Word of Life – Curitiba

Last week our musical/drama group EMME returned from their first major trip of the year to the Midwestern region of Brazil. They left on May 1st, the day after our Sports Marathon and presented every night since then except for the 22nd and 23rd of May due to a last minute cancellation. This year they have prepared 2 beautiful presentations: “Heaven” and “Crown Him” - both are very evangelistic and have already been used of the Lord in a tremendous way to reach many with the Gospel.

So far in 2011 they have performed to 12,575 people and have recorded 139 decisions for salvation and 39 decisions for consecration/reconciliation. All of our presentations are done through the Brazilian local churches that are responsible for housing the group and providing an adequate location for the performance. The group records every decision made and a decision slip with the person’s information is left with the church for follow-up. The group also had opportunities on this trip to visit several public schools as well as a drug rehab. This is done during the day and is coordinated with the churches who have received the group.

Two weeks ago the local church we attend when in Curitiba had a baptismal service and 13 people were baptized. Of the 13 that were baptized that evening 7 mentioned in their testimony Word of Life in regards to their decision for the Lord. It was exciting for us to see these young believers making their decision for the Lord public as they continue to grow in their decision as a member of a local church. We praise the Lord for this.

This week our EMME group is in classes on our camp property with our founding director Harold Reimer who is teaching the book of I Corinthians. On Saturday they will begin their second major trip of the year which will be in Southern Brazil. We are also in our final preparations for our winter camping season in July. I know that you may laugh when I say “winter”, but although it does not snow here we do have temperatures that are below 32° Fahrenheit and none of the building are winterized. Our camping season begins on July 7th and goes through July 24th. During this time we will have a period for staff training and then 1 week for children and 1 week for teens. Please pray for our camping season.

Our family is doing well and we are so proud of Dylan. He is currently in 4th grade and currently has a 3.8 GPA. He is also very active in sports and has shown a growing interest for the things of God. He has had however a persistent cough for the past 2 weeks due to the crazy weather we have in Curitiba. No medication seems to help. Please keep him in your prayers as we try to get him properly medicated. Last year he spent over 2 months with a cough. Nara is doing great and she sends her love to everyone.

We thank all of you for your persistent prayers and generous support.

Thank you very much!!!