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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.
I am a day late this week since we
got back from Foz do Iquaçu late and there was no more brain cells awake that
were available to write the Prayer Warrior. So here I go to get you caught up
on our fast moving week. Fran and Nanette´s visit came and went. It was fast,
but it was very precious. Talissa, Lizena, Fran, Nanette, and I left for Foz do
Iquaçu after lunch on Sunday and did the usual spots including Paraguay, the
Bird Park, the gift shops, and the Falls. The weather was great and everything
went very smooth. They left at 3:45 and we headed home. Once again, we praise
the Lord for His protection and provision to bring us home safely. We praise
God for Fran and Nanette´s trip, too.
School seems to be rolling along and
we are trying to move into the routine of things. There are some that haven´t
caught onto the bus schedule yet and have missed the bus, but we trust that
having an extra chore at night will remind them to move a little faster in the
morning. The Imperatriz kids who studied there last year, seem much more secure
this year, both socially and academically. Aline and Francielle, being new
there, still seem overwhelmed with the academic part, but seem to be doing good
socially. They feel accepted and everyone has been very friendly to them. I
was able to secure 2 more scholarships to English classes at the Fisk English
School. Geovane already went last Saturday and we are still trying to determine
who else would be appropriate to send and who would have the time. The schedule
gets more and more complicated with more and more activities. Continue to pray
for all of our students, please.
It is hard to believe that 6 weeks
can be coming to an end, but it is true that Zsuzsa, Viktória´s sister will be
leaving CLM on Saturday. She seems like such a part of CLM and the everyday
routine. For sure the hallways, bathrooms, and kids´ rooms are cleaner and more
orderly. Her magic cream that soothes every scraped knee and bruised arm became
an expected remedy to every cry. Her chocolate treats that she would pop out
just when needed, always brought smiles. Then there were the feet manicures for
the weary. What a servant´s heart Zsuzsa has and what a blessing she has been.
We will miss her so much and hope that she will return someday and bring others
from her family with her. May the Lord bless her trip to São Paulo with
Viktória and then the one back to Hungary.
Today, I took Rita to her first
ballet lesson. She has an amazing knowledge of it already without ever having
taken lessons. I took Hellen along too to see how she would do. At not quite 3
years old, she was definitely the youngest in the class. She did amazingly well
and followed everything the teacher did. She lasted a solid half hour and then
she was done. I want to take her back a couple times to see if she keeps up
with it and progresses. May this be a blessing in both of their
lives.
Yesterday, was Elielton´s 11th
birthday. He came to CLM when he was two years old along with his sisters,
Bernadete (no longer at CLM), Lucilene (14), and Janete (12). They were from
the city of Turvo and from a very deprived and violate home situation. They
literally ran for their lives the night they were removed from the family.
Elielton was especially mal-nutritioned and had a cast on his foot that we
eventually discovered was from a cyst that had been removed. He also had an
incredible case of worms. Without a doubt, if he had survived another couple of
weeks, it would have been a lot. In spite of all that he had gone through in
his short 2 years of life, as he got healthier, he became a very happy little
boy. He is the sunshine spreader of our house. He is friendly and good at
welcoming visitors. He likes to meet new people and he makes it obvious that
people are important to him. Elielton is in the 5th grade which means that he
moved to the other school this year. He is not an outstanding student, but does
his best. Elielton is a natural with animals, especially dogs. They sense that
and will allow him to do anything that needs to be done. I think he is an
upcoming Vet. He has a very sensitive heart and is sensitive to the ways of
God. Please pray for Elielton and the special future that God has for
him.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Nanette and Fran - praise God for
a safe arrival, may God help them with their readjustment back home and their
reflection on their trip, may He heal the swollen ankles and infected bug bites,
may He record all of the memories deeply in their hearts.
2) All the CLM Students - that the
Lord would help each of our students to grow in independence and responsibility
for their studies, that they may have a vision for their futures and the role
their education will play, that the extra curriculum activities would be a
growing experience for them and a fun time, for good grades and good
behavior.
