Campinas Chronicle

Campinas Churches Send Missions Teams to Uruguay

2011-12-25T13:44:00.000-02:00

Twenty-one people (4 adults and 17 youth) from threee different FWB churches in Campinas went on a missions trip to two different locations in Uruguay: Melo and Rivera (on the border with Brazil). The team I led worked in Melo for 10 days.

Campinas missions teams: Rivera and Melo.

Signing at one of the home services.

The FWB church in Melo almost closed a few years back. Pastor Julio and his family went there three years ago to restart the work. A new church building was built and the parsonage is being remodeled. The group is now running about 35 in attendance. There is no other non-charismatic evangelical church in the town of 50 thousand people. Other than the 2 teenage sons of the pastor, there are no youth in the church.

Home service in the back yard.

Singing with the children.

Our team went to help them make contacts, especially youth, and do evangelism. In the late afternoon we went from door-to-door and in the market to distribute tracks, talk to people, and invite them for a special outreach event in a nearby park on Saturday evening, the 17th. Each evening we held services either at the church or in the homes of the members. Both Saturdays our team helped the church with a special outreach to children.

Crafts with the children.

The church members seemed to be tremendously encouraged with the help they received. They were very receptive. It rained on the Saturday that was supposed to be our biggest event. We had to change the venue from outdoors in the park to the church. Even so we had over 70 people present, more than the chairs available. The program included activities by a clown, music, drama and an evangelistic message.

Melo FWB Church and parsonage.

Melo team.

Altar call with team in the background.

On our last night there we had a 12-year old girl to get saved as well as the pastor's 13-year old son. Many people heard the gospel and were invited to go to church. Not only do we hope to have made a difference in Melo, but the hearts of our team members from Campinas were changed. There is a greater awareness of the need to be involved in missions worldwide. Our Campinas churches have increased there giving to missions this year and we are hoping for a much greater involvement next year.

Passing out literature from door to door.

Passing out literature in the market.

Taking children to church.

"Door knocking."

Saturday evangelistic event.

Kenneth preaching.

Evangelistic drama.

2011-10-12T14:37:00.001-03:00

Today is an historic one! Single Brazilian missionary, Kely Barduzzi, along with her 8 year old daughter, are leaving this evening from the airport in São Paulo to go to South África where she will serve. Kely is serving under Frontiers Mission (Brazil branch) and will go first through language learning before she ministering to peoples there where they are planting churches.

Kely is a member of the Nova América FWB Church in Campinas and is being entirely supported by Brazilian FWBs (although she is leaving without full support). After several years of training she is finally getting to the mission field. Praise the Lord that the Brazilian church is catching on to the vision of world evangelism.

Marincek FWB Church Dedicates New Building

2011-07-11T13:39:00.008-03:00

Rejane and I went to Ribeirão Preto for the first Sunday service in the new building at the Marincek FWB Church where Bobby and Geneva Poole serve. The church building dedication was Saturday evening, but we weren't able to go for that because of Marcelo's ordination the same evening.

The service was beautiful with an unusual decoration: many crosses! This was because the church presented a drama about carrying your cross. The drama was the message and at the end several raised their hands for prayer and 2 men came forward for salvation. One of them had been Geneva's English student 10 years ago. Bobby led both men to pray the sinner's prayer in front of the congregation. It certainly made all the hard work that the church had put in to the preparation of the play led by Geneva Poole.

We were told that they had about 220 on hand for the dedication service on Saturday evening, when John Poole preached. The attendance Sunday was about 100 with local visitors as well as visitors from our churches in Jaboticabal and Araras.

Bobby and Geneva Poole on the front row. They are to be commended on their hard work at the Marincek Church.

Rubens, Bobby's right hand man at the church.

The church members presented a drama about carrying our cross and at the end they joined in prayer while Bobby gave the invitation.

Bobby stands with the two men who came forward indicating they were turning their hearts over to the Lord.

Marcelo Ordained to the Ministry at Campinas First Church

2011-07-10T10:15:00.006-03:00

Marcelo Baço (sitting beside his wife, Fabiane) was ordained to pastoral ministry Saturday evening, July 9, in a special service held at the First FWB Church in Campinas.

Marcelo graduated from the Campinas Bible Institute last year and is currently pastor Lucas' assistant at the First Church.

We had pastors and representatives from six FWB churches in the region to attend.

Pastor Lucas (1st Church Campinas) preached.

I brought the charge to the ministry.

Pastor Osmir presented the Bible.

Pastor Elizeu prayed the prayer of dedication.

Eight of our pastors participated in the laying on of hands.

Campinas First Church holds 3-day Camp

2011-06-30T15:41:00.000-03:00

Pastor Lucas

The First FWB Church in Campinas held a 3-day camp over the long Corpus Christi weekend, from June 21-23. The theme of the camp was "Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed", taken from Rom. 12:1-2.

Thursday and Friday we had a total of about 60 people present and nearly 100 on Saturday.

Youth activity.

Small discussion of day's lesson.

The children, ages 6-12, had their activities separately with a total of 15.

Cooks worked hard and did a wonderful job.

Practice for service.

Bible study and service.

Leadership Retreat

2011-04-24T12:04:00.007-03:00

This year's Leadership Retreat was held April 21-23 at the camp grounds in Jaboticabal.

As you can see, it is a lovely place with many memories for Rejane and me.

We were able to soak and and to contribute.

Bobby and Geneva were honored for their 50 years of faithful service in Brazil.

They received a gift, displayed by Geneva.

We had 69 adults from 10 FWB churches to participate this year - our largest group since the retreats were restarted 4 years ago.

Pastor Robson Gomes, from Belo Horizonte, was our speaker.

He challenged us to take the gospel outside the four walls of the church and into the community.

He also challenged our churches to be relevant to the needs and hurts around us.

Ana Paula was the retreat treasurer: going over the finances.

Small group discussion are always a blessing.

Pastors John, Lucas, Jeancarlo and Natan.

Pastors Lucas, Paulo César and Robson

Dinning hall line is also a time for fellowship.

Leadership Class at Ouro Verde Attracts Twenty-Three

2011-04-10T07:35:00.001-03:00

Friday evening I started a spiritual leadership class at the Ouro Verde FWB Church

here in Campinas. We had 23 participants show up for the first class.

The 2 and 1/2 hour class will be held every other Friday evening for 6 sessions

and will focus more on spiritual qualifications and how God develops and uses leaders.

Bill Cardoso is the pastor.

Eight Baptized at First Church of Campinas

2011-03-28T07:27:00.000-03:00

Last night we had a wonderful service at the First Church in Campinas. House was full for a celebration of physical and spiritual births. Pastor Lucas conducted a baby dedication ceremony for Levi, born a little premature a few weeks ago. This was the first time he came to church with his parents.

After the message (preached by pastor Osmir), eight people were baptized celebrating their spiritual birth: a couple, 5 teens, and a boy. Many visitors were on hand for the occasion.

Pastors Lucas and Osmir took turns baptizing. The service had a wonderful tone of celebration. Of course, after the service there was a reception with finger-foods for a time of fellowship.

Two Hundred at Youth Camp

2011-03-09T18:44:00.000-03:00

Youth camp of the association of Free Will Baptist Churches for the Campinas region took place March 5-8 during the Carnaval holidays in Brazil (equivalent to Mardis Gras in the US). It had been raining for about 10 days before the camp and the roads and campgrounds became a muddy mess.

About 170 youth and 30 workers from 6 FWB churches in the region attended the 4 day camp.

The camp theme this year was "Christian youth: we have the mind of Christ".

Meal time!

The hall used for the meetings was a little crowded, but services were a blessing.

We even had an Arara as a pet at camp!

The youth pastor of the First FWB Church in Ribeirão Preto,

Lucas Vieira, was the camp speaker.

We had 8 or 10 campers to make salvation decisions. They are being followed up in the churches they attend where they are being discipled.

The teens were divided up into groups for discussions on the camp theme.

Bible Institue Classes Started in Campinas

2011-02-26T18:40:00.005-03:00

We are already 4 weeks into our classes at the Bible Institute in Campinas. We are teaching 4 modules (Pentateuch, Gospels, Church History, and World Religions) with about 7 students in each. We have a total of 16 students taking classes this quarter. Please pray for our students and teachers.

Classes Start at the Bible Institute

2011-02-01T14:03:00.004-02:00

Monday, January 31st was our first day of classes for the 2011 school year.

We had a total of 31 people from 4 FWB churches show up on the first day of the class for the course "Devotional Life". This course is a four-day intensive seminar. Not all will be studying during the semester.

Most of those present are already involved in working in some aspect of the local church. We hope that the training they are receiving will make them better equiped to serve the Lord and others.

Pray that our students will be encouraged to continue their studies, that they will have the physical and mental stamina to study at night after a long day at work.

Brazilian Missionary Family Commissioned

2011-01-16T09:21:00.003-02:00

Rogério and Anice dos Santos, along with their children Lucas and Isabela, were commissioned to missionary service in their home church in Jaboticabal on Sunday, January 9th. The family left two days later on a 1,000 mile trip to Uruguay where they will be helping pastor Rubens in the Barrio Recreo FWB Church in Rivera. Rogério and Anice will the working in evangelism and discipleship.

