted to share it with you. It is very interesting. Chris and his wife Melody work with University Students in the city of Sao Paulo. Check their blog out sometime: The Concrete Jungle
Thanks Chris and Melody

New estimates show that during the day, there are 6,000,000 passenger cars on the streets of Sao Paul city, plus 650,000 motorcycles and 32,000 taxis. That does not include city busses or the estimated 250,000 trucks!

More than 800 cars are sold in Sao Paulo daily. DAILY.

The estimated number of people taking public transportation, ie busses, trains, and metro (subway) is 13,800,000 a day.

To ease the situation, it is against the law to drive your car on certain days. If your tag ends in 1 or 2, leave the car home on Monday; 3 or 4 on Tuesdays and so forth. Well, Paulistas aren't dumb. The more wealthier city dwellers buy 2nd cars! The government has wised up to them and they're looking at your car sitting home 2 days a week!

The average speed in the city is roughly 8 mph.

You people in Memphis...don't gimme no lip about Germantown Parkway! :)

Team Picture - Metro Campinas Team

2008-09-05T09:21:00.009-03:00

This past week, we finally had our team meeting and everyone was there. Ron started the meeting by saying he had been waiting for two years for this to happen! It was a joyous occasion as we prayed, planned and talked about the area in which we work together. Probably the one thing that we talked about that was very interesting to me, was Pastors. Some of the pastors here live in cities that are in the interior and far off from other places. They may be the only Baptist pastor there with not many people to talk to, especially Christians. We who are Christians, we enjoy the company of other fellow Christians. Someone who understands why we think the way we think. We want someone that we can talk with about the Bible or about our Savior, Jesus. Yet, at times there may be no one like that where they live. These cities may have 80,000 people or they may have 20,000 people, but few if any understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. This reminds me of the pastors who are in the small communities there in the US. We tend to forget the people at times in these small communities, but they are so very important to God. Sometimes they are discouraged. They wonder if anybody cares or even knows that they're there. We discussed some of these situations here in the Metro Campinas Area, and we want you to pray for us as we minister to those pastors who are discouraged and really don't know where to turn. Maybe we can help them to see a vision; a vision of planting more churches, leading more people to Christ and seeing Jesus change their cities. Would you pray for us and them? Thank You for visiting this week and praying!
Blessings,
Pascal and Amy

Conchal Baptist Church - Conchal, Sao Paulo

2008-08-31T08:11:00.014-03:00

(The picture above is the house of Antonio and Nilda. This is where we had our small group Bible Study.)It is always great to go to the church in Conchal. Today they have 20 members with about 8 children. They are still meeting in the same house that they are renting and have now been a church for one year and ten months. Dario is still preaching, leading and great things are going on. I was just over there on a Saturday night for their small group and we met in the house of Antonio and Nilda. They are new members in the Church and are excited about sharing the gospel and planting more churches in Conchal. We love to hear these kinds of stories. When the people really get hold of things and the Holy Spirit works in their lives,they want to share the gospel and plant more churches. That is awesome!

So, this week would you pray for Conchal Baptist Church? Pray they will reach more people for Jesus in Conchal. Thank You again for visiting. We covet your prayers in the work here. Blessings to all of you!
Pascal and Amy

Here are some more pictures from the small group Bible Study. Below is Dario teaching the Bible Study.

Below are some of the young men reading our Bible passage.

As always, you have to have some food! This is Solange(Dario's wife) serving some snacks.

Holambra - The Windmill is Finished!

2008-08-25T12:46:00.006-03:00

We finally made it back to our home church here in Brazil, Holambra Baptist Church. Holambra is a nice little city here in Brazil. We love it there and we also love our church. We just wanted to share some photos of the windmill that was built here. In fact it is the largest windmill in all of South America. Next week, we will begin with more stories on how you can pray for us and the ministry down here. We love all of you and thank you for visiting our blog!
Blessing!
Pascal and Amy

Be sure and visit our other two blogs:
Stowell Family Weekly Prayer Request

IMB Brazil Missionary Prayer Request

Thank You For Praying!

2008-08-19T20:40:00.001-03:00

Wanted to say thank you to all who prayed for. We made it back safely and now the adjustment period is upon us. Thank you again for praying for us!
Pascal Stowell

Pray! We are going back to Brazil!

2008-08-16T23:53:00.006-03:00

As we travel back to Brazil, I do not sure when we will get our internet connection again. But as soon as we do, we will update our blog and let you know. Thanks again for praying!

(Above ist the city flag of Mogi Guacu)This week we will be traveling on Monday the 18th and arrive in Brazil on the 19th. We ask that you pray that we will have a safe trip, get through customs and then a safe trip back to Mogi Guacu. Also, pray that we will get adjusted back to life and ministry there in Brazil. Thank You once again for visiting and praying for our family!
We love all of you!
Pascal and Amy

Be sure and visit our Weekly Prayer Request Blog and Brazil Prayer Request also.
Thank You for praying for our family.

Stowell Family Weekly Prayer Request

IMB Brazil Prayer Request

Our New Blog - Stowell Family Weekly Prayer Request

2008-08-11T00:50:00.004-03:00

I wanted to let you know about our new blog. It is call "The Stowell Family Weekly Prayer Request". We have started this after Bro. Mike Barnett, the pastor of FBC Ocean Springs, MS, asked if I would send him a weekly prayer request for our family, ministry and other concerns in Brazil. When he asked me about this, I wanted all of you to be a part of it. Would you pray for us? Would your pray for the Metro Campinas Team? Would you pray for the ministry in Sao Paulo? We covet your prayers! Thank You again for praying.

Here is the address:
http://www.stowellwpr.blogspot.com/
Or just click the link under quick links.

We love all of you!
Pascal and Amy

The Rogers - Heading Back To Brazil!

2008-08-04T10:17:00.004-03:00

This week we wanted to share some exciting news with all of you. Our team leaders will be returning to Brazil and we wanted to share their testimony. Please pray for them and their safe return and our as well. We love all of you.
Pascal and Amy

“And the night is as bright as the day…”
Psalm 139: 12b

Ron and I were ready for our four month stateside assignment in November, 2006, and were looking forward to some rest and time with family and friends. God has blessed His work in Campinas, Brazil, where we had served the past three years. We had witnessed His divine appointment in everything that had happened. He had given us a wonderful Brazilian team who were trained and ready for the harvest. The evangelism and church planting materials that we had worked on for many months were now ready for use. As excited as we were to be going to the USA for a few months, we were equally as excited about our return to the field. The multiplication of disciples and churches was becoming a reality and we were eager to see what God was going to do in our midst. Our time in the States took an unexpected turn soon after we arrived, for on December 13, 2006, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Before this diagnosis I had been healthy. My only encounter with hospitals had been two short stays. There were no other health issues. I had had suspicious mammograms before, but each time further testing revealed nothing. When my 2006 mammogram came back suspicious I was not alarmed, but my doctor in Brazil insisted that I see a doctor as soon as we arrived stateside. So, when the doctor came into the exam room with the news that I had breast cancer, my initial thought was, “You are in the wrong room!” In the following days as the biopsy and lab reports confirmed the diagnosis I realized that God had intervened in our lives.

The anticipated rest and renewal was not to be. As the diagnosis and the subsequent surgeries and treatments became a reality, and knowing that we would not be returning to our beloved Brazil in four months, we entered into a period of mourning. The death of a vision weighed upon us. We would not be present to witness the movement of God’s power among our Brazilian people. It was a time of withdrawal. Strategy and vision did not matter. Everything stopped. Only God mattered. We had His peace. This journey had taken us by complete surprise but we knew that God is sovereign, His love is ever-present, His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We placed ourselves at His disposal. During this time of withdrawal God said to us, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

Initially, three things became very apparent to me: God’s purpose for my life, His providence in my life, and His promises to provide comfort and confidence for the days ahead. Several years ago I wrote a statement of God’s purpose for my life. It reads, “The purpose of my life is to bring honor and glory to God by loving Him with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength; to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings; and to make Him known in the world” (based on Mark 28:30, 31; Philippians 3:10, Matthew 28:19-20). The ways in which He chooses to glorify Himself in my life are matters of His own choosing. These thoughts entered my heart when I was faced with the long journey ahead: How will God choose to glorify Himself through this? And, on the other side of this, I will know Him more intimately.

I became aware of God’s providence. I realized that He had gone before us preparing every detail and every need. When we bought our home before we went back to Brazil in 2003, God knew that we would need to be in one place for an extended period of time. Being in missionary housing would have forced us to move several times. I see how He guided my hand as I searched the internet for a doctor and led me to a renowned surgeon, who is a godly man and a member of a Southern Baptist church. He led me to a treatment facility where I found a godly oncologist and nurses who were prayer warriors, dedicated and compassionate. He provided us with dependable transportation and the most beautiful and peaceful environment for healing, the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. We have seen His miracles in meeting all our needs.

God is faithful to His Word. In His promises I found comfort and confidence for the journey. The portion of Scripture that became special to me was Psalm 139. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, scans, and such are not the things that anybody would stand in line to sign up for. It is very scary to be facing any of them, but I quickly learned from this Psalm that each step I took, Jesus was already there.

God affirmed to me His foundation for this journey in these ways. First, God’s greatest gift to me is His salvation. In that salvation I find that His grace is sufficient (II Cor.12:9-12). Twice in my life I have received the bank slip that says, “insufficient funds”. One time was a problem with my memory and the other time was a problem with my subtraction. Twice, I panicked. I thought the funds were there to cover my checks, but now the bank was saying I had no funds at all. But God’s grace is always on deposit and there is always enough. I do not have to check constantly to see if His grace is sufficient to cover my need, nor do I have to worry or panic, just receive His strength. Second, God’s greatest blessing to me is my husband, Ron. His unconditional love, care, and personal sacrifice have completely overwhelmed me. Never have I witnessed the incarnate love of Christ in another person as I have witnessed it in him. He ministered to me in ways that I thought were impossible for him. For example, I thought his household skills were nonexistent and he could not cook a meal. I thought he would surely faint at the least drop of blood or panic at the thought of nausea or pain. He has been by my side and has waited countless hours for my treatments and doctors appointments. He held me when I needed to cry, interceded tirelessly on my behalf, and His patience never wore thin. For years, Ron and I have joked with each other about our golden years. I would say, “I’ll love you when you are bald, if you will love me when I am gray.” both of us showing signs of each, respectively. With my chemotherapy looming, I realized that I would be bald before Ron! He enjoyed my baldness and constantly reminded me that I was bald first. One winter day we were driving in the mountains I noted the stark, nakedness of the trees and thought how beautiful they would be when spring returned and the leaves put back on. I thought of my bald head and the eventual return of my hair, so I have called this period, “the winter of my head,” for indeed in due time, my hair did return. I founded my own exclusive club, the BIB Club—Bald is Beautiful. We heard a Randy Travis song on the radio that makes us laugh and voices our feelings. The lyrics from one of the stanzas are:

They say time takes its toll on the body,
Makes the young girl’s hair turn gray
But honey I don’t care, I’m not in love with your hair,
And if it all fell out, well, I’d love you anyway.

I’m gonna love you forever and ever,
Forever and ever, amen. (Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis from the
lyrics)

Third, the greatest channel of God’s power is through intercessory prayer. It is an absolute necessity. God has responded to the prayers of His people on our behalf with His unending provision, and His constant comfort, peace, and encouragement. I remember thinking on the day of my first surgery that this had to be the best day of my life because never in my life had so many people, in so many places of the world prayed for me. People prayed for me that I have never met neither do I know. During the treatments of the strongest chemotherapy drugs, when I felt like a penny on a railroad track, flattened, I did not have the strength to pray any other prayer but, “Please, Lord, hear the prayers of your people on my behalf” (Psalm 18:36). In the middle of my treatments, when my daddy suddenly became ill and died, the prayers of God’s faithful intercessors sustained me and my family.

I have often been asked, “How did you make it through or what got you through surgery, chemotherapy, physical therapy, and radiation?” As I stated earlier, God said to us in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” This journey has been one of focus and perspective. Had I focused on my circumstances and not on God, the spiritual and emotional outcome would be much different. (Emotionally, there were times when I felt like I was running just ahead of a giant avalanche.) Our God is sovereign. He is Love and Light. He is not a lucky charm, the “man upstairs”, or the one with the “Big G” on his tee shirt. My image of Him is not based on His blessings or His withholdings, but on who He is. Nor is His provision to me based upon the amount of faith I have or the number of prayers prayed. It is not he who has the most, wins. This life is about knowing God and if it is through illness, trials, and painful circumstances that I can know God intimately, then why should I despair when He intervenes and changes my plans and daily routine? Psalm 103: 4-5 reminds me that His lovingkindness and compassion are based on His mercy and not my merit and verses 14-19 remind me that I am fragile and He is Almighty. My earthly life is temporal and He is eternal. It would be a very pessimistic view of faith in God for me just to say that I have resigned myself to the fact that this is God’s will for my life. I do believe that this journey has been His will, but it has been His will for a purpose. He has been glorified and honored and I know Him as never before. My faith has matured and been strengthened and my joy in Him has deepened. Faith has given me comfort and confidence, resolve and peace. Notice the progression of Psalm 46:10: first, be still (sometimes He stills us); second, know that I am God; third, I will be exalted among the nations and in the earth. We cannot put number three ahead of one and two. I hope that He will be pleased to use us to exalt His name among the nations and in the earth.

I have seemingly sailed through this journey with minimal side effects and my prognosis is very good. There are many others who have suffered tremendously and some have lost their battle with breast cancer. Some survive many years without a recurrence while others do not. I have to pause and consider why. I confess that I do not understand. What I do understand is that with Jesus you never lose, for with Him there is victory in life and there is victory in death. The victories in this life—such as healing from cancer—are only a foretaste of the ultimate victory: the redemption of our bodies. I do know from Romans 8 that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I do see in the book of Acts the miraculous (God used angels and earthquakes) deliverance of the apostles, except James (Acts 12:2). I read in Hebrews 11 of the great blessings and deliverance of many of God’s chosen and in the same chapter I read of those who suffered greatly; yet, each was victorious. I do trust God. This unexpected journey is not one that we would have chosen, but at the same time it is a journey that we have neither regretted nor questioned, for God’s love has overshadowed us, His provision has overwhelmed us, and His grace has overpowered us.

I think of this journey as a marathon. After 17 months I crossed the finish line! I saw each of you cheering me on and remembered your prayers, your visits, your words of love, encouragement, and concern, your phone calls, your emails, your cards and letters, your gifts. How do I say thank you? My words seem inadequate, but please know that my heart rejoices when I remember you and please know how much I truly love each of you.

On the other side of this finish line, we are confident that our Lord will grant us the privilege of returning to Brazil to proclaim His gospel, disciple believers, and train leaders to multiply churches effectively. The glory belongs to Him. Praise His holy name.

By His Grace,

Faye Rogers

HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
“K” in Rippon’s Selection, 1787 Early American Melody

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.”

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply:
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.”

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”

Parker Dunson

2008-08-01T09:10:00.002-03:00

You may remember the prayer request we had for Parker. This is a update taken from IMB Brazil Prayer Request. Continue to pray for Parker and have a great weekend.
Pascal and Amy

CAM DUNSON (Porto Alegre) writes, “Many of you are wondering how Parker came through his surgery. The doctor operated on Monday morning to move the muscles back in both of his eyes to correct the crossing. Aside from a difficult time coming out from under anesthesia, Parker did well with the surgery and seems to be recovering nicely. The doctor is pleased with the results so far, but it will be some weeks before we know if the surgery was successful as everything needs to settle in and his brain needs to reboot to match the new eye position. Aside from severely bloodshot eyes (which is normal), he is looking and acting like his normal bouncy self. We will be continuing to follow up with the eye doctor over the next few weeks and we will update you as you know more. Thank you so much for your prayers for Parker – God is answering!”

