Some Missionaries Never Fully Retire

(Alden Barrows is a retired CCCC missionary working in Brazil under Fellowship International Mission. He and his wife Virginia began ministry in Brazil 40 years ago. She passed away in 2011. Now 78 years old and legally blind, Alden travels the city by bus, witnessing for Christ at every opportunity. In the last three years he has led over 20 people to a saving knowledge of the Lord. Mostly he meets people at the cemetery, where he visits his wife’s grave, and on the bus. He shared with me that God has given him an ability to do chiropractic-like adjustments to give people relief from pain. )

Dear Fellow Pilgrims on the Upward Way,

For over a year and a half I have not used a bicycle because of two hernia operations, but the city (S.J. do Rio Preto, Brazil) provides free bus travel to the “aged.”

Life as an older widower is hectic but interesting! Recently I presented the “Bridge” approach for leading one to Christ to a young man at the cemetery. He confessed that he had already accepted Christ, crossing over the “bridge” earlier in his life.

The next day on the bus home, at first I was the only passenger on the bus and was able to talk with the bus driver. On the way two other young men entered the bus, but one was bent over and acting strangely. I asked him if he was having problems. Immediately he shared that all day he had been in pain and unable to do much because of a lower back problem. I told him that if he would like it, I maybe could help him, but had to wait until the bus stopped to pick up passengers. The bus passed by three bus stops but there were no passengers to pick up. Suddenly the bus pulled over and stopped by the side of he street and the driver turned around and looked at us. It was evident that he wanted to help out. Quickly I gave instructions to the young man and in less than 30 seconds he was completely cured! PTL! The expression on his face was just one of amazement, and for the rest of the trip he just thanked me over and over for what was done.

I am amazed at how the Lord opens up doors for witness. May these and others hear the Gospel and open up to he Lord. He has the cure for their souls. These and many others are real opportunities for witness and leading others to the Savior. Many of the bus drivers in this part of town know me. Thanks for your prayers. Today I have a ride with a Christian baker who has taken me to the homes of several of his friends and relatives for the sharing of he Gospel. His name is Jose Luiz.

Keep praying as new opportunities open up daily. Pray for my students at the English Bible Sunday School class. Few students, but good contacts.

In the Name of our coming Lord Jesus,

Alden