The historical and emotional service was very well attended. Many from the church showed their love to this family for their work over the last few years. Several visitors were on hand, especially unsaved family members.

Several pastors were on hand representing other FWB churches and they participated in the commissioning: pastor Alexsandro (Uberlândia 1st Church), pastor John (Ribeirão Preto 1st Church), missionary Alex (from the Ribeirão Preto 1st Church, serving in Uruguay), missionary Bobby Poole (Marincek Church in Ribeirão Preto), and I represented International Missions and the churches in the Campinas area.

Jeancarlo pastors the Jaboticabal FWB Church and has himself served a short term, along with his family, as a missionary in Ireland.

Bobby Poole brought the message and challenge of missions. Bobby and Geneva just completed 50 years of service as missionaries in Brazil.

John, Bobby and Geneva's son, pastor of the First FWB Church in Ribeirão Preto, along with pastor Alex, spoke about the work in Uruguay. Alex is being fully supported by the First Church in Rib. Preto as a full-time missionary in Rivera, Uruguay. He is assisting the Central FWB Church in that city. Uruguay is the least evangelized country in the Americas.

Nova América FWB Church Organizes

2011-01-16T09:04:00.003-02:00

The Nova América FWB Church in Campinas officially organized on Sunday, January 9th. Paulo César, pictured above, is the pastor. For 7 years this group has been a mission church sponsored by the S. José FWB Church. The organization means that they have incorporated, being registered with the government, and are now an autonomous FWB church. Fifty-five people were accepted as charter members.

The church has located land in the neighborhood which they hope to close on in the next few days. This will allow them to initiate construction of their church building. They have been saving up for this for several years, along with the contribution of a few churches in Indiana that gave toward the purchase of this property.

Another exciting development is that one of their members, Kely, has finished her missionary training and wants to work with the Kurdish people in Turkey or Iraq. Our FWB churches in Brazil are now facing the challenge to raise the necessary support to send her.

Please pray for this new church as they imediately face two huge challenges: build a church building and raise the necessary support to send out a missionary.

The Greatest Christmas Gift

2010-12-28T14:08:00.004-02:00

She's 36 and been an alcoholic and drug user for 20 years. Carol (not her real name) reached rock bottom almost a month ago. After her boyfriend (who she really liked) left her for another woman, she went on a drinking and drug use binge. She dissapeared from home where she lived with her parents and two year-old son and drifted the streets and crack houses for days until she was finally badly beaten in a fight among drug users.

A couple of months ago Carol had been invited to the Free Will Baptist Church by a fellow drug user who attends church occasionally (a new twist to friendship evangelism). She came a few times, but didn't stay. When her binge ended badly, she knew she needed help. Who could she turn to? She remembered the church and asked her father to call the pastor. A little over three weeks ago the pastor met with her and her father. Is spite of many previosly unsuccessful attemps at rehabilitation, this time she was serious about her need for change.

A plan was set up to help her spiritually, psychologically, and medically. Her father claims to be an atheist, her mother is Catholic, and her sister spiritist (or spiritualist). She has been faithfully attending church, along with her father, and has remained sober and off drugs for 23 days now. On Sunday before Christmas the church put on their Christmas program with music and drama. Not only were Carol and her father there, but her mother came as well and had a wide smile on her face the whole time. At the end of the service the pastor extended an nvitation and Carol made a decision to turn her life over to the Lord. She has enrolled in a discipleship class and started reading a new Bible.

I met with her yesterday. It has been difficult for her to break away from her addictions, but she is managing with her new-found strength. "I need new friends. All the friends I had were users", she told me. "I dont'want my son to grow up seeing me this way!" "Will God really forgive all the bad things I've done?" What a wonderful experience it was to share the good news that God really does forgive us for eerything we've done. That's the reason it is called a new birth and a new life in Christ.

Pray for Carol. She is on the right path, but has a long way to go. Pray that her concerned family will see the power of the Lord to change a life and that they will also trust in Him. Pray that we will have wisdom in counseling. Pray that we will reach others who also need the Lord.

First Church Presents Christmas Program

2010-12-20T12:09:00.004-02:00

The First FWB Church presented their Christmas program Sunday night. Thirty minutes before service was scheduled we had hard rain which delayed the beginning of services. Many visitors were present.

The Christmas story was presented through music and drama. This is the ladies choir.

Youth choir.

Shephards and "angels" make their entrance.

The little ones did a good job.

The children presenting their song.

Joseph and Mary were puppets.

Manger scene with the wise men and one of the shepherds.

Full manger scene.

All actors and singers beside the manger scene.

Three Area Churches Celebrate Anniversaries

2010-12-07T08:45:00.004-02:00

Within the last 2 weeks, 3 area churches celebrated anniversaries and held special services. On November 27 the Second FWB Church in Araras celebrated their 14th anniversary. The church (above) recently repainted the building inside and out. Caio is the pastor.

Besides the praise team from the church (above) other special music was presented, including one by music students from the music school sponsored by the church.

Pastor Caio (center) and wife Raquel receiving a gift from the moderator of the local FWB association.

The church was full with church members, first-time visitors, and representatives form four other FWB churches.

The S. José FWB Church in Campinas celebrated their 11th anniversary on December 4th and 5th with special services. Nilvio is the pastor (pictured above). Seven years ago this church began a Mission Church in the Nova América neighborhood (also in Campinas). They just celebrated their seventh anniversay on November 27th.

Uruguay and Some of its Curiosities

2010-11-13T10:10:00.006-02:00

On my way to Uruguay, I was in the bus station in Porto Alegre, the most southern state in Brazil. There I saw this curious site: a vaxi (a merge of a taxi and a "vaca" - "cow" in Portuguese). It has license plates, radio, rearview mirrors and even a driver ID.

There wasn't always a lot of room in the car we rented while we were on the border. This picture was taken on our way to the leadership conference. There were 5 of us plus baggage. It was a squeeze.

One of the things that will certainly grab your attention in Uruguay is the habit of drinking mate tea. People take their goard, sipper and hot water thermos wherever they go. Here I was able to get pictures of people sipping it in the street and sitting on a paint can in the workplace. It is not uncommon to see people driving with one hand, holding the stearing wheel with the other hand, and wedging the thermos under their arm. That's worse than driving while talking on your cell phone.

The countryside is beautiful. Most of the population of the country lives in Montevideo. There are huge expanses of land with a very low density of inhabitants in the countryside.

This store has a very unusual name. I'll leave it up to you to figure out what it means.

Uruguay is full of very modern cars and trucks, but they also have an interesting collection of old vehicles. The old vehicles that still circulate reminded me of Cuba, the only other country I have seen with a greater number of old vehicles.

Of course, some run better than others! This old truck lost all the water from the radiator.

Montevideo

2010-11-13T09:43:00.005-02:00

Montevideo, capital city of Uruguay, is located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. The river at this point is so wide that it seems like the ocean, with waves, beaches and all.

Some of the neighborhoods of Montevideo.

They even have a Brazilian coffee shop! Scenes of downtown Montevideo.

The church sign is of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, a Brazilian cult that passes as an evangelical church and can now be found worldwide.

The old city gate.

This steak sandwich is called a chivito. It is a challenge to eat it all. It cost about US$7. In the port area there is a huge building where they have restaurants that serve Uruguay style barbecue (we call it churrasco in Brazil). It was one of the best meals I had in Uruguay. You order your piece of meat directly from the grill. They allowed me to enter the grill area and take a picture of the pork head off of which they cut a slice for my meal (from the neck area). It was delicious.

Montevideo's Architecture

2010-11-13T09:25:00.005-02:00

On my recent trip to Uruguay, I couldn't help but notice the beauty of the city of Montevideo. It is a modern city, but still maintains its cultural heritage. In many ways the city reminded me of the European cities. The old downtown section of Montevideo is the part that most resembles Europe.

I took a number of pictures of buildings that caught my attention because of the beautiful, and sometimes unusual, architecture. Enjoy the photos.

Trip to Uruguay

2010-11-03T18:11:00.007-02:00

I had the opportunity to travel to Uruguay (on the border with Brazil) to visit our churches there, participate in the ordination of a Uruguayan pastor and in a leadership retreat with our Uruguayan brothers and sisters.

First FWB Church of Rivera (on the border with Brazil).

Barrio Recreo FWB Church in Rivera. Brazilian missionaries, Rogério and Anice, will be moving to Uruguay in January and will be helping this church reach out to its neighborhood.

Central FWB Church in Rivera. Brazilian missionary Alex is already working with the youth and children of this church, as well as training leaders.

Ordination of Carlos to the ministry. He is the pastor of the Central Church in Rivera. Alex pictured immediately behind him.

The Central Church was packed for the ordination.

From left to right, pastor Jeancarlo of the FWB Church in Jaboticabal, Brazil; Alex, Brazilian missionary working in Rivera; me; Rogério, Brazilian missionary who will be moving down in January, John, pastor of the First FWB Church in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. This was the Brazilian delegation that participated in the special activities in Rivera.

The campgrounds a few miles out of Rivera where the leadership retreat was held.

