Living in Natal, RN, Brasil, is definitely different than living in the states. These pictures show some of what daily life is here … beautiful scenes mixed with life styles that are totally unknown in the states.
It isn’t always comfortable. Not all of the conveniences that are taken for granted in the states. And it’s home! I’m celebrating that my daughter, Lanae, is here with us.
The reef breaks the strength of the waves, it’s high tide, and great fishing on this little raft. Do you want to try it? And no life jackets.
When the tide is out, it is common to see fishermen dragging through the water with nets.
Coconut water? Fresh. This is the little restaurant’s supply, stacked against the wall. They keep a supply in a an old box freezer, pulling them out, cutting off the top with a huge knife, and stick a straw in the hole. It is delicious! On hot days, especially. Nothing like it!
Joe is teaching, Voni is translating, and Claudio is having fun telling stories about us to the congregation.
Afterwards, we did our team teaching – and God blessed. Voni thoroughly enjoys translating for her husband!
Here is a scene we love. People come here to see the dolphins...
A little Foursquare church in Ceará Mirim, a small town about an hour from us, in the interior. The town has few of the amenities that we have in Natal. The pastor, Zanja, and her friend, Miriam, are dear to us. And they are doing a tremendous job of teaching and training! It is not an easy task.
Joe was ill and couldn’t come teach. We couldn’t let this little church down, so I went and taught. Loved it! And no, I do not always wear that dress when teaching. ☺
The building is far from completed. But oh! The difference from what it was. The congregation is very thankful and proud of what they have – so are we! The floor is rough concrete, the bathrooms are not yet in. But rain no longer come in through the new tile roof..... and the building is gradually being completed!
Pra. Zanja:
Pra Zanja, a young girl with her baptismal certificate, and Miriam, Zanja’s right arm. These two young women are very special! And part of our family here.
Lunch on a Sat. aft w/Dr. João. He’s a plastic surgeon working with the poor. He came to the Lord while being a part of our Sunday morning Bible classes here at home. He’s another part of our family in Natal.
This girl is evangelizing in a poor area of Natal… she is also another part of the family. This is a little restaurant. Part of the menu is written on the walls.
Kids evangelizing. Do any of us complain about where we are living?
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Results of life evangelization: people sharing their lives and hearts with other. This group is from Pr. Tarquino’s church -he is standing in the middle, slightly blue shirt.
These people also belong to our family – and yours, and are being baptized in a river that runs through Natal.
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The reason we are here in Natal, RN, Brasil is to serve our Lord, serving others. That’s what life is all about in the Kingdom of God.
We thank Him that we are here, and count on your prayers.
Joe & Voni
We drove for over an hour in the mountains outside of Belo Horizonte, the last 10 minutes on a gravel dirt road, and dusk was falling when we arrived. We didn’t know that the gate would open up to a small world of rest, beauty, conversations – blessings!
Supper that night was sitting at a table lit with candles, beside this wood-burning kitchen stove (fogão de lenha). That warmth felt good!
The next morning, we awakened to see beauty all around us!
God’s nature was everywhere we looked!
We rested and studied.
What about a cup of coffee in the pool after swimming?
Our wonderful friends who shared their sítio with us! Cristiano & Teca
We are so thankful for that time! And look forward to when we can go there again. We taught at night… the perfect end to a blessed weekend. Thank You God!
Please continue to pray for us as we finish our time here in Belo Horizonte and go home to Natal and start the exams to see what is happening with Joe’s heart. May our Father heal him quickly.
We love you all and treasure you in our hearts.
Joe and Voni
