In January, Elba and I had the pleasure of going to Agudos in southern Brazil and spending some time at a catholic seminary for the Brazil National Vineyard meeting. It was a really great time to relax and hear some very good teachings. The teachings concentrated on one of the spiritual disciplines, solitude and silence. It was nice to get away from the busyness of everyday and spend time with God. Personally, I have been trying to do this these last several months but was not hearing anything from God. I was going through a time of spiritual dryness and it was really affecting me personally and professionally. On the outside, I am sure that I looked normal and healthy, but on the inside, I was struggling. During my time at the seminary I was calling out to God to hear His voice but did not hear anything. On the last day and during our closing prayer, Penny Meyer came over and started praying for me. To be honest, when she was praying, I just wanted her to stop so I could go and eat lunch. When she got done praying, she said “the reason I came over to pray for you was because I saw a dark cloud over you filled with rain, and the cloud was over very dry ground”. Once she spoke those words I knew that it was from God and I became overwhelmed with emotions. God was using His people to speak and I was being filled up with His presence. The spiritual dryness was starting to melt away. Penny continued by saying that God will be moving me into a new direction or role within the church / mission. I welcomed that and have been seeking God for this new role. Please keep me in your prayers.
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At the church, we had our first couple get married that had never lived with one another or had children before marriage. Rabelo and Elielma have been long time members of our church. During their time of dating we really encouraged and challenged them to walk out their relationship with Jesus being the center. They participated in our premarital program and walked out their relationship with God in the middle. It was a great example to the youth of our church. We are so happy that they chose this path instead of the more convenient path that is more often traveled here in Altamira.
While we were gone, the girls stayed with Elba’s Mom. She traveled two days by boat to stay with them and we were so grateful. It was really nice not to have to worry about the girls while we were gone. Below is a picture of the girls trying to be doggies. They are so sweet except when they want to eat off the floor. YUCK!
Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks and blessings, much love, Steve, Elba, Camilly and Alyssa