The chapel at the camp.

Pastors, deacons and other participants at the retreat.

Gerardo, one of the speakers, pastor of the church in Montevideo.

Robert, licensed preacher, deacon and musician, from the FWB Church in Montevideo.

Time of prayer and consecration.

Youth leading the music.

Leaders that came from Montevideo (left to right): Robert, Gerardo, Javier, and Jamie Lancaster.

Campinas Bible College Graduates Four

2010-10-24T14:48:00.006-02:00

The FWB Bible College in Campinas graduated four students with a B.A. degree in Bible and theology last night. The graduates were (in order of appearance in the photos): Francisco Lima, Ivanylde França (known as Vaninha), Martha Jalkauskas, and Marcelo Baço. Marcelo has answered the call to preach, has been licensed, and is being examined for ordination.

The graduation was held at the First FWB Church in Campinas, where all four graduates are members, with the presence of representatives from all eight churches in the regional association.

The standing-room-only service counted on musical presentations from various churches, excellent preaching by pastor Bill Cardoso (Ouro Verde Mission Church), a short history of the Bible College, by associational moderator, José Assunção, a speach by Kenneth Eagleton (faculty), and delivery of the diplomas by pastor Lucas Lima (director of the school and pastor of the First Church).

The service lasted nearly three hours, with a reception following. I heard someone say during the reception that time went by quickly as they enjoyed the service.

Twenty-three Baptized in Campinas

2010-10-17T15:13:00.001-02:00

Twenty-three people were baptized in a special baptismal service on Saturday night at the S. José FWB Church in Campinas. Praise the Lord!

Seventeen candidates were from the S. José FWB Church and six from the Ouro Verde Mission Church (pictured with pastors). All had completed a new member discipleship class.

Pastor Nilvio (S. José Church) baptizing. Earlier this year ten others had been baptized from this church.

One of the young men who was baptized, Danilo, was saved in the service in which our E-TEAM ministered when they were here in June.

Pastor Bill baptized six from the Ouro Verde Mission Church. Earlier this year they had baptized four other people.

Aparecido is the husband of a Christian lady, Vera, who has been praying for the salvation of her husband for many years. It took a bout with cancer to bring him to saving faith.

Pleas pray for the churches as they absorb the new members and put them to work.

Uberlândia 1st Church Celebrates 33rd Anniversary

2010-09-20T18:11:00.003-03:00

The First FWB Church of Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, celebrated their 33rd anniversay yesterday. Tommy and Nancy Hughes were founders of this church. A special celebration service was held last night and I was invited to preach. Over 150 people were on hand for the occasion.

Pastor Martin recently resigned as pastor of this church. Please pray for them as they decide on who they will call to lead the church.

Couple's Dinner at Ouro Verde Church

2010-09-13T23:35:00.004-03:00

The Ouro Verde FWB Church held a special event for couples this past Saturday evening. A beffet dinner was served and I was invited to speak on the subject of resolving conflict in a marriage. Several unsaved couples who were invited by church members participated. We had a total of about 60 people. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and growing in marriage relationships. Bill is the pastor of this mission church.

Prayer for the couples.

Pastors Meet in Campinas

2010-09-04T17:11:00.005-03:00

Free Will Baptist pastors from the state of São Paulo met for a time of fellowship and business in Campinas on Saturday. Fourteen pastors and a Brazilian missionary appointee to Uruguay came together to share and pray for one another.

Reports were given from the Brazilian delegates that attended the National Convention and the International Fellowship meeting in the USA in July. Plans were made to begin preparations to host the next International Fellowship.

The group decided to set the dates for the annual Leadership Retreat for the week prior to Easter of next year.

Plans were also laid for an associational service next month, for the examination of four candidates for pastoral ordination, and graduation of our first four students with a bachelor's degree from the Bible Institute in Campinas.

It was a blessed time together.

VBS Programs in Campinas

2010-08-10T16:56:00.000-03:00

During the month of July, two of our FWB churches had VBS programs. The First FWB Church held one the fourth week in July with a total of approximately 90 children participating. This is more than the church has had in the last few years. Lucas Lima is the pastor.

The S. José FWB Church held its VBS program the third week in July with a total of 520 children participating! I don't know how they did it. When the children presented their program on Sunday night, the parents of one of the children came forward for salvation following the sermon. They have faithfully been coming each Sunday since then. Nilvio da Silva is the pastor.

Ruben gets married to Hannah Joslin

2010-08-09T22:00:00.006-03:00

Our son Ruben got married to Hannah Joslin over the weekend.

Eagleton and Joslin families

On the day before the wedding we had a rehearsal dinner with the presence of several friends of the bride and groom. Fifteen former ICA (International Christian Academy - Côte d'Ivoire) students were present. The food was mostly African (and one Brazilian dish).

Our 4 sons. Ruben and Hannah

The wedding was held in a rural area of Wisconsin on land owned by Hannah's parents, Ken and Audry Joslin, Wycliff missionaries. Ruben and Hannah both grew up in Africa. The ceremony was outdoors on the bank of a small river that cuts through the property. The location was very scenic. The day was very hot and humid.

Ruben & Hannah with a painting that Rejane gave them. Ken reading a poem at the ceremony.

I was already in the US for the National Association and International Fellowship of FWB meetings that took place in Oklahoma City in July. Rejane flew in from Brazil at the beginning of the month. This was the first time since Christmas of 2005 that we were with all four of our sons at once. We are so thankful for the opportunity, even though it didn't last long enough. I am now back in Brazil. Rejane was not able to return with me. She had to put off her return to take care of some immigration papers that keep nagging us.

The ceremony on the banks of a river.

Ruben and Hannah are living in Minneapolis.

The reception cake and the newlyweds' getaway car.

Brazilians at National Association and International Fellowship

2010-07-28T13:31:00.010-03:00

Travelling in the USA on a Brazilian made aircraft. In front of the Convention Center in OKC.

On July 17th a delegation of five Brazilians representing FWB in Brasil arrived in Oklahoma City. I accompanied them and translated for this historical occasion. They came to the USA to participate in the 75th anniversary of the Department of International Missions, celebrated during the National Convention, and to participate in the International Fellowship of FWB Churches.

In front of the National Offices in Antioch, TN.

Over 6,200 people registered for the National Convention in Oklahoma City, including FWB from around the world. The meetings and services were moving, filled with celebration of what the Lord has done and challenging us to continue to be even more involved in world evangelism.

National Association Convention service. International Fellowship meeting.

In the International Fellowship meeting held on the campus of Hillsdale College, immediately following the National Convention, an important step was taken for the furtherance of the gospel to the ends of the world. The Fellowship voted to set up a permanent Missions Committee which will work to promote and coordinate missionary initiatives among FWBs in countries which have traditionally been considered mission fields. I believe this will prove to be an important step in the expansion of the Kingdom. Brazilian pastor, Jeancarlo Ache, was elected chairman of this committee. I was invited to be a consultant/translator to the committee.

Official delegates and observers from the different countries. Executive Committee members.

After the meetings were over we travelled to Nashville, TN, to visit the denominational agencies: Randall House Publications, National Offices, and Free Will Baptist Bible College. All were impressed with the structure of the denomination in the USA and all that is being accomplished. Praise the Lord for what he is accomplishing through the NAFWB in the USA! Hopefully this will be an inspiration for what can be accomplished in Brazil.

Feetwashing at the end of the meeting. Service of the International Fellowship.

Today the Brazilian delegation flies back to Brazil. I will stay in the USA for a few more days to officiate our son Ruben's wedding. He is getting married in Wisconsin in early August. Following the wedding I will return to Brazil.

Márcia Gets Saved at the Nova América Church

2009-11-08T20:39:00.000-02:00

Sunday night I was invited to preach at the Nova América

Church in Campinas. We had a first time visitor, Márcia. She is a sister to one of the ladies of the church. Her marriage is falling apart. She recently separated from her husband because he has become an alcoholic and drug addict and made life for Márcia and her two children unbearable.

Out of desperation Márcia came to church and during the invitation she quickly came forward to accept Jesus Christ. Pray for her and her family. She will need a lot of help from the church. Pray for pastor Paulo César and his wife, Ana Paula, as they disciple Márcia.

The praise team at the Nova América FWB Church and pastor Paulo César.

Association Service in Araras

2009-11-07T20:47:00.000-02:00

Saturday evening we held a service of the Campinas regional association held at the Second FWB Church in Araras. All 8 regional FWB churches participated. I counted between 190 - 200 people in attendance. We had special singing by the Nova América church, First Church of Araras, First Church of Campinas, and the Second Church of Araras. The later was celebrating its 12 anniversary.

Pastor Neto, from the Bereana Church in Araras, brought the evening message. Special recognition was given to the Second Church for their anniversary and after the services they gave a reception. Bible College student, Caio, is in charge of the church there.

Bus ride to Araras; Caio & Raquel.

Regional Youth Rally

2009-10-24T22:26:00.000-02:00

The youth department of the Regional Association held a youth rally for the youth of the churches in Campinas and Araras. It was held at the S. José FWB Church in Campinas.

Five different churches were represented and the youth from each church had an opportunity to present special music. There were approximately 130 people present.