3) Elielton - that his bubbling and
friendly personality would always be used by the Lord to reach out to others
especially those in need, that he will reach his full potential academically,
that he will draw closer to God through reading His Word and seeking His face,
that he will have a bright future.
4) Zsuzsa - God´s blessings on the
last couple days of her stay at CLM, for a fun and memorable trip to São Paulo
with Viktória, for safety on her trip back to Hungary and readjustment to her
life there, for sharing of all of her experiences and her new-found love with a
special family in southern Brazil.
5) Colds - on returning from Foz, I
came back to a houseful of coughs, running noses, fevers, and sore throats.
Viktória and Donei seem to be hit the worse right now, but there are many others
that have this flu to varying degrees. May God be merciful and bring healing
and recuperation to all.
CLM
TURVO:
Damares, our friend from Germany that
spent several weeks at CLM Turvo with Rebeca from Curitiba is back. She came
for another 2 weeks to help out and spend time with those that she has come to
love so much. Pray that the Lord would continue to bless her and teach her
through her experiences.
Manuel was 12 years old on the 17th
of February. What an exciting day for him to celebrate his birthday. He
arrived at CLM Turvo in December of last year along with his older sister,
Adriana. They are orphans and had no one able to care for them. Manuel is
fascinated with his new world and family. He is very affectionate and loving
and needy. He enjoys participating in anything that is happening around him.
He loves to play any sports or games, whether it is playing ball or riding bikes
or swimming, or whatever, he enjoys it all. He is in the 4th grade and is a
very dedicated student, although he is weak because of his delay and a lack of
most of the basics. His smile could warm anyone´s heart. Pray for Manuel that
he will continue to learn and grow academically and spiritually and for
emotional healing.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Damares - that God would continue
to enrich her life through her time at CLM.
2) Manuel - may the Lord continue to
help him to adjust and grow through all that he is learning, for the building of
relationships with the other children and staff, that he may do well in
school making up for what he is lacking, that Jesus would become his Lord and
Savior and his very best friend.
3) Church Plant in Turvo - that the
Lord would open all of the doors necessary for this project to go forward and be
realized, for Pastor Ariel and his wife that they may come for a visit very soon
and be undoubtedly convicted of God´s calling, for the financial support and
help that is needed for their salary and for the building of a house and
church.
4) CLM Family - that the Lord would
help them to grow in love and understanding, in a single heartedness to glorify
and serve God, for God´s blessings in all areas of need.
5) Tainara - the Judge has
determined and the process has begun for her to be released for adoption. May
the Lord choose and prepare a very special family for her with much patience and
energy and understanding of her need for deep inner healing, may it all take
place in God´s timing.
6) Aninha´s brother, Wilson (Didi)
- has atrophy in his legs causing his legs to be permanently crossed. He will
be having surgery to attempt to correct this problem on March 10th. Please pray
for him.
7) Swimming Pool - for a donation
for the installation of the swimming pool that was donated and all else
necessary, including a fence.
8) Andy and Katie - that the Lord
would bless them with the ability and the enjoyment to learn Portuguese, for
their pregnancy, for the birth of a healthy child, for the opportunity to meet
lots of people and use their Portuguese, for discernment as to which Home they
should serve at.
We do appreciate your prayers and
support. This ministry is very demanding, emotionally, physically, and
spiritually. The enemy does not want us to continue on. He does not want
victory in our lives or in our children´s lives. Your prayers are as an umbrella
of protection over us. They are like the lifting up of Moses´arms during the
battle. Please continue with us in fervent prayer.
