Dear Friends,
What a wonderful service on Sunday! First, I was joyfully surprised to see David and Jacob serving with our faithful worship team members. Then, Pastor Jim delivered a strong message about God's unfinished work in us to prepare and use us for His glory. It was so practical, Jim. Thank you!
For those of you who have been following this blog, thank you for your curiosity, your interest, and your prayers.  The first day we arrived in Brazil, June 18th, we were already 2 weeks into my sabbatical, which paused for a two-week vacation in Sao Paulo and resumed when we arrived in Caraguatatuba, preparing for our first trip with Macio & Damaris to see some mission sights, tourist sights, and most of all to visit Oscar & Mariles at their home in Santa Catarina state.
We returned to Caragua for two weeks to rest, refresh my soul in the Scriptures and prayer and reflection, and to further prepare for the three weeks of travel north to the Amazon and the northeast coast. You have read through rather long blogs, but my personal journal is almost 100 pages (no pictures) filled with observations, personal impact moments, and verbal "images" of many people I may never meet again, whose lives are committed to bringing Jesus to their very needy communities.
Arriving by bus in Parnaiba, I was picked up by Marcio and Hivaldo (he is the Executive Director of EMAF and currently living in Parnaiba). We drove a half-hour through the city and to the town of Tatus, where personal boats and tourist boats launch into the delta on the Parnaiba River.  Before coming, I tried to picture the area via Google Maps. Ilha das Canarias ("Canary Islands") appears to have many small rivers flowing into the ocean, but these are no small rivers.  In the speedboat, we winded our way non-stop through treed rivers for about 50 minutes.  We arrived in the small community of Torto just before dark.  Lucas was waiting for us, brought us on a quad to our pousada (four very simple rooms...the only guest accommodations in the village), where we dropped off our things.  Then, hopping back on the quad (there are no cars in these islands, only quads, as it is ultimately sand with trails to ride or walk...but walking is challenging as the sand is very soft), we went immediately to the EMAF base here where the workers from both Piaui and Maranhão states have gathered.  They were all wearing blue MEAP t-shirts (Marcio and I didn’t get the memo on that!).  We started with introductions and a bit about each one. Two are in their early 40s, and the rest in their 20s and early 30s.
-       Lucas & Michele (newlyweds on July 20th)
-       Régis & Marta, with daughter Eloah
-       Deris-Maria
-       Elinaldo & Kelly
-       Missias & Hozana, and two little boys
-       Anderson
-       Julio
-       João-Lucas
-       Anny
-       Cintia
-       Vaneide
-       Pastor Glauber (Area leader, arrived Tuesday morning feeling much better)
These missionaries are scattered in communities all over the delta and are grateful for this time of fellowship and encouragement since they only get together like this once (maybe twice) a year when a retreat is held. Some are short-term, others long-term…, but all are deeply aware of God’s call on their lives for ministry and missions.
We sang and prayed, and there were beautiful moments of worship at each session.  Like last week, I did the teaching times as Marcio translated...four sessions with John 15, and two in Romans 8:28-39.  Marcio shared in the evenings about his experiences starting the mission and practical testimony advice in finances, marriage, and raising children in their missionary context.
This group is generally a more mature, trained and resourced group.  Many have been to Curitiba for one- or two-year training and have been accepted to ministry with EMAF.  This area has had the benefit of more than 20 years of ministry development (since 2001 when Marcio & Damaris first started here), and churches in the two states along with other investors that have helped erect nicely painted brick & mortar buildings for outreach programs, children's work, Bible studies, worship services and teaching, along with apartments to house the missionaries.  These team members live simply but with what they need, and most of them have reasonably good financial support relative to their surroundings.

Here are some of the experiences of this week:

• lots of fish (with bones!), and crab (this is one of Brazil's top crabbing areas), along with the staple rice and beans.
• a rooster behind the pousada that had a sleep disorder!
• cold showers with brown water
• Missionary presentations--I really appreciated the verbal and visual summaries each of the missionaries gave of their current ministry--just part of the "reporting" and sharing with each other the blessings and needs of their ministry
• Tuesday afternoon free-time: two of the guys took Marcio and I fishing.  If you end up hearing "fish stories" about me from anyone, they are all true!  We ate our catch for supper.
• Wednesday afternoon free time: we boated past a small EMAF church that ministers in Morro do Meio, then on to the sand dunes!  You'd think we were in the Sahara! Impressive high dunes that go on and on along the coast...and so soft!  We tumbled and rolled down like kids. Then three of the guys arrived by land on a quad, and Marcio and I took turns bombing around the dunes...so much fun!
• Back on the boat, we rode over to an island where about 70-80 boats moored quietly around a small island. We watched as literally thousands of red birds called Guará landed at the end of each day—beautiful! Then the boat motor had some problems. That was resolved, and we arrived back at Torto after dark, in time for a quick shower and the evening session.