The theme of the rally was missions and at the end of the service pastor Nilvio gave an invitation to Christian service and about 20 youth responded. The service lasted about 2 1/2 hours, but was very enjoyable. Everyone left uplifted.

Children's Day

2009-10-12T14:12:00.003-03:00

If you have Mother's Day and Father's Day, why can't you have Children's Day? Well, in Brazil they do: October 12th.

Besides Children's Day, this is also the day Brazil's patron saint is honored, and therefore, it is a holiday. Of course, we don't celebrate the patron saint, but we do celebrate Children's Day with a special outreach event for the children.

This year the event was held in the N.S. Lourdes neighborhood, where our newest mission church is located. A hall was rented for the occasion. Besides a gospel message, the children participated in games and songs and were entertained with clowns, skits, inflatable toys, and snacks.

Ten Saved in Sunday Evening Service

2009-10-04T19:15:00.001-03:00

Pastor Bill and Cláudia (Ouro Verde) - - - - - - Caio and Raquel (2nd Church, Araras)

After a wonderful Saturday night service, where 19 people were baptized in Campinas, the Lord blessed our Sunday night service as well. First of all, we had 12 first-time visitors. A couple who had just been baptized the night before brought relatives to church. Pastor Nilvio preached a powerful evangelistic message, and when he gave the invitation, a lady came forward. She had been invited by a beautician from the church that just got saved last year. This was her second visit to the church.

Fellowship - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marcelo and Fabiane (1st Church, Campinas)

As pastor Nilvio prepared to end the invitation, another person came forward, then another, and another. In the end, ten people came forward for salvation. Many people from the congregation came forward to pray with them. Many were shedding tears of joy. Praise the Lord for the harvest of souls. Pray with us that they will be discipled in the faith.

Zezinho & Leslie (1st Church, Araras) - - - - - - Raul and Silvana (Maringá)

Sunday at noon we had a lunch at the First Church as a gathering of the leadership of our churches in this area. It was a wonderful time of fellowship.

Campinas Churches Baptize Nineteen

2009-10-03T18:58:00.005-03:00

Pastors Paulo César (Nova América) and Nilvio (S. José) Congregation

Saturday night a special joint baptism service was held by the churches in Campinas at the S. José Church. A total of 19 people were baptized and 3 more were received as members transfered from other churches.

Raul (former Adventist pastor) and wife Silvana being baptized.

Those baptized were from the following churches:
Nova América Mission Church: 6 baptized plus 3 new members transfered from other churches; pastor Paulo César.
Ouro Verde Mission Church: 7 baptized; pastor Bill.
S. José FWB Church: 4 baptized; Kenneth baptized the candidates; Nilvio is pastor of the church.
First Church: 2 baptized; pastor Lucas.

Pastors Lucas (First Church) and Bill (Ouro Verde) baptizing.

The couple pastor Lucas baptized were formally Seventh Day Adventist. Raul was an ordained Adventist pastor. He became convicted of the error of the Adventist church and could no longer preach their doctrine. After leaving the Adventist Church he got saved. After a long spiritual journey, searching for a church that taught what they had come to believe the Bible teaches, Raul and his wife, Silvana, found Free Will Baptists. They were baptized, this time as believers, and became members of the First Free Will Baptist Church.

Kenneth baptizing Edson and Marli (husband and wife)

Group of those baptized

Jaboticabal Church Holds Missions Conference

2009-09-21T18:56:00.002-03:00

The Jaboticabal FWB Church held its ninth annual missions conference, 17-20 September, in an auditorium owned by the city with capacity for 700 people. Three of our pastors from Uruguay were the speakers for the conference: Rubem Figueroa (Rivera), Julio Figueroa (Melo), and Gerardo Azevedo (Montevideo). In the Friday night service, three young men came forward and answered the call to missions (one of them is already in Bible College).

Jeancarlo Achê, pastor of the Jaboticabal FWB Church, is himself a former missionary to Ireland. The church is also preparing to send Rogério and Anice and their two children to Uruguay as missionaries.

Besides the preaching services and a seminar on Uruguay on Sunday morning, the church also presented a children's musical with the theme "Friends of God" with a cast of nearly 70 people from the church - 56 of them children. They did 3 presentations: 2 of the presentations were done to a total of about 900 students from local schools on Friday. For the Saturday night presentation there were more than 600 people present. Kenneth Eagleton and pastor Lucas Lima (FIrst Church, Campinas) were on hand to attend most of the conference.

Araras First Church Celebrates Anniversary

2009-09-13T18:51:00.002-03:00

The Araras First FWB Church celebrated its 44 year of organization. The church was started by Bobby and Sue Aycock. I was invited to preach at the special anniversary celebration service on Sunday, September 13. One of the highlights of the service was choir presentation. They did a fantastic job. Elizeu is pastor of the church. Josete, his wife, has been teaching extension classes of the Bible Institute there.

Caio Assumes at Second Church, Araras

2009-08-23T18:33:00.004-03:00

We are breaking new ground! This past Sunday, Caio assumed ministry responsibilities at the Second FWB Church in Araras. This church has been without a pastor for at least a couple of years. Attendance has been down and the church came close to being taken over by another group. The organization of a regional association helped keep this church in our fellowship. The association president (moderator) organized a rotation of preachers to supply the pulpit, but a more stable solution was necessary.

Caio Luizetto is a member of the First FWB Church in Araras, a licensed preacher, and a student at our Bible Institute in Campinas. He is one of our students with a call to the ministry. Caio and his wife have accepted to assume the ministry responsibilities of this church as a student pastor, or intern. The Campinas Bible Institute has set up a pastoral internship that will be supervising our ministry students. Caio is the first student to enter this one year internship. Please pray for him and his wife, Raquel and their daughter.

Sunday evening we had special services to install Caio as the intern. I did the presentation, Pastor Lucas (1st Church, Campinas) preached, and pastor Elizeu (1st Church, Araras) was present.

At least 8 people saved

2009-08-10T16:38:00.002-03:00

In the last 6 weeks at least 8 people have been saved. On the first Sunday in July César, Tatiane's husband, from the Nova América Mission Church, got saved. She was saved five years ago and has been praying for her husband's salvation. César finally gave his heart to the Lord during the Sunday service. Pastor Paulo informed us that the church was overjoyed with his decision.

The second Sunday evening of July at the S. José FWB Church we had four young men from the neighborhood who visited the S. José FWB Church. Pastor Nilvio preached a good sermon and gave an invitation at the end. Many of the church people came forward for rededication and these four young men came for salvation.

On the forth Sunday we had 1 more young man and a lady come forward for salvation. On the second Sunday in August another man, first-time visitor to the church, came forward for salvation. Praise the Lord for working in the lives of these and other people.

New Pastor Assumes S. José FWB Church

2009-08-08T17:05:00.001-03:00

Pastor Nilvio assumed as the new pastor of the S. José FWB Church in Campinas. He comes from an Arminian Baptist background. The church voted to call him at the end of June and he took office in a special installment service on August 8th with all of our FWB Churches represented. Pastor Nilvio is married to Karen and they have 2 children: Rebeca (12 years old) and Israel (5).

The church board and the pastors present participated as Kenneth lead a prayer of dedication. Kenneth also preached the evening's message.

Several groups presented special music: the choirs from the Ouro Verde Mission Church, the First Church in Araras and the S. José Church, and members from Karen's family (brother, sisters, and brother-in-law).

The service was a blessing! Please pray for Pastor Nilvio!

VBS in Campinas

2009-07-26T16:52:00.003-03:00

The First Church held its VBS July 22-24. They had about 70 children to attend.

The S. José Church held its VBS July 23-25. They had about 200 children attend. Many children made professions of faith. Only time will tell how much they understood. The parents were invited to the Sunday evening service when the children participated in a little program. Many parents attended. One mother gave her heart to the Lord.

E-TEAM ministers in Brazil

2009-06-30T16:02:00.000-03:00

E-TEAM arrived in Campinas June 16th for 2 weeks of ministry. Derek Altom, youth pastor in OK, and his wife Jennifer brought 8 teens from different states. They had nearly a week of training before they came during which time they prepared several songs, a mime, and worked on their testimonies.

The presentation was made in seven churches and preaching points and ten different times in five different schools. It was an opportunity to give a clear gospel presentation to hundreds of school children that might never enter an evangelical church.

Besides these presentations the group had an opportunity to have conversations with students in English language classes on three separate occasions in 2 different schools. One of the schools put on a cultural presentation for the visitors from America.

E-teamers also hung out with the youth from our churches in Campinas. Both Saturdays that the team was here youth rallies were held with the youth from area FWB churches. They had an opportunity to visit the FWB Children's Home in Araras as well as participate in several fun outings. They returned to the US tired but excited with the new experiences.

Thanks E-TEAM Brazil 2009!

First Youth Rally for the Association

2009-06-07T07:58:00.002-03:00

The Campinas Regional FWB Association held its first Youth Rally with young people (and some adults) from all of our eight churches in the greater Campinas area on Saturday, May 30th. It was held at the First FWB Church in Campinas with a full house. The Campinas Regional Association was organized last year. This year a youth department was setup with representatives from all of our churches in the area.

