One month from today we will be flying to the U.S. to begin our furlough. Before then, there is a lot to be accomplished. Please pray for us during this month as we work for closure in our various ministries here and as we organize and store things in our house for another couple to move in while we are gone.
Yesterday I sang and Paul preached at two of our churches. He had an excellent sermon on baptism and why we baptize infants according to Scripture. We count it a privilege to have been baptized and lived our whole life as part of the family of God. We praise God for His faithfulness to our family in preserving each one in their baptismal covenant. Being taught the truths of God’s Word and living in obedience brings joy and blessing to our lives. There is so much confusion and controversy in the evangelical churches of our day over this beautiful gift from God for His people. May those of you reading this value your baptism and live in the joy of God’s grace and forgiveness today. “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Mark 16:16
One week ago we celebrated Easter. It was quite different this year to not be involved in having the Passion Play after six consecutive years. Instead we participated in a mission outreach with people from the Bateias church to the “back 40.” The American short-termers were with us for the three-hour ride over the dirt roads to share with the people who eagerly wait for our group to arrive. We had a special program for the children in the afternoon and an outdoor evening service. We arrived home about 2:30 a.m. after a great day. The others from Bateais stayed until Sunday doing more home visits, evangelistic presentations and clothing distribution. A family in that area has donated land to build a church for whoever wants to help them. Our people are interested in helping them build a simple wooden structure for a worship center. Saturday night we showed the DVD of the Passion Play at the Campo Largo church. Sunday we had our worship services and a nice family time at our house with John and Ruby and all the Curitiba relatives (about 30 of us). That evening John and Ruby were in a car accident, totaling both cars involved. We are thankful that no one was seriously hurt.
This week John and Ruby are in Iguaçu Falls holding a 10-day evangelistic campaign. Please pray for this outreach. Our desire is that people would hear the message of salvation and come to Christ. These campaigns are also a time for strengthening the local congregation.
Things are going well in Campo Largo and it seems that the group that left us a couple of years ago wants to return. We feel this would be a blessing to both groups and ask that you join us in prayer for a smooth transition. One other newsworthy tidbit is that the church in Campo Largo was able to finish the parking lot so they now have a wonderful place for parking, for outdoor programs, and small sports events. Paul coordinated that effort and we are happy to have that project finished before leaving on furlough. 
If you would remember a couple of health issues in your prayers we would be grateful, too. Pastor Tom and Patricia’s 1½ year old daughter Hadassa is hospitalized with an unknown condition that causes fever, enlarged liver and spleen. They are being stretched to the limit physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Our little granddaughter Sarah broke her collarbone last month and has her arm in a sling for 45 days. I managed to turn over a pot of boiling coffee grounds on my forearm last week incurring second degree burns. Paul is suffering constant pain in his right arm and hand caused by a herniated disk. We know that the Lord is our Healer and we trust Him for healing.
Also rejoice with us for the five young people who are studying in Bible School this year. Angélica and Robson (Campo Largo) and Vitor (São Braz) are studying at Bethany Fellowship in Curitiba, close to home. Saymon and Thomaz, both from São Braz, are studying at our seminary in Campo Mourão.
We look forward to returning to the U.S. for seven months to share with our supporters and renew our strength to continue on in the work God calls us to do. Thank you for your partnership with us. God’s blessings to each one of you!
Love in Christ, Paul and Becky
