Relationships

We have learned many things about Christian living during our time here in Porto Alegre. I think one of the most essentials lessons we have begun to understand is how to start, grow and maintain relationships. Relationships with other people (Christians and not-yet Christians) is vital to maturing your own faith and helping others find theirs.

In June we met a couple in a restaurant in another city. Elisa was drawn to them because of a toy they had for their infant daughter. As we did the small chat thing at their table we found out that they actually live only 3 blocks from us in Porto Alegre!

After a couple of months they called us up and had us over for dinner. The ironic part about them calling us is that they are unbelievers, but wanted to reach out to us because they felt that maybe we were homesick. Having spent a couple of years in Boston, they know what it is like to be thousands of miles away from family. They didn't know at the time that we have already been here for 4.5 years. They reached out to us with compassionate hearts the way we, as Christians, should always be looking to reach out to others.

We recently met this couple again for dinner at our house. Even though we are transitioning out of the work in Porto Alegre, we aren't transitioning out of our responsibilities as Christians. We will continue no matter where we are or what we are doing to work on growing relationships - just like Jesus did.

Our newest friends: Fábio, Thaís & their baby girl Natáilia.

Claudio and Rute Wed!

On August 5, 2005 Claudio and Rute made some public commitments that have been life altering. On that day they gave their lives to Jesus and to each other! After living together for approximately 15 years they decided to be baptized and to be married on the same day!



A little more than 3 years later, on September 5th, they were able to have their wedding ceremony before the state. Due to various drawbacks they had not been able to take this step until now. They showed a lot of determination and persistence to get to this point! We are so happy for them that they were finally able to be married legally - on paper! This date will forever be special to their family not just because of their wedding, but September 5th is Claudio's birthday! I bet they would have had the ceremony at mid-night if possible since September 6th is Rute's birthday! I think that is just great!

Claudio and Rute with the Justice of the Peace after the ceremony.

Jennifer and I were asked to be their witnesses. This meant a lot to us because of the relationship that we have with them. We will, of course, miss everyone when we return to the US. However, I think of all the Brazilians we will miss Claudio and Rute's family a little more.

Sascha signing the marriage certificate as one of the witnesses.

Jennifer and Elisa with Claudio, Rute and their youngest daughter, Lhaumar.

The New Blume!

Our teammates, Kevin and Benay Blume, had a baby boy yesterday morning! He is their 6th child! Everyone is doing great!

For more pictures and information you can visit their blog here.

Giovanni Müller Blume

4 Recent Baptisms!

In less than a week 4 individuals have given their lives to Jesus! On Sunday, August 24th, 3 people were baptized out at the Chácara. Two of these people were mothers of guys that have been in the rehabilitation program. The other person was an intern at the Chácara. It is pretty incredible that the Lord is using these young men coming off serious drug and alcohol addictions to reach their families for Christ. More and more family members and friends are being touched by what the God is doing there.

Above: Jane is baptized by Pastor Isaiah. Below: Jane with her sons Eduardo and Rodrigo (Chácara graduates).

This last Saturday, Matt baptized Guilherme (William). The following is taken from Matt's blog about this experience:

A few weeks ago I wrote about a new Bible study we had begun with a young man named Guilherme. He is a bright guy with a bright future in the field of computer science. He has been dating Gabrieli, daughter of our friends and brothers Lauro & Lorena. Our Bible study time has been amazing - he has soaked up the Word like a sponge. It's always exciting to study the Word with someone who is so eager to learn. Last week Guilherme came to us and said he would like to be baptized! It's finally nice to be able to participate in a baptism! (It's a running joke here in POA that whenever I leave town for a trip, someone gets baptized - that has happened a dozen times over the past few years!)

Matt and Guilherme before (above) and after (below) the baptism!

Praise God for these recent commitments to Christ!