This department has been enthusiastically working to bring the youth together. This was their first rally. Later on this month there are two other activities that are planned involving the youth of the churches and E-TEAM. One of them is a day-camp on the 20th. Next February we will have a regional youth camp during Carnaval (Mardi-Gras). Up until this year each church has individually organized their own camp. Praise the Lord for our churches coming together!

Marcos Gets Saved on First Visit

2009-06-04T08:27:00.001-03:00

Last Sunday evening the S. José FWB Church had Praise Night, with special music from the congregation and a drama piece presented by the youth (no preaching). At the end, an invitation was given and Marcos came forward to accept Christ as his personal savior. It was the first time that Marcos had come to our church. Marcelo, one of our Bible Institute students, had invited him several times before and had almost given up. Sunday evening the Lord led Marcelo to extend one more invitation to Marcos who accepted and got saved.

Pray that Marcos will follow through in his decision to follow Christ and take his discipleship seriously. Pray for Marcelo, that he will be patient as he disciples his friend.

Uberlândia Mission Church Celebrates First Anniversary, SIx Saved

2009-06-01T10:24:00.008-03:00

The mission church in Jardim Botânico in the city of Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, celebrated their first anniversary this past weekend. I was invited to preach at the special anniversary service.

Group of seven baptized.

César getting ready for baptism.

Juninho and his wife Simone lived in a part of town known as Jardim Botânico. Simone started having children (neighbor friends of her 2 sons) over to the house for a Bible club once a week. Then the parents started getting interested in Bible studies, so they held those on a different day of the week. These studies outgrew their home, so 14 months ago the First FWB Church in Uberlândia rented a store front to start a mission church. At the time Juninho had just recent been ordained as a preacher.

César's wife, Joana

A little over a year has gone by (they were a little late with their celebration) and the mission church is showing fruit. Last Saturday night they had their first baptism with seven people following the Lord in baptism. Four were from the same family: César and his wife Joana, along with daughter Michely and son Júlio César. Another family was also supposed to be baptized, but there was a death in the family and they put of the baptism.

At the end of the baptism service, sensing the leading of the Holy Spirit, pastor Juninho issued an invitation and a lady and her daughter were saved, neighbors of the family mentioned above. They had only visited the church one other time. The lady said that the transformation in César's life was one of the reasons she came to church.

Music students play their guitars during worship.

On Sunday morning I had the opportunity to speak to the mission church during the SS hour about the history of FWB and the expansion of the work worldwide. For the Sunday evening service we had 56 people present in a small store front that had only 40 chairs. There were several first time visitors. I had the privilege of bringing the message and during the invitation 4 people came forward and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Two of them were César's sisters.

Pastor Juninho has been passionate about the new work. He recently took a huge step of faith and quit his job at a local pharmacy to give all of his time to the ministry. With his job he was not able to keep up with the opportunities for discipleship of new believers and followup of contacts. His wife Simone is a teacher. Pray the Lord will meet their needs as they work with this new church plant.

Pastor Juninho prays with those who came forward for salvation.

Couples' Event at Ouro Verde Mission Church

2009-05-18T11:26:00.004-03:00

Saturday evening the Ouro Verde Mission Church held its first couples' event. It turned out to be a big success. There were 15 couples present. Two couples came to church for the first time. Vera's husband, whom she has been praying for for a long time, came for the first time. Several group games and activities were planned and then Kenneth spoke on communication between husband and wife. Refreshments and finger foods were served afterwards. All those present seemed to really enjoy it.

Pastor Bill has been working with this Mission Church from the very beginning and they are experiencing steady growth. Last month they baptized 8 people. They are currently in the process of expanding the rented building they are using that will add 40 more seating places.

Couple's Dinner at First Church Celebrates Mother's Day

2009-05-10T14:34:00.006-03:00

The couple's ministry at First FWB Church in Campinas organized a dinner Saturday night as one of their regular activities. The theme this time was a Mother's Day celebration. About 22 couples participated with 5 first-time visitors. A couple of songs were sung and Kenneth brought the devotional using Mary, the mother of Jesus, as an example of motherhood. Churrasco (Brazilian barbeque) was on the menu and there was plenty of it.

Leadership Retreat

2009-05-04T14:03:00.006-03:00

May 1st is a holiday in Brazil, so we took advantage and held a leadership retreat from Thursday evening until Saturday afternoon. We had 65 people attend (> 60% increase over the last retreat) - pastors and their wives, as well as other church leaders. Fifteen different churches were represented. The retreat was held in the mountains where the temperatures got down into the low 40s - with no heat. The natural scenary was fantastic.

Our speaker talked about servant leadership, discipleship, and leadership lessons from the life of Moses. Many commented about the timeliness of the leadership studies. We also had opportunities to hear about what the International Fellowship and churches here in Brazil are doing to get countries working together to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Pastor Lucas was elected by the group to be the country's representative to the International Fellowship meeting next year in the US.

The retreat was especially important as a time to get to know each other and to network. There were many new faces at the retreat. Praise the Lord for a refreshing time in the Lord with brothers and sisters in Christ from other FWB churches.

Eleven Baptized from Ouro Verde and Nova América Churches

2009-04-29T22:06:00.007-03:00

Sunday's service was a very festive one with. All three of the S. José FWB Church mission churches had a joint service at the mother church. The church, including the balcony, was full. There was an atmosphere of excitement and great joy for those that were going to follow the Lord in water baptism: three from the Nova América Mission Church (Paulo César, pastor) and 8 from the Ouro Verde Mission Church (Bill, pastor).

[Pastor Bill (left) and the 8 candidates from the Ouro Verde Church.]

[Pastor Paulo César (left) and the 3 candidates from the Nova América Church.]

Each candidate gave their testimony before baptism. Two of the testimony stood out the most to those present. Jaqueline recently underwent two brain surgeries that did not have a good prognosis. She credited the Lord for her complete recovery.

[Jaqueline giving her testimony before baptism.]

[Diogo giving his testimony before baptism.]

Diogo testified that growing up his parents were spiritist and used to take him to the Spiritist Center were séances were held. When older his parents got saved, but Diogo became rebellious. He would cut class from high school and go out and hang out with gangsters. He soon became one of them. He got involved in many armed robberies, shot at people in street gun fights, and dealt drugs. God saved him from that life and now he has a new life in Christ. He said he is ashamed of his past and doesn't like to talk about it, but thought his testimony would help others. His baptism was cheered by the crowd.

[Eleven candidates in their baptismal robes.]

[Congregation - full house.]

There are others in these churches that are preparing for baptism. I'm sure we will have another one before long. What a night of rejoicing!

[Pastor Bill baptizing for the first time since his ordination last year.]

Starting next week the Ouro Verde FWB Mission Church will go to a full slate of services with, including Sunday School, Sunday evening service, mid-week prayer meeting and youth meeting on Saturdays. They recently had to buy more chairs and expand the meeting hall they are renting to accommodate all who are currently attending. PTL!

Video of Diogo's baptism:

Missions Service at S. José Church

2009-04-23T13:25:00.008-03:00

This is the month FWB have set aside for a special emphasis on International Missions. This is the first year that we are doing this in Brazil as well. The S. José FWB Church had a special missions service this past Sunday, April 19th. The whole service was planned by Edilene, one of the ladies in the church. Besides special music and a special speaker, she decorated the walls with missions posters, articles from other countries, a big Brazilian flag on stage and a display table with items from Ireland, Africa, and from Brazilian indigenous peoples.

Pastor Jeancarlo preaching; Special music by choir

Pastor Jeancarlo, former missionary to Ireland, brought the missionary message. He focused on the Lord's calling to service in another culture and told the story of how the Lord called them. He also shared about the missionary call that a couple in his church has to Uruguay and how his church is preparing to send them to work with our FWB churches in there. They just got back from a fact-finding trip there and pastor Jeancarlo shared slides of it.

Display from other countries

Edilene with her borrowed African outfit

Lourdes Mission Church Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

2009-04-12T13:37:00.004-03:00

On Saturday, the day before Easter, the Lourdes FWB Mission Church in Campinas celebrated its second anniversary with an outdoor evangelistic outreach. The church organized a street concert with several evangelical churches presenting special music on the bed of a truck parked in the street, which served as the stage. Pastor Paulo César, of the Nova América Mission Church, preached an evangelistic message. Three of our FWB churches participated in the event. One of our Bible Institute students, Gildo, pictured with his wife, is currently the leader of the Lourdes Mission Church.

Three Saved in Jaboticabal

2009-04-10T06:35:00.002-03:00

This past Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at our FWB Church in Jaboticabal. During the invitation 3 adults came forward for salvation and another for redidication.

One of the young men who came forward told pastor Jeancarlo his story. He had been without a job. Desperate to find a job, he told the Lord that if He would help him find a job, he would thank him. He did find a job. The next Sunday he prepared to leave the house. His mother asked him where he was going and he said he was going to look for a church. He wandered the streets looking for a church. He went by 2 churches and didn't feel he should enter. He finally walked by our FWB church and decided to walk in. That was a month ago. He has been attending services since then and finally made his decision to follow Christ this past Sunday. Thank the Lord for a FWB church in Jaboticabal.

