You often hear reports from IPJA, our sister church in Brazil, right after one of our mission teams has returned from Belo Horizonte. We recently received this email from Pastor Ronilton that gives you a feel for life in the church at other times as well. Ronilton writes:

My Dear Friends,

For the most part, we are well. Leandro (whose father died and who has been through some other trials) is much better. He is involved in the work of the church and also is very excited about his college studies (your support of Sopa Domingo allows Leandro to attend college).

Ademar has moved his dental office. Now he is much closer to the church. He is very happy that he now has more patients. (Ademar is a young dentist whose education was supported by Park Church and whose office equipment was supplied by a group of dentists from Park. Ademar provides free dental care for people from the favela one day a week.)

Cristina (another People Project “graduate”) is very happy because she has found a new job. She is working for the Bureau of Public Education. She is so happy, for this was her great dream.

Edvan, Leonardo, Filip, Eli, James, Fabinho, James and all the other “meninos” are doing well. This next Sunday (October 22), God willing, we will baptize and receive the confessions of faith of three young women: Thais (Rodrigo’s sister), Nayara (Roger’s girlfriend) and Ana Luiza (Rodrigo’s girlfriend). It will be a very festive worship service.

Wellington is not much around the church right now. We have spoken with him a lot, but he doesn’t want to listen to what we have to say. He is very rebellious. João and Silvia (Wellington’s parents) are very sad, as am I. We need to pray for him. The Scott Bliss Cabinet Shop continues to grow slowly. João has some work, but the situation is still not ideal.

The elders are making plans for next year. We are hoping that these plans will bless the poor people in the favela. We hope to be able to offer courses at the church for people to learn a skill or trade, such as cutting hair, office work, manicure, carpentry, handicrafts and others. We think that this is a good time for this project and that it will bless many people.

Abraço de seu amigo e irmão em Cristo,
(A hug from your friend and brother in Christ,)

Ronilton.