Micah and Matthew's Birthday 2008

2008-07-30T09:03:00.003-03:00

Just wanted to share a short video of the guy's birthday this year. They had a great time! Can't believe they are 11,9 and 4. Have a great week!
Pascal and Amy

Doc Belding going to the Hall of Fame!

2008-07-28T20:27:00.003-03:00

This week I want to share about someone who is special to me. Doc Belding. He has been invited by Fred Dean to come and be his guest as he is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hope you enjoy the article and thanks for coming by!
Pascal

Click here for the article: The Ruston Daily Leader

2008 Month of Prayer for Urban Gaúchos - Part 3

2008-07-25T00:00:00.001-03:00

This is the 3rd part of the video series done by the Dunsons on the Gauchos of Southern Brazil. Thank You for coming by and praying for our missionary family and the people Southern Brazil.
Pascal and Amy

Prayer for the Gaúchos-Part 2

2008-07-23T09:53:00.003-03:00

Thank you once again for coming by and praying for our fellow missionaries that live in Southern Brazil. Remember on Friday I will post the third video, be sure to come by and watch. Thank you once again for stopping by and praying! We love all of you!
Pascal and Amy

(This prayer request about Parker was posted by Jeff Dunson his father on his blog.)Greetings from Newark, Delaware! We arrived in the USA from Brazil last week to attend a missions conference sponsored by the IMB in Richmond. The day we left Brazil, we had an appointment with Parker’s eye doctor who told us that surgery would probably be necessary to correct his crossing eyes. I had already arranged an appointment with the ophthalmologists at the children’s hospital here in Delaware, and during that appointment they confirmed that recommendation.
We are so thankful to God for the opportunity to get Parker’s eyes corrected and to get it done here with such good care available. It is, however, something of a challenge to work out schedules, since it will involve more time here than we anticipated. We are so thankful to the IMB for supporting us through this time!
Parker is scheduled for surgery this coming Monday, July 28. It’s an outpatient procedure with a follow-up appointment the next morning.
Please pray for Parker’s surgery to be successful and for the correction
to be 100%.
Please pray for us as we juggle our schedules to accommodate the extra
time here for post-surgical follow-up.
Pray especially for us as we make decisions regarding Blake’s schooling this semester, which begins at the Pan American school on July 28. At this point we are considering homeschooling for the semester, or at least half of it. An added complication is that we left our homeschooling books in Brazil! Argh!.
Pray also for our preparations for September Month of Prayer for Urban Gauchos –we’ll let you know more about this in a Dunson Diaries next week. Be in prayer about how God would have you participate in touching the lives of Urban Gauchos through both personal prayer and the raising of prayer support for this tremendously spiritually needy people.
Thank you all so very much, your prayers make a tremendous difference in our lives and ministries!
God bless you!

Prayer for Porto Alegre

2008-07-21T00:00:00.002-03:00

Giving when you feel like keeping.
Praying for others when you need prayer.
Feeding others when your soul is hungry.
Hurting with others when your own hurt can't be spoken.
Keeping your word when it is not convenient.
Being faithful when your soul wants to run away.

~Author Unknown

The above was taken from Guy Muse's Blog. I was able to spend time with Guy and Linda for a week and it was a true pleasure to see them. Many of you know that Linda is my cousin and they work in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Please come back during the week to see the rest of the videos that the Dunson's have done. They work in southern Brazil. Thank you for coming by and praying for us and the rest of our missionary family.
Pascal and Amy

Septmber 2007 Month of Prayer for Urban Gaúchos
The Dunson's are producing a DVD with 4 videos that highlight 4 strongholds which bind the Urban Gaúchos of POA in darkness: Witchcraft, False Religion, Pride, and Materialism. These videos and accompanying bulletin inserts will be distributed to interested churches and individuals in the USA to use in worship services, prayer services, Bible studies, small groups, etc. We did this last year, and were surprised with the positive response. If you would like to get in contact with Jeff Dunson, click here to go to his blogsite.

Thankful For Our Country!

2008-07-06T17:44:00.002-03:00

Amy and I would like to take this time to say how thankful we are for all of you and our country. I am thankful that we are Americans, I am thankful that we live in a country where we can worship our lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But, we hope that all of you had a great 4th. We all want you to know that we love Brazil, we love the people there, but the USA is our home! Thank You for praying for us! We hope that you will continue to visit us here to see what is going on and know how to pray for the people of the state of Sao Paulo. Thank You again for coming by! We have a short video for you below, hope you enjoy it!
Pascal and Amy

ERIC & RAMONA REESE, Rio de Janeiro

2008-07-06T17:26:00.004-03:00

Just wanted all of you to remember the Reese Family in your prayers this week. Be sure and check their website out.
June 17 Reese Weekly Prayer Update
http://www.reesefamilyonline.org/inglesindex.asp
(Campinas, Rio de Janeiro, Jacarepagua’ 1999 to present)
Ministry:
1. Eric is being pressured to endorse or support one Para Military leader over another. These are the leaders of the favelas. Pray for wisdom to know what to do in every situation. Eric says the only one he wants to endorse is Jesus Christ!
2. Continue to pray for the summer missionaries that are with the Reeses from University of Georgia, Mercer and Georgia State University.
3. Eric is seeking the Lord's will about wearing a bullet proof vest as he ministers. Pray the Lord will give wisdom (James 1.5).
4. The upcoming court is on July 10th, 2008 for the trial of the ex-team member suing Eric. The person is suing for 25,000 reais. Pray that this will be resolved once and for all. It is wearing on Eric, too much.
5. Eric praises God for help with the New York Times article without naming names.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/world/americas/13brazil.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=RIO+DRUG+DEALERS&st=nyt&oref=slogin
Personal:
1. Pray for Eric's health and blood pressure to be well.
2. Pray for the remaining issues concerning the home and debt of Ramona’s Mother.
3. Pray for wisdom for other family decisions.
We thank you for being so faithful to pray.
Thank you,
Kenneth Jarrett, Prayer Advocate

Thank You for Praying for Eric and Romona. Some of you remember the video that the IMB did on them.(This is the video that I have shown while speaking)Click here to see it again.

At the end of the Road

2008-06-28T22:20:00.000-03:00

C.S. Stanley(Photographer with the IMB) ends his journey and story on the unreached peoples of the Amazon. Video done by Commission Stories of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention

Miss Alma Hunt, Former Executive Director of Woman’s Missionary Union.

2008-06-28T09:42:00.003-03:00

Growing up we all know about the WMU. In our church it was Mrs. Owen who headed up the program. Today I wanted to share this with you about a lady who promoted missions and probably is a reason why we are in Brazil. It will be interesting when we get to heaven to see how many people were influenced by her. Here are a couple of more links to learn more.

WMU of Virginia
Alma Hunt

Regarding the home-going of Miss Alma Hunt, Former Executive Director of Woman’s Missionary Union.

Alma Hunt 1909-2008

Alma Hunt, an icon in Baptist missions worldwide, died Saturday evening June 14, 2008 in Roanoke, Va. She was 98 years old. Few Baptist mission leaders have been as widely known and beloved in their own lifetimes. Miss Hunt is a Roanoke native who touched lives through service in 93 countries. Since returning to Roanoke in 1985, she continued until recent months to encourage all Christians to share Jesus Christ globally. The Alma Hunt Offering for Virginia Missions was named in her honor in 1998 by the Virginia Woman's Missionary Union and Baptist General Association of Virginia. Since then, nearly $10 million has been given through this annual offering for Christian ministries throughout Virginia and the world. Miss Hunt was born October 5, 1909. Biographers have attributed her accomplishments to a strong supportive family in Roanoke, and to her nurture by First Baptist Church in Roanoke. She was groomed for leadership by pastors such as Dr. Walter Pope Binns and Mrs. Binns. She was active in the church and citywide Young Woman's Auxiliary, a branch of the Woman's Missionary Union. In 1931, she attended her first national-level Baptist conference, at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. From then on her talents as a promoter of missions were in demand by national leaders among Baptists. Her wider ministry began as an unpaid recreation leader and speaker for WMU conferences. She attended Longwood College, but the Great Depression brought her home early to begin a school teaching career in Roanoke. At age 19 she took her first class of 52 students at Clearbrook School. Soon she was named principal of the school. In 1931, she and another teacher began the Grandin Court School in Roanoke. She served as a primary teacher or principal in Roanoke schools until 1944. She resumed her own studies at Longwood College, graduating in 1941. She earned a master's degree from Columbia University in New York, specializing in the new field of student personnel administration. In later years she received doctorates from William Jewell College and from University of Richmond. She left Roanoke in 1944 to become dean of women at William Jewell College in Missouri. Studies toward a doctorate at Columbia University halted in 1948, when she was elected executive secretary of the Southern Baptist Woman's Missionary Union. She moved to Birmingham, Ala. where its offices were located, and she became an active member of Southside Baptist Church. Under her leadership, Woman's Missionary Union of the SBC grew to its all-time high membership of more than 1.5 million. WMU sponsored its first nationwide conventions for girls. She wrote the widely studied book, History of Woman's Missionary Union, in connection with the 75th anniversary of WMU. She supervised a staff of more than 100 and a multi-million dollar budget. WMU's publishing business expanded with periodical circulation of one million. She led WMU to active support of formation of the Women's Department of the Baptist World Alliance, which took form during her first year as WMU executive secretary. She was a founder of the North American Baptist Women's Union, a branch of the Baptist World Alliance which began with 14 different Baptist denominations. She served as president of NABWU from 1964 to 1967. In 1970-1975, she was vice-president of the Baptist World Alliance. She was a board member of the American Bible Society and was active with the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs. Her first retirement came in 1974, at age 65. She had served professionally with salary as a missions executive for 26 years. Now she would begin an even longer term of service, 34 years, as an unpaid volunteer. From 1976 until 1985, she lived in Richmond, Va. She served without salary on the staff of the Foreign Mission Board (now known as International Mission Board). From 1976 through 1979, she had the unique task of being consultant on women's mission work around the world. She visited 45 countries to help women to organize, to establish mission-sending programs, and to encourage mission workers. In the USA she maintained a full schedule of speaking, traveling, and writing in behalf of missions. In 1985 she returned to Roanoke to care for her mother and to enjoy her nephew and nieces. She lived at Sotheby Square. She wrote a book of stories from her international experiences, entitled Reflections from Alma Hunt. She co-authored Leadership Legacies. She maintained a growing schedule of speaking about mission work to churches and conferences. By this time, she had no official title, but she selectively used her influence to shape new and growing forms of mission participation. Baptists kept her in the spotlight as a dynamic example of Christian living and aging. In 1985, the Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia built Hunt Hall in her honor at CrossRoads Camp and Conference Center. In 1984-1985, Virginia WMU also contributed funds for construction of the Hunt Library and Archives at the headquarters building of Woman's Missionary Union, SBC in Birmingham, Ala. Later WMU, SBC created the Alma Hunt Museum as a missions education display concerning her life and her historical collections. In the 1990s Miss Hunt spoke up in support of new forms of cooperation in missions. In 1995 at the 150th anniversary of the Southern Baptist Convention, she was the one woman among denominational statesmen chosen to bring historical addresses. At this time, she said, "Missions is what makes me get up in the morning." In 1997 she was named an "Honorary Emeritus Missionary" of the International Mission Board. Also in 1997, Alma Hunt Cottage was built in Salem, VA as part of the developmental disabilities ministry of Hope Tree Family Services (formerly known as Virginia Baptist Children's Home). She became a frequent visitor and encourager of the residents. She was an active supporter and board member of the Rescue Mission in Roanoke (Roanoke Valley Mission Centers). She was named to their emeritus board of directors. The Alma Hunt Theological Library was created in her honor at the John Leland Center for Theological studies in Arlington, Va., in 1999. In 2001, she was a founder of Global Women. In that same year, she received the first Jeter Award from the directors of Virginia's Religious Herald newsjournal in recognition of denominational service. In 2002, she was inducted into the Mainstream Baptist Network Hall of Fame. In 2004, she was given the Judson-Rice Award by Baptists Today news journal, headquartered in Atlanta. The award recognizes "a current Baptist leader who has demonstrated important leadership while maintaining the highest integrity." In 2003, she transferred her membership to Rosalind Hills Baptist Church in Roanoke. In January 2007, Rosalind Hills Church notified her that it had decided to ordain her as a minister of the gospel. The pastor, Tom Stocks, said that Hunt's ordination came about "75 years late. Our people wanted her to know that we appreciate the way she ministers to us and to people around the world. The idea of a special blessing for Alma and her great ministry arose from the grassroots of our congregation," Stocks said. John V. Upton, executive director for Virginia Baptists, said "Because of her example and faithfulness, Virginia Baptists will always remember her. She has heralded the cause of missions straight from her heart. When Virginia Baptists were shaping a new vision for the 21st Century, she was its first champion. She has been a bold and influential leader not only for women, but also for all Baptists around the world and especially for Virginia Baptists." She was listed in the first edition of Who's Who of American Women, (1953) and she was also listed in Who's Who in America. Her archival collections may be found Virginia Baptist Historical Society in Richmond, Va. and at Hunt Archives of Woman's Missionary Union in Birmingham, Ala. Miss Hunt was the daughter of Myrtle Wertz Hunt and William Otis Hunt. Her grandparents were apple farmers in Poage's Mill and Bent Mountain area near Roanoke. Her first international awareness was Grandpa Hunt's shipping apples for sale in England. Her younger siblings and their spouses, who lived out their lives in Roanoke, were William Otis Hunt Jr., with his wife Anna; and Louise Hunt, who married William Dickinson Roe. She is survived by her nephew, William Dickinson Roe Jr. and his wife, Nene, of Roanoke, and her niece, Mary Anna Hunt, of Indianapolis, Ind.; great_nieces and nephew are: Christian Griggs of Atlanta, with wife, Bridget and sons, Robert and Sean; Stephanie Sawyer, of Indianapolis with son, Will and daughter, Annabelle; Jane Hunt Griggs, of Grass Valley, Calif. with daughter, Bella and son, Phaedon; Dabney Griggs and son, Ayalyte, of Grass Valley, Calif.; Ashley Roe Gilreath, of Manteo, N.C. with husband, Jim and sons, James and Reid; Amy Carder Roe, of Denver, Colo.; and Catherine Roe Gilreath, of Roanoke with husband, Fred and daughter, Caroline. Funeral services will be held at Rosalind Hills Baptist Church, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2008, with Dr. Tom Stocks officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, 540_982_2100.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 6/16/2008.

River of Life

2008-06-23T15:51:00.003-03:00

This is the second video in the three part series of C.S. Stanley(photographer with the IMB of the SBC)journey doing a story on the unreached peoples of the Amazon. If you have missed the first video you can click here. This video is done by Commission Stories of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Monty and Janis Thompson - Video of Forgiviness

2008-06-15T21:00:00.010-03:00

Monty and Janis Thompson will be doing the Lottie Moon Christmas offering service at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. We love the Thompson's! I am so thankful that they are able to go to my home church and spend time with my parents and people we truly love. This week I would like to share their newsletter with all of you, our prayer partners. At the end of their newsletter is a video that they sent for us to watch. Please watch and see how Jesus, our Lord and Savior, changes lives. I believe you will really enjoy it, so take some time to watch it. Thanks for coming by and we love all of you!
Pascal and Amy

Do you know the rapper, Chris Brown?” This was the question 3 teenagers asked Kelsey, a 17 year-old volunteer from Valley Baptist church in Searcy, Arkansas last week while this team was out in the neighborhood of Guadalupe doing evangelism. She took this opportunity to share the Gospel with them and all three accepted Christ. One of the residents of this neighborhood saw Kelsey talking with these three girls and asked what happened. When told that the three accepted Christ, the resident said, “Did you know their father is the biggest drug pusher in the neighborhood and he often uses them to deliver the drugs?” The three girls also participated in a nightly Bible study for teenagers that Kelsey facilitated at the church.