In the church in Jaboticabal we also met Rogério and Anice. They have answered the call to missions and are studying in preparation to go to Uruguay as missionaries of the Jaboticabal church. They will be working with our FWB work there. They just returned from a week-long trip to Uruguay and are excited about serving there.

Cristiane Gets Saved

2009-03-23T16:21:00.007-03:00

Special singing in honor of pastor Lucas and the adult SS class

We had a great day this past Sunday. During Sunday School the S. José FWB Church honored pastor Lucas, of the First Church. Pastor Lucas has been helping the S. José church over the past 8 or 9 months while they are without a pastor. Yesterday was his last day of teaching in the adult SS class. The church gave pastor Lucas a new suit, sang a couple of special songs and thanked him for his help.

Yesterday was the second day of a new discipleship class in SS for new converts, those who have never been through discipleship, and also for a few seekers. There were 15 people in that class. PTL!

pastor Lucas teaching the adults and the youth SS class

During the service yesterday evening, Cristiane, a lady with 3 adolescent children who has been coming to church for the last month or two came forward at the invitation to get saved. PTL! Her 3 children are participating in the youth activities. Pray for their salvation as well as for Cristiane’s husband.

discipleship class

Acapela Singers Bless S. José Church

2009-03-16T22:50:00.004-03:00

Last night at the S. José FWB Church we had the privelege to receive the visit of a singing group composed of 4 young men that sang acapela (without instruments) to a full house. They did a wonderful job with their God-blessed voices and beautiful harmony. Above all, they honered God with good music and godly lyrics.

These young men have a sold-out CD and have recently qualified to sing in a nationally televised talent show. In their testimony they said that they had been told that they would have to sing secular music to quality, but in the qualifiers they sang Christian songs and qualified anyway. They told the producers that Christian music is all they sing. Praise the Lord.

Baby Dedications

2009-03-16T22:45:00.003-03:00

Last night pastor Lucas and I dedicated 4 babies, all girls, in our evening service. Two of the babies were from the same couple (twins). Praise God for Christian parents that want to bring up their children in the ways of the Lord.

Quarterly Meeting

2009-03-07T15:33:00.007-03:00

The regional association of FWB churches of Campinas and Araras met this Saturday morning with delegates from all 8 churches and mission churches for a business meeting. The atmosphere was very cordial. Many are still getting to know each other.

The main item of business was the creation of a youth department that will coordinate activities among all of our FWB churches. They will plan youth rallies, sports activities and next year's joint youth camp. This should be a major boost for our FWB churches in this area. Praise God for people who are stepping up to the plate to take on responsibilities.

Jessica's Mother Gets Saved

2009-03-02T15:55:00.006-03:00

Jessica, a seventeen year old girl, was saved about a year ago and has been bubbling over with her new faith. After having gone through the discipleship course I baptized her in June of last year. One of her most pressing desires was to see her mother get saved. Many times Jessica would get frustrated with her mother (who is divorced) for coming home drunk late at night after having been out dancing. Jessica would invite her mother to come to church, but she usually wasn’t interested. Occasionally she would come to a special event.

This past Sunday Jessica’s mother came to church and got saved. Jessica’s prayer has been answered and she has a huge smile on her face.

Carnaval Youth Camps

2009-02-25T15:14:00.006-03:00

Carnaval is a 5-day festival that is better known as "Mardi-Gras" in the US. It is a time of excessive alcoholic drinking, lewd dancing and various ungodly activities. To help our youth stay away from this kind of temptation, many of our churches organize camps and spiritual retreats.

The S. José Free Will Baptist Church hosted a youth camp over an hour away from Campinas. They started Friday night and stayed until Wednesday morning. There were approximately 60 campers. There are also several adult workers and their children present bringing the total to about 80 people. The theme of this year's camp is "Friendships".

Many of the campers were unsaved and unchurched. They came invited by youth from the church. On the last day of camp many young people came forward either for rededication or salvation decisions. We are still sorting out which ones made first time decision for salvation. We are starting a discipleship Sunday School class for these new Christians.

The First FWB Church here in Campinas also held a shorter camp with about 80 people present.

Bible Institute Classes Begin

2009-02-10T15:48:00.003-02:00

Bible Institute classes have started here in Campinas. The first day of the new school year was February 9. We have a whole new group of students attending from 4 different FWB churches here in Campinas and from one of our churches in Araras. The men are now in the majority in our classes.

I am teaching a 3-hour class in “Survey of the Gospels” and another one in “Integration and Discipleship of New Converts”. I have fifteen students signed up for one of the classes and sixteen for the other one. Pastor Lucas is also teaching two classes: “Survey of the Pentateuch” and “Introduction to Psychology” with an emphasis on Christian counseling. We are so thankful to the Lord for the new students He has given us. It has really been an encouragement to us and they are benefitting from the classes.

Back in Brazil

2009-01-11T15:39:00.004-02:00

Here we are, back in Brazil once more. We turned over the keys to the house we were using in Indiana on Dec. 31st. On Jan. 1st we travelled to Nashville where we spent 3 days with family before continuing to Texas. In Texas we turned in the car that we were using while on stateside assignment and visited my only remaining aunt (94 years old) and a cousin in Dallas.

On Jan. 6th we flew from Dallas, with connections in Atlanta, arriving in Brazil the next morning. After getting through customs we took a 2 hour bus ride to Campinas where we were met by Pastor Lucas. We have spent our time unpacking the things we brought with us plus the those we had left in storage in Brazil and getting it all back into place. It has been so good to see all of our friends here in Campinas and to know that we had been truly missed while we were gone. Starting Monday I will be back into the routine of the ministry here.

We appreciate all those who have prayed for us in this transition.

Plane ride with Daniel

2009-01-01T21:39:00.001-02:00

Recently Daniel got his pilot's license. On New Year's Day Rejane and I got to go up with him in a small plane for about an hour in the skys just south of Nashville. It was sunny, windy, and cold. It was so much fun. Enjoy the pictures.

Christmas 08

2008-12-26T21:27:00.001-02:00

It was so good to get to spend Christmas with family this year on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We got together at my brother Terry's house. His family was there plus 3 of our 4 sons and Daniel's and Ruben's girlfriends (Joann and Hannah). We had fun playing games, eating, joking around, watching ballgames and so much more. They were fun memories. Enjoy the pictures.

Eagleton clan

Ruben and Hannah

Our three tough dudes!

Terry and Jamie, with son Brennan, daughter Sarah and husband Ryan.

Youth Talent Night

2008-11-20T22:04:00.002-02:00

Every year the S. José FWB Church in Campinas puts on a youth talent night. Different groups prepare singing, plays, instrumentation and other inspirational numbers. Invitations are sent out to many people to attend. On November 1st the church held its latest talent night. Enjoy the photos we just received from this event.

44 Couples Attend Retreat in Campinas

2008-11-20T21:35:00.003-02:00

In September the Campinas churches came together for a one-day couples' retreat on a Saturday. Forty-four couples attended! I am very encouraged by this. We are just getting pictures from this retreat and want to share them with you.

Caedon Joel is Here!

2008-10-14T20:25:00.003-03:00

Caedon Joel Eagleton was born in Redding, CA, on October 7th to our son David and Jenny Eagleton. He is their third child and our third grandchild. Cody is 4 years old and Kiley is almost 2 years old. Please take a moment to look at our grandparent pictures.

Fifteen Baptized

2008-06-22T22:24:00.000-03:00

Fifteen people were baptized in our special Sunday evening service at the S. José FWB Church. Seven were from the S. José church, two from the Ouro Verde Mission Church and six from the Nova América Mission Church.

Kenneth Eagleton, interim pastor of the S. José Church, Pastor Paulo César, of the Nova América Mission Church, and preacher Bill, from the Ouro Verde Church all participated in the baptism ceremony.

It was a joyous occasion with a packed church and unsaved family members of those being baptized. The choir and praise group brought beautiful music.

Praise the Lord for the souls he has given us and for the faithfulness of these new converts who are already serving the Lord in so many ways.

Jesus Film Showing in Ouro Verde

2008-06-21T22:17:00.000-03:00

Saturday the Ouro Verde Mission Church used the showing of the Jesus film as an evangelistic tool to reach out to new people in the neighborhood. Ouro Verde is a large district of Campinas with a population of about 300 thousand people.
During the morning and afternoon, groups from the São José Church, Ouro Verde Mission Church and E-TEAM worked in distributing invitations to the Jesus film as well as a gospel tract. The film is a portrayal of the life of Jesus based on the Gospel of Mark with a very direct invitation at the end.

The film was a little late in getting started due to some technical difficulties, but there were a number of people that turned up at the neighborhood soccer field. Many people gave their names and addresses for followup by the church. The plan is to visit them once a week for prayer and then invite them to church and a Bible study. Bill is the leader of this mission church. He has been approved for ordination and will be ordained this coming Saturday.

E-TEAM Arrives in Brazil

2008-06-20T22:08:00.000-03:00

E-TEAM arrived in Brazil Wednesday. It was a long trip for them, over 30 hours. They had problems with a cancelled flight, but managed to finally arrive safely in São Paulo. In spite of being tired, they had an orientation the first day.