Marcio and I arranged to meet with Lucas and Michele, neither of whom speaks English.  I got to hear more of their story.  Lucas (29) was born and raised in Canarias and came to know about the Lord Jesus through the ministry of EMAF.  When he was 14, he put his trust in the Lord and wanted to be baptized and to be a missionary.  His father did not support that, so after he was 18, he got baptized.  God confirmed a missionary call to his heart, and he was discipled by the local EMAF leader.  At 21, he applied to be a missionary with EMAF, was accepted, and received some Bible and missions training in Curitiba. His small church in Canarias had very little to support him with. Still, he received help enough to begin, and has been serving in Torto, speaks weekly in Morro do Meio, assists Missias (team leader), leads worship, leads a men’s encounter (outreach Bible study) and helps with the youth group activities and discipleship.
Michele (26) is from St. Vincent, near Santos.  Her family were believers, and she made a decision to follow Christ and was baptized at a young age. God put it in her heart to serve in missions through nursing, and she received a scholarship for four years of training, but that suddenly stopped before she could finish.  She transferred to teaching, which her parents could help afford, but then her studies were stopped due to Covid.  Through this time, the Lord had been impressing on her to begin getting involved in mission work, specifically with EMAF.  She was accepted.  Her church could only help her a little, but she had enough to begin, and God has continued to supply her needs.  Michele has been working in another community of Passarinhos doing children’s work ("The Little Fish"), helping lead women’s ministry, outreaches, and worship leading.  
Now married, Lucas and Michele will serve together in Torto and assist Glauber with logistics and support for those traveling to and from the islands. I can explain their work further as we consider supporting this couple through Grace Missions.
The retreat wrapped up on Thursday after teaching and communion.  It was a privilege to share these moments of worship with these believers.  Then Marcio and I were presented with small cajus as ornaments, hand-made by Michele.  Glauber acknowledged my ministry with them, and the whole group prayed together over me, my family, and my church--so moving!  Then they acknowledged Marcio, their mission pioneer and "father," by washing his feet and praying over him, moving, and an appropriate gesture of honour.  Thus ended our retreat!
Before lunch, Marcio got a message from one of the other mission pilots in Porto Velho that he knew me...and sent a message. So we got in touch and talked on the phone.  Peter's family was an early part of the church plant our family were part of from the start in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.  Had we been doing a ground landing in Pauini, he would have been our pilot--that would have been serendipitous!  He was so sad to have missed meeting me, as he did not know who was being transported until afterwards, and I had no idea he was now a missionary pilot in Porto Velho!  
After lunch and a quick pack-up, we went by quad 15 minutes to the village of Caiçara, where Pastor Elinaldo & Kelly serve with Vaneide.  Then we drove 20 more minutes on the quads to Passarinhos, where Pastor Régis & Marta serve along with Anny and Cintia.  Riding for 20 more minutes, we got to Canarias where a boat was waiting to take us to the pier at Tatus.
I am so grateful for the work being done through EMAF on these remote island communities. There is so much opposition through traditional Catholicism and strongholds of demonic worship, but the gospel is changing lives—through children's work, especially, and to the parents who hear the good news through their children or through Bible lessons in homes where almost always there will be friends or neighbours who show up to listen.
The half-hour boat ride got us to Tatus. Someone picked us up there to drive through a zoo of crazy drivers, people, motorcycles, bicycles, dogs, goats, horses, and almost anything sharing the roads in a free-for-all fashion! I stayed at the Parnaiba EMAF mission base for two nights while Marcio stayed with his daughter's family to spend more time with them before our trip home. It was so good to have some meals and a relaxed time with all of them!  
Friday, we drove the five hours to Teresina. We are always grateful for safety.  We were held up for more than an hour by a truck that flipped across the road with a full load of porcelain tiles, shattered and spread over the road--big mess.  We didn't see it happen, but we were only a number of vehicles behind it.  On our flight back to Caragua, Marcio and I had conversations about the mission, coming plans and projects, and a trip he is proposing to come to Canada in the Spring to share new opportunities for support for expanding mission outreach in Brazil.
Our wives eagerly waited for us at Sao Paulo airport, and we were back in Caragua for a few days of respite. We fly home Wednesday afternoon, landing midday on Thursday, with a turnover day on Friday before leaving Saturday for a week-long vacation getaway with our whole family! If we aren't too blitzed, we'll look forward to worshiping together with you on September 1st.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Abraços e adeus. Deus o abençoe!
Pastor Martin