This is just one of many stories that I could write about that happened this past week with this 5 member team of volunteers. We did something a little different with this team this year, concentrating on 6 lesson evangelistic in-home Bible studies in place of a one-time sharing of the Gospel (although we did that too, if the home wouldn’t accept the Bible studies). In this way we can better build relationships as the Brazilians are very relational. This approach was so much more successful, that we will begin using it almost exclusively with all evangelistic volunteer teams that come to work with us. We visit less people but we are seeing more positive results. In other words we are focusing on quality verses quantity. We had 43 people who participated in the Bible studies in 18 homes and 13 teenagers who participated in the studies at the church. There were 159 people who accepted Christ and we had 23 visitors at the Saturday night service and 33 visitors who attended Sunday night. That is by far more than we have ever had just sharing the Gospel one time in the home. Salvation is an event, but effective evangelism is a process. How many of you were saved the first time you ever heard the Gospel, especially if a stranger presented it? These folks were exposed to the Gospel up to six times with time in between for it to really sink in.

Continue praying for this new church start. Pastor João (John) and Silvana have a lot of work ahead of them following up on these decisions. The team left Monday and they started working today doing follow-ups. We have another 6 lesson follow up Bible study that they will be using in these homes. We will help them for the next two weeks but then we will be stateside for six months.

We will be leaving on June 26 to attend the annual meeting of all IMB missionaries in Brazil in São Paulo and then flying straight home after the meeting and landing in Arkansas on July 3rd. We will be staying at a house generously supplied by Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Cabot, Arkansas. We stayed in this same house in 2005. If any of you would like us to speak at your church, just send us an e-mail. We are already scheduled to speak at 11 mission conferences from Arizona to Florida, but we still have plenty of time to speak at individual churches.

Continue praying also for new churches planted at Cachoeria de Minas, Borda da Mata, Sacramento, Ponte Alta, and Uberaba. This will probably be our last newsletter until we return to Brazil on January 1, 2009 but feel free to contact us by e-mail anytime.

Monty and Janis Thompson

Unreached Peoples - Do they need to know?

2008-06-10T21:36:00.001-03:00

Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Mark 16:15-16 - He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

When I read just these two verses it is pretty clear what was being said. Jesus said to GO into all the world. Just in the last couple of weeks, the Brazilian government came out and said that there is a tribe of people that have no contact with the outside world. They went on to say that they need to protect them because if outsiders get in there, then they will get diseases and completely be wiped out. For example, flu's and cold's, which are common to us but deadly to them. They go on to say their culture will cease to exist, their language,etc. Does that mean that we as Christians need to sit back and just say there is no way to get in, so forget it? NO! Jesus said to GO into all of creation and that means these tribes in the rain forest. But how? I know it is difficult. We just can't drive there. We just can't fly in there, but there will be a way to share the gospel with them. I recently read this article by Stan Jeter of Christian World News. It is called:

Spreading the Gospel in Ecuador's Jungles
The sight and sound of a most unusual aircraft is turning heads in the jungles of Ecuador these days.

But it's not just the parachute-plane, it's the pilot. He's one of them. Tementa is a Waorani tribesman and in a remarkable role reversal the passenger is the missionary.

Tementa's coach and mentor is Steve Saint and nobody is a greater supporter of the Waorani.

"These people have the want to. They know the Gospel. They love the Lord. They've proven that they're able to face persecution, much more than we have," he said.

That's a big change from 1956 when Steve's father, Nate Saint, flew four other American missionaries to a fateful encounter with the Aucas, as the Waorani were known to outsiders. Tementa's father was one of the killers in a massacre that shocked the world.

But today, many Waorani are committed christians, with a passion for taking the message of God's love to other tribes deeper in the jungle.

Steve was determined to assist the Waronis in their quest so he and some friends got together and formed a group called the Indigenous Technology Center.

"If we would spend at least a little bit of time and some of our resources in re-inventing these tools that we have found to make sharing the Gospel efficient so that we can pass the torch, I think that's one of the big challenges, and I think that is one of the most efficient things we can do," he said.

Steve's interests were not limited to flying. He and his friends developed a portable dental operation unit and also a video system. Both could be carried like backpacks and operated on solar charged batteries.

Then Steve came across the powered parachute, a fairly new technology which he quickly adapted to jungle conditions. He also increased the capacity to carry two passengers and cargo.

Tementa had been in training for months, developing repair and maintenance skills. Minkai learned to use the portable dental unit. Together they made quite a team.

For a savage people who once delighted in deceiving and murdering the unsuspecting, the transformation couldn't be more dramatic. They're now missionaries themselves, reaching others by using a tailor-made set of technology tools.

Wow! Jesus really does change lives! I believe God's word! I belive one day that the gospel will get to these people because that is what Jesus wants. I believe that God is preparing people right now to go. I feel as though if these people have had any type of contact they have been told to chase them off, everything that we can imagine to keep outsiders from coming in. But remember if we are to take God's word serious, then we have to realize that He loves these people. Jesus died for them, too!

When I read about this, I always remember the story of Operation Auca. Click here to read more about it: Operation Auca. These young men died for the cause of Jesus Christ. Look at what the death of Jesus did, it gave life! Look at what the death of these young men did, it gave life to some indians who needed to know Jesus. How can you explain when Elizabeth Elloit and Rachel Saint went back to the very same people to live with them, learn their language and share the gospel? All you can say is it is the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. The Message puts this passage of scripture in John 15:13 this way: I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father. We are Jesus' friends. Those men who killed the missionaires with Operation Auca are Jesus' Friends, too.

So today, remember the unreached peoples of the world. Pray they will be given a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that there will be ways around the barriers that have been set up. Pray that God will raise up people to go. In closing, Do they need to know? I BELIEVE it is already happening!

Love you all!
Pascal and Amy

Interesting Facts about South America.

2008-06-10T09:41:00.006-03:00

Wanted to share some interesting facts with you about South America. Please pray for the people here. These facts were put out by the IMB of the Southern Baptist Convention. We love you! The picture below is of Palm Beach, where the missionaries with Operation Auca(Equador) were killed.
Pascal and Amy

There are 699 people groups in South America. Of these 699 people groups, 411 are unreached people groups (less than 2% evangelical.) Of these 411 UPG, IMB missionaries work among only 48. Of these 411 UPG 200 have no evangelical presence of any kind.

Did you know there are 85 unreached tribes in the Amazon Basin that have no contact with the outside world?

Did you know that of the total 378.7 million population in South America, 355 million are lost? Nine out of ten who die today will die without Christ.

Are you aware that 77% of the region's people live in cities?

Did you know that besides Spanish and Portuguese, 433 other languages are spoken in South America?

That of the 699 people groups represented in South America, IMB missionaries have only engaged 87 of them?

Roman Catholics 79%
Evangelical 6%
Traditional Ethnic/Spiritist 3%
Non-religious/Other 12%

The unreached of South America desperately need our fervent prayers, generous hearts and going feet to unlock their spiritual prisons. Are you willing to go and tell them God's passionate message of love and salvation? Will you pray away these nearly impenetrable Gospel barriers? Will you give generously to support fellow Southern Baptist who are investing their lives there in obedience to God's call?

Before clicking away to some other read, please take a few seconds to view this very short video on the unreached of the Amazon Basin entitled Hidden in the jungle. And then: pray.

*adapted from IMB literature, also please see www.samregion.org and www.takingit2theedge.org or call (800)999-3113

Never Been Told

2008-06-09T10:50:00.005-03:00

C.S. Stanley is a photographer with the IMB. He has a short series of videos about the unreached peoples living in the Amazon. I will be sharing these videos over the next few weeks. Commission Stories of the International Mission Board are the ones who doing a great job of putting these stories together.

Pray for Leticia

2008-06-07T19:34:00.003-03:00

Many of you remember CHRIS JULIAN(The Concrete Jungle) in Sao Paulo working with University Students. He writes this prayer request:

“Our collegiate ministry, Zoe, challenges students to make purposeful relationships with non-Christians. If we can get into the world of college students. we'll win the right to be heard and thus able to share Jesus. Leticia has taken this challenge seriously. It would be easy to walk into class and say, ‘Hey, I'm a Christian and I'm going to study my Bible on Tuesdays. Wanna join me?’ Do you know how many would show up? Maybe another Christian. Maybe. But Leticia,
(Leticia has the Gap shirt on and is the only girl in the pic) since the beginning of the semester, has made friends with 7 people in her class. None of them are Christians. She meets with them weekly. She's been able to share her faith with them. Last week they met for over 2 hours! THAT is a small group Bible study if I've ever heard of one. Those students would not have had anything to do with Leticia but she took time to get to know them first. Now, they know who she is. Pray that she'll have more opportunities to share and meet with her new friends during the winter break. (Summer in the US is winter time in Brazil.)”

Christ

2008-06-06T18:08:00.004-03:00

Be sure and watch the whole video. It is worth it. Thanks to Guy Muse for sending this out. Love the song also, "In Christ Alone"

Jim and Charlotte Whitley-Working with the Gypsies of Brazil

2008-06-04T09:19:00.005-03:00

This week I want to share with you a story that was done on our friends and missionaries to Brazil, Jim and Charlotte Whitley. They are working with the Gypsies that live in Brazil and I would like for you to pray for them this week. I hope that as you see these stories that you will see how diverse Brazil is. Have a blessed week and we love all of you.

(This story was put out by the IMB on 1/29/08)
It wasn’t the easiest way for a greenhorn missionary to begin ministry.

During Bible study in a Roma home not long after Jim Whitley went to post-communist Romania, a knock came at the door. Careful plotting of an Orthodox priest brought
the police to escort Whitley and another missionary from the community. All appeals to the mayor, who had approved the meeting, fell on disloyal ears.

Persecution set in as Whitley and his wife, Charlotte, began their work in Romania nearly 10 years ago. Their work engaging Gypsies in the Eastern European country blazed trails into unknown territory.

Today, work with Gypsies in Romania flourishes and other missionaries have fanned out across Europe to join efforts to reach the Roma. Romanian work has seen more than 50 Bible studies started, at least 10 churches planted and 10 to 20 baptisms a year. But now the work there continues without these pioneer missionaries.

The Whitleys recently moved to South America to begin new work among the Brazilian Gypsies. But it wasn’t an easy decision.

“We were comfortable [in Romania], and the work is not finished,” Whitley says. “But we felt God was moving us [to Brazil] to work with the same people group.”

Although they didn’t intend to leave Romania, a request for new work among South American Roma touched the Whitleys. They arrived in Campinas this past March.

“As we went looking through neighborhoods, we found they still love to have their big barbecues outside and dancing,” Whitley says of the similarity between Brazilian Roma and their European cousins. “They just enjoy life. In a lot of ways, they are very similar.”

But there are differences. Brazilian Roma are not persecuted, although they are ostracized and held at a distance. Yet, they thrive as businessmen, metal workers and fortunetellers – true entrepreneurs by nature.

The number of Gypsies in Brazil is in dispute since many have no birth certificate. Estimates range from 350,000 to 650,000, with groups living in other South American countries such as Argentina and Chile.

Regardless of the number, the Whitleys are deep into language study and seeking information about the location and cultural benchmarks of this people group – particularly the characteristics that will impact how they should share the Gospel.

“The Roma community is generally open to talk to you about God,” Whitley says. “No strong religious ties keep them from becoming evangelical. Most [ties] depend on how strong the family is with the Catholic Church. They could get kicked out of their house for that kind of thing.”

The Whitleys anticipate using Bible storying as a primary way of sharing the Gospel with predominantly nonliterate Roma. They also plan prayerwalking through Roma communities, looking for persons of peace as entryways into villages and starting work with Brazilian believers to evangelize and disciple them. They hope to start Bible studies in each village, ultimately forming Roma Baptist churches with their own leaders and missionaries who can begin to cross social barriers with other Roma.

The Whitleys seek opportunities to share the Good News with Gypsies who will, in turn, win their own people to Christ.

Stories from The Concrete Jungle

2008-05-27T09:50:00.019-03:00

Once again while we are in the states we would like to share some stories of our other GREAT Missionaries here in Brazil! This week it is Chris and Melody Julian. They live in Sao Paulo and work with university students. Brazil is a country that has many young people. I am thankful that Chris and Melody are working with this group. Please pray for them, there team members and the lost university students.
Check there Blog out here at The Concrete Jungle.

When it started! ZOE

Zoe means "eternal life". Eternal life in Jesus Christ is what our small group Bible studies at Mackenzie are all about. Last week we had a reception of sorts and were able to introduce our team and Zoe to many of the 35,000 students who attend Mackenzie. We had a banner. Team members each wore t-shirts. We had flyers available and even free Cokes and cookies. We looked like one of the teams from The Apprentice.

Bible studies last 20 minutes and are held outside. Each Wednesday at 7:00am, 12:40pm and 6:00pm we get together. Team Zoe Mackenzie includes Felipe, Amós, Rodrigo, Daniela, and Guilherme.

Saturday nights will never be the same in the Julian house. Late last year we began a small group Bible study in our home, a Bible study geared toward university students. Things weren't going as well as we had hoped and moved Zoe to Saturday
nights. Our living room was full this week and we had a blast. We begin with snacks at 6:30 and then move into worship, prayer time, Bible study, share time and then more food!

Pray for the ZOE Leadership
Left to right is Emerson, Leticia, Junior and Leonardo. These 4 represent our Zoe core team. We've asked you to pray for our leadership, now you know what they look like. Not pictured is Christian and Jamila. We'll catch them next time!

Emerson is our Evangelism leader and studies at the Sao Paulo Art College.
Leticia is our Worship leader and studies at Mackenzie University.
Junior is our Missions leader and studies at the University of Sao Paulo.
Leonardo is our Discipleship leader and studies downtown at Largo Sao Francisco.

Every week during our Zoe worship time, we share how we saw God during the week. This week, we were so excited to share about 3 miracles that happened.

For months and months we have prayed for Junior to get a job. He shared last week how he was desperate, but totally relying on the Lord. God had brought him to a point of total dependance. THEN GOD. God stepped in and he got the call Wednesday afternoon with a great job offer.

Emerson has tried two times before to get a visa to visit the US. One of his best friends is getting married in May and really wants Emerson to be part of the ceremony. He went to the consulate with very little hope of getting a visa and only wanted to be able to tell his friend that he tried but couldn't come. Everyone said it couldn't be done. THEN GOD. A shocked Emerson left the consulate with the visa.

Then, the most precious miracle of all. Wednesday night Michael(Chris and Melody's son) started talking about spiritual things and what it meant to become a Christian. After he called everyone into the den, he prayed and asked Jesus to be his Savior. With such simple faith, he became a new boy with his whole life ahead of him to follow Jesus. We were all so excited to see this miracle in our family.

Soon, Chris Black and Daniel & Bethany Cecil will be joining our Zoe collegiate team
here in Sao Paulo. In August, they'll take an 8-week crash course in cross-cultural living at the International Mission Board's International Learning Center in Richmond, Virginia.

Following Richmond, they'll have a few days to say their "good-byes" to family
and friends. Then, they'll fly to Brazil where they'll be involved in an intensive 8 weeks of learning Portuguese in a city just outside of Sao Paulo.

Finally, we'll see them here in Sao Paulo.

Pray for Daniel & Bethany. Pray for Chris. Pray for their families. Pray that they'll be granted visas quickly. Just lift them up as God leads you.

