Monday, December 10, 2012

December Amazon Update!

This month our church hosted a “dinner of love” for married couples in and outside of the church.  It was a huge success and we had a lot of fun.  Elba spoke about the challenges of being married and shared some tools to help resolve conflict and improve communications.  Specifically, about how men need to feel respected and woman need to feel loved.  She also shared the importance of having Jesus be the center of our relationship and reinforced the importance of using our marriage as an expression of God’s love for us and the community.  After the talks, we played some games with the couples like kissing each other for a minute straight, cuddling for a minute, and BINGO.  Then we had a raffle and the winner won a getaway weekend trip with their loved one.  All in all we believe that everyone had a great time, and the ones that were far from Christ drew a little closer. 


We had a great time with the leadership and the church in Recife encouraging and teaching different tools to help grow their church.  They are a young group of believers that are very energetic and passionate for the Lord.  They have had many challenges since the church was formed but we walked away very encouraged because the Lord is doing a great work there and lives are being transformed.  Please pray for more of God’s presence and favor upon this church.     


We found these masked superheroes in our backyard (thanks to my Mom and sister who recently came and visited).  They said that their goal was to fight crime, eat M&M’s and promote justice throughout the world.  Also, this is a picture of Elba and I scuba diving in Recife.  This was the first time either of us have ever scuba dived.  I believe in North America you must go through training and get certified, but that was not the case here in Brazil, 10 minute of instructions and they threw you in the water.  It was a blast and thankfully we had a trained person with us the whole time.  We also went to a mall and took this impromptu photo with Santa.  It turned out pretty good and we hope that you enjoy.  The Christmas season was in full gear in Recife. 


Thanks for all your prayers for us.  Please have a great CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year!

Love and blessings, Steve, Elba, Camilly and Alyssa


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