Celebrating a New Life in Christ!

Tuesday we were blessed to have some time in Minneapolis catching up with Drew, one of the Rio Trio Trek 7'ers that came to serve with us here in Rio last summer.  Drew was leaving in 2 days to go to Guatemala to finish his degree at Bethel University on a study abroad trip to student teach there.

How wonderful it was to hear that Drew's brother recently became a Christ follower!  During Drew's time with us here in Rio, our team had prayed for his brother----so it was especially sweet to see Drew face-to-face and see the excitement and hear the amazing way that God had revealed himself to his brother and his brother received Him as Lord and Savior!

Wednesday we left Minneapolis to return home to Rio and arrived safely Thursday without any problems other than 1 suitcase that hasn't arrived yet.  

All is well at the Mission house and Moses, our four-legged friend, was extremely happy to see us.  Our turtle, Grace, even greeted us by coming into the living room!  We're adjusting to the huge change in temperature.  It's currently 88 degrees here and -11 degrees in Minneapolis!

We're excited for the work that God has for us in this new year!  He has raised up 4 interns that we will soon serve with at CENA in Sao Paulo.  

God is also putting together a TREK 7 Team for this coming June and July.  He continues to answer prayers to raise up more workers for the field!

We're excited for the many opportunities we will have to make His name known among the nations when the world comes to Rio for the World Cup this summer!


Please pray for divine appointments and effective ministry for the Kingdom as we re-engage with our Brazilian partners, pastors and leaders.

Blessed to be serving our Mighty God here in Rio!

Diane and Jeff

Testifying to the Good News of God's Grace

 

It is a privilege to GO and testify to the Good News of God's grace!

To those of you who remember us in your prayers and sacrificially give to the work to which He has called Jeff and I to in Brazil, bless you!  

One day, when we stand before Him, yearning to hear those wonderful words, "well done, thy good and faithful servant", may all of us also be blessed to meet those people at the wedding banquet who are there because of our combined efforts!  YOUR faithful prayers and financial support, and OUR faith by going to testify of the good news of Jesus Christ!

Acts 20:24 says, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."

We will return to Rio in 6 days and have begun the process of saying goodbye to friends and family.  This is not ever easy.  Each time is as difficult as the first time.  We go with many "unknown" challenges in front of us...our "Big Fine Mess", the process of procuring permanent visas and the daily opposition we face from the enemy.

And yet, we consider our lives worth nothing.  Our desire is to gain souls for Christ.  To finish well.  To complete our task to which we were called.  To make disciples.  To testify of the Good News of Jesus Christ!

We have been blessed to meet with so many of you.  We have made so many new friends and cherished the time we could spend with old friends! 

We have hugged our children and laughed and cried with them.  We have kissed, played, and hugged our granddaughter with the hopes that she'll remember us!

Just a few more days and we are off.  Off to live amongst a beautiful people who were and are created in the image of God.  

Off to use every opportunity to share of Christ's free gift of salvation for ALL who believe, repent and become a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Blessings, dear body of Christ,

Diane and Jeff

Our Friends, Rob and Wendy, of 27 years!  We lived vicariously through them as they shared of their recent trip to Israel!

  Our Friends, Allan and Carolyn.  We met 22 years ago when we taught children's Sunday School together!

Allan and Carolyn's daughter, Hannah, who was a part of the "Rio Trio" TREK 7'ers last year!

More Workers for the Field!!!!

Romans 10:14 says, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

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This past Sunday evening we had the pleasure of spending some time with Cody, a recent Bethel University graduate who is preparing to come and serve the Lord with us in Brazil.

This morning we were blessed to meet Jake, a Northwestern College student who is also preparing to come, as well.  They will join our current interns, Lacey and Leah, in early February and begin to serve together at CENA.

A few years ago, God placed on our hearts the desire to begin to raise up youth missionary teams to serve for longer periods of time at CENA in Sao Paulo.  These four missionaries are an answer to our prayers!

We clearly see God at work through the efforts of Joao Carlos, president of CENA, and his staff of missionaries and volunteers and desire to become more involved in God's work there.

It was very encouraging to meet these two young godly men and hear about their hearts' desire to serve the Lord!  They are eager to serve, learn and share the gospel!

Please pray for this team as they begin to serve together in February.

There are so many people who still need to hear the true gospel of Jesus Christ!  Pray for souls to be saved!

Diane and Jeff

Jake will be baptized this coming Sunday!

Make known among the nations what He has done!!!

 Christ is above ALL else!

This morning Diane and I read from God's Word in Psalm 105.  It says, starting in verse 1, "Give thanks for the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.  Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts." 

Every day in Rio out in the streets, we share with people of his wonderful act of conquering death for salvation for ALL people.

Today, we want to share with you his wonderful act of provision for us as we strive to make His name known in the nation of Brazil. 

First of all, we want to share that in only 3 weeks, God has provided 75% of what we need financially for 2014!

Many of you have been faithful to Him by joining us by financially partnering with us and/or have increased your support and we receive this with thanksgiving and great humbleness!  Thank you!

Secondly, we want to ask for your prayers as we make plans for our return to Rio later this month.  Listed below are a few of the critical details ahead of us: 

• Completion of our visa renewals.  We will shortly have permanent visas for 10 years, Lord willing!!! 

• Provision of a new lawyer to help us resolve our "big fine mess".

• Details of receiving 4 interns and helping them to get started serving in ministry.

Greater things have yet to come and greater things have yet to be done in Brazil!

 Diane and I are anxious to get back to the streets!

 Thank you all so much!!

Blessings and huge hugs.

We love you all,

Jeff and Diane

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil