Hi Friends,
Thank you so much for your prayers for us during our time here in Brazil! We are on Day 11 of 16, so we can begin to see the finish line! It’s been a combination of busyness and some opportunities for rest. Bruce Tissell has been taking good care of us, making sure we have plenty of water and are well fed! Since last Thursday I’ve been able to lead the eschatology seminar twice, speak at Sunday school at a local church, preach the evening service at another church, share with pastors at their weekly prayer breakfast, and with two groups of seminary students two evenings. We’ve walked around the shopping center in downtown Teresina (4 miles in about 100 degrees!) We’ve also been to two malls here to eat and get a couple souvenirs. Caleb battled a little illness, but thank the Lord it was only 24 hrs. Today we will experience a popular Brazilian BBQ place, and tonight we’ll visit a preschool with one of our translators. Tomorrow we’re leaving at 5am for a 6-8 hour drive to another town. I’ll do the seminar again all day, and Caleb will participate with the youth that evening. Sunday we’ll drive back to Teresina, and early Monday we begin the journey back to Oregon! We’ve really enjoyed our times with Bruce and the other pastor from Portland, Mark Newman. At times I’ve felt a bit in over my head. I’ve been physically exhausted sometimes. But I can tell you are praying as God has been giving me strength and grace. Please pray that we’ll finish these last days strong. All the travel can be challenging with the diabetes, but so far no major problems. We’re looking forward to being back together with you, and sharing what God has taught us and ways He’s used us thanks to your prayers.
Love from your Pastor,
Michael (and Caleb)