“I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (
John 9:4)
Dearest Friends in the Homeland:
Looking back over 2011 we can count so many blessings. It would be impossible to mention them all in one short letter however we do want to mention a few. First we want to say we are deeply thankful to you who have helped us stay on the mission field one more year.
This has been such a precious year. Of course there have been fierce battles but after all we are on the front lines.
For over 8 and half hours straight (no break) I watched our people worship the other night. Yes, it was their special service where many thanks would go up to God for giving them a fruitful year. Songs, some acappella and others accompanied by a keyboard, drum and guitar that would give you chills. It was so awesome. I watched both the young and old dancing shouting, jumping, running, worshiping, interceding, prophesying.. several hours before the Lord. Others were whispering to God, some solemn, some crying, but all worshipping seeking…looking, hoping, praying. …
all forming a great thunderous praise. The choir with their bubbly songs, the men’s group singing in one accord about working in the harvest fields of the Lord. There were the young and old, rich and poor, strong and weak all gathered together renewed by the breath of God. .
What caught my attention most was their tears. Yes, they know much about tears but it was not big tears of anguish it was big tears of joy. I thought of the people in
Acts 8:5-12 who had "great joy"… Tears dripped to the floor. There were small pools of tears where people had been talking to a living God, His love had filled their hearts and it was overflowing through their eyes! Sometimes the heart can’t contain the emotion the soul feels. The melody of perfect praise…the timing…tears of gratitude and joy. The kind of joy that makes tears flow. Needless to say in such a heavenly atmosphere I was overcome in awe. Worship springs naturally from a soul purified by love; it rises like incense from a heart without idols.
There was such proof of God among so many talented, beautiful people…I got goose bumps on my skin to be a part of such a heavenly event.
Not only songs and prayers, a baptism, graduation of Bible School students, an awesome sermon and later a Bible lesson, then communion and on the lighter side chocolate candy for all the children and a huge midnight supper!
It has not always been so, for most come from the somber dark world of devil worship. Their songs at one time were not glorious, heart lifting songs; their tears were not tears of joy. They lived in a world filled of superstitions and chains…They had every reason in the world to rejoice…they were made free!
I left refreshed, revitalized, and with a new determination Their upmost reliance on Christ, no matter how bad things get or how poor they are.
Bible schools, seminars are so important. And I was blessed to see students getting their certificates. As I watched I thought, this is an occasion I will never forget. Training others will have affect on the lives of thousands and thousands of people in this country and its effects will go from generation to generation for great and everlasting good.
A few of the many things your offerings and prayers helped us to do;
Built 2 churches in Maranhao.
Built a small church in the state of Ceara.
Raul Jr bought a Baptist church in a city called Santa Clara.
We finished the church we were building in Brejinho, Bahia.
Remodeled several churches including Maceio, Vargem Grande, and Caconde, Casa Branca. The little church in Paraguay was also remodeled this year.
We have completely reformed, remodeled the recreation area, dorms, etc in the Maceio headquarters area.
We are enlarging the church in Sao Joao da Boa Vista. (SP) Campo Grande, (MGS)
We also built a church In Navirai, (MGS)
A new church was built in Jardim Amanda in the Campinas region
Sent an offering to help the enlarging of the Francisco Morato church. The second church was built in the city of Ribeirao Preto, SP
We were given a lot in the city of Nova Resende, (MG) and have plans to built there this year.
Hundreds of Bibles, thousands of tracts and innumerable plates of soup have been given out. We have rented new buildings in many areas, opened new house meetings and preaching points.
We made a trip though most of south Brazil, north Brazil and northeast. We also visited the conventions in Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, and Bahia
There are no limits in territory, people, places, or in Godly methods used to reach those who are lost; and God’s desire is that none should perish (
2 Peter 3:9). God has a specific plan for us, a direct call and a clear will for every person
God works in mysterious ways and we will never know in what way or circumstances He uses someone to bless us but one thing I know, God blessed His work in 2011 in an awesome way.
The greatest challenge we are facing is on the campground church and the building of the retaining wall. It is turning into a nightmare for us…we desperately need your help to buy cement, rocks. Iron, sand and bricks because the rains set in once again. We were made to deal with countless issues – inflation and rising material costs; locating a contractor, however slowly help is starting to come in and as it does we will begin by faith. Never has He who called us to work and live by faith failed.
THANKS FOR BEING A BRAZIL MISSIONS
PRAYER PARTNER!
We ask for your continued prayers throughout the coming year as we press on for the Lord here in South America.
When we were in the states some asked about helping Brother Raul Jr and Sister Michelle for their new baby. We have plenty of clothes but what we need is a baby bed, sheets, blankets, a little dresser and doors, a car seat and a few other needed items…In reality they have nothing but some baby clothes! (And thank the Lord for that because they are so expensive here).
I was thinking that if we could raise a 1000 dollars or so they would be greatly blessed. What I am thinking is if those that would like to help on this project would send the offering earmarked: present for newborn baby. I would get a card and put each name on it and have whatever we can do have it delivered to their home. Or if you prefer you can send direct to their home address:
Brazil in Flames
PO Box 1907
Paragould, Arkansas 72451
I think of the precious promise given to us from our Lord:
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (
Luke 6:38)
The wonderful will of God!
Live it seek it obey it!
We ask your prayers go with us as we seek to share the love, grace, hope, peace, and joy of Christ.
Bishop and Sister Raul Alvear Sr and family
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