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 23 and 24, 2010,
Brazil
Dear Prayer Warrior,
CLM TURVO:
You know how it is when long awaited
news finally comes and you just want to jump up and down in pure joy. That is
how we are feeling right now in getting the news that some giants steps
have been taken in initiating a church plant in Turvo. It has been our request
and prayer before the first bricks were laid at CLM Turvo to start a Nazarene
church plant. We don´t always understand God´s plans or timing, but we will
rejoice that the time has come. Pastor Ivo from the church in Utinga, São
Paulo was here this weekend to talk to Luiz and Aninha, Pastor Rogério, Pastor
Luiz (from Guarapuava), and myself about these new developments. He shared that
Pastor Ariel and his wife from Bahia have expressed interest in such a project.
After an extensive evaluation and conversations, the Association of the
Apostolic Christian Church in southern Brazil will be inviting them to come to
spend some time in Turvo and will continue to proceed from there as the Lord
leads. Pastor Ariel and his wife have experience in planting churches and are
in their fifties. Two of their daughters are in Bible School in São Paulo. A
time ago, Sr. Paulo, who donated the land for CLM, also offered a piece of
property to build a church, about a mile from CLM. Hopefully, that offer is
still standing. Much prayer is needed for all of the pieces to come together,
the needs to be provided for, and for the work to begin. Please stand with us
in prayer.
The retreat over the Carnival weekend
was a blessing. It was mainly for adolescents and teens so it was quite
lively. There were just short of 150 people participating. The teachings were
good and we trust that the Holy Spirit was able to work in many
hearts.
CLM ENTRE
RIOS:
Early Thursday morning, Lizena and I
left to go to Curitiba to meet Fran Brower and Nanette Maletich who were
arriving at 10:00. They arrived on time and even had all of their luggage. We
went to Elisabete´s house and met up with several of the girls that Fran
remembers. That evening we went out to eat with the whole Curitiba gang
including Elisabete and Julio (and niece, Elaine), Berenice, Vera, Solange and
her husband, Carlos and their two boys, Huan and Nicholas, and Elenize and her
son, Guilherme. On the way home, we were able to meet up briefly with Neusa and
her daugther, Marion and Santina and her children, Bruna and Gabriel. For Fran,
as well as, the girls it was great to be able to connect once again and for me
it was great being with everyone and sharing them with Nanette. It was an
awesome evening. Tonight, we had another awesome evening by going out with all
the Guarapuava gang - Loeci and Marcelo, Claudemir, Lizena, Josiane, Rosilda,
and Marilda and her daughter, Samilly. Today, Fran attended the Women´s meeting
at church and had a great time renewing friendships and meeting a lot of new
women. Nanette will be spending an overnight at her friend´s Odilene´s house.
On Sunday, after lunch we will leave for Foz do Iquaçu with Talissa and Lizena.
The week is going fast, but I´m thrilled that we were able to meet up with so
many of the kids. Please pray for the rest of Fran and Nanette´s time at
CLM.
The public schools did officially
start school on Thursday although there are some teachers missing for the High
School. Please pray for Josiele as she has gotten difficult teachers for
history (which has always been a difficult subject for her) and chemistry (also
difficult for her). She is a dedicated student and really gives her all. We
are trying to get some more scholarships for English lessons. Geovane would
especially like to perfect his English and be challenged by learning another
language. Also, pray for Alex who is showing resistance to study and behavioral
problems. Continue to pray for Nicole and for the school as they understand
more and more her special needs.
Andy and Katie have arrived and are
excited to finally be on Brazilian soil. Jake and Amanda had found them an
apartment in a very convenient location. On Monday, the 4 of them went after
making the important purchases like refrigerator, stove, table and chairs,
dishes, etc. Today, they are moving in and getting registered with the Federal
Police. We are seeking the Lord to have a clear direction as to where Andy and
Katie are to be ministering. Please pray with us. Also, pray for their
language studies.
I was talking to the Social Worker at
the Courthouse and she gave me a list of children who are in need of a current
report from us, with some also needing medical and psychological evaluations.