Dear Church Family,
As much as I have been enjoying meeting many wonderful believers in some remote parts of Brazil, it is always deeply grounding and refreshing to come “home to our church” online.  Thanks for the wave “Hello” on Sunday…wow, I know you are praying, and I deeply treasure your fellowship.  I love you, dear family!  It was also good to hear Julianna’s testimony, and Ray Miller’s deep message on the glory of God.  I am also looking forward to our outdoor service coming up on Sept. 8th!
Thank you for your continued prayers for us as we are in Brazil…in just over a week we will be flying back home!  This past week I have been grateful for your prayers, and the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit in our teaching times at the workers’ retreat…but let me start back where the last “mid-week blog” left off.  
Where were we?  Oh yes, last Monday, the start of the EMAF Workers’ Retreat in Pauini.  Monday morning we walked out to the EMAF “Base”…well, it’s planning to be a base someday as finances allow.  It is a set of properties owned by EMAF, Eduardo, Gilson, and another Daniel.  Jaime and his family live in the EMAF house on these grounds, and there are a couple of other older “guest house” buildings, but office or gathering space will some day be developed.
In the afternoon, motorcyclers picked us up to go to the rented property being used for the retreat a few km’s west of town.  I’m told there is a pool…and of course in my mind I am thinking about a retreat center with a nice pool surrounded by lounge chairs, a spacious indoor gathering area with air conditioning.  Uh—no.  It’s a quiet spot in the jungle-country down a very dusty dirt road.  There is a simple cement pool with a hose filling it up…no filtering of any kind.  Soon kids are enjoying cooling off…even big kids like Marcio!  The house has an open veranda on three sides, and plastic tables and chairs are scattered.  The building is really a simple house to serve the need of almost 30 people gathered, with one bathroom wit a bent nail to turn to hold the door shut. A number of hammocks with bug nets are hung along one side, and there is an oscillating fan moving the hot air.  My framework for “retreat centre” thus adjusted, I am really enjoying meeting people!  Only problem is that there is no internet, so I am without my translation apps.
Who are these people?  These are missionaries under EMAF and a couple of ministry partners. A couple of younger ones are on a one-year internship. Most are long-termers serving in Pauini or one of the nearby villages.  Meetings for worship and Word are in mornings and evenings with afternoons as free time simply because of the afternoon heat.  Tuesday afternoon Eduardo (the area leader) brought his portable Starlink so we had internet!  My translator app now operating, I was grateful for numbers of conversations with these brothers and sisters.
Friends, it has been a tremendous experience.  My messages in John 15 and Romans 8 have been well-received…plenty of comments, a number of tearful moments as the truth of the word bore on our souls…I am so grateful for both Marcio and Daniel who translated, often helping each other as expressions in English didn’t always have a clear equivalent in Portuguese.  Everyone of course is so gracious, and wanting to learn. 
The feedback from Marcio is helpful as there are cultural frameworks I could not have known, but that the theme and tone of the teaching deeply impacted.  As well, some of these mission leaders don’t get that degree of Bible teaching applied in simple ways.  Things I sense may be well-known as to be almost not needing mention became important building blocks for the core teaching…and though the Brazilians are more passionate (I love it), I was not expecting the tears…well, any more than it was impacting me. 
Marcio spoke on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings sharing about his beginnings as a missionary before EMAF as birthed, and learning to lean on God both with faith and courage, seeking open hearts amid much difficulty.  He shared for two hours each night to a riveted audience…many whom had not heard much about EMAFs beginnings, but for whom this context would supply encouragement in their own work as missionaries.
We finished early afternoon Thursday.  Here and there I’ve worked on the messages as well as journaling back at the hotel. I got caught up a bit, then took a walk through the town (I’m such a gringo doing that in the heat of the day while most of the town is resting in the shade!…but it was the first chance I’d had).  Pauini is the 4th poorest community in Brazil and it shows in some of the very simple board houses with tin roofs and no windows or doors, only a worn sheet draped to cover an opening between boards. These structures are interspersed with simple brick homes, and some nicer ones.  The economy so much depends on what is happening on the river—which is particularly low now.  The one ferry that brings supplies once per week hit rock and was being repaired…so no supplies came last week, with no promise this week. That’s life in Pauini, and for much of the villages along the rivers. 
By later afternoon, Marcio, Daniel and I relaxed and finally enjoyed the famed açai that is best up here in the north of Brazil.  Unfortunately, a few hours later, it came up rather forcefully, just like I had been sick a few weeks a go in Paraty!  Now I know that I am very allergic to açai!  So sad…it’s so good!  That rather wiped me out for the remainder of the evening, gaining strength to pack up before bed for our morning departure.  I was so grateful that my responsibilities with the retreat were done and not affected!
Friday morning we gathered back at the waterfront, boated over to our waiting plane, gathered at the water’s edge for prayer, and lifted off the Purus River.  It brings tears to know I may never see these workers again, though I have  several on WhatsApp sharing photos and notes already.  For the two hour trip back, I shared about the week with the pilot, Marcos, who can’t say enough about EMAF and the work they and their ministry partners are doing to bring the love of Jesus to these remote places.  Even now, the Brazilian government is bringing restrictions to those who would effect change in indigenous communities especially…even though theses communities deeply respect the (good) missionaries and want them to come—much to pray for that the schemes of the enemy will come to nothing.
Back in Porto Velho, we relaxed, saw some sights…like the railway museum down by the Madeira River waterfront, a market where I saw local fish (tambaqui)  that we then ate for lunch.  I look forward to trying to describe to you the experience of traversing sidewalks here in Brazil!  Saturday was a rest day, preparing to catch our flight after midnight, with a stopover in Brasilia, and on to Teresina, Piaui State in the northeast of Brazil.
As Terry showed you Sunday morning, the New Jerusalem Baptist Church was ready to receive a “celebrity” guest speaker all the way from Niagara Falls on Sunday evening. The promo says: Pastor of Grace Niagara Church, Ontario, Canada; teacher of theology in our center of theological studies at Grace Church.” Okay, you can all stop chuckling.  Would that we all excel in our study of God’s Word…amen?
The church is nestled in a large, poorer neighbourhood of about 200,000 people in this city of 900,000, and in its past has planted 9 other churches in this area.  Pastor Glauber Fortes both pastors the church and serves a 3rd of his time with EMAF as the area leader. Beautiful family, and a warm, conservative and growing congregation. I spoke on “Hope” with Romans 15:13, the banner on our church wall; extending to them “from our church to their church” Paul’s prayer that a deep hope in Christ would permeate the life of the congregation.  It is Father’s Day today in Brazil, so Dads were given a special card and a coffee mug, and there were many treats after the service while visiting together.  Several younger men have been working on speaking English…so they couldn’t wait to come and talk to me. Later we had supper at Pastor Glauber’s home…none of them speak English.  Marcio left on a night bus to Parnaiba so he could be with his daughter and family in the morning.
Glauber was late picking me up this (Monday) morning to catch the bus together.  He is quite sick, poor brother.  A stomach flu? We are praying it will pass (the rest of us seem to be okay, gratefully!), and that he will be able to catch a later bus, and join the worker’s retreat. The 6-hour bus ride is the most comfortable coach I’ve ever been on, going through the tropical countryside from Teresina to Parnaiba. There we will go by boat to Torto on Ilha das Canarias, an island area that is part of a large delta, and a fishing community where EMAF has a mission base.  All is made ready for the Missionary Retreat where I will repeat the messages from last week, trusting the Holy Spirit for sensitivity to the needs of this very different group and context, with about 14 workers coming from this Piaui Sate as well as Maranhão State.
It is a privilege to represent you, dear church family, in this mission trip. I look forward to meeting Lucas & Michelle, newly married and needing financial support that we are considering in our Grace Missions.  To get to know them firsthand, as I did Daniel in the Amazon, gives us a personal connection to these who are labouring in this far-away land.
The schedule for the week is similar to last week, so you can be praying with us as you remember.  God bless you!!
Adeus!
Pastor Martin

Worker’s Retreat MEAP Piaui/Maranhão 2024 (Torto Base) to pray for!
12.08 - Monday
19:00 Dinner
20:00 Opening Service Message 1, Martin Goode (Jn.15)
13.08 - Tuesday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Message 2, Martin Goode (Jn.15)
9:45 Break 
10:00 MEAP Missionary presentation 
11:00 Martin Goode, Part 1 of Rom.8:28-39 study
12:00 Lunch
15:00 Fishing Trip Martin and Márcio/ Internal MEAP Meeting 
19:00 Dinner 
20:00 Moment with Pastor Márcio 
14.08 - Wednesday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Message 3, Martin Goode (Jn.15)
9:45 Break
10:00 MEAP Missionary 
11:00 Martin Goode, Part 2 of Rom.8:28-39 study
12:00 Lunch 
15:00 Visit to Morro do Meio and Tour to the Guarás 
19:00 Dinner 
20:00 Time with Pastor Márcio
15.08 - Thursday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Message 4, Martin Goode (Jn.15) and Lord’s Supper 
12:00 Lunch 
14:00 Getting to Know the Field

