Lots of new beginnings

ice-breaker @ cell (w/ toiletpaper)

Our cell group multiplied on June 24th with a fun celebration, great fellowship, and the consecration of the new cell leaders. It also marked my stepping out of the cell leadership before I head to Fortaleza. Then we had our huge evangelistic rally at the soccer stadium where we had over 790 people start a new life with Christ! (and during which I helped out the TV station as a camera guy)

Filming for the TV station at the Congresso

Immediately following was a 4-day construction/medical/filter trip to Piracaoera and Aritapera river communities with a Samaritan’s Purse team led by a good friend of mine from Canada. And the next day after arriving from the river communities, as a “good-bye” party for myself, I planned a camping trip on top of our little “mountain” which was a tiring, fun, unforgettable, new experience for everyone that participated!

after pouring the concrete for the floor at camp w Canadian team

Now that the filter project is handed over and the cell group multiplied, I’m finishing up the internship at the TV station where I’ve been getting a lot of practice in filming, editing, lighting, producing, etc. And all but 2 of the guys I’ve been discipling I’ve handed over to other capable men to be mentoring, and those last 2 already know who are going to be their disciplers as soon as I leave. The plane tickets are bought for August 4th when I’ll be moving to Fortaleza for a new start in my ministry, living, transportation, communication, etc. It’s gonna be a stretch but I’m excited to see what the Lord is going to do!

It sounds like they’ve figured out a place for me to stay in Fortaleza…it’s the “maid’s quarters” of a place the church is renting, so I’ll be paying a small amount of rent to the church :) I’m going to have to look for a vehicle when I get there and figure out the rest of my monthly expenses, but the goal I was given was to raise $2000/month to not only cover the bare minimum but also to be able to be a blessing to the ministry I’m involved in.  Thanks to all you who are current supporters, I’m at $650/month!  You guys are such a blessing and, whether you realize it or not, you are a main part in this ministry as well… :)

Well, I’ll try not to take so long to update next time…until then!

Paul