This is a picture of Universidade Radial. Pray. It's new. Pray. It's a satellite campus. Pray. The school is within walking distance of our house. Pray. Wouldn't it be cool if God opened up the door for Zoe to do something here? Pray. The building has been closed for as long as we've lived in Sao Paulo, now over 5 years. Pray. It used to be a mall! Pray. Now, it'll be home to thousands of college students needing to hear the gospel. Pray

God is blessing our Saturday night meetings. Our house church, which we call Zoe Marajoara, meets each week at 6:30pm. Zoe means "abundant life". Marajoara is our neighborhood. Zoe is led by university students as a ministry to share Christ with university students. We sing, share "God stories", laugh and eat together. We have fun. These are some pictures from Saturday night, May 17 where God blessed with 22 students and friends.

Avenida Paulista is one of the most important streets in Sao Paulo. It is where many international banks are located. It is also where over 100,000 people live! After prayer walking, we met Leonardo and Junior for lunch at McDonald's. This is our group in front of our metro (subway) station. Leonardo is first from the left. Junior is first from the right. Both are part of our Zoe core team. Leonardo works for a law journal and is a law student. Junior is working on his master's degree in business and works in a bank.

Zoe leadership from four campuses here in Sao Paulo came over to our house for a cook-out tonight. They joined our collegiate volunteer team from Valdosta State University. After hamburgers, we prayed for each other. First, the Americans gathered around, laid hands on and prayed for our Brazilian team. Then, the Brazilians gathered around, laid hands on and prayed for our American team. It was a great night!

Zoe leaders from 4 Sao Paulo campuses and Valdosta students
had dinner and prayed together in our home tonight.

Here's a group shot. Left to Right behind the futon are:
Chris (that missionary), Emerson (Zoe FPA, Zoe Marajora)
Junior (Zoe USP, Zoe Marajoara),
Zach (Valdosta), Jason (Valdosta), and Felipe (Zoe Mackenzie)

Left to right sitting on the futon is:
Laeken (Valdosta), Gabi (Zoe Mackenzie),
Leticia (Zoe Mackenzie, Zoe Marajoara),
Natalee (Valdosta), and Clarissa (leader of Valdosta team)

Hope that enjoyed reading about the work going on in Sao Paulo with the university students there. Please remember them in your prayers. Thank you again for coming by! We love all of you!
Pascal and Amy

From the Blog "M is for Mud Guy" Prayer Requests for PoA Church Planters - André Luís and Ivone

2008-05-18T21:38:00.003-03:00

Once again while we are in the states I would like to share some things that are going on around Brazil. This week we want to share with you the work of Southern Brazil. Jeff and Cam Dunson work in the southern most part of Brazil. Work is hard and all of our missionaries in that area need your prayers. Pray for the people there and take time to read this short story of Andre Luis. Be sure and visit Jeff blog M is for Mud Guy. Thanks for coming by and have a great week.
Pascal and Amy

André Luís is a sergeant in the Brazilian army, a seminary student, a pastor, and is
in the process of becoming a church planter. He took over a church in a city 1 1/2 hours away from where he lives that was down to 4 people, and has built it up to a congregation of about 20 adults and 20 more children. He has a tremendous vision not only to see his church grow, but to see 16 more churches started in the city of General Câmera and the four surrounding cities. André Luis wrote today and said:

"I have a lot that I could share about my ministry and also about everything that God is doing in General Camera and the region. But, I would like to ask you...that you would specifically pray about some attacks that Satan is launching against the work that we intend to carry out in the region.

If it is possible for you to ask your intercessors to pray for us, that would be good. Ever since I started the ministry in General Camera, there were some things that needed to be organized and some positions that I needed to take. When I made the decisions following God's direction, things started to get complicated, and some barriers started to be raised, trying to keep me from working there. Despite this, I decided to do what God told me to do. I rented a house in General Camera, and I started to direct the church in the area of training. I also started family groups, and I started the process of beginning preaching points in the region. As soon as I started this, many unnatural things have happened. Two Sundays ago, after a week full of victories (including Jeff being with me on Sunday, but the victories were throughout the entire holiday weekend), on my return from General Camera that night, when I went to pick up my kids, my car was broken into and they stole everything we had in the car, including all of our bags with our clothes, my bookbag, and everything. This Sunday, on my way back, one of the water hoses on the car broke and I didn't notice it, and the motor locked up and it appears that it destroyed the entire motor. I had to be towed home. These are just two of the primary examples of things that have happened in the last month.

I believe in a powerful God, but I know that the enemy of our souls is not happy with God's purposes for that region. So I ask you to pray for me, for Ivone, and for my children Jonathan and Jessica. Also pray that God will free that region from the hands of Satan...

On the 7th of June, I will be with Jeff again, and will be holding an evangelism impact and getting ready for July, when I will be receiving 12 (short-term Brazilian missionaries). I believe that this is also a motive for prayer...May God bless you, André Luis."

Urgent Prayer Request for Eric Reese

2008-05-15T14:54:00.004-03:00

Many of you have seen the video of Eric Reese, He and his family need our prayers at this moment and I wanted to share it with you. The video of his work is located on this page at the bottom or you can click here(Braving Bullets). Thank you for praying for Eric and his family.

Thursday May 15, 2008 Urgent Brazil Prayer Request

You have been praying for ERIC & RAMONA REESE (Rio) as her grandmother was buried this morning in Georgia. (I assume Ramona made the trip though I have not received confirmation on that). A few minutes ago I received a note from a Brazilian working with Eric saying that while he was taking the girls to some of their activities today he began feeling very sick. Apparently, his blood pressure shot up and so he called his doctor who told him to take some medicine go to bed. If he is not better by 8 pm (6 pm CDT), they planned to hospitalize him. Please pray for this young family who have gone through many physical, emotional and financial stress issues in recent months.

Erma Highfill
co-prayer advocate for Brazil

Found Some Old Pictures!

2008-05-14T22:00:00.009-03:00

Since we are in the US right now, I have had some time to go through some old pictures. I came across these pictures and it brought back some memories. The first group of pictures are of some potholes right outside of Uberlandia. Today the road is really nice! But oh how well I remember those potholes and telling Amy that she had to see them. They even had a sign telling you that they were a 100 meters away. To tell the truth a car could fit in one of them. If any of you other missionaries out there have some better pictures than these, let me know! I want to see them! Here they are below:

The next couple of pictures are of a sacrifice that we found one day. Around Uberlandia I saw this all the time. I remember feeling sick as I looked at it. I remember one time when Don Highfill took us to a waterfall, we saw many sacrifices there, things that we had never seen. People, the enemy is busy! The enemy is busy everywhere! Pray that peoples eyes will be open to the truth of Jesus Christ, also that many churches will be planted and disciples made! Remember in II Cor. 4:4"Regarding them: the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." We need YOU to pray for Brazil! Pray that people will come to know who Jesus is, the Savior of the World! Amen! Thank You for praying!

In I Timothy 4:1-2 it says this: "Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seard."

Thank you for praying today for Brazil and other countries around the world! Pray that the Holy Spirit will move in peoples lives. Pray that they will come to know Jesus! Here is a little quote taken from The M Blog, Thanks Guy!
The Holy Spirit can’t save saints or seats. If we don’t know any non-Christians, how can we introduce them to the Savior? Paul Little

Pascal and Amy Stowell

Ron and Faye Rogers

2008-05-14T21:10:00.006-03:00

Our team leaders Ron and Faye Rogers have sent this prayer request out. We would like for all of you to pray for Faye's mother. Also we are very excited that they will be coming back to Brazil! We praise God for taking care of Faye!(That is Ron visiting with Pastor Roque "Big Bob" in Pocos de Caldas, MG. Ron and Faye will be able to come back to do what God has called them to do, teach, visit with Pastors and help plant churches!)

RON & FAYE ROGERS (Campinas on Medical Leave) send this prayer request and a praise. “First, a prayer request: Faye's mother, Mildred Bryant, suffered a heart attack this morning at about 2:30, while visiting us here in Tennessee. She was flown by Life-Flight helicopter to Knoxville, where she received 2 stents to open up 2 major blockages. Praise the Lord that her prognosis is good. Please pray for her as she recovers. Second, a praise and a request: Rejoice with us that tomorrow, May 14, Faye will have her final chemotherapy treatment! This has been a long road, and we are so thankful for all of our brothers and sisters who have prayed for us throughout this journey. Please continue to pray as we begin making plans for returning to Brazil. God bless you all!

Click here for a story in the Baptist Press about what they have been through.

If you would like to pray more for IMB missionaries in Brazil, know how to pray for them and be part of the ministies there, please go to the link below. Mrs. Erma Highfill does this prayer letter. It changes everyday, so be sure and visit when you can. Brazil Prayer Request.

Pascal Stowell

Three Questions for Any Church-Taken from The M Blog

2008-05-09T09:49:00.004-03:00

Since we are in the states I would like to share this post by my cousin's husband, Guy Muse. If you want to learn more about Church Planting, House Churches and etc. His blog is the place to go. Also, as we visit churches we are showing the video of Eric Reese, you can watch the video in the post below. Thank you to all for your prayers and for visiting our blog.
Pascal and Amy Stowell

Three Questions for Any Church-The M Blog.

1. What is your church doing to deliberately make disciples?

2. What is your church doing to intentionally plant/reproduce new churches?

3. What is your church doing missions wise to be His witnesses in your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth?

While I realize there is more to being the Bride of Christ than the answer to these three questions, it is hard for me to conceive of a church calling herself a church that does not have a clear plan to make disciples of the nations. The heart of God is a missionary one that loved the world so much that He gave what was most precious to Him, Jesus, so that we might be called the 'children of God'.

While there is certainly room in the Church for more than evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and missions, if we allow these to become anything less that priority mandates, the inevitable result will be a turning inwards and the beginning of a decline resulting in eventual death of that body of believers.

My own observations about the decline occurring within the Southern Baptist Convention is directly related to the loss of this focus we have traditionally had as a denomination.

So how do we turn the decline around? For starters, try honestly answering the above three questions!

The Eric Reese Video-Braving Bullets

2008-04-27T22:58:00.004-03:00

This is a great video put out by Commission Stories. It is about Eric Reese and the work in Rio. Thank you for praying Brazil.
Pascal and Amy

We Praise God!!

2008-04-18T22:28:00.002-03:00

Psalm 9:1-2(Holman Christian Standard Bible)
I will thank the Lord with all my heart;
I will declare all Your wonderful works.
I will rejoice and boast about You;
I will sing about Your name, Most High.

This week we had to go to Campinas to renew the date on our visas. We have been waiting for almost 3 years to receive our cards. We have always been told that when you have a baby down here that you will get your cards faster. Well, whoever said that was wrong! Anyway, on our way to Campinas, I told Amy that those cards were going to be there. She just laughed and said “Yea right.” I dropped her and the kids off at the Whitley’s house and I went to renew the date on our visas. After going to the Federal Police I called Amy and said, “I told you they were going to be here! I am coming to pick you up so you can get your card!” I just want to praise God right now for taking care of that because we will not have to renew for another 8 years. I want to praise Him because always in His timing things get done. Thank you all for your prayers. We will be leaving on Monday to go home for a little while. Therefore, the postings will come to a halt for a bit. But, I will send an e-mail out letting you know when we update again. Take care and keep us in your prayers.

God Protects His Children

2008-04-18T22:20:00.003-03:00

Psalm 16:1(Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You.

I just love this story. We have some new missionaries with us in Campinas. Their names are Paul and Toni Dillard. Some of you might have seen Paul on TV. He was on Discovery Channel. He used to build roller coasters and now, he is a missionary(which is more important!). They will be going to Santarem to work with the Caldwells on the boat ministry there. But, when they arrived here in Brazil they had an exciting time. While Bro. David Hodges was showing them the house they are living in, the car did not have the parking break on. It rolled down the driveway, through the gate, across the street, and hit the neighbors gate. Then, it rolled back into the middle of the street. I laugh when I think about that. Anyway, Bro. David called his people and everything is okay now. But, I have to admit that is the funniest first day for some missionaries that I have heard about. We would like for you to pray for all of our new missionaries and their work. Also pray for the Cunninghams (picture below). They have four children and one set is twins. Since they have been down here, it has been tough. They have been sick just about the whole time. So, please pray for them during this transition time. It is difficult being away from everything, especially family. But we always need to remember that God always takes care of His children.

Pray For New Workers!

2008-04-14T06:57:00.004-03:00

This past Sunday on the Brazil Prayer Bulletin, Mrs. Erma Highfill posted a request. We would like for you to read it and pray that God will call out many more to come to Brazil and other countries around the world. Pray that people will also answer the call of God. Also please pray for Brazil, visit Mrs. Erma's Blog which has prayer request daily of missionaries living here and around South America.

God Bless You this week!
Pascal and Amy

Prayer request posted on the blog: IMB Brazil Prayer Request
Pray that God will send out new laborers into His harvest fields in the unreached areas of Brazil and the world. There are still many counties and even entire states in Brazil that are less than 5% evangelized, and there are many countries in the world where the Gospel is not openly preached and accepted. Ask God to pour out His Spirit on the nations and convict sinners of sin, righteousness and judgment, so that they will believe and won't have to endure the eternal consequences of sin.

The Youth of First Baptist Church in Oviedo, Florida

2008-04-07T18:13:00.007-03:00

Romans 10:15 “And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!” (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

This past week, Bob Berry and a group of youth from the First Baptist Church in Oviedo, Florida, were in Brazil. We had the privilege of them coming to our area. Dario set up everything in Conchal with the schools and what a great time we had! It truly was a blessing from God and something that He used there in Conchal. Please watch the video above.

The youth from FBC Oviedo performed skits in the schools, gave their testimonies about how Jesus had changed their lives and then afterwards passed out tracts to the young people. They passed out over 2000 tracts and the principals of the schools were saying that not all the young people received a tract. Dario will get more to them. One of the interesting things that I saw was the fact that the young people listened, they watched and they loved the performances done by the youth of FBC Oviedo. Usually when we pass out tracts, I see people throwing them in the streets and trash cans. So, I just get them out and pass them out again. But this time I did not see anybody throwing their tract down on the street. I did not see anybody throwing their tract in the trash. It was amazing!

We personally want to thank Bob Berry and the group from FBC Oviedo for coming up to Conchal and working. This is going to help the church there in Conchal to have a greater impact in the city. We also want to thank all the youth and adults who came as well. They took vacation time to come and share the good news of Jesus Christ, “How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! (HCSB) We love everyone at FBC Oviedo! Thank you for sharing your lives with us and the Brazilians among whom we work! You can watch the video below and see one of the skits they performed in the schools.

I would like for everyone to remember that Amy, the guys and I are coming home in a couple of weeks (April 22). We will be speaking in some churches and we would love to see all of you. We covet your prayers and we thank you for visiting our blog.

The Lopez Family - Working with the J-People

2008-04-05T07:25:00.003-03:00

In the next week we will have a story about the Lopez family and their work with the Japanese people here in Brazil. But we would like to share a video that they have put together about their work here. Remember to pray for David, Patty and Abby as they begin their work.

Cities North of Mogi Guacu(Virtual Prayer Walk)

2008-03-31T18:45:00.004-03:00

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

We will be coming home in about three weeks. We are planning to speak in many churches. One of the things that I hope to do is to promote our area here in Mogi Guacu, north of Campinas. We want to promote our area so that you will pray for this area and possibly come down and help us plant churches and prayer walk. We want to promote our blog because we want others to visit and pray. Something very interesting about our area is that we have a population of about 2,513,053 in 86 cities. There are only 61 Baptist Churches in this area with about 4000 members. That accounts for only about .002% of the population here in the Northern Zone of the Metro Campinas Area.