Dear Church Family,
Sometimes, I pinch myself to make sure this isn't just a wild dream! Last night, after all of the services, I sat with a number of the MEAP team members who are here. Just waking this morning, I was praying for them as I remembered their names, and considered how God has chosen a tremendously skilled team to do His work here in one of the hardest places. I look forward to the team Retreat starting later this afternoon as the rest of the team gathers.
From the time of the last mid-week report, Friday morning we said goodbye to family in Labrea and left for Porto Velho…and I was glad to take the wheel for the first leg of the journey, 3 hours of the Trans-Amazonian “Highway.”   The Transamizonican section to Humaitá is 185 km of gravel road, with 13 bridges and 1 ferry crossing. The road is better now than in the rainy season, and certainly better than it used to be many years ago.  Even now, sections are good (100-120+ km/hr), or rough (60-80 km/hr), to the longest section that is bad—lots of potholes, washboards, and rough road (30-50 km/hr). A thick cloud of dust follows, and we have to pull to the side as oncoming trucks/cars pass, and with caution until the cloud dissipates. Many serious accidents have occurred when people try to pass a truck through the cloud, and run head-on into vehicles they can’t see.
After a quick gas stop at Humaitá, Marcio drove the paved 2-plus hours to Porto Velho. Unfortunately, last night Daniel was sick upon return from our Purus trip, with flu-type symptoms…and slept at the hotel while Marcio and I did errands and went out for supper. Pray for Daniel…he’s still dragging but powering through. 
    The hotel was the best we’ve had so far, with a comfortable bed and a hot shower!  Saturday morning we got out to the Hangar of the Brazilian MAF branch named Asas de Socorro (Wings of Help).  Our pilot is Marcos, and I got to ride shotgun, as Marcio said, “since I am paying for the flight!”  This provided a great time for Marcos to share his story of God preparing and calling him to missions as a pilot. He has a deep respect for MEAP and is grateful to be able to serve God’s Kingdom-workers in this capacity.
We landed on the Purus River near Pauini. The MEAP team came with gas to refuel the plane, and we proceeded to town. There was excitement and bustle, and firecrackers were going off as it was the day of the announcement for civil candidates in an upcoming vote. We were driven in the back of a small pick-up and we saw many practices in driving and motorcycling we’d never seen in Canada.
The hotel is a second story to shops, a bit bare-bones, decent bed, cold shower, no window, and a small desk and stool as my “office” where I am typing this blog…and grateful for air conditioning!
We had lunch, fellowship and laundry done at Gilson & Rosania 's home, part of the mission team who shared their story of coming to faith in Christ, and serving as missionaries in Africa before being led by the Lord to this place of ministry.  
Saturday’s schedule was a welcome surprise…as I related in the brief video shown in church. 
After a few sleep challenges to add to the adventure, including blaring music from below until almost 3AM, I got up for an early start as Marcio and I, along with Gilson and Jaime (another MEAP missionary to tribal people down the river), left for three villages to lead Sunday services.
The first is Praia de Humaitá, a riverside village about an hour away.  Gilson is the pastor for this community of 11 families (about 60 people).  The village leader is a short older man with no front teeth, and let us know that he was not able to gather people to come because they were all out fishing.  However, they started coming into the church one by one, and 9 men and 2 women joined for church!  Marcio translated as. I brought a message from Psalm 139:1, and then Marcio shared a personal example in line with something I’d said. We joined hands in a circle, and Marcio prayed for them, then got a group photo (below), before getting back to the boat for our next stop.
Kacuri is another half-hour downriver.  Jaime pastors the indigenous community here, 18 families with about 80 people.  We met in space under construction behind the church, but open so that the slight breeze could come through, and Marcio translated my somewhat shorter message this time because we’d arrived later than expected.  The group so eager listened…and joined in a prayer circle as we closed.  Before leaving, a girl was sick; so Gilson, Marcio and I went to her house where mother and young son also were, and Gilson led in prayer over her, that God’s mercy, help and healing would bring glory to Him, and a strong testimony for those in the community yet to accept Christ.
The next community can be seen around the bend…Vila Dede. No houses can be seen from the water as there is a small lake between the village and the Purus.  This is a bit larger community of 35 houses and 165 people, and the church is large and painted beautifully, serving as a community gathering place, training center, home for the missionary couple, and church services. Joel, the missionary pastor, and his wife Valdete have prepared a lunch meal of fresh fish and rice with manioc…nicely done! We had a couple of hours to wait before the service time.  We saw their computer room, in partnership with other agencies to teach people computer skills.  A tarantula was sitting high on the wall…I’d hoped to see one (check that off the list!)   Marcio shared some of Paul’s apostolic encouragements to the Ephesians church…fitting, as he started this church in 2013.  Then he prayed for them and it was time for us to get going back to Pauini before dusk, almost two hours upriver.
Shuttled one at a time by motorcycle taxi, we got back to the hotel to shower and be ready for the evening service in town. Supper would wait, and then Jonathes, one of the mission team guys here, motorcycled us to the church.
Pauini Congregational Church rents a small, clean space for services.  People started slowly arriving, including Tony, a guy I met on the street on Friday and talked to for a while…he grew up in the church and had gotten away from it, trying other forms of “spirituality”, so we spoke about faith and truth, and I challenged him to trust Jesus and to let God’s Word direct his life.  I saw him just before leaving for church and invited him to come. He seemed resistant…but he came!  It’s been years since he has been in a church…pray for him, that God would break through and save him.  After several worship songs by rote (no visuals or lyrics) led by Rosania, Scripture readings and prayer time, Gilson introduced me, and I brought a different Psalm 139 message more suited to these “city folks” as Daniel translated.  So encouraging to be with these believers and seekers!
We walked back to the hotel area, stopping at a restaurant for a late supper with several members of the MEAP team before getting back to the hotel… By the time I finished journaling and preparing for tomorrow, it was late. But it has been such an incredible day seeing and sharing in the work of the Lord here in the Amazon! Thank you for supporting all of this in your prayers.
Today (Monday) the MEAP Worker’s Retreat begins.  We walked out to see a couple of properties owned by MEAP on which some houses are used for missionaries.  We will not hold the gatherings there as we thought but in a rented house with a larger gathering area, a pool and more suitable space.  

Here is the schedule they sent to me, so you can pray for us…
5.08 - Monday
19:00 Dinner 
20:00 Opening Service Message 1, Martin Goode (Jn.15)
6.08 - Tuesday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Message 2, Martin Goode (Jn.15)
9:45 Break 
10:00 MEAP Missionary presentation/ Q&A
11:00 Martin Goode, Part 1 of Rom.8:28-30 study & discussion
12:00 Lunch
15:00 Free Time (plus an Internal MEAP Meeting)
19:00 Dinner 
20:00 Challenge by Pastor Márcio 
7.08 - Wednesday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Message 3, Martin Goode (Jn.15)
9:45 Break
10:00 MEAP Missionary 
11:00 Martin Goode, Part 2 of Rom.8:28-30 study/discussion
12:00 Lunch 
15:00 Ministry visit, and free time
19:00 Dinner 
20:00 Time with Pastor Márcio
8.08 - Thursday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Message 4, Martin Goode (Jn.15), sharing, prayer, and Lord’s Supper 
12:00 Lunch 
14:00 Getting to Know the Field

Thanks for praying. It has been so good to meet some of the team already, and by the time you read this we’ll be into the retreat sessions.  Pray for Rebecca and Damaris back “home” in Caraguatatuba.  And pray that I will have endurance in the heat, my legs are full of spots from fly bites in spite of repellant…can’t feel them bite but they sure leave evidence. But mostly, pray that as the “keynote speaker” this week, God will use His Word to bring encouragement and to challenge these pioneer workers here on the Purus River…and all for the glory of God!