All of these children are heading for adoption. Here is the list of the
children or sibling groups: (1) Tainara (from Turvo); (2) Alisson, Aline, Alex,
and Matheus; (3) Caroline and Carolaine; (4) Arivaldo, Raquel, Everton, and
Hellen; (5) Mariane (she will go for adoption together with her little
brother); (6) Maria Luiza (she will also go up for adoption with her 2 older
sisters). This is exciting news and needs lots of prayer from the Prayer
Warriors that each group will go to the God chosen family. Let´s go to
our knees as advocates for these children.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Church Plant in Turvo - that the
Lord would continue to open the doors convicting and providing for all of the
needs to actually start the work, for a binding relationship between Pastor
Ariel and his wife and the CLM family, for God´s preparation of the hearts of
the many individuals and families near by to hear and accept the
Gospel.
2) Spiritual Fruit from the retreat
that was held at CLM Turvo and for Geovane who was also at a
retreat.
3) Fran and Nanette - praise to the
Lord that they are able to be here, thankfulness for all of the older CLM young
adults that we could meet up with here and in Curitiba, for the time they have
spent with the present CLM kids, for their help and work, for God´s protection
and blessings on our trip to Foz do Iquaçu on Sunday and their trip home on
Tuesday, thankfulness for the time that Nanette and Lizena can share, also for
the time Nanette will have with Odilene and her family.
4) Studies - that the Lord will
bless this school year, for good relationships with all of the schools both
Homes work with, for increased learning and independence, for all who help with
homework and reenforcement, specifically for Alex, for some more English classes
scholarships, for Nicole and her adjustment to school and for her
protection.
5) Andy and Katie - praise and
thankfulness for their arrival, pray for their adaptation and finding their way
in the city, for their language training, for learning of the culture and the
making of lasting relationships, for discernment of God´s will for where they
will be ministering.
6) Adoption - that God would choose
a family for each child or sibling group mentioned above whether it be national
or international according to His will and timing, for the preparation of their
hearts and ours too.
7) Vera and Claudemir - for finding
of jobs that will allow for growth and provide for their needs.
8) Mike and Mary - that the Lord
would release their permanent visa in His timing, for their renewal and rest
while on furlough, for all the contacts they will be having, for safety in all
their travels and activities.
9) For strengthening, growing, and
renewing of all the CLM missionaries and for all the missionaries He is calling
to answer that call.
Forgive me for being a day late with
the Prayer Warrior this week. In spite of being committed to finish the Prayer
Warrior on Tuesday no matter what time, last night, I just couldn´t do it. It
was hard finding the spots today to finish it up, but the Lord is merciful and I
am thankful for being able to share our prayer requests and needs with you.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
It is another rainy day. It rained
all night and hasn´t stopped yet. We were hoping to have a fun afternoon of
volleyball, soccer, basketball, and swimming with the church people and then a
campfire tonight, but ...... God has other plans and that is OK, too. Geovane
has gone to a church retreat this weekend with Loeci and Marcelo. He was the
only one who worked and saved enough money to pay his part and have some
spending money. A large group of our kids went last year when it was held in
Foz do Iguaçu. Now the others are lamenting that they didn´t put forth the
effort to save their money or work harder. We have been praying for a strong
transformation in Geovane´s life and that he would return from the retreat with
a renewed commitment to Jesus. Continue to pray for Geovane,
please.
André, Josiane´s friend from São
Paulo came to visit on Tuesday through Friday. He is a nice young man who loves
the Lord and is committed to serving Him. He is quiet and reserved, but
loosened up as the days went by. Josiane and he talked a lot and came to the
confirmation that the Lord is leading them to proceed with their relationship.
They made a commitment to date with the intent to marry. It will be a long
distance relationship and may be as long as another year and a half or so before
we hear the wedding bells. Please be praying for them.
Mariane did have half of her surgery
on Wednesday afternoon. Dr. Decio Filho opened up the tip and cut off a portion
of her bone and closed it back up. He decided that her finger was too small and
needed to grow more so did not put the pin in as he had originally said he
would. We are to change her bandages every 2 days. At the first change, the
smell was not too pleasing. I decided to start her on antibiotics just to be
safe. She returns to him in 2 weeks. Continue to pray for God´s healing of
Mariane´s finger.
