Canaan Land Ministries

Tuesday, March 9, 2010, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

I had a real surprise last night. Yesterday was International Women´s Day. I don´t really know how much it is celebrated in the United States, but here in Brazil many organizations take the opportunity to honor certain women. Last week, I got an invitation to go to the City Council of Guarapuava for such an occasion. I really didn´t know what it was all about, but figured out that I needed to dress up. Three prominent women from our community picked me up. I really thought that all 4 of us were going to receive a little recognition for Women´s Day. When we got to the Courthouse, one of the women presented me as their "chosen candidate" and I was taken into another room with another 8 women who were also "chosen". I was trying to put all the pieces together and figure out what was going on. Lots of pictures were taken and we were lead to our seats of honor in an assembly of lots of people and several councilmen and councilwomen. As I looked around, I saw Bethany, Amanda, Lucilene, and Janete! I couldn´t believe it. When I left, they were all at home. As I looked in other sections of the room I saw my friend, Ruth and many others from Entre Rios. I think by then, I had gotten the picture. It was indeed an honor. People, even officials in Guarapuava, who I didn´t think even knew our work existed were wishing me well and telling me that the honor received was well deserved. Afterwards, the entire group from the colonies went to a reception for me at a place near CLM. It all was heart warming.

When Matheus arrived at CLM, it was necessary to have a medical evaluation done. The X-ray showed an enlarged heart and the blood work revealed slight anemia. We were able to have him seen by the doctor who works at the Mal-nutrition Center. She said that he does not present with any other signs of heart distress, such as shortness of breath or palpitations, but made an urgent referral for him to a cardiologist. He went today, but the results won´t be back until next month (4/11) - what happened to the urgency? Matheus is adjusting well and seems happier every day, however, he is also showing his stubborn and disobedient side. Pray for us that we may have stern and gentle patience as we teach him what is right and what is wrong. Pray for any health issues he might have.

The doctor who examined Matheus at the Mal-nutrition Center commented that most of the children from the Government Nursery are anemic. That was surprising and disturbing, when in most cases, diet can easily correct that. It does not seem to be right that infants and young children continue to be undernourished even once they are removed from a neglectful and dysfunctional family. I have been praying for direction as to my responsibility in passing this information on to the right people. Besides the anemia, Matheus is also very under stimulated for his age. He has been learning so fast since he came with just the slightest stimulation. Please pray for God´s leading as to how we can be an instrument in correcting this situation so that the children sheltered by the government will not be suffering more neglect causing long term negative effects in their lives.

We are swamped with extra curriculum activities. Kids are coming and going all the time. It is all good stuff for them to be involved in - English, German, soccer, theater, ballet, ambiente awareness, etc., but our work force at home is greatly reduced. It gets harder and harder to coordinate it all. May God help us to maintain some sense of order, while the kids benefit from these activities.

We have had several of our children desire discipleship and are taking their walk with the Lord seriously. We have talked this week about Job 42:5 which says "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee." It is important that we personally and intimately know God. It is not enough to just know about Him. Geovane, Janete, Lucilene, Lucas Ramos, Cristiane, Donei, Aline, and Francielle have all voiced their interest. This is an answer to our long standing prayers. Please pray for each one of them and for those who will be disciplining them.

Tomorrow will be Vera´s 28th birthday. She came to CLM when she was 2 years old. Her mother had abandoned the family and her father felt incapable of taking care of an infant girl. Her older brother, David was enough. Neighbors had been taking care of her, but were not willing to take her with them when they needed to move. Her father had decided that the best for Vera was for her to be adopted. The Social Worker told him that that was not necessary, if he was interested in keeping contact with her. She came to CLM and her father did come to visit at least once a year. As she got older, she started visiting him. He always believed that she was better off and would have a better future if she continued at CLM and has been very grateful for the upbringing she has received. He is very proud of his daughter. Vera is a dedicated and hard worker in all that she does and never gives up no matter how rough the going gets. She graduated from High School and moved to Curitiba to the CLM Plus apartment. She took a vocational course in Hotel Services. When she had no success in moving into that field, she started working at MacDonald´s. From there she took the risk to go to a new company opening in Curitiba. She learned so much and had a great boss that invested in her. From there she had several other jobs and decided to go to college for Executive Secretary. It was a struggle, but in January of this year, she graduated. She is looking for a job right now. She sent 1000 curriculums out by internet and delivered 20 personally. She has had some interviews and is waiting for some responses. She has also discovered that she makes a pretty good salesman and helps one of her roommates sell various products. Vera has the gift of making lasting friendships and is cherished by many. Pray for this new phase of her life, for finding a job and for continual emotional and spiritual growth.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Women´s Day - I thank the Lord for the recognition of our work and for the testimony that this whole experience can be to others.