Dear Church Family, thank you so much for praying with love and interest regarding my trip to the Amazon.  This is certainly the most anticipated part of the trip to Brazil!  I just got back (Thursday evening) from two very full days in the jungle…and I can’t wait until Tuesday to give you some highlights.
In the wee hours of 3:40 AM Tuesday, we arrived at Porto Velho airport, got a hotel, and in the morning got our rental vehicle, shopped for supplies for Daniel & Caroline (Marcio & Damaris’ daughter and son-in-law), and drove 5.5 hours, 3.5 hours of which was the famous TransAmazonian highway.  It was a gravel road only…the first part was good, the second part was under construction, the third (longest) part was full of potholes, and the fourth was mostly better. It was quite an adventure…and I drove 2/3rds of it! Wahoo!
We got to Labrea before dark, to Daniel & Caroline’s house…and the immediate need was to help safeguard the house from an approaching fire in the jungle behind their house—it happens a fair bit. We took hoes to remove grasses from a 12-foot swath at the back of the property…but gratefully the fire shifted.  PTL!
At 6 AM Wednesday morning, I was waiting at the marina area of the Purus… it’s dark and Daniel (who will accompany and translate for me) and I got on a speed boat and take off.  Daniel is the Base Leader for the Labrea area.  Piloting is Mar who is a pastoral leader in the Maraha village we are going to, it will be 3 hours (80 km) up the Purus.  It is hard to describe this river…very broad, and it is low-water season. Banks and “beaches” climb 25-30 feet, and are fully covered at high-water season.
There are many small communities, simple houses raised off the ground, lined along the Purus.  Electricity is brought to homes for about 50 km. Beyond that, it’s either solar or power generators. Many people plant crops on the “beaches”/slopes in front of their homes while the water is low.
Mar’s wife Euzania) made breakfast, and then a couple came to pick us up in a riverboat to take us up a long tributary nearby. I wish I could show you on a map!  During this hour-long trip, we see iguanas and alligators, but no monkeys.  We arrive and then walk a long way to the Palmari tribe village of Crispinho, situated along an airstrip built by missionaries many years ago.  Four young couples who live in this community are diligently reaching out to their tribe…beyond this village to 11 other ones in the tribe. We spend time in two of the homes, enjoying lunch together, then there is a special afternoon service for me to share from God’s Word while Daniel translates.  
There is much to share about this community and these church leaders…who faithfully share the love of Jesus.
We are taken back to Maraha for a cool shower and rest to get ready for the 7 PM-ish meeting with the believers there. A group slowly gathered and eventually almost filled the seats. Half the group was children and youth!  I brought a lesson here as well, encouragements from Psalm 139.
After that…supper! Euzania has prepared rice and beans, fish, chicken, and a local “rodent” meat….all spread on the floor where 5 of us sat and ate, and shared in conversation until it was late; we prayed for them, and it was time for sleep. Daniel and I slept in hammocks covered with bug nets on the front porch!
Gratefully I did get ‘some’ sleep!  We awoke before dawn to be ready by 6:30 AM for another riverboat ride up another tributary on the opposite side of Maraha. 
Three young people (siblings) pilot us over an hour no a half up this fast-moving river and into a large lake area, a virtual labyrinth of trees, deadheads, and grasses everywhere requiring careful navigation the entire trip…these are skilled boaters!  We arrived at the small village of Pauzinho, the home of Pita & Dulcinade, the parents of our boaters.  On the shore is the huge construction project: Fluctuante!  
This “Floating church” is 15 m wide by 20 m long, and about 7 m high. It is all cut from local trees, everything is milled by chainsaw except for the upright support beams… Amazing that they can cut so precisely with chainsaws!  (All of my craftsman buddies…you’d be impressed!). The church will serve about a dozen communities in the area, both riverside and indigenous.
We visited, shared encouragement from the Word with this family, and had a wonderful lunch with fish they had caught, including salt-dried fish that was hanging in front of the house.  Pita took us for a walk to see a ginormous tree—the Amazon has its wonders!  We also visited a new indigenous village site just starting to be built by a group of families separating from their community an hour deeper into the ‘lake’ to make room for their growing tribe.  It is soon time to leave, and we are boated through the labyrinth back and down the tributary to Maraha, a quick cool shower, then the 3-hour speedboat ride back to Labrea before dusk.
It has been so amazing to visit these communities, capture the complexity and challenges of ministry in these remote villages, and share time with precious believers seeking to provide spiritual leadership in their villages…before having the missionary gatherings next week.  
Tomorrow (Friday) Daniel will return with us, tracking back along the Transamazonia to Porto Velho, and early Saturday we will fly to Pauini…thank you for praying for the travels, and the anticipation of special time with missionaries and the teaching times I will bring to encourage these workers.
Enjoy the photos!

Adeus!
Pastor Martin (or, as the Portuguese say it, “Pastore Marcheen”)