We need you to pray for this area. Prayer is so important! Would you pray? We covet your prayers! This week we have another Virtual Prayer Walk that we would love for you to take with us. It is through the cities of Casa Branca, Caconde, Tapiratiba and Sao Jose do Rio Pardo. We ask that you pray for these cities, pray that those who live there will be open to the truth of Jesus Christ.

Dario and I visited with Pastor Messias and discussed the area in which he lives. He has a great heart and wants to plant more churches and see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. Pray for him, his wife Andrezza and the church there in Sao Jose do Rio Pardo. Pray that God will raise up more leaders who want to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord.(Be sure and watch the video below)

May God Bless! Thank you for coming by and visiting! Thank You for praying for our area!

Pascal and Amy Stowell

A Virtual Prayer Walk

2008-03-24T15:11:00.003-03:00

“We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.” Colossians 1:28-29

One night when I was listening to Dario preach in Conchal, he said something that was very interesting to me. He said, “People say no to God all the time, but I have a lot of fear in saying no to God. How can I say no?” I thought about that for a good while. But, it was not until the video of Eric Reese came out, that I thought more about what was really being said. If you have not seen the video done by Commission Stories of the IMB, I would like to encourage you to watch it and pray for the Reese family. It is a very well done video. Toward the end of the video, Eric talks about people saying to him that they are afraid for him. He went on to say that knowing what he knows now, he is afraid not to do what God has called him to do.

Paul knew his calling. Dario knows his calling and Eric knows his calling as well. To proclaim Him! Warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present EVERYONE mature in Christ! Wow! That is what this life is all about as a Christian, doing the will of our Father. In saying that, I have to confess something. When we lived in our old apartment, the noise was unbearable. The bar across the street had no respect for the people who live around there. It was just crazy! We can’t tell you how many fights we saw, people who were drunk, partying and drug abuse. To say the least, it is a free zone to party the way you want with no respect for others. When we finally moved, we were so happy! We can finally sleep at night and talk with each other while we eat! But, our friends are still in the apartment building and some are saying that it has gotten worse.

When we left I was so glad!(story from last year) I was so happy to get rid of that place. But, there was the voice of Jesus saying, “I love them.” I have brushed that aside I don’t know how many times. I have said so many times that the work down on that street is not for me. Every time I ride by there I get disgusted. But, there is the voice of Jesus saying, “I love them.” Just as Eric said, “Knowing what I know now I am afraid not to do what God says.” Jesus has called us to go to the entire world and preach the good news. Jesus also said if you love me you will obey my commands. How can I say no?

These young people who congregate on Avenida 9 de Abril need Jesus. I feel that God is saying, “Pascal I have forgiven you, now go and talk with them.” So, I need to forgive, forget and move ahead. Would you pray with me for the young people of Mogi Guacu? We have a Virtual Prayer Walk that we would like for you to do with us. Dario and I have taken some pictures of the street where all the partying happens on holidays and weekends. As you look at the pictures, would you pray for this area and the young people? Do you mind coming back to this blog during the week and weeks ahead to continue to pray for this area? Oh, we could never thank you enough for your prayer support. Thank you for being a part of this ministry and thank you for praying for our area!

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not give up. Instead, we have renounced shameful secret things, not walking in deceit or distorting God’s message, but in God’s sight we commend ourselves to every person’s conscience by an open display of the truth. But if, in fact, our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. Regarding them: the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness”-He has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

Eric Reese and a video you have to see!

2008-03-18T07:24:00.006-03:00

One of the things that we want to do as a family is visit the city Rio here in Brazil. Another thing that I would like to do is spend a few days with Eric and see what he does when he is working in the favelas(slums) of Rio. Eric and his wife, Ramona, are great people that God has called to work in this special ministry.

When we first got to Brazil, I was able to go to Salvador and participate in street evangelism during Carnaval . It was an awesome experience that I will never forget! Another experience I will never forget is when I saw Eric doing the paint talk which is a tool used to reach people with the gospel. I knew that Eric was very tired, he had been preaching all night and this was the last presentation that he was doing. I could probably say he was ready to leave and probably didn’t want to do it. There were only a handful of people, maybe 5 to 8 at the most, and Eric began to present the paint talk. Over on the side was a man, a big man, watching and listening to everything Eric was saying. Before we forget, this man was dressed up like a woman and had been partying hard! After Eric had presented the paint talk, this man was crying and Eric was explaining more about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Eric is a great preacher!

Commission Stories of the IMB did a video about Eric and the work in the slums. It is an awesome video! Please watch it below. You will be touched by it. Go to there website (click here Commission Stories)and you will be able to watch more videos of how God is working around the world. Thank you for taking the time to see what God is doing here in Brazil. We hope you have a great week and tell others to come by and visit us!

Pascal and Amy

Bill & Cherly Arbo-The Vineyard

2008-03-12T21:38:00.006-03:00

This week we would like for our friends, Bill and Cheryl Arbo, to share about their ministry in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Please pray for them! After you read their article, please watch the short video slide show of the vineyard. Thank you again for visiting and getting to know our missionary colleagues here in Brazil.

Question: What do vineyards, Mr. and Ms. Suzuki, Japan, cattle and grapes all have in common?
Answer: They are all staples of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brasil.
Greater than all of the natural resources (coffee, grapes, beef, and rice) of Rio Grande do Sul is the state’s human resources. The people of Rio Grande do Sul are called Gauchos. They are an extremely proud people. So proud are these people that they have tried by hook, crook and war to separate from the country from Brasil and become a country in itself. The rich European (especially German) heritage is evident everywhere you look. From the architecture, clothing styles, dialects and dialogue, and highly specialized production centers – Rio Grande do Sul is distinctly western European.

We love the people of Rio Grande do Sul. We love the Gauchos. Cheryl and I (Bill) are so blessed to live among such beauty. Likewise, we are humbled and excited to work among these wonderful people. We are church planters in this southernmost region working to plant churches among the educated professionals in our area. This is a most difficult and slow task. Spiritism (both high and low forms) is the fastest growing and most predominant “religion” in Rio Grande do Sul. In the metropolitan area where we work, postmodernism is an enormous obstacle as well.

Working outside of the traditional church, we are working to establish close personal relationships among professionals. From these relationships we are asking the Lord to call out leaders, disciples, catalysts, to initiate a church planting movement among the upper class and educated professionals in our area. While the Lord has blessed us with MANY wonderful relationships over the past 2 years (30 or more couples) we have still yet to see any of them respond.

We praise the Lord for the doors that He has opened and the opportunities He has given us to get the Truth of His Word among these proud people who see no need or benefit of a relationship with our Lord Jesus because of their self-sufficiency. Let me give you just one example of how the Lord is working:

Recently, one Saturday, we were invited by a dear family to travel about 30 minutes north of our city to visit a German vegetable farm and a Japanese Vineyard. (See Video below) On our way to the Vineyards we asked our friends if they had ever heard about Jesus’ teaching about the vineyards in the Bible. They said that they had not. So Cheryl and I began to relate to them John Chapter 15, “I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener. . . . I am the vine and you are the branches. . . . This is to my Father’s glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. . . . I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete . . . . . . . (remember??).

When we arrived at the vineyards and Mrs. Suzuki took us up into the vineyards . . . Major Pithan and I began to discuss what the Bible says and what we were seeing first had. Seeing these vast grapes, vines, and vineyard, what could Jesus have been trying to say and teach??

The Lord blessed us with a very special and unforgettable Bible Study about His vineyard right there in the middle of His vineyard. This is one among the many opportunities that the Lord has given us to break down the walls of spiritism and postmodernism one by one by one. Only one thing can and will bring down the walls of spiritism and postmodernism that blankets our region. What can dismantle these false religions and worldviews piece by piece?? Truth! (See 2 Timothy Chapters 3 and 4)

Would you please pray for these Gauchos? Would you pray that the barriers of pride, plenty, spiritism, postmodernism, self-sufficiency, and materialism would come down as the Truth is presented to them?

And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; He who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 Jn. 1:11-12)

Should the Lord should so lead you to be a part of our ministry after reading and praying for these people, just drop me an email. In the subject line just type “send me a family to pray for”. In return, you will receive some photos and specific prayer needs of a few of our friends and contacts. The Holy Spirit is at work among these people and we would covet your prayers as we trust the Lord and claim His promises.

Of all of our years of ministry here in Brasil these days are truly some of the most exciting! It is a joy for us to share some of the things that the Lord and His Holy Spirit is doing among our people with you. “Brethren, Pray for us. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” I Thess. 5:25, 28

Thankfully Yours,
Bill and Cheryl Arbo
arbo@pobox.com

PS- For those of you who are thinking, “John 15 is not about salvation, it is not about evangelism” I understand that. We do not use and would never use scripture out of context like that to mislead anyone. We honor what the Lord provides and follow Him where He is at work before we blaze our own paths. The Lord knew that on that Saturday, Major Pithan needed to hear John 15. We leave the results of the Truth of God’s Word about being fruitful disciples with Him. He knows what His lost sheep need to hear to prepare their hearts for salvation and discipleship.

Hello America-Part 4

2008-03-11T09:33:00.002-03:00

Wanted you to see some more of our friends here in Brazil. Many people ask why I do this. Well, I like to do this so I can remember names and faces. Would you pray for our friends? We want Mogi Guacu to change. Change by knowing. In Phil. 2:10-11 it says, "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father." That is our prayer for the city in which we live. Hope you enjoy the video and please remember our friends!
Pascal and Amy

Traffic in Sao Paulo! By Chris Julian

2008-03-10T12:36:00.005-03:00

Our friends in Sao Paulo posted these stories on the traffic in the City of Sao Paulo. I am so glad that we don't live there! Go by and check out their blog. It is called The Concrete Jungle.(Just click on The Concrete Jungle) Chris and Melody work with college students in the big city of Sao Paulo. Please pray for them this week.

We interrupt this blog to bring you BREAKING NEWS!
A Folha de Sao Paulo (the morning newspaper) has just announced that by
the year 2010, there will be an average of 7,000,000 cars on the streets of this
megalopolis. That's a 7 with 6 zeroes behind it and 2 commas in-between.
At present there are 6,000,000 cars on the roads at peak times.
7,000,000 cars!
At present city interstates run a daily average of 101 miles of congestion. The average speed in the city of Sao Paulo at the turn of the 20th century by horse and buggy was faster than it is today. Today's average speed? 12 miles an hour.
Tonight, Melody and I were watching the evening network news on Band (prounounced kinda like "bunjee"). This afternoon, the network did a race with a bicycle, motorcycle, bus, and car. Each took the same route. The winner? The guy on the bike!

Early morning rush hour in Sao Paulo begins around 6:30am. The trains, subways, and busses are jammed full of people trying to get to work on time. Now, by law, I believe the max a bus can hold is something like 79 people. I give my word when I tell you I know I've been in a bus with more than 100.
The picture shows standing room only.
One day, about 2 years back, the bus I took downtown was so full, that people were literally hanging on with the doors open as the bus took off. I know. I was one of them!! Talk about an early morning rush that not even Red Bull can give you.

Dario's Father and Pioneer Evanglism Training

2008-03-06T23:02:00.004-03:00

About two weeks ago, Dario’s father passed away and went to be with the Lord. I would like for all of you to remember Dario and his family during this time. His father was a great man and we were able to meet him in Holambra about 4 months ago. He had a huge influence on Dario’s life. He was a deacon, evangelist and helped to start many churches in Santos. Dario told me that one of the reasons he is in ministry is because of his father. The church in Holambra is going well and I would like for all of you to remember the work there. Pray that many more people will come to know the Lord and that this church will go and plant other churches. I know that Dario’s father would love to have seen Holambra Baptist Church planting other churches. He was proud of Dario and the work that he has started there.

Below is a short slide show of a Pioneer Evangelism Training in Campinas. The purpose of this training is to teach people in the churches to go, plant other churches, personal evangelism and discipleship. It was held at Memorial Baptist Church in Campinas, Sao Paulo. Pastor Rubens has been at Memorial for about 5 years. Also, another missionary with another organization works with Pastor Rubens and also teaches at the seminary with Ron Rogers. His name is Steve Rowe. In the near future I will tell you more about a house that he and his wife have established to help children with cancer. When you are watching the video you will see some pictures of a neighborhood where this church is working. Please remember this work. It is in a very poor neighborhood. But, they have started a group there and we Praise the Lord.

Once again thank you for visiting and thank you for your prayers. Hope you enjoy the short video of the PE Training.

Pascal and Amy

Guy Muse and Prayer

2008-03-06T06:49:00.003-03:00

Guy Muse has posted another article I would like to share with all of you. Being in Brazil sometimes we feel that our way of doing things is the best and then God shows me that all we really need to do is pray. Pray for Guy and Linda, pray for us also. Hope you enjoy this article. Remember to visit The M Blog.

I am a member of the Guayas Mestizo Team. There are two IMB missionaries, and nine nationals. Our team leader is a national believer. Years ago, when our team was made up of only IMB missionaries, our meetings were different than they are today with a majority being national believers.

Prayer is more the priority than the business needing to be taken care of.

In most USA Christian meetings a short devotional may be shared followed by someone praying God's blessing and guidance for the meeting, with the bulk of the time spent on the business agenda. Here, typically, 2/3 of the meeting is given to prayer, singing, sharing what God is doing...and maybe 1/3 of the time going to the business that needs taking care of.

As a N. American Baptist missionary, this can be extremely frustrating when not enough time is alloted to "taking care of business." There are so many urgent matters that need discussion and decisions.

-Who is going to be in charge of the volunteer team coming next week?

-The 'nuts and bolts' of how the new training will take place in the north part of the city.

-Progress reports on the teams who went out to share disaster relief with the flood victims.

-Follow up on all the recent conversions.

-Going over the text and layout of our new COSECHA brochure.

The list of pending, urgent items needing attention is long indeed. Yet, in its place long prayer times, tears, passionate crying out to God gets top bill. By the time we are done praying, people start looking at their watches as if it is time to go, and we have to rush through business in a distracted way because everyone is chatting with one another, getting up to get coffee, or going to the bathroom.

But you know what? I can honestly testify that more is taking place spiritually in our midst than ever before. The Spirit of God is blowing in our midst. Souls are being saved. People are being mobilized into the harvest fields. We are getting more requests for CP training than we can possibly handle. In short, the very things we are praying over God is answering. This creates an excitement and passion in us all. Talking about brochure formats is mighty dull compared to hearing about lives being impacted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To illustrate the difference in spiritual outlook between 'us' and 'them'...

This past Saturday I was out to lunch with Geovanny (our team leader), his brother Marcos, and a visiting missionary from Mexico. We were downtown standing in line to get our rice, beans, plantains, and meat when my cell phone rang.

Hermano Guido...ORE!!! Pedro está grave. Parece que está teniendo un ataque cardíaco!!! (Brother Guy, PRAY! Peter is very ill. It looks like he is having a heart attack!)

My response?

Call an ambulance, get him to the hospital as fast as possible. It is critical that someone take him NOW!

Their response...

Pray for him, please! He is very ill and is struggling to breath...

I insisted...

Get Pedro to the doctor ASAP!

The four of us sat down at a table and began to pray for Pedro. The two missionaries prayed that the Lord would help the family get the medical attention Pedro was needing. The two nationals prayed that God would heal Pedro.

After a few minutes Pedro's wife called back.

Pedro is fine, thank you for praying. A bunch of the church and family arrived in the nick of time to pray over him. We prayed for his healing. God once again graciously intervened. He is now resting.

Yesterday Pedro was with us in our meeting like nothing had happened. He looked perfectly fine and was one of those walking around the room crying out to God in the extended time allotted for prayer that God would continue to send out laborers into the harvest fields.