Imperatriz started school last
Tuesday, as planned. It was good to have only 12 getting adjusted to the school
schedule. This Thursday, we will add another 16 to that. Hopefully, we will
soon enter into a smooth routine with tremendous cooperation from all.
Francielle and Aline seem to be enjoying their new school and are making
friends. They have two full days of school per week, while the other Imperatriz
students have only one. Francielle had to opt to stop her English studies in
the city, due to lack of time. Donei will assume her scholarship. He is very
excited about that. Our kids are usually really good at conversation, but weak
in grammar, so he will be starting at the first level. Josiele will continue
with her English classes. She really enjoys it and puts a lot into her language
studies. Please keep our students in your prayers that they will make this
their best school year ever.
Andy and Katie Roth will be arriving
on Friday in Curitiba. It worked out perfectly since I will be picking up Fran
and Nanette on Thursday and we were planning on staying over night to be able to
meet up with the CLM Plus girls who live there. Jake and Amanda have been
looking for a house or apartment for them in Guarapuava and hopefully, tomorrow,
they will be able to secure the one that Andy and Katie picked. They will come
to CLM first for a couple of days to get rested and organized and then spend a
couple of days at the beginning of the week getting the apartment set up and
getting their language classes scheduled. They will be living and studying in
the city for about 6 months. They are pregnant and will have the baby during
that time. Please pray for their travels, adjustment, language studies,
pregnancy, and for the building of relationships during this time.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Geovane - we pray that the Lord
was able to do a transforming work in Geovane at the retreat and that it would
continue to bring changes in his life, may he realize the influence and power he
has in the Lord to make major changes in our family and at school, that he can
be all the Lord desires him to be, for a good school year.
2) Josiane and André - that the Lord
would continue to confirm their relationship according to His will, that they
would grow emotionally and spiritually together, that God would always be first
and foremost in their lives, that God would provide the opportunities for them
to be together and have communication.
3) Mariane - we ask the Lord for
continual healing of her finger and regaining of function, pray for her adoption
that the Lord would provide a God chosen Christian mother and father for her,
that He would prepare her heart and our´s, that she would adjust to school and
learn well.
4) Aline and Francielle - for
continual adjustment to Imperatriz, for the making of friends, for keeping up
with their studies, for a belief and confidence in what they can do in
Jesus.
5) Public School Students - pray
that school will indeed start on Thursday and that they will not be lacking
teachers or transportation, pray that our children will be ready to give their
all and be dedicated in their studies, for good behavior on the bus and in
school, for God´s protection.
6) Nicole - for God´s protection
while she is in school and on the playground, that they will be able to provide
the special care she needs, that she can keep up academically, praise to God
that she has come so far, special prayers for Lobinho and Joanna that God would
continue to fill them with peace for this major step forward for
Nicole.
7) Andy and Katie - for a safe trip,
especially that Katie will handle it well, for a confirmation on the apartment,
for the setting up of the apartment and language class scheduling, for
adjustment and dealing with all of the new experiences, for building of
relationships with people they meet in the city and with the CLM staffs and
children.
8) Zsuzsa (Viktória´s sister) - will
be spending 4 days at CLM Turvo. May she have a special reunion with Luiz and
Aninha who she met in Hungary when they visited and also with Edit (friend and
translator), for an understanding of the ministry there, for building of
relationships, for completing the projects lined up for her.
9) Luquinho - that his heart would
listen to truth that he is a very intelligent and capable boy and that he could
make good choices based on that truth.
10) Cristiane - for major inner
healing, for overcoming of the affects of her traumas and abuse, for the few
visits she will be having with her mother, for spiritual growth, for her
relationships, for her school work that she could be free to do her
best.