Dear Church Family,
We saw the "back of heads" in the congregation as Melody and team led in worship and Pastor Terry brought a message about the power and truth of God's Word that needs to inform our minds, feed our souls, and guide our lives.  We are grateful for the livestream...helping us not feel so far from home.
THE AMAZON! It is something we hear about, read about, see documentaries about, and certainly have been praying about as we have supported EMAF over the years. I am grateful for the privilege of this mission trip on behalf of our church, to visit the mission areas we are supporting and to minister as a pastor to a number of God's special pioneer-missionary workers in this area of the world.
This past week has been fairly relaxed, finishing my Bible lesson preparations for the missionary gatherings, journaling, personally studying and (as best as I can) "resting"...which includes beach walks with Rebecca...along with the usual day-to-day details of life.  Behind the coastal city of Caragua are mountains, with a particular look-off Mel and Rebecca walked up to!!...then we later drove up in the evening to enjoy the vista and city lights!
We took another weekend family trip--this time to Campos do Jordão, a touristy spot 2.5 hours away, way up high in the mountains northeast of us. Nearby was the Itapeva look-off along a ridge--you can see for many miles.  Brazil has so many beautiful places.
On Sunday, we enjoyed dinner, visited Marcio and Damaris' home, and made final arrangements for our travels. We also got to visit with the pastor of their church here, hearing more about the unique work the church is doing, especially through the Christian School they run, which has given tremendous opportunities for the gospel in this community.
As you read this today (Tuesday), Melanie and Jeremy are on route home, and Marcio and I have also gotten a flight to Porto Velho where (this morning) we will rent a vehicle, pick up some provisions, and drive many hours on the famous (or infamous, depending on who is telling the stories!) Transamazonian highway, planning to arrive at Labrea well before dark.  We will meet up with Caroline & Daniel, Marcio's daughter and son-in-law, and their 5 children who are at home, where Marcio will enjoy time with his family.  I will leave with Daniel Simon for a couple of days.  Daniel serves as the Mission Base leader in Labrea (and thankfully speaks well in English), and we will travel by boat on the Purus River to visit a few of the communities where EMAF is currently serving.
I am excited about all of the parts of these next three weeks, but the "surprises" of this next number of days have me very intrigued!  We learned from Oscar that five new couples have been trained and commissioned, returning to their Amazonian home areas to serve as missionaries! (see photo)  I will meet a couple of these, hear more of their stories, and see a "floating church" that is being built on one of the lakes off of a tributary of the Purus, serving two nearby communities.  We'll meet with some precious believers in these communities.  I've been learning about the unique dynamics of Amazonian ministry, and now look forward to seeing it first-hand.  There will be much to report, I'm sure...and hopefully, many photos to share next week.
This week will be shortened by the flight schedule for our next destination--so, Marcio, Daniel and I will drive back to Porto Velho on Friday, and catch a small mission plane early Saturday...flying several hours over jungle territory, and the meandering ribbon of the Purus River, arriving on the water at Pauini.  EMAF has a mission base just outside the town to the north where about 30 EMAF missionaries/couples will gather for fellowship, teaching, planning, and encouragement.  The gathering will begin Monday evening and I will start with an introduction to our Bible teaching times that will develop over the next three mornings, with Marcio translating.  We'll be into the Tuesday morning session by the time you get next week's blog.
Meanwhile, Rebecca has some personal and music projects she is preparing to schedule her days with, along with some learning Portuguese and recreation with Damaris. Both of them will be praying that their husbands remain safe during their travels in the Amazon!  I'm sure, and grateful, that you'll be praying along with us!

Blessings on your week!
Adeus!
Pastor Martin

Dear Church Family,
Beloved Church Family, we miss you!  After one week of vacation in NF, followed by two weeks of sabbatical (also including time of Rebecca's Dad passing and having his celebration of life)...we left for two weeks of vacation in Sao Paulo, followed now by 3 weeks of sabbatical that included 9 days of travel with Marcio & Damaris Garcia, and some study/preparations here at our apartment in Caraguatatuba.  It feels like a long time away from our church family!  We are not missing the heat you have endured, and the rain--Toronto-area floods have been on world news!
I thank you for the opportunity to share our video in Sunday's service, quickly made while we were at Oscar & Marile's home, and then edited and translated by Marcio's daughter Juliana.  I know you will be continuing to pray for God's guidance for the De Oliveira's as they recruit missionary workers, generate support for this vital mission to the Amazon, and oversee the expansion of outreach to those areas EMAF is serving.
This past week of study and family time has been much quieter...in preparation for next week as Marcio & I are preparing for 3 weeks of missionary gatherings and visits.  I'll write more about what we are anticipating in next week's blog.
This morning (Monday), Rebecca and I walked on the beach adjacent to our apartment. The sun is melting the morning haze. We talked and prayed, and saw dolphins out in the water. It's beautiful here...but there has not yet been time to enjoy some of the sites here...like a hike up one of the mountains right behind us to a look-off over the length of the coastal city.
We just had an overnight excursion to Paraty for the weekend, driving up the coast to the next state of Rio de Janeiro, seeing many beautiful beaches and resort areas.  Paraty is a Portuguese colony that started in the 1500s. It settles beside shallow waters (we walked way out in 1-foot-deep water at low tide). The historic town has tidal waters flowing into the cobblestone streets...lots of little shops and dining, a tourist area but a pretty site.  You don't want to hear about the food poisoning I got from lunch on Saturday...not pretty.  Sunday was much better J.
It was great to “join you” online on Sunday night when we got back from Paraty. Ahh...home.  Thank you, team, for leading songs of worship, and Pastor Jim for a bold call to the restoration God offers us, and to be a caring, restoring church family as we ought.  For any who missed it, log in to YouTube and listen!  Good word, Jim!
This week I am back to study, journaling, time in God's Word, preparing lessons for the Amazon gatherings, hoping to plan ahead for Fall ministry (that hasn't happened yet...and I don't think the Amazon travels will allow it!).  Melanie is working online, and Rebecca keeps Jeremy occupied as we do our work...the pace of life, including attention to family needs and the extra time it takes to do most things, is all part of an international experience. We receive God's blessings in the packages He brings them...like the vista I enjoy from the 5th-floor terrace at my office desk!
During the week we plan to host Marcio & Damaris for supper, and their daughter Juliana and her husband Diogo who also live nearby.  Friday & Saturday will be another family excursion to Campos do Jordão (tr. Jordan fields), a town in the mountains known for its Swiss-style buildings, and the last weekend of a huge music festival that Rebecca has looked forward to visiting.  We will return for final preparations for the Amazon trip, and Mel & Jer will pack up to fly home at the same time.  We are all taking evening flights on Monday from São Paulo, over 2 hours’ drive over the mountains; Marcio and I leaving for Porto Velho, and Melanie and Jeremy leaving for home—through Atlanta for a 12-hour layover!  Adventures await...thanks for your prayers for God's mercy in these details.

