We were pretty much gone the whole month of January traveling to Brasilia which is about 1,200 miles because Elba needed to get some dental work done for future implants, and our truck needed to get its engine overhauled. We had to stop approximately every 90 – 120 miles to put more oil in the engine, and fill the radiator with water. The mechanics said it was a miracle that we even made it there. The engine work cost a lot of money but we had no alternative but to fix. OUCH! The truck is now running better. On a brighter note, the dental surgery went really well and now Elba just needs to wait six months for the implants to set in.
During our trip to and from Brasilia we got the opportunity to spend time with our sister churches in Marabá, Pacajá, and Palmas. All of these guy are doing a great job and are at different areas of growth. It was really nice to step away and get to see the broader picture of our Christian brothers and sister plowing the Kingdom of God into the lives of their community. Lives are being changed because of the work that God has called them to do. Praise God for them and all of our church plants because in the absences of their presence we would be looking at a totally different landscape.
While in Brasilia Elba had the opportunity to preach at the church. It is small church that has a great vision of planting more churches. It already has around 5 churches that it oversees, 2 of which came from the work happening here. One of the big challenges that they have in their church is the availability of people wanting to go to another area and start a church. Most of the members have stable jobs and receive a good income and it is a challenge to just uproot and go to someplace that is uncertain. Trust me, we missionaries know this first hand, and without doubt most missionaries will say that it has been one of the hardest challenges in their lives, but also one of the most fulfilling. Please keep them in your prayers. Have you ever considered becoming a long term missionary? Do you have any questions? If so, write me back and let’s talk.
During our time in Brasilia we got to visit and look around at the Nation’s Capital. We went and saw a lot of the government buildings, and the Alvorado Palace where President Dilma lives. We also went and visited the local zoo, and at another place Camilly got to ride a pony, and Alyssa rode a bull. Camilly was a bit nervous riding the bull so she chose the pony. To tell you the truth, I was not so comfortable being on that massive thing either.
Please continue to pray for spiritual, physical, and emotional health for us.
Love and blessings, Steve, Elba, Camilly and Alyssa
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