Thursday, January 20, 2005
HOW THE OLD YEAR (2004) ENDED AND THE NEW YEAR (2005) BEGAN.
What, no blog since November 18th? Tut,tut. Here is the news………..
IBE lessons continued, until 15th December. There is now a break until mid-February, after the Carnival holiday (Shrove Tuesday). Pray for fruit in the students’ ministries.
PIB. Preaching at the First Baptist Church took place as scheduled on 21st and 28th November, continuing on the three “I came” statements of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel: 1:38; 2:17; 10:45. Pray for continuing impact from these messages – the place was packed every night, with many good conversations.
In late December we had a wonderful churrasco lunch with past and present members of our English group. We are sad to be bringing this chapter to an end, as the group has been a wonderful support and avenue for ministry in a very troubled period. But now we need to invest more time in our own church.
Blumenau Group. Visits took place on 20th November and 18th December. The group has been growing quickly, now numbering almost 30, but passing through some difficulties in regard to leadership issues, and Andrew tried to bring teaching which was helpful in giving them Scriptural principles as they seek to resolve things. Through this time our friendship and fellowship has increased, and although we are not officially “pastoring” the group, our advice and teaching is received with respect and affection.
Wedding at Rio do Sul, Santa Catarina. A couple from the Blumenau group asked Andrew to conduct their wedding ceremony, so extra visits to Blumenau and Navegantes were involved in connection with preparation on 11th December and 1st January, and the ceremony took place in Rio do Sul, in the interior of our State, on 8th January, 2005, the first wedding Andrew has taken in Brazil. The journey was beautiful, through mountainous valleys and green pastureland, in mostly sunny weather.
Maranata Bible Institute. Andrew spoke as the Paraninfo – Friend of the Students – at the Formatura – Graduation – on 4th December. The problems to which we have referred previously are being resolved, though in a way which has caused much hurt and sorrow to all concerned. Please pray that refreshment will come during the holiday period before the new intake of students arrives in mid-February.
Christmas. Christmas Eve is the special night in Brazil; nothing much happens on the 25th. Those of our group who were not committed to family dinners met at 8pm (on the 24th) for an adapted version of ‘Nine Lessons for Christmas’. We used the Scripture readings from the Kings College programme and linked them to all the reasonably good Portuguese language hymns or modern songs we could find which were appropriate to the themes. It worked surprisingly well, and we all benefited from this simple but effective remembrance of Christ’s incarnation. No presents, but a substantial snack supper was enjoyed together. Later, more singing with others who arrived about 10.30 after having their own family meal at home. Home about 1 am in the morning.
New Year’s Eve – we had dinner with one of the families from our church. A strange mixture of Chicken Tikka and rice (since Alex had asked for some spicy Indian food!) for starter, followed by a roast chicken dinner. They had never had roast potatoes before, and their daughter ‘adored’ them. Sara had brought the desserts: a pudim (cream flan) and a mousse of Cupuaçu, a fruit from the northern region of Brazil. Afterwards, we enjoyed watching fireworks from our balcony, although aware too of the subdued nature of celebrations around the world because of the seaquake and Tsunami disaster in south Asia.
2nd January 2005. On the first Sunday of the year we spent the whole day together as a church, meeting for breakfast at 9.00 a.m.. Our meeting focussed on thanksgiving and praise through testimonies, teaching, prayer and singing, for the Lord’s blessings to us individually and as a group over the past year. Alex had built a long table so that we could eat in his back yard, which is also ideal for playing games together. After a fantastic churrasco (barbecue) lunch, the fun continued with “Amigo Secreto” (Secret Friend). Each person had brought a gender and age neutral present to give to someone else in the group. We had to pick a name at random and when the time came we had to speak about the person until the group guessed who it was. The focus is more on saying observant, but mainly nice, things about people and the fun of guessing, rather than the presents, although we were pleased to get a big Panetone and a nice box of chocolates between us!
Tsunami Relief Collection. One of the group suggested that we make a contribution to the relief effort, and this was followed up by a decision to have a collection and send our money to TEAR Fund, since they work in partnership with churches in the areas affected. The amount raised showed a good level of Christian concern, and it was really good that someone else had taken the initiative in organizing this.
Women’s issues. To widen our horizons the women in our group got together to see a film “Kandahar”, This is about an Afgani woman journalist trying to return to Afghanistan during the time of the Taleban. It is a bit dated now of course, but nevertheless gave some insight into life in Afghanistan. Then Simone invited us to see a documentary about Nepalese women who are kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery in brothels in Bombay. Again, it was great to see someone else taking the initiative.