11) Maria Luiza - her adoption
should be coming up soon and couples will be sent to see her. We assume it will
probably only take one couple, so may it be the one that God has chosen for
her. May God prepare her and all of us for this bittersweet
parting.
12) Nanette and Fran - for safe
travels, for renewing of friendships and making of new ones for Fran, for a
sweet encounter with Lizena for Nanette and wonderful experiences at CLM, for
good health and safety during their entire stay.
13) Mesa Brasil - is a program to
collect and then distribute to institutions vegetables and fruits. Praise God
for the wonderful blessings we receive from Mesa Brasil.
CLM
TURVO:
Last Thursday, I went to Turvo and it
was so good to hear Luiz and Aninha share about their experiences in Minas
Gerais. Most of Luiz´s family live on a large lot in a small town outside of
Belo Horizante. They are simple, but well known and liked and with much
influence in their town. When Luiz´s family arrived they had a big sign
welcoming them. They also had reporters and the entire town knew what was going
on. They were received with much love and affection. His sister, Vania who was
about 4 years old when Luiz disappeared, remembers well that day. Luiz was
usually on the streets causing trouble with a bunch of other boys around his
age. The police had taken him home several times. The day arrived in which
they did not take him home, but took him to an orphanage. That day, his mother
had locked Luiz and his two younger sisters in the house and left. Luiz did his
usual, he jumped out the window. Vania remembers seeing him run off. He never
came home again. She had a pair of shorts of his, which she saved for a long
time, trying to secure Luiz´s smell. Their mother tried to find him, but Luiz
had been transferred to several different orphanages until he ended up in
Nepomuceno, over 3 hours from Belo Horizante. His mother started drinking more
than she had before and eventually died of alcoholic poisoning at the age of
33. His father had 3 more boys after that.
Luiz´s family members for the most
part do not know the Lord. They all are on their second marriage. They are
amazed at how Luiz passed through so much in his life and has become the person
he is. All of those other boys, who he discovered were his cousins, have all
died or been murdered. He has the same wife, a beautiful family, and is
doing the Lord´s work. They admire him and desire to make the long trip to
Paraná for a visit. They actually desired all of them to move there to be
close, after so much separation. It was tempting, but gave him the opportunity
to share that he knows his calling and needs to be faithful to his God. Please
continue to pray for Luiz and his family as they sort out the amazing experience
that they have just passed through and for Luiz´s new found family that they may
come to know and love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
We have a correction on last week´s
Prayer Warrior letter. Loren and Joan Bunney´s trip is in March, not February.
A little misreading of the dates.
During this long holiday weekend, CLM
Turvo hosted a retreat. There were about 150 people and the Spirit was moving.
Seven people gave their lives to Jesus and many recommitted their lives to serve
Him. May the affects of God´s working bring even more fruits.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Luiz and Aninha and family - that
the Lord would continue to sort out all of their emotions, for a growing
relationship with Luiz´s family, for salvation for them, for God´s protection
over all of them physically and spiritually, for continued divine orientation in
all they do.
2) Retreat - that the work of the
Holy Spirit in the lives of those who were on the retreat will continue to bring
growth, for a transformation in the lives of all those who are part of the CLM
Turvo family.
3) Swimming Pool Project
- praise God that Andy has experience in
installing swimming pools, for the donations necessary for the installation of
the swimming pool, for God´s protection over the pool always.
4) CLM Students - God´s preparation
for the starting of school, that all our students would be motivation and
dedicated having a successful year.
5) More awareness and financial
support for CLM Turvo - that more people would become interested in the ministry
and our financial needs.
6) Fabio and Edit - for continual
adjustment and the working of the Lord in their lives, for development of their
ministries, for development of all relationships and the breaking down of all
barriers.
7) Natalia - that the Lord would
renew her everyday, filling her with joy, purpose, and conviction, for God´s
working and blessings on all of her relationships, God´s direction in all she
does.
May God pour out His rewards to all
the CLM Prayer Warriors for their faithfulness and diligence.
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.
