It’s been a very good experience for us to be back in the States. People have received us warmly everywhere we go. We feel loved and encouraged. The gypsy life is already getting a bit tiring, but we always get excited when we start sharing about the beautiful things God has done and is doing in Brazil. As we reflect on the significance of our obedience to following God’s call and your obedience in praying and giving to send us, we can’t help but praise the Lord for His marvelous saving power in transforming lives through common, willing vessels who are surrendered to Him. Thanks again for your part in helping people come to Jesus. The day after we left Brazil Daniel proposed to Christina (with our permission and blessing, of course)! They are planning to get married next March. Christina and Daniel are both busy at college and in church ministries. Christina teaches Sunday School and helps with the worship team at the Campo Largo church. She is now living with sister Joanna and niece Deborah for a month while our son-in-law Silvio is participating in a leadership training course in Hawaii through the Haggai Institute. We are thankful for this wonderful opportunity he has to become better prepared for God’s plan in using his leadership abilities to bless lives and spread the Gospel. Andrew and Matthew have been traveling with us in June and July, visiting churches, conferences, and camps and also spending some time with relatives at the beautiful lake cabin in northern WI.
Next week Paul and I will begin experiencing the “empty nest.” Andrew will be working on a farm for a month before going to Bible School. Matthew will start soccer practice Aug. 14 at Hillcrest where he will study for the first semester. We will miss them greatly as companions and fellow-workers and wonderful sons. They have been very helpful all summer, pitching in with yard work, washing cars, shingling roofs, singing and sharing in the churches and making friends at every stop.
Meanwhile, back in Brazil the ministry goes on. Yara was involved in directing 3 camps in July, and we had good reports concerning all of them. The churches are going forward with many people involved in visiting, preaching, and teaching. New people have come to Christ and are now being discipled. There are challenges, too, so we ask that you continue to hold this work up in prayer. It seems that some of the many volunteers in the mothers program are getting tired and discouraged. May the Lord raise up others to be willing to serve in this ministry. A building project has been started for a family with 5 children who are living in terrible conditions. People from our new church plant are joining together to help with this project that is being made possible by a gift given in the U.S. by Nathan Larson in memory of his father. There is a place for everyone to use their gifts and talents and resources in the building of the kingdom. It starts with Jesus in our hearts. He’s the one who moves us to compassion and beyond to meet the needs of hurting people in a fallen world.
Thanks for your prayers,
Paul and Becky Abel
It’s been a very good experience for us to be back in the States. People have received us warmly everywhere we go. We feel loved and encouraged. The gypsy life is already getting a bit tiring, but we always get excited when we start sharing about the beautiful things God has done and is doing in 
