Dear Praying Friends and Supporting Churches,

I hope our latest update finds each of you prospering in the work of the Lord.  It is a blessing to partner with you in the work in Belém.  Ι appreciate the continued prayers as well as the financial support that the Lord uses to allow us to continue serving Him here.  Since the last report things have continued with some small, but hopefully significant changes. 

The two Bible studies have gone on as scheduled.  The Bible study with the English professor is going well.  One of the visitors that had attended a few of the Bible studies and then did not show up reemerged.  He was hindered by his work but was glad to be back.  His comprehension of English is not as advanced, so we must be careful and often reiterate the teaching with Portuguese.  Brenda and I are hoping to have him and his wife over for dinner this month to get to know them better (I have not met his wife).  Last week we had another visitor as well.  He is an English teacher who speaks five or six languages and is very proficient in English.  He came prepared with a Bible and showed interest in the teaching.  He was also very curious about American culture.  Through his questions we were able to address a few erroneous beliefs concerning the sign gifts of the Holy Spirit that are very prevalent here.  It was good to observe that everyone was paying attention and thinking about the question.  At the end of the Bible study, he said that he intended to return next week.  

The Bible study at home follows an unusual schedule based on the work schedule of the man who comes to study.  One week we meet on Wednesday afternoon and the next week we meet on Thursday afternoon.  He has been faithful to come and is growing in his understanding of the Bible.  Last week through his questions we addressed the unbiblical teaching that equates being born of the water in John 3 with water baptism.  It was a good opportunity to revisit his testimony of salvation as well as restate the importance of scriptural baptism.  Last month Brenda and I along with Aaron and Amanda Mendoza met this man and his wife for dinner on Saturday evening and enjoyed good fellowship.  Brenda has met with his wife once for coffee and hopes to again in the near future.  Please continue to pray that God works in their lives and leads them into more truth.

There has been some potential progress in using English and hospitality to make new connections.  I have started talking to the English professor that we study the Bible with, and he seems to appreciate the idea of having some of his students come over to play a game and have conversation in English.  We still need to work out the details.  We have also taken the first steps in the visa renewal process for the Mendozas.  Please keep both projects in your prayers.

May God continue to richly bless you for His glory.

For the Glory of God,

Chris Bell

Brenda’s Bailiwick

I am writing this to the lovely accompaniment of a steady rain and sternly curbing the desire to curl up for a nap. Rocky is snoozing on the schoolroom floor, so at least someone is taking advantage of the liquid lullaby. Although in truth, he doesn’t really need a lullaby–about the only things that can keep Rocky from sleep are sausage, chicken, or a kitten.

In January, we adopted said kitten, Snickers, who has brought more smiles to Sarah’s face and less sleep to her nights for several weeks now. She (Snickers, not Sarah) and Rocky are currently at daggers drawn, but I’m hoping their relationship will soon progress to mutual disdain. 

We have had a new family move in across the street.  I took banana bread over and met the lady of the house.  She was a bit disconcerted but appreciative.  Just as it is for you in the US, we can easily live next to people here and never see them.  I am trying to remember to pray for further opportunities to make connections.

Sarah and Caleb are doing well.  Sarah restarted piano lessons last week (January is a holiday month here).  Now that we have increased the frequency of our in-house Sunday evening services, she is selecting the hymns and playing for us three times a month.  She’s also been crocheting a good bit.  Caleb is drawing his science project out to its maximum length, but the end IS in sight, for which I may be even more thankful than he.  He’s been writing diligently in his spare time.  From what we hear, Elijah is enjoying school and work and honing his specialty coffee skills even at home. 

I am scheduled to have coffee with M’s wife again this Saturday.  I am looking forward to getting to know her a bit better.  Please continue to pray for both of them, as well as for the English Bible study. As Chris mentioned, we are planning and praying about how to use younger Belenenses’ strong interest in English as a way to reach out.

The sun is out, and my time is up. We are praying for you. As always, thank you so much for reading, praying, and faithfully supporting us here. 

In Christ,

Brenda

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