Dear Friends in the Homeland
"Yea, so have I strived to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was named ..." -
Romans 15:20
We send our love and greetings to all you folk that have stood by us for so many years. This past Sunday I stood in two services beside Brother Alvear as he ordained over 70 preachers. I was overwhelmed how God takes people from the depth of sins more and changes and transforms them into outstanding soul winners. Some it seems their heartbeat is reaching out to others.
This month we took a giant step in Brazil by sending our 3 national missionaries by faith. Pastor Roberto will be moving to south Brazil to the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Pastor Milton will be moving to northeastern state of Ceara and Missionary Arlei to the far northeast state of Maranhao. New works are opening up all over Brazil. We are working with all our means to bring Jesus to this vast country. A city representative from an area where Pastor Roberto will be working called us offering us a lot for 600 dollars to build a church. The lot is worth at least 5 times more than that but for some reason we were contacted for us to build a church in that city. I know if God wants us to have it He will open a door and speak to someone to help that area.
It is always exciting and enlightening to see how God moves month after month and opens doors. Just this week one of our preachers was talking to me wondering how we as a group could meet the astonishing amount of needs that surround us day after day. He said to me, I don’t know how you even sleep with such a debt always hanging over you and growing with each new work. I said son, “God does not have to meet a monthly quorum of needs at one time we must take it a day at a time. Each day God has a new miracle for his work.
God doesn't look for men and women who are strong and brave; He looks for ones weak and fearful enough to look to Him to do all in and through them. When God finds people that available, step back and watch Him work!
I pray that you may be one of the ones that ventures out by faith helping us to help others.
Missionary Arlei called and told us they bumped and bounced all way to the state of Maranhao in his old crowd van. I wondered how they would even fit after the suitcases and boxes were packed and now I am sure they can tell you how sardines feel in a little can. He arrived to record hot temperatures and no water! The city’s water supply has almost dried up and it has not rained for months.
Pastor Hugo is traveling with a group in far south Brazil. He called to tell me they had enough money to get there and FAITH to get back. The getting back involves quite a bit but we work along the side of noble men and women of Great faith. The little church we are building is going up by faith. We desperately need 1000 dollars to finish it enough for the people to use and from that point they will do the rest. Can you help us to help them?
The crowded, primitive conditions, combined with weariness are often taxing and on our bodies it has taken its toll. Yet we press on for there are others that live in complete spiritual darkness.
Brazil is probably one of the most promising of all the mission fields of the world today.
We have turned much of the overseeing of the Maceio work over to Brother Michael.
Please pray for our safety as we travel, and that we will boldly speak God's Word wherever we go. To the many of you who have stood in the gap before the Lord with us and for us, we are very grateful. We have divided Brazil into 7 regions because it is literally impossible for one person to oversee such a big country so pray because someone will always be on the road traveling somewhere taking the Name of Jesus to others.
We cannot stop we must go on those yet unreached, for whom Christ died. Material things mean nothing to me for my eyes have caught a glimpse of a better world and with that vision tucked in my heart I work day and night helping others to help others find his Jesus that forgives sins and hears prayers.
Please don’t be overwhelmed by the size of the needs of the work!
Any gift no matter the amount is appreciated. Don’t be tempted to think that "my insignificant gift won’t make any difference." We need many investments in all amounts to add to the sacrifices of our own church members to keep these national missionaries and pastors on the field.
Your gift no matter how big or small everything is deeply appreciated.
You can never imagine the contrasts of life in Brazil they are shocking, shanty towns, unpaved streets, undernourished children playing in the mud, and pigs wandering in and out of the houses. By the side of that are cities have great modern buildings on wide avenues with plantings of palm trees and flowers, a few very rich yet with millions of the poor.
I write you as an unattached servant of the Lord Jesus worldly pleasures, comforts, conveniences, etc .have no hold on my heart. I am sold out to the cause of missions!
We are getting ready for our national convention. Tickets to get there for us and Brother Michael family run right at 1500 dollars then we have to stay in a hotel for there is no place for us to stay at the convention site. That will also be very expensive but we must be there to help encourage our workers and give them an overall view of what is happening all over Brazil. Thanks for praying and for giving both toward our support and for the needs of our families PLEASE PRAY that God would bring more partners with us to serve the cause of Christ. With the August support numbers now in, I can report to you that we are in serious need of seeing more partners join our team. God can do it!
We love you all. Thanks for your love and support.
Brother and Sister Raul Alvear Sr and family
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