A bênção de Deus esteja com você.
Adeus!
Pastor Martin

Dear Church Family,
I got up this morning, got my coffee, and sat at my “desk” to prepare this blog…and realize that a photo might help you appreciate the view 😊.   Grateful for the warm sun again, we are back in Caraguatatuba after 9 days of travel, in three states of Brazil, from the coastal town we are in to the border due west of us, and south to Santa Catarina…so much to see in the 3700 kms we travelled, and much more than could be summarized in a brief blog.  God has been so gracious not only to protect our way, but to provide rich fellowship, and be healthy to enjoy it all. Thank you for praying for us!
Last week I prepared the blog on Sunday while I had time, after visiting the Itaipu Dam hydroelectric site, but before our experience at Iguaçu Falls.  Coming from Niagara, we enjoy hosting friends and tourists at our Canadian “wonder”; but Iguaçu Falls certainly rivals ours.  Marcio & Damaris hadn’t been here for over 7 years, so it was great to visit the site together.
Leaving Tuesday morning by 7 AM, we arrived in Agrolândia at almost 9 PM—a long day through mountains, weather, road construction, and stops for gas, banheiros, café and salgados.  I love driving in Brazil; it’s adventurous at every corner!
Coming to de Oliveiras home was a deeply warming experience…we cannot appreciate how much it means to Oscar & Mariles to finally see us after 8 years our church has supported them.  Oscar’s big hugs and smiles from ear-to-ear burst from deep joy and gratitude.  Mariles had prepared a hearty chicken soup and a table-full of nibbles, talking around the table as Marcio & Damaris patiently translated back and forth. They are now living in the south rather than in the Amazon.  Their house had been rented out to provide income for their mission work while living in the Amazon, but now due to their parents’ aging and Oscar’s heart surgery, as well as the blessing of development of the mission bases along the Purus and Juruá Rivers, EMAF now needs Oscar to be a recruiter, fund-raiser, and expansion director for the Amazonian ministry…which he can far-better do from his home-area.  So, they now live in their own three-bedroom home that he has built over the years.  We enjoyed their warm hospitality, and after midnight settled in for some sleep. It is winter in Brazil, especially felt in the west and south.  It is 6°-C outside, and houses have neither heat nor insulation. Yep…lots of blankets!
Wednesday morning, seeing our breath, we got ready for the day. I teased by wearing shorts and t-shirt while others wore layers, jackets and toques…us Canadians!  After a spread for breakfast, I went with Marcio and Oscar to a bank where (unknown to Oscar) I tried to arrange either withdrawal or transfer of the mission conference offering gift our church collected for Oscar.  That was not possible; but I did withdraw a portion of it on my Visa to have in an envelope for a later surprise (you may see this on video in church this coming Sunday.  Also an aside: we brought them a litre of Maple Syrup…you’ll see a photo Oscar later sent, enjoying pancakes with syrup!).
In Brazil, the big meal of the day is lunch. Oscar & Mariles have organized a churrasco (bbq)—sausages and steaks with many other compliments filling the table. This takes time to prepare, allowing a lot of conversation about their family and their town. Mariles' family has been in this area for a few generations and they live on family property.  They have three children: Valesca recently married and works in Blumenau; Israel works locally and lives down the hill renting from his grandfather; Davi is in Germany for studies.  This is a family that loves the Lord, and Oscar and Mariles have committed their lives to serving the Lord—truly worthy of our support and ongoing prayer.
We saw around their town, a few sites of interest; went to a café, and returned home for some supper. Oscar had prepared a powerpoint for us, so we had a 2-hour detailed presentation of the mission work that has taken place along the Purus and Juruá Rivers. We saw faces and heard stories of people I will see in a couple of weeks when Marcio and I travel there…a world away within the vast country of Brazil.  God has made this ministry so fruitful through his faithful servants with EMAF and I count it a humble privilege for us at Grace Gospel Church to partner with them through our support!
After Oscar finished his presentation with a lot of questions and conversation, we switched to “video mode” and thanked them. He shared a brief overview (which you will see), and we presented them with our “gift”—both cash and a note about the further transfer of funds that will total over $11,000 Brazilian!  The video doesn’t catch their elation…Mariles most of all.  Missionaries live with “enough,” grateful for God’s provision.  Some months ago part of their roof needed to be replaced as ants had “taken over”. They had been saving for some time to redo their simple and aging kitchen…but had to use the R $12,000 they had saved for the roof.  Mariles said: “Praise the Lord, we can do my kitchen!” (tears, friends!)  We continued talking past midnight, finally tucked in…it’s a bit warmer tonight, maybe 8°-C.
Thursday: Get up, pack up, load up, coffee-up, eat-up (Israel joins us), many hugs…and we’re off for a full day of travel again. We stop in Blumenau where their daughter Valeska and her husband Pedro work, enjoy lunch together, see a bit of this German-influence city, and travel on to an Airbnb in Curitiba.
Friday we take in some sights of Curitiba before meeting up with a couple who are supporters of Marcio & Damaris; see their home and business—a music school and recording studio. We have dinner out at a charruscaria with more of their family, get to our Airbnb, catch up with family, and set off Saturday for our final travel day.  We visited a huge cave, “Caverno do Diabo” in north Paraná State, saw banana plantations everywhere, and continued on to home. We decided not to return by Santos/Guarujá since we did that at the beginning of our trip, and were able to get back to Caraguatatuba by about 11PM…back to Jeremy and Melanie—she has taken such good care of Jeremy!
Sunday morning we joined you online in celebrating God’s tremendous blessings on our VBS…praise the Lord!  And Sunday evening we joined Marcio & Damaris at the church they attend here in Caragua. There were songs we knew and others we didn’t; the pastor brought a message from Psalm 23…wonderful believers here that are growing and reaching out to this community.
This coming week is a time to catch up to journaling, to study, to rest.  On the weekend we will have an overnight excursion to Parati—an old Portuguese settlement up the coast.  God bless you, friends, as you seek the Lord and live to praise Him.

