Dear Praying Friends and Supporting Churches,

I am thankful to be part of the Lord’s work as we enter another year.  I appreciate your regular financial and prayerful support that allows us to continue serving the Lord in Belém.  The many Christmas offerings we received are a blessing.  Thank you for thinking of our family during the holiday season.

Since our last report the two Bible studies have continued, and both men have been faithful.  There were a few more visitors to the Bible study with the English professor, but they did not continue.  We continued to distribute literature including tracts designed to fit the Christmas season.  We have noticed a slight lack of interest in our tracts and cards, though they are still gladly received for the most part.  Traffic from the literature to the website is sporadic.  Several people have indicated their interest in the Bible studies, but none of them have followed through.

Elijah came for a visit at the end of December.  It was good to spend time with him.  We all enjoyed celebrating Christmas with the Mendozas.  Caleb and Sarah enjoyed a break from school.  Elijah’s visit flew by, and he returned to Oklahoma December 31^st.  I am still getting used to him not being here with us.  As Elijah was traveling back to Oklahoma, I was reminded of how God had graciously watched over him while we were apart and how I could trust Him to continue doing so.  My mind also turned to the fact that so many of you have faithfully prayed for our children for years.  It can be easy to take your prayers for granted, but truthfully, they are never discounted, and I want you to know they are appreciated.

The beginning of a new year can be a good time to reflect on the past year and consider how to move forward.  This year I do not foresee any radical changes (famous last words😊) but hope to build on what God has already allowed us to do.  We will continue to sow gospel seeds and water with prayer.  We hope to see lives transformed by the gospel and New Testament Baptist Churches planted.  We will continue the two Bible studies as long as there is interest and will pray for spiritual growth (obedience to God’s word) for those involved.  We will seek opportunities for other Bible studies as well.  We will continue literature distribution and adjusting the website with the hope of contacting more people interested in spiritual matters and willing to hear the Word of God.  We hope to capitalize on the interest here in learning English to make contacts and build relationships through practicing hospitality.  As I make plans and look to the future, I am acutely aware that we depend fully on God for any success.

Please continue to pray with us.  Besides the aspects of our work mentioned above, we will be starting the process for renewing the Mendozas’ visas soon.  We will also be working on some administrative changes that will hopefully result in operating in Brazil with more financial efficiency.

For the Glory of God,

Chris Bell

Brenda’s Bailiwick

Happy/Merry/Happy to each of you! There—it feels great to begin 2025 all caught up…!

Our Thanksgiving week was a blur—I initially typed that as “glur,” which, considering that we were all a bit gluttonous, might have been a Freudian slip—but good, although much dampened by the running away of Sarah’s cat, Charley, on Thanksgiving Day. She was wearing a collar with our contact info, and we searched for her diligently, but without success. Apart from that (which is a big apart), Sarah and Caleb enjoyed their break, we had good fellowship with the Mendozas, and we were able to get together with M (from the Bible study) and his family one day as well. It felt odd not having Elijah with us, BUT–

We got him for Christmas!  He was able to be here for 10 days, assuage his Brazilian food cravings, catch up on annoying his siblings, and dust off his Portuguese.  It was a blessing to have him with us; please continue to pray for him as he starts a new school year with a new major in sound production, that his steps will be ordered by the Lord.

Despite my opening boast, I am NOT entering 2025 “caught up,” and in fact am still trying to decide which of my ducks I shall even attempt to get in a row.  I do know that Hospitality Duck is on the short list, and in that vein, we were glad to have the two R’s over on Wednesday for coffee and dessert. The younger told us that his goal is to become a pastor in their [prosperity-Gospel, works-for-salvation] denomination.  I appreciate his zeal and would ask that you continue to pray for these young men, that the Lord would open their eyes to the truth.  Also over the break, I had coffee with M’s wife and enjoyed getting to know her a bit better. Please pray for that relationship to grow.

 It’s more of a duckling, but those of you who remember that we once lived in the Little Trailer on the Big Parking Lot will not be surprised that one of my goals for 2025 is to grow something edible.  My niece gave me a jumpstart several months ago by giving me 2 sturdy spinach plants; they impressively managed to survive me until the rainy season, and now that God waters them every day, they are thriving.  Every time I go to the back-forty—er, the balcony—to harvest spinach, I essentially become Laura Ingalls Wilder.  And I’m reminded that plants turning dirt, water, and sunlight into food is no small miracle.

Thank you for making it possible for us to be here, and for your faithful prayers.  I’m praying for a growth-filled year, and not just on the balcony.

Thanks for reading!

In Christ,

Brenda

Prayer Requests: – Preparation of hearts in Belém to receive the Gospel – Following up with Contacts– Language Acquisition – Outreach Efforts – Bell Academy