2) Zsuzsa and Viktória - Zsuzsa is leaving tonight for Hungary and Viktória will be coming back to CLM. Pray for their safe travels and for Zsuzsa´s readjustment and the opportunity to share all of her experiences at CLM.

3) Matheus - that any health problems can be revealed and resolved, for his continual adjustment to CLM, for obedience and independence, for learning of new skills and concepts, for his relationships with the other children and staff.

4) Government Nursery - that the Lord will reveal any action that I should take to improve the situation at the Government home for infants.

5) Discipleship - that the Lord would select the right people to disciple our children whether they are from the church or from CLM, for a consistency and building of a strong relationship, for spiritual growth and understanding for each of our adolescents, praise God for His moving in their hearts.

6) Vera - that the Lord would continue to work a mighty work in her life, that she could find a good job in her field, praise God for the good relationships she has with her roommates, for Michele that she would make a decision for Jesus in her life, that God would bring the right godly man into her life.

7) Diogo - that he would completely overcome the bedwetting, for growth in confidence and security, for good choices, for making of good friendships, that he will learn easily and enjoy it, that God may lead his future.

8) Rita - that her needs can be met, that she would respect and love and learn to get along with the others, that ballet will be a therapy for her, for good grades and learning.

9) Lucilene - that the Lord can emotionally and physically prepare Lucilene for her surgery on April 8th, that all of the necessary exams will be ready, that the Lord will guide the surgery and that it will be a complete success.

10) Mike and Mary - that God would continue to rest them, renew them, direct them, teach them, and prepare them for their return to CLM, that their permanent visas would be approved and in their hands soon.

11) Julio (Elisabete´s husband) - is having a birthday today. Pray for his spiritual growth and understanding, for God´s blessings over his business, family, and all relationships, that he can shine for Jesus.

CLM TURVO:

CLM Turvo has a birthday this week. Paulo will be 16 on Thursday, March 11th. He came to CLM in September of 2006 with his sister, Suelen. They were being very neglected and heading more and more to the streets. Paulo has turned into a very handsome and strong young man, who is very dedicated in all he does. He is a big help and likes to work hard. As an adolescent, he enjoys music and playing ball and having the latest. Aninha gets a chuckle when he is playing soccer and yells over to her to come and join them. He is a good student and is in the 6th grade. Pray for his spiritual and emotional growth and the future the Lord has for him. Paulo and Suelen are free for adoption.

Aninha is excited to have received hearing aids through the government health service. She will be getting used to them yet, but has decided that the world is really louder than she thought. She continues to ask for prayers for her brother who will be operating on his legs tomorrow. Luiz and Aninha are wanting to take a couple´s course (It is a course that Lobinho and Joanna have already taken). Luiz is also taking an electrical course. Allan has been called for an interview at a nearby company called Ibema. He will be taking further tests and hopefully will be called for a job.

We ask for your prayers for Letricia, especially for her health. Her electro has shown some cerebral irregularities. Edit was to meet with the doctor today. Her vision is also a major problem for her.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Paulo - pray for his studies, his future, his continual growth and development and building of character, for his spiritual life and salvation.

2) Luiz and Aninha - praise God for Aninha´s hearing aids and for the continual support for her health insurance, that they can consistently participate in the couple´s course, for Luiz´s electrical course and his interest in learning, for strength and renewal each day, for Aninha´s brother who will have surgery tomorrow.

3) Allan - that he would be able to get the job at Ibema and grow in maturity and independence, for moving out on his own, for spiritual growth, for using of his talents, especially musically.

