Summery Summary

First of all, we're not here. We got up at 5 AM yesterday morning and 24 hours later and 7 time zones away, we were ready to stretch out on a bed. In between were flights to Lisbon, then Philadelphia, and finally Denver, where we arrived 40 minutes ahead of schedule. We won't complain about that! We'll be in the States for three weeks, eventually getting to Dallas after visiting all the scattered family.

The only opportunities I've had to blog recently were to give updates about Jackie, who is apparently doing very well, and possibly going home today.

In other news over the summer: 

There were baptisms in July:

New members: (l-r) Sara, Vitória, Humberto, Silvânia, Rafael, Nelson (their father)

Also in picture is Paz, Sara's mother, and in the background, Sandro, Nelson's youngest son.

Notes: Humberto is from Ecuador.  As for Nelson and family, they are from São Tomé Island...and they have just moved to Lisbon. We will really miss them.

In related news, two more couples joined the church.

Rodrigo and Luana accepted the Lord earlier in the year through a ministry to athletes. They were baptized when they were in Brazil in June and now that they are back for another year (Rodrigo plays football/soccer), they wanted to make a firm public commitment to our church and its ministries. It was a blessing to hear the testimony of this young couple (early 20's) with a small son. They were present when my mother and brother and sisters were here in May and Luana said that she was inspired by Mom's example..."I want to be like the pastor's mother."

Last Sunday, Alex and Lisiane came forward to ask for baptism. They had had some contact with the gospel before going to Brazil for holidays. Alex also plays football/soccer and they have returned for another season. They accepted the Lord in Brazil and the first thing Lisiane said they had to do was get married. They have been living together for 4 years, but as soon as she gave her life to Jesus, she moved in with her mother. Alex, too, was converted through the testimony of fellow players, and the couple got married as soon as they returned to Portugal. They will be baptized when we get back to Madeira.

Other news:

Vacation Bible School---Some pictures taken in July.

Pastor Paulo Pascoal and family spent three weeks with us and the church was blessed by his messages on Baptist history and distinctives.