Adeus!
Pastor Martin

Dear Church Family,
This is VBS week...such an amazing outreach and an encouragement to our church kids and families.  We will remember you in prayer, as you also labour through the week and support this ministry in your prayers.  
Thank you for caring to read this (longer) blog and to remember us in your prayers as we are on this journey, the first missionary trip to learn more about EMAF in its beginnings and development.  As noted last week, we arrived Sunday in Caraguatatuba, and are using Marcio & Damaris' apartment facing the beach. It's new to them, needing some TLC, but they have worked hard to get it ready for us. We arrived after some storms out at sea and the surf was pounding strong, and very loud the first two nights, but settled to normal as of Tuesday. Buying groceries and needs helped get our bearings driving in this coastal city. There will be much to see when we get back from our travels.
Thursday July 4th (our Anniversary) we left with M & D, with changes in the itinerary.  We drove down the mountainous coast to Guarujá/Santos; this is where Marcio grew up, came to Christ, and began reaching out to remote fishing villages on nearby islands. It is also where the EMAF HQ office is, and it was so good to meet the mission office staff and understand more about the workings of the mission throughout Brazil. Marcio shares many great stories!
After a small tour of Guarujá, it was time for the long drive to Pedrinhas on Ilha Comprida (Long Island). I drove through the afternoon to after dark arriving on this island...it is nothing like driving in Canada!  I love it…but I may be learning some bad habits!  Pedrinhas is a remote fishing village of maybe 500 people where Marcio & Damaris pioneered missionary work in the mid 80s (when about 50 people lived there). The day before, Marcio told me I will bring a message at the church there, so I did, as Marcio translated for this small group of believers; we also had time to pray with the pastor and his wife Friday morning.
Friday, we drove on the beach (the only access south), crossed the ferry over to Cananéis, a historic Portuguese village, There we saw a few sites where Garcias lived when the girls were young, and the mission grew through the 90s.  We travelled a full day to arrive in Rebouças, south-west of Curitiba. Saturday we proceeded 8-hours driving to Iguassu with some stops along the way.
The weekend in Iguassu provided time for the hydro-electric tour (the largest in the world until recently), as well as seeing the famous and beautiful Iguassu Falls--and a very wet jet-boat ride!
Today (Tuesday) we left Iguassu early for an 11.5-hours drive to Agrolândia, arriving at the home of our missionaries, Oscar & Mariles de Oliveira--they are very much looking forward to our arrival. Wednesday we will have the full day with them, hearing more about their lives, call to ministry, hearing about the villages they have brought the gospel to on the Purus River and the Jurua River--hearing it through their experience before going there in a matter of weeks.  
We will say good-bye on Thursday to begin the travelling Thursday through Blumenau, Joinville, then arriving at the city of Curitiba which we will tour around on Friday, visit the famous Caverna do Diabo on Saturday, loop back to Santos for more history of EMAF, and stay at the mission headquarters before we return to Caraguatatuba (and Mel & Jer) on Saturday night or Sunday. Conversations over meals and on the long trips in the vehicle are educational, with lots of learning, sharing and laughter, enjoying compacy with Marcio & Damaris as we fellowship and pray together.  And we are grateful each day for the safety God provides on these (crazy) highways and roads.  Enjoy the photos...and of course, enjoy VBS as you pray God's blessing on the workers and the children.
With love...

Adeus!
Pastor Martin

To our dear Church family, thank you for your continued prayers for us, as you also pray for one another. Hearing last Wednesday afternoon of Murray Johnston’s sudden passing came as a shock to all of us, even though we know his labour for the Lord is done and he is receiving his promised reward. God bless you all for coming around the family and for your loving participation in the celebration of Murray‘s life.
The past two weeks has been an enjoyed vacation for Rebecca and me, with Melanie and Jeremy, while also preparing for the next seven weeks of sabbatical. We have been in São Paulo, the largest city on the continent. This is winter in Brazil, and it’s been tough: most of the days have been from 20 to 25°C, and sunny. We know you’ve been “enjoying” summer temperatures up to the 40s; wow!  After an overnight flight, we arrived on Rebecca‘s birthday, tired, of course…and got to our apartment to settle in, get our SIM cards sorted out, basic groceries, and then we went out to enjoy a birthday dinner at a charruscaria!  The next day, we were able to gather with our daughter-in-law Juliana’s family. We have also enjoyed some of the parks, the zoo, and features of this huge city, including a candlelight Vivaldi concert, and a soccer (futebol) game!!  Views from our 22nd storey apartment included beautiful sunsets at night.  
This past Sunday, Marcio Garcia picked us up in São Paulo to take us to Caraguatatuba where we will enjoy their apartment overlooking a beautiful beach. But now this is work time, not vacation… For me this means time in study, reflection and renewal, further preparing for teaching times with EMAF missionaries and also longer-term preparation for coming ministry seasons back at Grace.  Thursday, Rebecca and I will accompany Marcio & Damaris on a road trip for the next 11 days. We will go to Santos, visit EMAF’s headquarters, visit with some missionaries, then drive 7.5-hours and stay at a missionary home in Cananeia.
Then Friday, we’ll take an early ferry to Pedrinhas, visit the mission base there—each of these mission base stops will include visits with the mission leaders and workers there, to understand aspects of their current ministry; and we will also share about our church and our lives, and pray for one another.  We will travel down to the next state of Parana and drive 6-hours to Rebouças.
Saturday morning we will visit the mission base in Rebouças, meeting with the missionaries, etc., before a 6-hour drive to Iguassu Falls. We have a rental house we will stay in for three nights.
Sunday and Monday is down-time at Iguassu Falls, to enjoy a boat ride, visit the hydroelectric center, and enjoy sites in that area together.
Then on Tuesday next week, we travel 11-hours to the next state to the south, Santa Catarina, to Agrolândia to visit with Oscar and Mariles deOliveira in their home. That will certainly be a highlight…and I will provide the next part of our itinerary for you next week.
Thank you for praying for us, that we will have safety in the long car rides, encouraging times of fellowship with these different missionaries, and that God will make us a blessing.   As well, while we are traveling, pray for Melanie who will remain with Jeremy in the apartment in Caraguatuba, doing her work while she oversees Jeremy‘s care.  God bless each one of you!

Adeus!
Pastor Martin

"I thought you were gone!"...how many times I heard that this past couple of weeks!  Or, "How's your vacation?"  I am so grateful to have had one week to take a breather and catch up to things at home.  The past two weeks officially started my "sabbatical" season; with longer devotional and prayer times each morning--deeply enjoying that!  Many of you have been lifted in prayer!  Along with preparations for two celebration of life services, other resourceful books read, working through a ton of Brazil logistics; week one didn't provide an opportunity to make it to "Wilson Terrace" for quiet reading and reflection as I'd hoped.  Nor did week two.  

This past week--more of the same; but along with precious devoted time for Bible reading, journaling and prayer, there was more studying--preparing 4 messages / lessons for the missionary gatherings I will teach at (two more to prepare); as well as preparing a sermon I will preach at one church so far. More reading--good for the pastor's soul.  

Packing hasn't begun now as of Thursday afternoon--four days before departure--the time I am writing this note.  This weekend, some family will gather, and Monday we will celebrate Dad's life before final packing and getting to the airport for a red-eye flight.  By the time you read this we'll be, Lord willing, in Sao Paulo, beginning a couple of weeks of vacation before resuming our sabbatical plans and itinerary.  

While checking out local spots of interest, we will be hoping to connect a few times with our daughter-in-law's parents, Valdemir and Silvanah.  Her father is receiving cancer treatments; we pray he will experience strength, that God will be gracious in his life to bring many more good days.
Until next update, thanks for your prayers for our family in these two vacation weeks, for rest and good family times, and preparation for adventurous weeks ahead.

Adeus!
Pastor Martin