4) Letricia - for her health issues that they can be diagnosed and treated, that she can show further growth and development and learning, for improvement of her vision problems, for God´s protection over her at all times.

5) Fabio and Edit - that the Lord would renew their strength and vision of the ministry everyday, that God would fill them with joy and love, for their continual adjustment and understanding of what the Lord desires to do in them and through them, for all of their relationships.

6) Loren and Joan Bunney - they will be arriving on March 19th and staying until the 27th. May God bless their preparations for this trip, their travels, and their time at CLM Turvo, for the renewing and the development of new relationships.

7) Tainara - that the Lord would select a new mother and father for her who would have the wisdom and patience needed to guide Tainara in her growth and development and help her with inner healing.

8) Financial and Physical Needs - that the Lord would provide for all of the needs of this ministry including more missionaries.

Good things are happening. God has plans to prosper and bless CLM and each of our children. What a privilege and honor to participate in this ministry. Thank you for your participation.

trusting, help my lack of trust,

Mary

Tuesday, February 2, 2010, Brazil

Dear Prayer Warrior,

CLM ENTRE RIOS:

Viktória´s sister, Zsuzsa arrived in Curitiba on Wednesday. The plans were to come to CLM on Thursday, but our car was not ready until late Friday afternoon. Thankfully, they got home safely and even brought Lizena with them. It has been fun to get to know Zsuzsa. She has the Hungarian friendliness and a serving heart. She even manicures feet, followed by a great massage. For sure, the sisters will be enjoying their 6 weeks together.

The fun for the weekend was that the CLM Turvo family came for an overnighter. They were able to get a donation of gas and an extra van to go to Guarapuava to some interesting sites and then came on to CLM Entre Rios. They arrived at about 4:00 Saturday afternoon. There was time to get some volleyball and swimming in. There was a cookout planned, but it started raining just as the hamburgers were getting finished. So it was an indoor picnic. The kids slept mixed all up in various rooms in the house. It was good seeing them mix with each other more than other times they have been together. Sunday morning, we had our CLM Sunday School, family lunch with a full table, and an afternoon of swimming and sports. Some of the Turvo kids had their first experience at the big waterfalls near us. Sunday evening, we all went to church and the Turvo family left after that. It made us all desire to do much more of this type of interchange.

Viktória was surprised to be contacted by the Soroptimist Club once again. This time they were interested in submitting her name for a national award called "Prêmio Soroptimista Ruby: For Women Helping Women. It would benefit CLM with a $5000 prize. She has been gathering information that depicts the ministry. It has been interesting to see how God has been providing everything she needs. We ask for your prayers that if it would be God´s will, that she would be selected.

School will be starting for 2 schools on Monday and for the other one on Tuesday. Book bags and school materials are all ready, as well as, uniforms for those who are required to wear them. A homework list is being made and we are trying to get them excited about the idea. Mariane and Nicole will be going for the first time, so you can image that they are probably about the most excited of all right now. Please pray for Joanna and Lobinho as they let Nicole out of their sight and in the hands of the school for 4 hours every afternoon. It is very hard for them, but they are thrilled that she has gotten this far. Pray also that it can be a good school year for all and that each of the kids can develop more self-motivation and independence in their studies this year.

On Friday, I went to talk to Mariane´s doctor about her finger. I still had more questions. The other option, other than putting in a pin, was to cut the finger off at the second joint, which might in the end provide more function. We have prayed so much that she would not lose her finger, that opting for this just was not settling. The idea of making such a decision for someone else´s body was really weighing. When the doctor seemed to be concluding that that would be the best way to go, I asked him that if it was his daughter, would that be what he would do. He hesitated and then said, "I think so." As we continued to talk, he changed his mind and decided we could go more conservative and a more radical surgery could always be done at a future time. So it was decided that he would open the tip and shave off some of the bone and close the tip again and open the side to put in a pin to secure the finger in a resting position. He said he would take care of everything and that I was to call him on Wednesday. I went to the car and praised and thanked the Lord for intervening and being present in that conversation. After the doctor´s, I went to the Courthouse and had a conversation with the Social Worker. She shared that Mariane´s mother had died, having been run over by a semi-truck. Her father has released his rights and Mariane will be freed for adoption very soon. Another reason, that I was thankful for the decision to do more conservative surgery. Please keep praying for Mariane for her surgery, for her understanding of the news about her mother, and for a wonderful family to adopt her according to God´s will.

