A Long Overdue Update… July, 2014

It is perhaps an indication of the pace of life here that it has been quite some time since I wrote an update and posted here.

The last post described my accident and the care I was receiving. God was amazingly gracious and the healing of my leg, I think surprised most who where observing the progress. I was released by the doctor to be able to walk the isle for our wedding on February 14th – yes, married on Valentine’s Day, how ’bout that?

wedding1a

 

There has been so much that has changed in my life in these past months. Changes on every level of life. From my intolerance to cold now that I have a metal plate in my leg, to a new family and all the adjustments that this brings.

Learning to drive in the Brazilian traffic. I don’t want to seem unkind, but driving here is indeed third world. I find I have a strange aversion to motorcycles…. hmmm. Language continues to be a challenge. I am trying to learn without formal classes, and most of the problems that I face center around the challenges of language.

We moved into an apartment with a one year lease. We put a down payment on a new apartment that is  under construction that will have a lot of outdoor space (for a hammock!). Included in our purchase of the apartment is a storefront for Criz’ business. Pingo Verde (green drop) is her seamstress business. We have now finally had the renovations complete and she is hard at work sowing swim and beachwear to display for her formal opening. We are learning to form a lifestyle together, with all the associated joys and challenges, but God continues to bless us and help us each step of the way. I am thankful to the Lord that He has blessed me with a wife who loves Him, and desires to grow in her intimacy with Him. I am blessed by her commitment to me and our marriage.

I have had more opportunities to teach and preach, which I have missed a lot over the past couple of years. Pray that my language will improve so that I will not have to read my sermons, but be able to be more spontaneous with my preaching.

We believe the Lord has some great things in store for us in the years ahead, if the Lord tarries. To be honest, in some ways it still feels at times  unreal that I have a new life here in Brazil. Everything in my life has changed in a short amount of time, but God continues to confirm to me His calling on my life here through the verses in Psalm 71: 17-21:

O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness, And comfort me on every side.

The Lord is opening doors to share the truths of revival and transformation among the youth here in our church. There are those who are hungry for the “real thing.”

Thanks for your prayers and support of my ministry here. Please continue to lift us up before the throne of Grace as we seek to serve Him faithfully for the glory of His Name.

Share this

Leave a Reply