Even though we have been here for 20 years, I feel like a novice in spiritual matters. I learn so much from the example and spiritual walk of my brothers and sister in Christ whom I am privileged to serve amongst. Is prayer really my first response?

Special Prayer Request for Vera.

2008-03-03T11:49:00.002-03:00

We did a story on Vera last year. She has cancer and we asked that you pray for her. Well, she has had a very difficult time. Once they got that cancer under control, they have now found cancer in another place. It was in one hip and now has moved to the other. We would like for all of you to continue to pray for Vera and her family. In the photo above is her father, Abel. He suffers from Alzheimer’s. Because of what Vera has been going through, she has been able to tell many in her family about what Jesus has done in her life. Continue to pray for her and her father during this time.

God Bless!
Pascal and Amy

Bruno-A Young Man Being Used by God!

2008-02-29T20:33:00.001-03:00

Back during Thanksgiving, we spent time with some of our colleagues, Clyde and Dinah Fowler. Clyde and I talked quite a bit. One thing that I kept hearing was this, “Find a young guy and help him in his ministry.” Well, I prayed and asked God to put someone like that in my life, someone that we could help in their ministry, someone who really wants to be used of God in reaching their country for Christ. God has shown us a young man by the name of Bruno.

Bruno is from Estiva Gerbi, a small area right outside of our city. He is 20 years old, single and a great kid! He wants to see people come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. He also wants to see his city come to know the real Jesus. I have seen him doing Bible studies with young people in Estiva and some of those young people have come to Christ. Bruno wants to go to seminary and we are going to take him over to Campinas to attend some of the classes to see if this is where God is leading him. I asked him if he had a special prayer request. His request is that all of you pray for him that God will give him wisdom in doing missions here in Brazil.

We want you to pray for him and his ministry. Pray for us as we help him. Many people have helped us over the years and we hope that we can help Bruno to become the man that God wants him to be. Pray for his city of Estiva Gerbi, a city that is in desperate need of Jesus. Many people are without work. If you want work you have to leave your family to go find it. Drugs can be a problem for young people. Also, idols are very rampant in this small town. Please pray for the Baptist Church and Bruno that God will use them in reaching this area.

We ask that you pray for more young people like Bruno. We would love to see God raise up some young people who are on fire for the Lord and help change the landscape of their country. So many young people need Jesus. There are so many who have turned their backs on God. Pray with us in this matter. Thank you for your prayers and visiting our blog.

Until next time,
Pascal and Amy Stowell

Another Post by Guy Muse!-Why after 2000 years we are still not even close to fulfilling the Great Commission

2008-02-26T11:33:00.005-03:00

Today I want to share with you a post and video. Guy wrote about the Great Commission and I have to admit that I think about this quite a bit. When I saw this video, I thought about what Guy had wrote. Have we buried our old selves and died to sin? Is this why we are not even close to fulfilling the Great Commission? Hope you enjoy the video and the article by Guy Muse. Remember to visit his blog at The M Blog.

In Luke 10, Jesus sets out clear, step-by-step instructions for the 70 disciples to obey in reaching out to "every town and place where He was about to go." If Jesus himself trained, taught, and instructed his disciples in the way He knew would work, why 2000 years later, do we think we can improve upon His divine model?

Jesus instructed his disciples, "PRAY to the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers into His harvest..." (10:2)

We have improved upon this instruction by, 1) substituting 'praying to the Lord of the Harvest' for TALKING about the need for praying, 2) forget about praying, what needs to be done is massive recruitment--get out there and do what has to be done to get people involved, mobilize the masses into training seminars at the largest convention centers in town and invite in the biggest names that will draw the crowds.

Jesus instructed his disciples, "now GO, I'm sending you out like lambs among wolves..." (10:3)

We have improved upon Jesus' words by substituting His command to go for something much more convenient for us: COME! Come to our church...meeting...revival...youth group...evangelistic crusade...ladies brunch...sports event...spiritual emphasis...Bible study...etc. Going out to where the lost are and entering their world is always a lot messier than sitting around hoping and praying they will somehow come to us and whatever event we have planned for them. While I can give a couple of hours for an event at church, I certainly don't have the same couple of hours to go out of my way into the scary unknown. I might be seen associating myself with non-desirables in places not known as appropriate Christian hang-outs.

Jesus instructed his disciples, "DON'T CARRY a money-bag, travelling bag, or sandals..." (10:4)

Since we have never really understood exactly what Jesus was trying to say with this obscure command, we have simply ignored it and done just the opposite. We believe it is not possible to do the Lord's work unless we have a large money bag, and having all the necessary implements in our travelling bag for the journey (cars, land, building, salaries, literature, support packages, furnishings, sounds system, musical instruments, laptop, PowerPoint, video projector, etc.) And certainly let's not forget the importance of the having the latest fashion in sandals and attire and other necessary personal implements for the task. Afterall, we want to make a good impression on those we are trying to reach!

Jesus instructed his disciples, "DON'T GREET ANYONE along the road..." (10:4)

Jesus obviously didn't understand the importance of greetings in our present day cultures. How is one ever to gain access into "their world" unless we spend a lot of time greeting and building relationships? So, once again we seek to improve (ignore) another outdated command of our Lord and actually spend enormous chunks of time and plan whole evangelistic strategies that never get beyond anything other than "greeting" and nurturing a few relationships. We do ladies teas, let's meet the neighbors, go to ball games together, find someone to drink coffee with, etc. While all these may be good activities, the problem is that we seldom move beyond the "greeting stage" to the remaining instructions of Christ as given in Luke 10:1-9. We tend to lose focus when we stop and greet folks unless we are in tune with the whole strategic process that Christ was teaching. Jesus knows how easily we are distracted, so He warns us upfront to not greet anyone, or do anything else that will distract us from the important mission we are on.

Jesus instructed his disciples, "SAY 'PEACE to this household' and if a son of peace is there your peace will rest on him..." (10:5)

Modern consensus agrees that 'saying peace to this household' is a waste of time. The best way to win a community, town, or city is to get out there in vast numbers and knock on as many doors as possible. When they open the door, invite them to your church, and maybe even preach the Gospel and let them know this might be the very last chance they will ever have for salvation. If they refuse, leave them a Gospel tract, and a bunch of literature from your church and be sure to pray for them before leaving.

Jesus instructed his disciples, "REMAIN IN THE SAME HOUSE, eating and drinking what they offer..." (10:7)

Remain in the same house? Just that one house? You've got to be kidding! The more houses you visit, the more contacts you will have, the greater the number of positive results. You wouldn't want to dare risk everything on just one household. There is a high chance things will not work out and then you will be left with nothing. Plus, what's the big deal with wasting time by eating and drinking with people? Does eating and drinking accomplish anything of eternal value? Don't think so...

Jesus instructed his disciples, "EAT THE THINGS set before you..." (10:8)

It's like Jesus foreknew we would have trouble with understanding the importance of the eating/drinking part, so He said it TWICE to make sure we would get it. But the fact is we have yet to grasp the importance of eating and drinking with people BEFORE trying to proclaim the 'Good News" to them. What's important is getting down to business and sharing the Gospel with lost folks. We eat and drink with our fellow Christians, not with pagans!

Jesus instructed his disciples, "HEAL THE SICK who are there..." (10:9)

Well this one is easy to ignore because we all know that only the Pentecostals and the Charismatics are the ones into the healing stuff. We certainly can side-step this sticky one. We wouldn't want to actually involve ourselves in any controversial issues like healing the sick (might lose our jobs over it!) After all, most of us are cessationists and no longer believe these extraordinary gifts of the Spirit are valid today. We have the Bible and that's all we need. So, basically we are off the hook on this one. Next...

Jesus instructed his disciples, "TELL THEM, 'The kingdom of God has come near you..." (10:9)

Well FINALLY Jesus gets around to telling us to do what really matters--the 'main thing'-- which is declaring, preaching, teaching the Gospel message of the Kingdom to these lost people. Let's just cut to the chase and skip all the other stuff. It is time to get down to the important business of witnessing and sharing the Gospel. We are free to skip over the parts of Jesus instructions we don't like or understand. Wasn't his main thrust obviously this last point? We will certainly try to obey this part, but the rest is up for debate and interpretation--in other words, not much of importance in all those instructions preceding this final one.

Is it any wonder that after 2000 years we still haven't finished the task given us by Christ? We think we have a better way of doing things. We have the new, improved version, and yet continuously scratch our heads and wonder why things aren't working out the way they are supposed to?

Treviso Pizza Express-Adventures in Brazil

2008-02-20T20:34:00.004-03:00

Wanted to share a video about my friends in Mogi Mirim. Mogi Mirim is the sister city of Mogi Guacu. Many of you will remember the story we did on Flavio last year. We hope that you enjoy the video! We love all of you and thank you for praying for our ministry!
Pascal and Amy

Former Missionary Ann Wollerman

2008-02-20T06:13:00.004-03:00

I just wanted to share this testimony of Ann Wollerman with you. I love reading and hearing stories of our missionaries that were in Brazil before us. Hope you enjoy this. Please pray for her family and the many other missionaries who have served the Lord in Brazil through the years. Thanks to Berdie Hope for posting this testimony on her e-mail.

Ann’s testimony as tape-recorded in 2001 when she spoke at a church in Arizona:
(Vistoso Community Church, Tucson, Arizona)

TESTIMONY OF ANN WOLLERMAN, MISSIONARY TO BRAZIL, DECEMBER 9, 2001 (ALMOST 91 YEARS OLD)

(Sistie Givens discovered this on the Internet, sent it to Marilois Kirksey, and Marilois sent it to Jerry and Johnnie Key; This was recorded on cassette tape, and some of the names of towns and cities are phonetic, and were not transcribed with all accuracy. This refers only to the question of Portuguese words and names. Berdie Hope corrected Mato Grosso town names.)
It is so good to be back with you again. The hugs and greetings! And I want to thank Pastor Dale and all of those who make the program for giving me this wonderful opportunity to once again share with you the great, miraculous things that God has done in my life. And I do it humbly giving all the glory and all the praise to Him. And I want to encourage you in your walk with Him. So I will just touch on three of the most memorable days in my 91 years.

Of course the first one was the night when I was born again. I had been born on December 13, 1910 but when I was twenty_six years old the Holy Spirit convicted me that although I had been brought up in the church, I was a lost sinner. I had one foot in the world and one foot in the church. But that night as a guest in a little Methodist Church with my sister and her fiancé`, I found Jesus, and I accepted Him as my Lord, as my Savior. I asked Him to forgive me of my sins, to cleanse me, to change me, to make me a new creation as this book says He will do. And he did. He made me a new Ann. And so that night I made the first vow that I have ever made to the Lord. I said "Jesus, from this night on I will be what You want me to be. I will go where You want me to go. I will do what You want me to do." And so my wonderful life of walking by faith began.

Of course I realized that to serve Him I would need more than my high school education. But how could I go to college and then to a seminary when I had no resources whatsoever? So He began His miracle in my life, an unheard_of thing: I was able to secure a full work scholarship for my college training and for the seminary. During that period I came to know what His plan was. What He wanted me to do was to go to Brazil, not to stop along the coast where other missionaries were and where our Baptist work at that time was very developed, but to go way out there into the interior of Brazil where very few missionaries of any denomination would go. To live with the people, love them, and to share with them the glorious gospel.

And so when I graduated from the seminary with a Master`s Degree in Religious Education, I thought, "I am ready to go to Brazil." But God thought otherwise. I was not appointed by the Foreign Mission Board, and I was crushed. I made the second vow of my life. I said, "Father, if You want me to go to Brazil, I will go with the Board or without the Board, but You have to open the door. I will not go around knocking on doors trying to force it." So God, instead of sending me to Brazil at that time, sent me to Corpus Christi, Texas. And you will hear later in my testimony why that step was God`s plan, not mine. At that time the big city church was the First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi. It was right after Pearl Harbor that I went there in 1942.The staff was composed of the Pastor, the janitor and me. We were it. So I had ample opportunities to serve the Lord, to mature and to devote myself to the young people during those early world war days.

Then in God`s timing He led me back to Arkansas to the college or the university, as it is today, where I graduated. This time I was a professor, and I was director of all of the religious activities on the campus! It was there and then when I was 36 years old, He opened the door, this wide, a little crack. I was not appointed, I had no sponsorship, but I remembered my vow and I knew I had to go through that little crack. When I resigned and declared what I was going to do, people thought I had lost my mind. And so I made my third vow to the Lord. I said, "I know, Father, this is Your plan, and You have opened the door but so all of the people will also know it, I`ll make a vow to You: I will not ask anybody to support me, not even for the work that You will give me to do. I will never make a speech and ask for money. I will never write a letter and ask for money. I`ll bow my knee and ask You, and You will provide." And that is my testimony until this day.

So at age 36 for twenty_one days I traveled on a heavily loaded freighter at sea from New Orleans to Rio de Janeiro. Then one whole week of arduous travel from the eastern border of Brazil to the extreme western border of Brazil by truck and a wood_burning train. Finally, I arrived in the big interior state, called Mato Grosso, (which then included Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul), which means the "big woods."

Well, I didn`t know any Portuguese, and had no orientation or language studies. But as soon as I could, I went to Campo Grande, the largest city in that area. There I lived in a little Brazilian rooming and boarding house. There were no other Americans around to help me. I had a wonderful, intelligent, young man to be my teacher. He didn`t speak a word of English. He only had a little high school English. I didn`t speak a word of Portuguese, but our miracle_working God, after six months, before I had been in Brazil one whole year, had me open a school, teaching the whole primary curriculum of Brazil in the Portuguese language to His people.

But after my language study I found a little place that God had sent me to. It was called Amambai, Mato Grosso. It was not on any map. There was no church there, no school there, no doctor there, no banks; I didn`t have much use for that anyway. Yes, there were no banks, no post office, no electricity, and no bus line linking it with the nearest town where those things were available. But there were people, beautiful, wonderful people who were waiting to hear the Good News of the Gospel that I had to share with them.

So of course all of the children and young people came to my school. I taught one group in the morning, one group in the afternoon and at night the young people. I told all the children, "Now, Sunday will be Sunday School. Come and bring your parents." So Sunday we had Sunday School, and all of them came. In one year God worked His marvelous grace. There were enough converts to have a Brazilian pastor come, baptize them in a little creek, organize our church and become the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Amambai.

Well, one day I was riding my horse that was my transportation. I was not a very good horsewoman, but he wasn`t much of a horse either! So we got along just fine! So one day I was riding the horse, God was blessing and yet I felt so little, so isolated. I said, "Father, I have given You my life, but how can this one little life make any impact on all that need here and beyond?" And He said to me, "Ann, put your life into the lives of your young people, and they will do what you cannot do. Oh, I wish I could tell you about the young people who came out of that insignificant little place, where they are, what they are doing today! But I must go on, because when that little work was strong enough I moved on. I lived in six different places to begin from scratch or to enlarge what little work was already there. I even was the first missionary to go to the state capitol, Cuiaba. It was a very forbidding place in that big area, and it was the last state capitol of all of Brazil where there was no Baptist witness.

So God blessed me as I went into little towns. At this time I had a pickup truck with a loud speaker on it and a gasoline motored generator so I could show a filmstrip on the main street of town at night. I`d get out my accordion and I`d stand on the street corner, with Richard (speaking of the church song director), and I can`t sing, but I`d play my accordion. I was always accompanied by some of my young people, and they would sing. That`s the little seed just planted, and God prospered. Before I knew it, I was sixty_four years old, and I knew that I only had one more year there in Brazil before I would be retired. It was the retirement age set by the Board, and by that time I had been appointed. At this time my little mother needed me. She had been in a nursing home for four years because I couldn`t come home. I had no way to maintain my life in Brazil, and so when I could retire, I came back.