Mike and Mary are leaving today for a 2 month furlough in the United States. They will return on the 31st of March. They will be doing fund raising and rest and renewal. With their leaving, Lobinho and Joanna´s return from vacation, and school starting, there has been a major need of reorganizing the schedules and responsibilities. Pray for Mike and Mary and for the CLM staff and kids during this period.

We have several birthdays this month. This week we have 3: Tomorrow, February 3rd, Berenice will be 29 years old, on Wednesday, February 4th, Marilda will be 39 years old, and on Sunday, February 7th, Moanna will be 8 years old. Berenice came to CLM with her sister, Elenize when she was 7 years old. Her mother had abandoned the family and her father was not able to continue to take care of them. Berenice proved to be a go getter during her growing up years, studying and perfecting her English and Computer skills and dreaming of going to college after High School. She was one of the first two members of the CLM Plus Program, moving to Curitiba in 2000 with Elisabete. They lived in a small apartment behind the house of friends for the first year, then moved into an apartment across the street. Berenice started college that first year and graduated in 2004. She worked at various apprenticeships and continues to have a variety of experiences in her field of International Business. She has initiated her Post-Graduate work in Economics/Accounting. She has also taught English on and off. She is presently in between jobs. She continues to live in Curitiba, recently moving into an apartment with two Christian friends. Pray for Berenice for continual growth in all areas of her life and that she will trust it all to the Lord Jesus.

Marilda came to CLM when she was 12 years old. Within that first year her mother died of alcohol poisoning. Marilda married Jelson when she was 19 years old and within the next several years had Douglas, now 17, Manuelly, now 15, and Samily, now 12. Marilda returned to school to finish High School and then went onto college for Executive Secretary. Various problems lead to separation and for the most part, Marilda has been raising the 3 children. The road has been rough, but Marilda has continued on, especially as a committed mother. She has even taken in a friend of Manuelly, Betina who was having difficulties with her stepfather. Marilda now works at CLM as our Secretary and is very efficient and committed to the children and the ministry. Pray for Marilda that the Lord will always give her the strength she needs to face the trials and continually grow in the confidence that He is in control. Pray also that she will have the means to build a house on the property that they bought close by to CLM.

Moanna is the oldest daughter of Lobinho and Joanna and the sister to Nicole. Moanna is a very beautiful, petite, intelligent and capable young girl. She likes to sing and dance and perform. She is good at taking care of her little sister with special needs. She is very expressive and very into all that is going on around her. Pray for Moanna as she goes into the second grade and that she would continue to be a good student. Pray that she can deal with the added attention that Nicole gets because of her condition and grow to be a mature, responsible, and well balanced young adult.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Zsuzsa - pray that her 6 weeks at CLM will be extremely special to her, that Viktória and her can have lots of memorable experiences and times together, that CLM will leave a lasting impact on her life.

2) Viktória - that God´s will will be done in regards to the Soroptimist Club Reward - For Women helping Women, to be able to take full advantage of her sister´s visit, for good health.

3) School starting - that the Lord would bless the 3 schools that we work with with good teachers and administrators, that it would be a good school year academically and behaviorally, for young Aline that we can discover what her learning difficulties are so we can help her have a successful year, for Lucão that he would be motivated and cooperative and pass the year, that all the others who passed weak or failed would have a strong year, for all the homework helpers to have much patience and diligence, for Nicole and Mariane who will be starting school for the first time, for Lobinho and Joanna as they release Nicole and trust that the Lord will protect her from any harm.

4) Mariane - for her surgery, for receiving of the news of her mother´s death, for adoption that God would choose the perfect family for her, that she would feel secure and safe through all of this.

5) Mike and Mary - for safe travels, for all of their plans during their furlough, for renewing and a clear guiding from the Lord.

6) Berenice - may the Lord bring growth in all areas of her life, for the finding of the right job for her, for continual development professionally, for all of her relationships.

7) Marilda - that the Lord would be her strength and her joy in all the trials she faces, for growth in all areas of her life, for her readjustment as she returns from vacation, for the building of her house this year.