Younger members. The break with Vida Nova meant a wrench for all of the younger members from established friendships into a strangely assorted group consisting of three girls aged 9, 11 and 15, and one boy aged 10. It has taken a while for them to adjust, but recent months have seen a growth in relationships. We are particularly thankful for Marquito, our rugby “coach” who is also good at organizing other outdoor games, and, with Anna, takes time to talk with the kids. Indoors, UNO has become a favourite table game, with Karum (Cora’s Indian Snooker board game) a close second. (Can’t wait to teach them Cricket, Coppit and Chinese Chequers!) We are thankful that possible barriers due to the age range are being overcome, and want to build up these relationships in order to progress to deeper levels of spiritual conversation in the future. None of them has been baptized, although we think that some are believers; please pray for them all.
Thanks. We have enjoyed receiving your cards and letters by e-mail or post. It means a lot to be remembered at what we know is a very busy time of year for most of you. We appreciate the visibility of your love in sharing your personal lives with us, as well as giving us your financial and prayerful support. May your new year be full of grace.
Holidays. We are tired out, and are now going to take time off while the beautiful hot summer weather is here From Christmas to Carnival, life is quiet here – and we are making the most of it. Traffic is heavy on the island with holiday makers, but we generally try to time our beach trips to avoid the worst. There are worse places to live!. Back in February, as the Lord wills.
Pictures. We have tried to post a good range of pictures showing life over Christmas and the New Year. Blogger has increased picture size and quality – if you click on the images now you get a really good, sharp image. Enjoy!
What, no blog since November 18th? Tut,tut. Here is the news………..
IBE lessons continued, until 15th December. There is now a break until mid-February, after the Carnival holiday (Shrove Tuesday). Pray for fruit in the students’ ministries.
PIB. Preaching at the First Baptist Church took place as scheduled on 21st and 28th November, continuing on the three “I came” statements of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel: 1:38; 2:17; 10:45. Pray for continuing impact from these messages – the place was packed every night, with many good conversations.
In late December we had a wonderful churrasco lunch with past and present members of our English group. We are sad to be bringing this chapter to an end, as the group has been a wonderful support and avenue for ministry in a very troubled period. But now we need to invest more time in our own church.
Blumenau Group. Visits took place on 20th November and 18th December. The group has been growing quickly, now numbering almost 30, but passing through some difficulties in regard to leadership issues, and Andrew tried to bring teaching which was helpful in giving them Scriptural principles as they seek to resolve things. Through this time our friendship and fellowship has increased, and although we are not officially “pastoring” the group, our advice and teaching is received with respect and affection.
Wedding at Rio do Sul, Santa Catarina. A couple from the Blumenau group asked Andrew to conduct their wedding ceremony, so extra visits to Blumenau and Navegantes were involved in connection with preparation on 11th December and 1st January, and the ceremony took place in Rio do Sul, in the interior of our State, on 8th January, 2005, the first wedding Andrew has taken in Brazil. The journey was beautiful, through mountainous valleys and green pastureland, in mostly sunny weather.
Maranata Bible Institute. Andrew spoke as the Paraninfo – Friend of the Students – at the Formatura – Graduation – on 4th December. The problems to which we have referred previously are being resolved, though in a way which has caused much hurt and sorrow to all concerned. Please pray that refreshment will come during the holiday period before the new intake of students arrives in mid-February.
Christmas. Christmas Eve is the special night in Brazil; nothing much happens on the 25th. Those of our group who were not committed to family dinners met at 8pm (on the 24th) for an adapted version of ‘Nine Lessons for Christmas’. We used the Scripture readings from the Kings College programme and linked them to all the reasonably good Portuguese language hymns or modern songs we could find which were appropriate to the themes. It worked surprisingly well, and we all benefited from this simple but effective remembrance of Christ’s incarnation. No presents, but a substantial snack supper was enjoyed together. Later, more singing with others who arrived about 10.30 after having their own family meal at home. Home about 1 am in the morning.
New Year’s Eve – we had dinner with one of the families from our church. A strange mixture of Chicken Tikka and rice (since Alex had asked for some spicy Indian food!) for starter, followed by a roast chicken dinner. They had never had roast potatoes before, and their daughter ‘adored’ them. Sara had brought the desserts: a pudim (cream flan) and a mousse of Cupuaçu, a fruit from the northern region of Brazil. Afterwards, we enjoyed watching fireworks from our balcony, although aware too of the subdued nature of celebrations around the world because of the seaquake and Tsunami disaster in south Asia.
