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