The second day was a day of getting to know people and the city of Campinas. They practiced for their presentations in schools and churches. In the evening they participated in a service at a preaching point in downtown Campinas.
On the third day E-TEAM did two presentations in a Christian school to two different audiences of middle school and high school. It went really well. Team was well received and they realized they could do something they never thought they could do. The presentation consists of songs in English and Portuguese, testimonies, and a mime that explains the reason Christ came and took our place on the cross.

Nine Year Old Bruno Gets Saved

2008-06-08T22:32:00.000-03:00

Sunday night was youth night at the S. José FWB Church. They had control of all of the service and brought all of the special music. They did a fine job.

The youth presented a powerful play about a young man going through a time of crisis. On the one hand, the devil was pulling him towards the pleasures of the world, showing him all of the fun he could have. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit was pulling him towards spiritual things, showing him the advantages of participating in the church and eternal life. Obviously, the young man chooses Christ. The youth leader followed up with a simple aplication.

At the end, I (Kenneth) gave an invitation and we had a 9 year old boy, Bruno, to give his heart to the Lord. I talked to him after service and showed him the plan of salvation. He prayed the sinner's prayer. Praise the Lord. His father left the family about a year and a half ago, leaving behind his mother with 3 small children (Bruno is the oldest). They have been very faithful in church.

Baby Dedications

2008-05-25T21:54:00.003-03:00

Three couples from the church who had babies in the last two months dedicated their babies to the Lord Sunday night, May 25th. Before the Lord and the whole congregation they covenanted to raise their children in the ways of the Lord. Kenneth prayed a prayer of dedication.

Jair and Adriana and baby Pedro Henrique
Marcelo and Juliana and baby Samuel

Rangel and Letícia and baby Raul

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

Talent Night

2008-05-24T23:19:00.002-03:00

Saturday night the youth of the S. José FWB Church sponsored a talent night.

Gildásio and Ivanilde MCed the event.

Juracy and Jair (pictured below) are the youth leaders.

The youth choir was definitely a highlight of the night.

Most of the presentations were special music, but there were also plays and readings.

An adolescent was declared winner of the night.

Besides the youth, children and adults also presented their talents.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

Church Retreat

2008-05-23T22:33:00.001-03:00

Yesterday was a holiday in Brazil – Corpus Christi. We took advantage of the holiday to spend time together as a church at a retreat center.
We had approximately 100 people to spend all or part of the day with us. We invited Josete, pastor Elizeu’s wife, from Araras to speak to us on the Christian family.
Activities included singing, foosball, fishing, soccer, playground for the kids, swimming, and a barbecue cookout (churrasco) with ice cream and cotton candy. Everyone had a fun time.

The São José Church does this about 2 or 3 times a year to promote fellowship.

Justin, our summer intern, had a good time learning to play foosball (a type of table soccer). In spite of not knowing hardly any Portuguese, he jumped in there and learned to play the game.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

73 Year-old Woman Saved

2008-05-18T23:38:00.002-03:00

The service this evening was a blessing. The message I preached was targeted at the church members, but at the end I felt lead to give a short explanation of the plan of salvation and gave an invitation. A 73 year-old lady, Ernestina Zanelli, came forward for salvation. She has family in the church. In fact, her grandson, Rogério, and his wife, Raila, were just saved earlier this year. They are currently in baptism candidate class and will be baptized next month.

Mrs. Ernestina told me after service that she felt that something special was going to happen to her tonight. Sure enough it did!

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

First Church Campinas Celebrates 50 Years

2008-05-17T12:14:00.003-03:00

Saturday night the First FWB Church of Campinas held a special anniversary service commemorating their 50th anniversary. Lucas Lima is the pastor.

This church is the first FWB church in Brazil. All the churches from Campinas and Araras came for the celebration as well as a small delegation from the Buritis FWB Church in Belo Horizonte, 7 hours away.
Two hundred and seventy people were on hand to celebrate with a variety of musical presentations, testimonies of the history of the church, preaching, and a reception following the service. The mass choir of 46 people from different churches was especially touching.

The service lasted almost 3 hours in a very crowded building, but I heard no complaints – it was such an enjoyable event. Two former pastors were on hand: Laércio Fernandes and Jim Sturgill.

Campinas is where my parents, Ken and Marvis Eagleton, first lived when we arrived from the US in 1958. Dad, along with Dave Franks and Brazilian pastor Waldemar Daminelli, were the ones responsible for the beginning of this church. Dad was in charge of construction of the first building used for services.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

Campinas Regional Association

2008-05-17T12:10:00.003-03:00

Saturday, April 17, was an historical day. A new association of FWB churches was born! The cities of Campinas (pop. 1 million) and Araras (pop. 100 K) are only 50 miles apart. We have eight FWB churches and 1 preaching point in these two cities. The new regional association unites these churches in fellowship and cooperation.
The Bible Institute in Campinas will be a ministry of this new association. Plans are being laid to start another church in the area with support from these churches. There is also a possibility to jointly support an international missions effort by Brazilian FWB missionaries. The opportunities are endless.
The officers of the association are all dedicated laymen in our churches. José Assunção, better known as Zézinho (1st FWB Church in Araras), was elected moderator. Alcemir Cardoso, better known as Bill (S. José FWB Church in Campinas), was elected assistant moderator. Other officers include: Luis Araújo (Secretary – 1st FWB, Araras), Daniel Pastre (Assistant secretary – 1st FWB, Campinas), Francisco Lima (Treasurer – 1st FWB, Campinas), and Fuad Zeid (Assistant treasurer - 1st FWB, Campinas).

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

International Fellowship Missions Committee

2008-05-03T18:01:00.002-03:00

The International Fellowship of FWB Churches selected a Missions Committee in their meeting of October of last year. They were charged to study mechanisms through which FWB from different countries can cooperate to send out missionaries to unreached areas of the world.
Pastor Elizeu Cantelmo of the First FWB in Araras, Brazil, was the Brazilian delegate to the October meeting. He got selected to be a part of the Missions Committee, along with members from 4 other countries: Japan, Spain, Cuba, and USA.

This committee held its first meeting May 1-3 in Miami. Since Elizeu does not speak any English and since I was already scheduled to be in the USA for administrative meetings in Nashville, I accompanied Elizeu to the meeting to be his interpreter.
The meeting was very fruitful as several options were explored and a plan was developed to research what FWB are already doing in each country. Needs and potential will be accessed in each country and a comprehensive plan will be submitted to the International Fellowship in their next meeting.

Barbacena Area Celebrates 50th

2008-04-21T17:48:00.001-03:00

The churches in the central area of the state of Minas Gerais met in Barbacena for a regional celebration of the 50th anniversary of Free Will Baptists in Brazil. The meeting took place on April 21st, a national holiday in Brazil, at Esperança (Hope) Free Will Baptist Church in Barbacena in the beautiful, newly constructed building. Approximately 250 people attended. A delegation of pastors and church members from North Carolina were also on hand. Bobby and Sue Aycock, pioneer missionaries in that area, returned to Brazil for this special celebration.

Bobby gave a historical overview of the work, focusing on the central Minas Gerais area. Pastors Dan Patrick, from the US, and Daniel Gouvea, from Carandaí, Brazil, brought the messages during the celebration. Several groups shared in the music, including a mass choir from the area churches.

Kenneth attended a Bible Conference at the Esperança Church the weekend of April 19-20 as well as the 50th anniversary celebration as the official representative for Free Will Baptist International Missions in Brazil.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

N.S. Lourdes Mission Celebrates First Anniversary

2008-04-12T22:13:00.003-03:00

The N. S. Lourdes FWB Mission celebrated its first anniversary Saturday evening with a special service. We had the presence of many from the S. José FWB Church (the parent church) as well a good representation from the Nova América Mission Church. The choirs of both those churches presented special music. The children of the N. S. Lourdes Mission Church had a special presentation. Kenneth brought the message of the night.

The first year has not been an easy one for all those involved in this new church plant, but we praise the Lord for 8 people who have been saved from that neighborhood since the opening of the work. Several others have grown in the Lord through the home Bible study that is conducted on Thursday nights.

Several people have been able to get more involved in the work of the Lord through this mission church. Valdinei is the lay leader of the church. He is a student at our Bible Institute. Rubinho is another one who has really stepped up to the plate and been an important asset to the church.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

Valdinei, lay preacher and student at our Bible Institute

Ouro Verde Mission Church upgrades facilities

2008-04-05T18:52:00.005-03:00

The Ouro Verde FWB Mission Church in Campinas is a little over 2 years old now. The storefront building that they are renting has become too small for the work. They have located a larger hall with space for children's church as well. It also has the possibility for future expansion. The church made the move and then dedicated the new rented hall on Saturday evening, April 5th.

Several from the parent church, the S. José FWB Church, went to present special numbers during the services. Over 100 people were present. Bill Cardoso, leader of this mission church, is a senior in Bible College and a candidate for ordination in the next few months.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

BRAZIL FWB CELEBRATE 50 YEARS

2008-03-29T10:19:00.007-03:00

Free Will Baptist arrived in Brazil 50 years ago to preach and establish churches. To commemorate this momentous occasion, a celebration was held at the Hotel Vila Rica in Campinas, where it all started. On the evening of Friday and Saturday morning (March 21-22), over 400 people from 19 FWB churches gathered to celebrate the past, the present, and the challenges of the future, in line with the theme: “Celebrating the Fruits”.