2nd January 2005. On the first Sunday of the year we spent the whole day together as a church, meeting for breakfast at 9.00 a.m.. Our meeting focussed on thanksgiving and praise through testimonies, teaching, prayer and singing, for the Lord’s blessings to us individually and as a group over the past year. Alex had built a long table so that we could eat in his back yard, which is also ideal for playing games together. After a fantastic churrasco (barbecue) lunch, the fun continued with “Amigo Secreto” (Secret Friend). Each person had brought a gender and age neutral present to give to someone else in the group. We had to pick a name at random and when the time came we had to speak about the person until the group guessed who it was. The focus is more on saying observant, but mainly nice, things about people and the fun of guessing, rather than the presents, although we were pleased to get a big Panetone and a nice box of chocolates between us!
Tsunami Relief Collection. One of the group suggested that we make a contribution to the relief effort, and this was followed up by a decision to have a collection and send our money to TEAR Fund, since they work in partnership with churches in the areas affected. The amount raised showed a good level of Christian concern, and it was really good that someone else had taken the initiative in organizing this.
Women’s issues. To widen our horizons the women in our group got together to see a film “Kandahar”, This is about an Afgani woman journalist trying to return to Afghanistan during the time of the Taleban. It is a bit dated now of course, but nevertheless gave some insight into life in Afghanistan. Then Simone invited us to see a documentary about Nepalese women who are kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery in brothels in Bombay. Again, it was great to see someone else taking the initiative.
Younger members. The break with Vida Nova meant a wrench for all of the younger members from established friendships into a strangely assorted group consisting of three girls aged 9, 11 and 15, and one boy aged 10. It has taken a while for them to adjust, but recent months have seen a growth in relationships. We are particularly thankful for Marquito, our rugby “coach” who is also good at organizing other outdoor games, and, with Anna, takes time to talk with the kids. Indoors, UNO has become a favourite table game, with Karum (Cora’s Indian Snooker board game) a close second. (Can’t wait to teach them Cricket, Coppit and Chinese Chequers!) We are thankful that possible barriers due to the age range are being overcome, and want to build up these relationships in order to progress to deeper levels of spiritual conversation in the future. None of them has been baptized, although we think that some are believers; please pray for them all.
Thanks. We have enjoyed receiving your cards and letters by e-mail or post. It means a lot to be remembered at what we know is a very busy time of year for most of you. We appreciate the visibility of your love in sharing your personal lives with us, as well as giving us your financial and prayerful support. May your new year be full of grace.
Holidays. We are tired out, and are now going to take time off while the beautiful hot summer weather is here From Christmas to Carnival, life is quiet here – and we are making the most of it. Traffic is heavy on the island with holiday makers, but we generally try to time our beach trips to avoid the worst. There are worse places to live!. Back in February, as the Lord wills.
Pictures. We have tried to post a good range of pictures showing life over Christmas and the New Year. Blogger has increased picture size and quality – if you click on the images now you get a really good, sharp image. Enjoy!
English Group barbecue lunch - Relaxing by the pool - laughing at those in the pool 
Florianópolis - time together as a church over the New Year period - seeing the New Year in - sparklers on our balcony
Florianópolis - time together as a church over the New Year period - Food, food, food
Florianópolis - time together as a church over the New Year period - song practice
Florianópolis - time together as a church over the New Year period - Raquel, Rafael, Talita
Florianópolis - time together as a church over the New Year period - Lídia
Florianópolis - time together as a church over the New Year period - Alberto gets into Evangelical Times, International Edition
Florianópolis - time together as a church over the New Year period - Lídia, Timóteo and Letícia
Santa Catarina countryside - Alfredo Wagner region
Blumenau - Tiago and Jamili's wedding - Cora, Bec and Jana
Florianópolis - Late night, pre-Christmas shopping 2
Florianópolis - Praça Quinze - The old fig tree, illuminated on a rainy evening
Florianópolis - Praça Quinze - Central Square - Crib scene
Florianópolis - North Bay sea front - Blocks of flats decorated for Christmas
California, Paraná - Sunday morning congregation
Maranata - choir of staff and students at the graduation service
Maranata - graduands swear an oath before receiving their degrees
