Posted on

Truck Update

by

Things always work out. It turns out the head gasket was gone in our truck. This means the water could not flow through its channels to cool the engine. Monday morning I was able to slowly make my way across the city of Belem to the mechanic I knew. I kept stopping to let the engine cool down, and I took these opportunities to ask God for a newer vehicle. The mechanic had moved to another city, but I asked around and was directed to another small place. This guy identified the problem, and ordered a new head gasket from Sao Paulo. But it will take over a week to repair. So, as a family, we took the 10 hour bus ride home. In Marabá we were able to rent a car for a week, splitting the cost with the Rae family, so we can prepare for the Christmas parties here at the church. It is all working out.
These photos are of the bus depot in Belem. They have an under-the-road tunnel, so us travellers can get safely to the bus we are on.
I am including a photo of a very strong diesel vehicle. We are still quite a bit short of funds to buy it. It is 4 or 5 years old, but in very good condition. 

Posted on

Kid’s Christmas Party

by

One of the things we try to be as a church is “family”. And families celebrate Christmas together. Deanna and the whole team did a really good job a making this a special celebration for some of our neighbourhood children. For many, this is the start of a whole new way of celebrating Jesus’ birthday.

Posted on

Safety

by

One of the guys in our church is Elismar. He is an amazing welder and fabricator. Here he is fixing our gate. The portable welder is in the wheel-barrow.

We are trying to promote safe work habits here on the chacara. It is hard to do when we work with a minimum budget, and when the people we work with are so used to doing without. When it was my turn to fix our water caixa, that is 20 feet in the air, I went and got our aluminum ladder. Halfway up, I noticed it was cracked and swaying, and really unsafe. I carefully climbed down, went to town, and bought a new one. It cost over US$500 for a fiberglass extension ladder. It seems like so much money, when the old broken ladder could get the job done. On the other hand, it is a lot cheaper than an accident. It is not only the proper gear that we need, we also need to provide the training as to why we need safety equipment. I now understand how sometimes accidents happen on the mission field. May the Lord give us wisdom, and protection, as we seek to work with Him in His harvest field.

Posted on

Art Turns 50

by

Art turned 50 this week, and the Rae family hosted a great celebration. Barbecued ribs. Home made ice cream cake. I wish you could have been here. I am really enjoying getting to know Art better. He is a willing and helpful team player, and I am so glad they moved to Brazil.
Really glad.