And so I told the Lord, I said, "I will go but who is going to educate my young people?" And He said once again to me, "Ann, I want you to start a Bible Institute right out here in Mato Grosso, and your people can be trained here instead of having to go to other states and places for their preparation." Well, I could do most everything, but to begin an institution frightened me to death, but He provided. We built three little, very meager, frame buildings on a lot that the church gave us and walked sixteen blocks back and forth to the church for classes, but God honored and blessed it. I went back to Brazil shortly after my little mother went to Heaven. The first thing I did when I got back was to dedicate a great big tract of land that we had been able to buy very cheap with the little offerings that I had been able to send while I was here. On the day of the dedication the young people played their guitars, and they sang and we worshiped and praised the Lord. I was to give the dedicatory prayer. I reached down and got a handful of that red dirt __there is just brush and nothing out there on that land __ I don`t know what I prayed that day but I know I reminded God that my people were poor, they did not have resources to build, I did not have any resources, and I had my vow that I would never ask for money, but I said, "Father, we can`t, but You can.

One month and a half later, you will see why I had to go to Corpus Christi before I went to Brazil. I got a letter from the Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi saying "Ann, Harold and Caroline Kellum have been prospered by God, and they are sending you through the church $150,000 for your work." Now Harold and Caroline were young people way back then when I was ministering in the church of Corpus Christi. They were ordinary little young people who had a very special place in my heart. So $150,000 scared me to death, but we began building the seminary. They have continued until today. Not one dollar was ever raised by a campaign, not one dollar ever came from a foreign mission board, the bulk of it came from that one couple in Corpus Christi. We have ten buildings; six of them are two story buildings, a beautiful campus. The seminary is fully licensed and recognized to give degrees in Theology, Religious Education and Sacred Music.

And along the way over my great protest many times, they named it for me. So there is a Seminário Teológico Batista Anna Wollerman in the heart of Brazil. It is a monument to what He has done. And so now I`m 91, almost, and I am on my last great assignment. I believe God has asked me to record on tape the wonderful things that He has done. Somebody called it my life`s story __ no, it is not my life`s story, it is "His story, History." So I am committed to taping this wonderful life He has given me in English and in the Portuguese language to send to Brazil for use there. In order to do that I had to make a dramatic change in my life style.

And so God opened the door for me to go to a beautiful Christian retirement center way over on east Broadway where I have a lovely apartment, house cleaning, all my utilities paid, dining, transportation and quiet, safety and a beautiful environment. There I can devote myself for at least as long as it takes to do what He has given me. I believe this is my last assignment before He comes. So pray for me, continue to encourage me, to love me, to thank God and be what He wants you to be and to go maybe across the street, across to your neighbor, go where He wants you to go and to do what He wants you to do.

God bless you.
Ann Wollerman
December 9, 2001

The Drug Rehab Center and a Special Prayer for Brazil

2008-02-13T11:42:00.002-02:00

Today we would like for you to watch this video of a Drug Rehab Center in Florionopolis, SC. Ron and Alana Greenwich started this work and we love them so much! We just wanted to share a part of their ministry with you. Be sure and visit there blog! Ron and Alana's Blog

Also, Mrs. Erma Highfill posted this on the prayer bulletin today about Carnaval. Please pray for Brazil! Also, visit the Brazil Prayer Bulletin every day to see how you can pray for Brazil and other missionaries here.

The events of Carnaval have an important impact for the economy of Brazil lastly long beyond the week of ‘celebration’. The sale of alcoholic beverages runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars and the cost of medical treatment is astronomical. The cost of the accidents, drug usage, immorality, depression, and violence do immeasurable damage to the psyche of the nation. Still, the people are searching for the thrill and happiness they believe they will find in this festival. Pray for the people of Brazil, especially the young people, that they will seek truth and not thrills, joy and not fleeting euphoria. Pray that they will encounter Jesus and have all their needs met.

Hello America! Part 3

2008-02-12T06:30:00.000-02:00

Hope you enjoy Part 3 of Hello America! Remember to pray for each person! Thanks for coming by!
Pascal and Amy

Some Fun from The M Blog

2008-02-12T06:11:00.000-02:00

Guy muse is married to my cousin Linda, I love reading his blog! This past weekend he had some funny quotes from the court of law. Hope you enjoy them! Also, if you want to learn more about church planting, go to his blog! Alot of great info! You want be disappointed!
The M Blog

The following are samples from the book Disorder in the court: Great Fractured Moments in Courtroom History of actual courtroom attorney questions and witnesses answers. These were originally seen here and here.

______________________________________

ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 15.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
______________________________________

A: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
W: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
______________________________________

A: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
W: Yes.
A: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
W: I forget.
A: You forget? Can you give us an example of something that you've forgotten?
_____________________________________

A: How old is your son, the one living with you?
W: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
A: How long has he lived with you?
W: Forty-five years.
_____________________________________

A: What was the first thing your husband said to you when he woke up that morning?
W: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
A: And why did that upset you?
W: My name is Susan.
______________________________________

A: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo or the occult?
W: We both do.
A: Voodoo?
W: We do.
A: You do?
W: Yes, voodoo.
______________________________________

A: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
W: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
___________________________________

A: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
_____________________________________

A: Were you present when your picture was taken?
______________________________________

A: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
W: Yes.
A: And what were you doing at that time?
______________________________________

A: She had three children, right?
W: Yes.
A: How many were boys?
W: None.
A: Were there any girls?
______________________________________

A: How was your first marriage terminated?
W: By death.
A: And by whose death was it terminated?
______________________________________

A: Can you describe the individual?
W: He was about medium height and had a beard.
A: Was this a male, or a female?
______________________________________

A: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
W: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________

A: Doctor, how many autopsies have you performed on dead people?
W: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
______________________________________

A: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
W: Oral.
______________________________________

A: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
W: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
A: And Mr. Dennington was dead at the time?
W: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy.
______________________________________

A: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
______________________________________

A: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
W: No.
A: Did you check for blood pressure?
W: No.
A: Did you check for breathing?
W: No.
A: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
W: No.
A: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
W: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
A: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
W: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere.

A Special Thank You from Dario's Family and Val's Pastel

2008-02-06T18:45:00.000-02:00

Today, we have two videos for you. We hope you like them! Dario and his family want to say thank you to all of you who have prayed for his ministry and family this past year. Also, we want to show you a video of Adventures in Brazil. This week you will be able to go and get a pastel with us. Be sure and sign our guest book and let us know you dropped by. Thanks again for visiting our blog and praying for us.
Pascal and Amy

Conchal, Sao Paulo

2008-02-02T09:44:00.000-02:00

In April, Bob Berry and some of his youth from First Baptist in Oviedo,Florida, are going to work one day in Conchal, Sao Paulo. We would like for you to watch this short video and begin to pray for Dario and Solange, the church in Conchal and the FBC Oviedo team. Pray that in this short time, the hearts of people will be open to hear the truth about Jesus Christ and that a church planting movement will begin here in Conchal. Thank you for taking the time to watch and pray.
Pascal and Amy

Hello America!!! Part 2

2008-01-31T22:03:00.000-02:00

Hope you enjoy part 2 of Hello America.
Pascal and Amy

A Brazil Adventure

2008-01-24T21:20:00.000-02:00

Join the Brazil Adventure with us! We hope you enjoy seeing some of the culture, cities, churches and faces of Brazil.
Pascal and Amy

JR and Silvana-Tied The Knot!

2008-01-22T18:43:00.000-02:00

Many of you may remember the story that we did on JR(Joao Ricardo) and Silvana. Well, about a month ago, they finally got married! They met while doing a mission trip in Borda da Mata. After dating for a while they decided to tie the knot. They were married at Silvana’s house in Pouso Alegre. There were many people there and it was a beautiful wedding. Since the wedding, they have been busy with church planting which is the story we want to share with you today.

In the city of Pouso Alegre, they have started a new work in a neighborhood. Things are going very well. Next week we would like for all of you to pray for them because they will be having a Bible School. Please pray for them during this time, asking God to open many doors for the gospel to be shared.

Also, next Sunday night JR(Joao Ricardo) will be preaching at First Baptist in Pouso Alegre. Pray that God will use him during this time to open the hearts of people to have a desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that JR and Silvana will have many opportunities to talk about Church Planting and start many new works.

Thank you for praying for this fine young couple. Pray that God will use them in a mighty way! They will be working with Monty and Janis Thompson, an IMB missionary couple, in Pouso Alegre. This city has about 150,000 people. There is a lot of work to be done and they need your prayers.

Until next time, be looking for other videos of Hello America! In the near future, we will start A Brazil Adventure through the Eyes of the Stowell’s. We want to show you the culture, churches and happenings around Brazil. Thanks for visiting our Blog and come back often!

Pascal and Amy

Hello America! Part 1

2008-01-18T07:19:00.000-02:00

Today we are starting something new here on Real Nutz 4 Brazil. Hello America! Hope that you enjoy it and remember to pray for each person. Some you have already seen these people in pictures, but we want you to hear their voices so that you can know them better. If God lays a person on your heart to pray for them, that will be awesome. As you are praying, pray for a Church Planting Movement to start. Pray for our friends! Thank you again for your prayer support and visiting our blog! Until next time!
Pascal and Amy

Big Bob and Pocos de Caldas

2008-01-14T14:09:00.000-02:00

About 3 years ago, when we were living in Uberlandia, we had a group come up from Campinas. The Pastor of the church was part of that group. His name is Pastor Roque, or to some of us, Big Bob. When we first met Big Bob, we knew that he was our friend. He has a love for people. He wants people to know Jesus Christ. He has a love and a passion for planting churches. His story is very interesting and I want to share a little bit of it with you today.

Big Bob was born in the city of Rio de Janeiro. After being called to be a missionary, finishing seminary and working on the field in Rio de Janeiro, the state mission board required that all state missionaries attend a Pioneer Evangelism conference. At the time, he had already started a church in the city of Quates, Rio de Janeiro. He had a small group, but it was not growing. So, he attended the conference with Wade Akins. Afterwards, he came home and put all the material on the shelf in his office. That material stayed there for about 1 year. One day, seeing that his church was not growing, he picked up the material and went over it again and began to put it into practice. He began to see his church grow and began to plant other churches. Big Bob would tell you that this changed his ministry. Today, he is spreading the message about planting churches and most of all leading people to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

From 1998 to 2003, Big Bob was a missionary in the state of Rio de Janeiro and from there he moved to Campinas. He and his family lived in Campinas from 2003 until the end of 2007 when he and his family moved to the state of Minas Gerais to a city called Pocos de Caldas. He and his family live about a hour and a half away from us. It is a beautiful city! It is a tourist city with a population of 150,000 people with only one Baptist Church and mission.

What is really neat about this story is that Big Bob and my team leader (Ron Rogers) are great friends. They have done over 40 trainings together. Training other pastors to go out and plant churches and make disciples. Dario and Solange attended Big Bob’s church in Campinas, which played a part in their desire to become church planters as well. God has really formed some great friendships. Big Bob has taken the material of Pioneer Evangelism and used it to further the Kingdom of God. But, his success in doing so only comes through the help from God and the prayers of people like you!

Big Bob is married to Velma who was born in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro. They have two children. A son named Bruno, and a daughter named Paola. Paola lives with Big Bob and Velma and works at a hotel in Pocos de Caldas. Her dream is to return to the USA one day. She speaks very good English. Please pray for this family as they work in their new city.

PS
Be looking for more Brazilians saying, "Hello America"

Dr. Worley's Brazil Mission Trip 2007

2008-01-11T17:41:00.001-02:00

Dr. Worley came down to Belo Horizonte with the Louisiana Baptist Convention on a mission trip. We had a great time! I am so thankful that I was able to share this time with him. I would like to show you some of his pictures from that trip. Thank you again for visiting our blog.

Pascal and Amy

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T08:29:00.002-02:00

Our Family would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! We have a short video of the firworks in our city of Mogi Guacu. Thank you again for your prayer support! Please pray for Mogi Guacu in 2008!
Pascal and Amy Stowell

Pastor Levi of Mogi Guacu

2007-12-27T21:29:00.001-02:00

The very first time that our family came to Mogi Guacu was with Ron and Faye Rogers. We came to Good News Baptist Church and we met Pastor Levi and his family. When I first met him, I could tell that he was a people person and that he wanted to see people come to know Jesus Christ. Since that time, I have seen him pray and pray for the city of Mogi Guacu. One of the things that I would like for many of you to do is to pray for Pastor Levi and his famiy. They are a family that wants Mogi Guacu to turn from their sins and make Jesus Christ their Lord and Saviour. AMEN!

Pastor Levi was in business with his brother in North Brazil when he felt that God was calling him to the ministry. He answered that call and today is leading people to have a relationship with Jesus. His wife Jeaane Cristina is very involved in ministry with him. She is leading the women’s ministry at Good News Baptist Church. They have two children. Their oldest is Jennifer Caroline who is 10 years old and Josue Gaberiel who is 3 years old. They were both born in Belem in North Brazil. Pastor Levi is from Mocapo, Amapa in North Brazil and Jeaane Cristiana is from Manaus, Amazonas.

I could not ask that God place a better pastor here with a heart for reaching the people of Mogi Guacu. Pray for Pastor Levi, that God will use him in helping his church see the vision that was placed in his heart for the people of our city. This city needs this pastor and many more like him. Our hearts go out to this city. We see the crime, poverty, lostness, and hopelessness. Mogi Guacu is a city that needs a Savior desperately!! Pray for Amy and me as well, as we seek ways to reach out to those around us.

Thanksgiving 2007-At the Beach in Florianoplis

2007-12-27T19:28:00.001-02:00

We would like to share a few pictures of our Thanksgiving trip to Florianoplis. It was a wonderful time with other IMB Missionaries. In the coming weeks I will share more photos.

People-We have Internet!

2007-12-27T09:11:00.000-02:00

Just a quick note to let you know that we got the internet yesterday. So I will be posting again very soon. Thank you for your prayers and we look forward to sharing stories about Brazilians that we love very much!

Out of Pocket

2007-10-19T12:39:00.000-02:00

Just wanted to let you know that we have moved and I have no internet service. So I will not be able to blog until next week. I will send a e-mail letting you know when I am back. I will not be able to change the IMB Brazil Prayer Request Blog also. But as soon as I can, you will know. Thank You! Until next time!
Pascal and Amy Stowell

The Young People Behind Our Apartment

2007-10-14T13:29:00.000-02:00

This week we will finally move into our new apartment! We are very sad in one sense because we are leaving people here that we dearly love. But we are not moving very far, so we can visit with them all the time. I must confess to all of you that I am very excited in another sense that we are moving because we are getting away from all the noise. This video that we have posted will give you a little bit of what we see every Thursday through Sunday and also on all the holidays. I know this video can never really give you the real picture of the noise, but in all honesty,it is bad. I know that when you don't get sleep, your charcter changes! I must admit I was really hating those kids. None of them have respect for the people living on that street. This will go on till 2 or 3 in the morning. To make matters worse, a bar opened on the other side of our apartment building and they have live bands till one in the morning. I have even called the owner and said, "How would you like it if I came to your house while you were sleeping and made a bunch of noise?" He told me that he would not like it. But he still doesn't get it. All he is worried about is making money. To make things even worse, when people have been drinking for a few hours they get what we call "Drunk!" Imagine that. When people are drunk they do crazy things like fight, yell and wake me up! It has been a crazy year living with all of this.

