Bauru Bytes

Bill and Sue Spoelhof serving with ABWE in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil

- Spring 2009 -

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;  great is Thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I’ve been meditating on these verses found in Lamentations in preparation for preaching the first year celebration service of New Life Baptist Community church coming up in June. The Lord has proved Himself faithful over and over again during this year of transition. Here is a summary of what’s gone on since we last wrote in the beginning of ’09.

February

The official business meeting legalizing the church was held. Lawyers have been cutting through the bureaucratic “red tape” since then. As the confusion with legalization, property approval and purchase has unfolded, we have again learned to “wait on the Lord”.

Eight small groups were started. Two of them fizzled out, which is normal, but six remain strong with an average involvement of about 12 people per group and a new group began in May.

We have started tracking attendance with a spreadsheet and informally done follow up with those absent from services.

Two more believers were baptized.

A Child Evangelism Fellowship missionary couple, who has had a vital role in helping start our ministry in Bauru , presented their ministry.  People were excited about their work, and monthly support was started for their ministry reaching into Bauru schools and training leaders to serve in local schools and churches. Three of our ladies are taking weekly classes at their center, and we have seen one child saved through their training/ministry already.

A Carnaval retreat was held in the country. A large group came for several seminars.

March

Five groups discipling new believers have been started with leaders assigned to each one.

Word of Life missionaries presented their ministry in Brazil . We have begun using their materials with teens, and have already seen one teen saved and many more involved in Christian service and outreach.

April

Easter sunrise service in the Botanical Gardens was a beautiful celebration of the Lord’s resurrection. There were about 100 that came out, and several visitors in the park came over just to listen in.

One Saturday was “Just for Men” day, with a good turnout. The men took time to visit, fish, barbecue, and have a Bible study together. Three of the guys were unsaved friends invited by men in the church.

An outing for teens to go bowling together (most had never bowled before) was a success. A young couple and a single lady are now working into leadership with us.

May

Tuesday, May 12, was a “red letter” day after all    the government “red tape” as the paperwork was approved by the government and the church received its tax exempt approval. Now begins the closing process of the two former congregations.

During the month, Sunday morning membership classes will be held for all new incoming members.

Also a special ladies luncheon, A Day at the Beach, was held the day before Mother’s Day with thirty-five ladies participating.

Coming up in June and July

Throughout the month of June, we will have special services celebrating the one year anniversary of CBVN.  Special musical events will make up part of the programs.

The Valentine’s Day banquet for couples will be held the third weekend of June.

“Bring a Friend” campaign will begin in June as part of the anniversary celebration.

The “plugging in” of members into ministries will be a focus in the month of July as the pastors begin individual visits with each family.

Thank you to every individual and church partnering with us in this ministry. Continue to pray and give and trust as God continues to bless.  Rejoice in the increase He is giving.

Prayer Requests

 - More salvations, baptisms, and spiritual growth among the CBVN family.

 - Continued development of ministries - especially discipleship of new believers and visitor follow-up

 - Unity among church members

 - Involvement of more members in ministries

 - Brazilian planning team—unity, new ideas, and commitment

 - Property purchase and approval process

 

In Christ’s exciting service,

 

Bill and Sue

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