World Outreach — Brazil

from Alden Barrows, CCCC missionary serving under Fellowship International Mission.

Dear fellow pilgrims on “the Upward Way,”

I trust that it is true that we are “gaining new heights every day.” Last weekend our church celebrated its 25th anniversary here in Rio Preto, Brazil! It has been really a time of rejoicing and praising the Lord for all He has done. I’m glad He is keeping the records, as my computer has broken down and lost many valuable records in the past two and a half years! My “back-up” was not as efficient as I thought it was. A good Scriptural “jog” to encourage developing good communications is Malachi 3:16. If our computer breaks down or our diary gets lost, God has a good back-up system. Right? Don’t forget: Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. (Malachi 3:16)

We thank the Lord that the gall bladder operation in October was very successful. The doctor said that it was the largest gall bladder that he had ever removed in his 20 years’ experience. God has been good, and there were no ill effects. Thanks for your prayers!

The church services and visitation at the clinic have continued right along every Sunday morning, except for the first two Sundays in October when I was operated on. The urgency and pathos of the clinic/rest home is accentuated with the death of some four residents in the last four months. At least seven have raised their hands for salvation and prayed with me accepting Christ as Savior. Thanks for your faithful prayers!

At the graveyard, four have very definitely accepted Christ as Savior, and several others on the way there and related trips.

Special, urgent prayer is needed because the church has been going through some difficult times: 1. The young people’s leader has stopped meetings for them, 2. The pastor has stopped holding meetings out at the suburb house. 3. The offerings have gone down and the pastor is not receiving his whole salary. 4. The prayer meetings have dwindled to nine or ten people. 5. Most of the key young people have removed their membership and moved to other churches. 6. Our musicians have mostly stopped coming to church. 7. And to top it off, the pastor has turned in his resignation effective as of the end of January, and, 8. There is no replacement pastor in view. The MORAL of he story is “When things get tough, don’t give up! That is just the time to pitch in and work! Thanks for your prayers!

Pray for wisdom, whether I should step in or continue to keep uninvolved. I am presently totally removed from church leadership here. Also as a sidelight, as of December 31, 2012, I am officially retired, but not practically, as a missionary. This gives me more time for His work.

Keep praying, and Thanks for all you’ve done over the years!

Strengthened by the Blessed Hope of His return,

I am His for Brazil,

Alden