There have been many times that I have asked God why we have to live with the noise. But in the bottom of my heart I believe that God wanted us to see this and experience it. We serve a Holy and Just God and many times we just don't understand His ways. In 2 Timothy 3:1-4 it says, "But know this: difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." I don't know if we are living in the last days, but sometimes it feels like it. I try to put myself in the shoes of these young people. These are things maybe they think: Life is hard, maybe your parents just let you do whatever you want to do, religion is just part of our life, I know about Jesus, I need a saint looking after me, there is more I need to do in order to get right with God. You see, partying is more important than anything else. How do you reach a bunch of young people who have never even thought about Jesus? All they care about is drinking, doing drugs, having sex and fighting. I have seen so many fights. In fact, about 3 to 5 people a year are killed out there. I remember one time Amy told me about a young girl who was being kicked by her boyfriend. He was trying to get her in the car and no one would help her. Finally, a young man went over to help after 10 minutes of her screaming for help. All of this was happening right outside of our kitchen window. When you see these things you just want to jump down and help while about 2000 kids just look on and do nothing.

It breaks our heart because they have no idea what they are doing. It breaks our heart when we encounter someone that spends there time down there and tell them how rude it is for them to be doing that. I always say, "Would you want me doing that in front of your house?" Always they say, "I know my parents wouldn't like it." I am writing all of this because I want you to pray for the young people of Mogi Guacu. There are many cities like ours. Young people with nothing to do but party and cause problems. Many of you might ask, "Why doesn't the police doing anything?" They just don't. We just need you to pray.

In closing, I remember when I talked to Bro. David Hodges about this. He said something that I will always remember. He said, "Pascal, maybe God is not calling you to work with these young people." I agree. I really don't think that God is calling me to work with them, but He is calling me to pray for them and to pray for someone to rise up and see the need here. So, I am asking that you pray for God to rasie someone up(Brazilian) to go and work with these young people. These young people are the future of Brazil. It is our prayer that they will come to know who the real saviour of the world is. Pray for the leaders of our city as they deal with this problem. Pray that it will be resolved.

Until next week, remember that only Jesus Saves!
Pascal and Amy

My Friends from Lavapes Supermarket

2007-10-10T22:15:00.000-03:00

OU, that is right! Just wanted to show you some more pictures of my friends here in Mogi Guacu. These are my friends that work at the "Wash Your Feet" Supermarket. Remember them in your prayers. Thank you for visiting and God Bless You!

Pascal and Amy

Wings of a Dream Museum-Sao Carlos, SP

2007-10-10T07:39:00.000-03:00

We took a trip to see the Wings of a Dream Museum in Sao Carlos. It was worth it! The guys loved it! The owner of TAM Airlines here in Brazil started the museum and has a great collection of planes. Hope you enjoy it.
Pascal and Amy

Update on JR and Silvana

2007-10-10T06:40:00.000-03:00

Monty and Janis Thompson are IMB Missionaries living Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais. They have this prayer Update and I wanted to share it with all of you. JR will be moving to Pouso Alegre and will be working with the Thompson. Pray for Month and Janis as they work in Southern Minas Gerais.

Dear family and friends,

Last night we had “church” in an ex-witch’s home where she practiced black magic for a number of years. Let me start from the beginning. The last week in June, we had a team down from Valley Baptist in Searcy, Arkansas. We also brought in several of our Brazilian friends and as a combined American/Brazilian team, we worked the entire week in Borda da Mata, a city of 15,000 in which there was no Baptist work. Among the Brazilians present was João Ricardo, a young pastor from Moji-Guaçu about 60 miles from Pouso Alegre and Silvana Mara, a young missionary who is a member of First Baptist in Pouso Alegre where we live. Many were won to Christ and First Baptist in Pouso Alegre has established a Baptist congregation there, complete with a pastor and the work is progressing well.

But that’s another story. Getting back to João and Silvana, they became very good friends that week. By the following week, they were more than friends and they began dating. A few weeks ago they announced that they would marry on December 22nd. We work with Silvana quite frequently and one day she was saying that they had decided that when they marry in December, João will move to Pouso Alegre but that he won’t have a church (he is an assistant pastor in Moji-Guaçu). She said he probably would get a secular job until he finds a church. We suggested that they find a strategic place in Pouso Alegre and start a new Baptist church. After all, Pouso Alegre has a population of 130,000 and only 3 Baptist churches and three very small congregations.

Silvana liked that idea so much that she decided not to wait until December when João arrives. She found a strategic place and asked if we would help train a small core group of 5 that she had already put together on evangelism and church planting. We began doing this when we returned from vacation 2 weeks ago. She is a real go getter and Sunday night we had the first service in the ex-witch’s home who was saved over a year ago, but has been having trouble being accepted by the one evangelical church in the neighborhood because of her past history with witchcraft. She said she was very surprised that Silvana would accept her and her three children and agree to teach them the Bible.

Now maybe one reason Silvana was so quick to connect with Neulza, the ex-witch is because Silvana was also involved in spiritism. When she was 7 years old, she started having visions. Her aunt, who was a medium, said the visions indicated that she was the next in line to be the head medium. So, her Aunt performed a ceremony where she sacrificed a chicken and dedicated Silvana to Satan. She served Satan until she was 17 and heard the Gospel story and accepted Christ as her Savior and Lord.

So, last night we worshipped with an ex-witch, an ex-medium, and 5 others with diverse backgrounds in a home that was formally a house of black magic. It is now, at least temporarily Ichthus Baptist Church (Ichthus or Ictus is the Christian fish symbol).

Well obviously we’re back from vacation and back at work. Please pray for the following:

Pray for Silvana and João, their upcoming marriage and their new church plant. Pray for us as we train this small group to evangelize and plant churches. They want to be a missionary church and we hope this plant will multiply itself many times and church planting and evangelism will be just part of the DNA of this church.
Pray for us this weekend. We are taking Paula and Van Edwards, formally of Clarksville, Arkansas and now in language school in Campinas with us to Santana da Vargem, a city of 10,000 about 2 hours north of us. We will do evangelism/church planting training on Friday night, a health clinic on Saturday, show the Jesus film in an open-air service on Saturday night, and Monty will preach there on Sunday morning. (We are tempted to say pray it doesn’t rain on Saturday but we need the rain so badly here, we can’t bring ourselves to ask for that).
Pray for pastor Izael and his church at Guaxupé and congregation at Guaranésia. We spent last weekend with him and I preached and we talked about bringing a volunteer team in to help him spread the word in these two cities. Guaxupé has a population of 50,000 and one small Baptist church with 70 members.
Continue to pray for the new church start in Borda da Mata. First Baptist has just hired a young couple who are members of First Baptist to move to Borda da Mata and assume the pastorate there. Pray for Elvo and Fabiana as they look for a home to rent and begin their ministry in this city.
Pray for the team from Northeast Houston Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist of Pouso Alegre, and First Baptist of Santa Rita as we work in the city of Cachoeira de Minas beginning November 9th to spread the Gospel in this city of 15,000 with no Baptist work. We have already scheduled the inauguration of this new congregation on November 15th.

Monty and Janis Thompson

Posts by Chris Julian

2007-10-09T22:14:00.000-03:00

Chris and his wife Melody are IMB Missionaries working in the city of Sao Paulo with University Students. Chris posted a couple of post that really explain a part of the culture down here. The post are titled "And in this Corner...! and Respecting Another's Culture, I wanted you to read these post and remember them in your prayers as they work with the university students here in Sao Paulo. The young people of Brazil need Jesus, pray that Chris and Melody will by used by God in reaching these university students. Chris and Melody have a blog, it is under my IMB Missionaries link, it is call The Concrete Jungle, or go to http://www.concretejunglebrazil.blogspot.com/. Also if you would like to know more about what IMB Missionaries are doing here and would like to pray for them check out the IMB Brazil Prayer Request Blog, the address is http://www.imbbrazilprayerrequest.blogspot.com/. This is done by Mrs. Erma Highfill everyday, pray for her as she is posting this everyday.

JR, and he is not from the show Dallas.

2007-10-07T07:25:00.000-03:00

This week I want ya'll to know something about my friend and fellow pastor here in Mogi Guacu. His name is Joao Ricardo, but I just call him JR. JR is from a little town in the State of Sao Paulo called Santa Fe do Sul. I met JR in church with my team leader Ron Rogers. When I first saw and talked with him I knew that we were going to be friends. JR is a graduate of the seminary in Campinas and has worked with Ron Rogers in planting churches. Right now he is working in a neighborhood here in Mogi Guacu. There, they have started a church and have about 10 to 15 people coming for the service. The church is sponsored by Good News Baptist Church here in Mogi Guacu.

JR is a single guy, but he has fallen in love with a young lady in another state. He told me that he hopes to marry her one day and it looks like it is going to happen. On December 22 JR will marry Silvanna. She is also a missionary. I would like for all of you to pray for them because they have many decisions to make. Also, pray for them in their work. It can be very difficult starting churches. Pray that God will give JR and Silvanna the strength to continue on in this task of planting churches. Pray that God will give them wisdom. Pray for the church in which JR works, that God will bless that work and that many more people will come to know Jesus Christ.

One last thing about JR. He is always asking why I never ask him over to the house to eat. Well, I told him I have three boys and they eat alot! For sure I don't need you coming over. This guy can put the food down. Pray for Silvanna as she cooks for him!! I know that God will really bless their marriage!

I would like to thank all of you for coming to our blog. Thank you for your prayers! They are needed all the time! I wanted to share with you that every week I will send out a reminder that I have updated the blog. But if you would like to recieve an e-mail everytime I update the blog, please sign up for the newsletter on the left hand side. It is done by feedblitz. Everytime I put something on the blog it will send a e-mail alerting you to this. If you know anybody else who would like to know what is going on in our area and would like to pray for us, ask them to sign up or we can put them on our mailing list.

Also, to better know the needs of Brazil and what other missionaries are doing, you can go to the Links of IMB Brazilian Missionaries. These are websites and blogs that you can look at and remember them in your prayers. One of the blogs is IMB Brazil Prayer Request. This is done by Mrs. Erma Highfill. It is a daily prayer list of what missionaries are needing. Thank you again for your prayer support and remember that only Jesus SAVES!

Until next week,
Pascal and Amy

3rd Man in History to Walk on Water!

2007-10-06T14:11:00.000-03:00

I saw this on my cousin's blog, Guy Muse, thought I would share it with you.
Check his blog out at www.guymuse.blogspot.com

Who was the 3rd man in history to walk on water?

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The first to do so was Jesus (Matthew 14:25).

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The second was Jesus disciple Simon Peter (Matthew 14:29).

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And then there was this guy...

My Friends from Big Bom Supermarket

2007-10-04T23:03:00.000-03:00

Pray for our friends at Big Bom.

Learning the Language of Portugese

2007-10-04T11:07:00.000-03:00

When we arrived in Brazil five years ago, the first place they took us to was the Language School. We met our teachers and then we went to where we were staying. It was a long day! Yes, we remember it well! Many times I think about what if the IMB didn't really take care of us and we had to come down, find our own ride, find our own house, find our own school and the list goes on and on. We want all you to know how thankful we are for the IMB, because they take care of the missionaries. They help us learn the language. They help us to get settle in to a new culture and the list goes on and on.
But this week I want to share with you the people behind the school in Campinas, Sao Paulo. The directors of the learning center are David and Romana Hodges. They have been missionaries with the IMB for over 30 years. When they arrived in 1980 they first lived in the city of Sao Paulo and Bro. David taught at the seminary. Bro. David and Mrs. Romana have 4 children, so Mrs. Romana taught home school. As of today they have two grandchildren. After Sao Paulo they moved to Recife in North Brazil and Bro. David taught at the seminary there. About 6 years ago they moved backed to Campinas and took over the Language School. Please continue to pray for them as they direct the school and helping missionaries adapt to culture and learn a new language.

Priscila Carrenho, was born in, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Her parents were Brazilian Home Missionaries with the Brazilian Baptist Convention. They worked with the Indians along the Amazon River. After that her parents were teachers in the Baptist Seminaries in Minas Gerias and Sao Paulo. Priscila teaches at the school but also gives our oral test to see where we stand in the language. She has been a teacher at the school for over 12 years. I remember Priscila saying one time that God had called her to do this work to help missionaries to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are thankful that she is here to help us in this area. Priscila and her husband Robson have been married for over a year and live in Campinas. Pray for Priscila as she continues her work at the learning center.

Viviane Almeida, was born in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. She has been teaching at the school for over 10 years. Viviane also helps the new students getting there documents all in order with the Federal Police. One thing that Viviane said that she enjoy's is helping the new missionaires learn the language so that they can go and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Viviane is single and she also teaches English. Plus her Mother Sulie makes a great pot roast!

Until next week! God Bless and remember that ONLY Jesus Saves!
Pascal and Amy

Pastor Valdeck and Natalina

2007-09-30T12:19:00.000-03:00

In a little town outside of Mogi Guacu sits a little church making a big difference in the lives of people. Estiva Gerbi has about 10,000 people. Most of the people there have no idea what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But, Pastor Valdeck and Natalina are following God's call and proclaiming that truth to the people there.

Pastor Valdeck has never been to college, never been to seminary and has never pastored a church. When he was working in a factory in Sao Paulo, he had an accident and lost two fingers. It was when this happened that God began to work in his life. After some time, he made Jesus the Lord of his life. He retired and moved to Estiva Gerbi because he has family in Mogi Gaucu. While living there God began to work in his life and showed him that there was not a Baptist church. He approached a pastor in another town and shared his vision and today there is a Baptist church in Estiva Gerbi. What I like about this story is that Pastor Valdeck heard the voice of the Lord and he obeyed it. That means alot to me! How many times have we heard the voice and done nothing? I can tell all of you that I have heard the voice of God nudging me to do something for his kingdom and I sat still. I do not want to do that anymore!

The church in Estiva Gerbi has been there for awhile now and they have about 30 members. Just like alot of churches they ran into problems. They held strong and are now once again growing. We are working with Pastor Valdeck because he has a vision of seeing more churches planted in our area. Pray for us because he feels that God is calling us to plant a church in a neighborhood of Mogi Guacu which has little work at all. Pray for his wife, Natalina, as she helps. Pray for the church that they will catch this vision of planting churches so that people can know Jesus Christ in Estiva Gerbi and Mogi Gaucu. I like what Paul said in Colossians 1:28-29, "We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me." As you remember to pray for our ministry, pray for this Brazilian couple that God has called out to do missions in their own land.

Until next week, we love all of you and thank you for visiting our blog. Tell others to come and visit and sign up so you will get updates. Also, this week I will update our links. I would like for you to visit our Brazilian Missionaries Websites and Blogs so that you can better know what Brazil is all about. This will help give you information on how you can pray for this country. Remember that only Jesus saves and He is alive today!
Pascal and Amy

Training in Atibaia, Sao Paulo

2007-09-29T22:02:00.000-03:00

I want to thank all of you for your prayers during this past week. It was a blessed time. We were led by Calvin and Devra Morris, Nolen and Sheilah Pridemore, Mark and Caron Johnson and Dennis Blackmon. But I wanted you to see some of the faces of our IMB Missionaries, missionaries that you pray for. Continue to pray for them! This week we will be getting everything updated, please continue to come back and tell others to visit our web. We all need your prayers! Thank you for visiting and tommorrow we will have the story on Pastor Valdeck. Until then!
Pascal and Amy

Slide Show of Mogi Guacu and Answered Prayer!

2007-09-24T02:00:00.000-03:00

We want to show you a few pictures of the city that we live in. We ask that you pray for our city. Many people here need Jesus. In the coming weeks we will share more pictures with you. Also, this week we shared a special prayer request about Ana Paula's sister. She finally found a doctor who took care of her and she is doing better every day. Thank you to all of you for praying for Catherine. Pray now that she will be open to receiving Jesus Christ as her Savior just like her sister! Thank you for visiting and we will be back next week!
Pascal and Amy