8) Moanna - that she would mature and grow, that she can continue to be a good big sister to Nicole, that she would do well in school, that she would grow in her understanding of Jesus and all He is to us.

9) CLM Staff - that the Lord would give us wisdom and guidance in this ministry, that we would grow in unity, always being flexible and passionate in that which the Lord has called us to, for renewal every day and good health, for spiritual protection.

10) Claudemir - pray that he will find a job and a place to live before school starts in 2 weeks, pray for his spiritual awakening and good choice making.

11) Josiane - her friend, André will be visiting next week. May the Lord reveal His will in their relationship, for the further development of her ministry at CLM, for her relationship with the children, for assuming the authority that she has, for growth in all areas of her life.

12) Kevin and Elaine and family - that the Lord would open all of the doors for their coming - selling of their house, raising of support, visa for Kevin, plane tickets, and a date, for preparation of heart and spirit for the ministry that God has for them.

CLM TURVO:

I wish I had some more details about Luiz and Aninha´s trip. It is a time when you wish you could have been a mouse to see and hear all the interactions and conversations, making up for 50 years of separation. I´m anxious to hear the stories first hand. They are to be returning to CLM tomorrow, so please be praying for safety on their long trip back. The Lord has blessed the CLM family during their absence. Fabio and Edit have learned a lot and have certainly risen to the occasion. Rosilda and Kristen and Aline while she was there also were a big help and rose to meet the needs. Kristen and Rosilda will be returning to Entre Rios. Rosilda for just a week before she goes on to Curitiba to visit her sister and Kristen until the end of her stay at the beginning of March. May God continue to bless the ministry at CLM Turvo, may He help Luiz, Aninha, and Natalia as they re-enter and Fabio and Edit as they adjust to the changes. May they grow as a team in unity, flexibility, and passion.

School will also be starting up for them. Pray for the schools they work with, for their teachers and administrators. Pray for the motivation and good study habits for all of their students. Also, that they can have the homework and reinforcement help that they need. Pray that Fabio can get a computer lab set up for the children and that their internet service would become more reliable. Pray especially for Letricia and her learning difficulties and for Tainara, Willian, and Gabriel for their behavioral problems at school. Pray for a successful year.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1) Luiz and Aninha and family - for a safe trip home, for reflecting on and sorting out all of the emotions of their trip and their new relationship with Luiz´s family, for readjustment to their responsibilities and relationships, for the growing of the ministry at CLM Turvo.

2) Allan - missed an opportunity for a job while in Minas Gerais, so please keep praying that he will be in the right place at the right time to get a job.

3) Rosilda - may God bless her for her help at Turvo during Luiz, Aninha, and Natalia´s absence, for safe travels until her return to Canada, for special times with her relatives, for the opening of doors of opportunities once she returns to Canada.

4) Kristen - may God bless her for all that she has given during her short term experience, may He bless the last month that she has here, may the Lord guide and direct her life and future.

5) Fabio and Edit - for God´s renewal during their 4 days off, for supporters committed to financially support them in the ministry that God has called them to, for trust in the Lord for all of their needs, for growth in relationships and understanding of their own gifts to be applied to the ministry, for good health and strength and joy every day.

6) Letricia - for her special needs, praise God for her weight gain and growth, for God´s continual protection over her, for help with her learning difficulties.

7) Tainara - for improvement of her behavior especially in school, for better learning, for her future that she would be released for adoption.

8) Finances - for increased donations for CLM Turvo, for maintaining the budget, for the dollar to continue to rise, for grants or donations locally to help supplement.

9) Andy and Katie and little Roth - praise the Lord that their visa was granted, that the Lord would help them with all of the final details for their trip, that He would mark the date, that Jake and Amanda can find a good house or apartment for them to rent, for their language lessons, for God´s determination as to where they will be ministering after the language studies.

We continue to have hot days and lots of rain on and off. It has rained for about 40 days straight with at least one short shower a day or downpours all day long. Things are soggy, but the crops are growing really fast. Thank you for sharpening your swords and spears, and lifting your bow for us, mighty Prayer Warrior.

winning the battle,

Mary