 |
| Become a Supporting Member! |
 |
| Donations Stats |
| January´s Goal: |
$20.00 |
| Due Date: |
Jan 31 |
| Amount in: |
$0.00 |
| Balance: |
$0.00 |
| Left to go: |
$20.00 |
|
CAUTION! use of this login by non-admins can result in ip banishment.
|
| |
| Author |
Message |
doulos
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 141
Location: Springfield, MA
|
 Posted:
Sat Dec 23, 2006 7:19 pm |
 
|
Our family wishes you and your family a wonderful Christmas from Brazil.
Christmas in Brazil is different than what Judy and I knew in the States. The trees, decorations, and SNOW (today is the first day of summer - and it feels like it!) are not like those of our childhood.
The spruces, firs and other pine trees associated with Christmas decorations in the States are not available to us like they are to most of you. We do have our artificial tree up and decorated in true North American fashion - topped with a lovely angel. We have lights hung inside and outdoors. There is a very lovely light display by one of our neighbors who always makes the local newspaper. We are "wowed" by her decorations too. It is rather pretty, but a rarity. The closest to snow we have seen here comes only after strong thunderstorms that drop hail. We have seen that on various occasions - thankfully, not this year. A few presents have already been placed under the tree, and our girls are excited not only to see what they are going to get, but even more so to pick out gifts for one another and for their friends.
For our family this Christmas will be different in another way. Judy's dad, Pete, is not here to for the first time, he passed into glory three months ago today on September 22. While we still miss him, we continue to remember the wonderful memories he helped to make in making Christmas special.
God, family, giving and sharing time together is key to making Christmas a happy time. I know that for our family it has always been blessed by Pete's leadership by developing the tradition of reading the passage in the Gospel of Luke chapter 2:1-20 which tells of the birth of our Redeemer. Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Right now, Pete is "glorifying and praising God for all the things that" he is hearing and seeing, just as it was told unto him in the Bible. Pete is in the presence of the Savior, Christ the Lord. We have that assurance based on his testimony and God's Word. God gave His Son to give us joy all year round.
Although Christmas is not the same here as it was for Judy and I growing up, our girls are learning two cultures and making precious memories during this special time of year. We are looking forward to Christmas eve with the folks at church we are planting. In Brazilian tradition, a special meal is planned along with the service. For most Brazilians, gift exchanging is on a very small scale. Big family gatherings are the norm. Also, God has blessed us and given us great co-workers too, and we hope to make Christmas day special for them as they spend their first Christmas here in São Paulo.
As your family celebrates the birth of the Savior, rejoice with us at the news of the spiritual birth of nine Brazilian children. In the past two months in the junior church program nine children trusted in Christ, the Savior. They do not have Christian parents and growth for them will be challenging, but we have folks here who are interested in helping these and many others grow in the Lord.
Although things are different now, we rejoice in knowing that in there is something consistent that will "never ever" change. It is God's love for us in sending His Son, Jesus Christ the Lord - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8
Thank you for praying for the ministry here and we do appreciate so much your notes of encouragement and for lifting us up before God in your prayers. MERRY CHRISTMAS & A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
Love in Christ,
Jeff for All
Jeff -n- Judy, Anna, Alicia & Emily Traver
Field Address:
Rua Singapura, 450
São Fernando Residência
06448-020 Barueri, SP
BRAZIL
To call us direct from the USA dial: 011-55-11-4162-4317
Mission Address:
Baptist Mid-Missions
PO Box 308011
Cleveland, OH 44130
(440) 826-3930
Sending Church:
Morningside Baptist Church
1115 Pelham Road
Greenville, SC 29615
Pastor Tony Miller
(864) 297-7890 |
| |
|
 
|
|
|
|
|
View next topic
View previous topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You can attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001-2008 phpBB Group
:: Theme & Graphics by Daz :: Ported for PHP-Nuke by nukemods.com ::
All times are GMT + 5 Hours |
|
|
|