Pastor Jeancarlo Achê preaching
A multimedia presentation was made of the past, taking everyone down memory lane with old photographs, and another one focused on the present work. Several choirs and other special numbers were presented, interspersed with a skit and other art forms. Three outstanding messages were preached during the three days by pastors Lucas Lima (First FWB Church – Campinas), Flávio Grossi (First FWB Church – Barbacena), and Jeancarlo Achê (FWB Church – Jaboticabal).

Missionaries, past & present being recognized

Recognitions were made of the following: Dave Franks (first FWB missionary to Brazil), all the missionaries to Brazil that were present, all the Brazilian pastors present, and all the lay preachers who are in charge of mission works that were present. The convention served as a means to bring our churches together to get to know each other. Many are asking when we will do this again.
Praise the Lord for all that he has done through and among Free Will Baptist. Praise the Lord for all that have given to make this possible. Praise the Lord for all who have responded to the call to go to make this possible.

Nova América Mission Church choir

Dave Franks receiving recognition
Kenneth Eagleton leading the first service
Pastor Flávio Grossi preaching

Partial view of ordained pastors present
S. José FWB Church choir, Campinas
More ordained Brazilian pastors present

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at:
www.brazilfwb.org.br.

Terry Teaches Course on Missions

2008-03-20T10:11:00.001-03:00

Terry Eagleton came to Brazil with a two-fold purpose: participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of FWB in Brazil and to teach a course at the Bible Institute here in Campinas. Terry was invited to teach a modular intensive course on Missions. He taught for 3 hours each evening for 8 days during a two week period.

Participants in the course included some of our Institute students as well as others from the church. We had an average of 9-10 students per evening. The course dealt with the biblical basis of missions, the history of missions, and some of the practical implications of each one of us individually and as a church being involved in Missions.
This was a big challenge for Terry, since it had been 10 years since he had last used his Portuguese for any extended length of time. It didn't take him long to get back into that routine. The students who attended were very appreciative of his instruction and recognized him with a cake decorated with his favorite Brazilian soccer team.
Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: www.brazilfwb.org.br.

Youth Weekend Retreat

2008-03-02T10:04:00.002-03:00

The youth just had a weekend retreat at a camp site in a town close to Campinas. About 60 people particiapated in the Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon (our Sunday services are Sunday nights) retreat. Since the Carnaval Youth Camp we have had a real growth in our youth program. Several made decisions at camp and in the services following camp. This weekend retreat was to consolidate these new additions to the youth group and the church.

The theme was discipleship. We discussed what it is and the need for it in the life of a new believer. The youth group leader and his wife have taken our faithful yourh and are making disciplers out of them. Twenty new youth committed to a 5 lesson discipleship course which our "veteran" youth will do one-on-one with the new ones.

Six Saved, Three Rededications

2008-02-17T21:59:00.002-03:00

I, Kenneth, have been preaching a series of sermons on the “one anothers” of the New Testament in the Sunday services at the S. José FWB Church here in Campinas. The sermons have been geared mostly to growth in the Christian life. This Sunday I felt led to give a brief plan of salvation at the end of the service and extended an invitation. Six people came forward for salvation and three others who had been out of the church came for rededication.

The church was full (approximately 160 people present). The youth are on fire following the Carnaval youth camp a couple of weeks ago. Some of the ones who came forward are youth who heard the gospel at camp. One young adult couple cried copiously as they came under conviction of their sins.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at:
www.brazilfwb.org.br.

Six Saved, Three Rededications

2008-02-17T21:59:00.000-03:00

Organizational Meeting Set

2008-02-16T15:36:00.003-02:00

On February 16, delegates from seven churches and mission churches from the Campinas and Araras area met at the First FWB Church in Araras to finalize plans and approve a charter for organizing into a regional association of Free Will Baptist Churches. Each local church will need to officially approve the agreed upon charter within the next few weeks. The organizational business meeting and service was set for May 17 of this year. Four organized churches and their four mission churches will be joining the association.

In the meeting it was pointed out how this association will help the churches in this area to have joint youth activities, coordinate evangelistic and church-planting efforts, and unify leadership training by bringing the existing Bible Institute in Campinas under the new association. The delegates showed excitement in working together. The organizational meeting was postponed until May because of the upcoming Fiftieth Anniversary celebration of Free Will Baptists in Brazil which will be held in Campinas during the Easter weekend.

Pictures are of the delegates present.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: www.brazilfwb.org.br

Carnaval Family Retreat and Camps

2008-02-06T14:44:00.000-02:00

Carnaval (Mardi Gras) in Brazil is a time in which people really let go of any moral restraints that they normally have. It is a time of extreme partying with a free flow of alcohol, drugs, sex and lewdness. For this reason, evangelical churches try to schedule activities away from the city to steer Christians and unbelievers away from the temptations of Carnaval.

The churches in the Ribeirão Preto, Jaboticabal and Uberlândia region came together at the camp grounds in Jaboticabal for a family retreat that lasted from Saturday through Tuesday. Two hundred and eighty people attended. It was the largest family retreat to date.

Separate activities were organized for children, youth, and adults with a joint service each evening. Area pastors took turns bringing the messages. At the end of each service, many people came forward for prayer and rededication. There was a tremendous climate of unity and excitement in the air.

A special emphasis was put on the celebration of the fruit of fifty years of ministry of Free Will Baptist in Brazil. Bobby Poole made a presentation of old pictures of the work and told a little bit about the history of Free Will Baptist in Brazil.

The First FWB Church in Campinas held a youth camp in a rented country weekend home where tents were used as an overflow of the existing sleeping facilities. It looked more like a family camp as many adults and children came out to “help” and hang around. About 60 people attended.

The S. José FWB Church held a youth camp in a rented facility about an hour away from Campinas. A total of 80 youth and staff were present for the 4 days (Saturday through Tuesday). A majority of the youth attending were unchurched. Some had been to a youth camp before, but many were hearing the gospel for the first time. The wife of the caretaker of the facility gave her heart to the Lord during the event. The youth have returned to church with renewed excitement.

Free Will Baptist pastors present:

Pastor Antônio - First FWB Church in Ribeirão Preto

Pastor John Poole, senior pastor, and wife Renata - First FWB Church Rib. Preto

Pastor Juninho, First FWB Church of Uberlândia, in charge of starting a new Mission church in Jd. Botânico

Pastor Jeancarlo Achê, FWB Church in Jaboticabal

Pastor Martin Chilliz, senior pastor of the First FWB Church in Uberlândia.

Three Baby Dedications

2008-01-20T22:23:00.000-02:00

Sunday evening, 3 babies were dedicated to the Lord during the service.

Kenneth Performs Wedding

2008-01-19T22:03:00.000-02:00

Kenneth performed the wedding of Rangel and Letícia on Saturday evening. The decorations were very pretty. The groom was 30 minutes late - he had forgotten the wedding bands and had to go back home to get them. The reception was held at the church. Please pray for Rangel. He lost his job just days before his wedding.

Area Church Leaders Meet

2007-12-29T10:41:00.000-02:00

Leaders from seven churches in Campinas and Araras met for a time of fellowship and planning for the upcoming 50th anniversary of Free Will Baptists in Brazil. March 21 and 22 has been set as the date for the celebration. The churches in Araras and Campinas will be responsible for the service of the 21st.
In the meeting the groundwork was laid for the organization of a regional association of FWB churches. We will meet again in February to finalize the preparations for the organization.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: www.brazilfwb.org.br

Preaching Point in Downtown Campinas

2007-12-27T10:22:00.000-02:00

Antônio is one of the men from the First FWB Church who has completed the 2-year basic leadership training course offered by the Campinas FWB Bible Institute. He is a faithful servant of the Lord and has a heart for evangelism. About six months ago Antônio started going to the downtown area distributing hot tea (it is winter in Brazil during the month of July), food, and talking to homeless people living on the streets.

On one of these nights he met a man who lived in a house in the area and started witnessing to him. This man invited him to come and start teaching the Bible in his home on Thursday nights. It turns out that in some of these old homes in the area there are many migrants from the north-eastern states of Brazil that come to Campinas looking for work and a better life.

Antônio started a preaching point in one of these homes. A different family lives in each room of the old house. Couples with their children, stoves, kitchen utensils and everything fit into one room. Some are unemployed; others live off of low-paying jobs. The living room serves as the meeting room for the services. Gorete, Antônio's wife, helps with the singing. Anderson, Atônio's son, plays the guitar, and Irene teaches the children in the kitchen during the preaching.

Today I had the privilege of attending this preaching point for the first time. The group averages 30 - 35 in attendance. There are several that have been saved. This evening a teenage boy made a profession of faith. Six couples, who are living together, have asked to get married. Several will start baptism preparation classes. The Lord is working in the midst of these humble migrants who are thirsty for the truth. The First Church is giving their support for this import outreach.

Ruben and Hannah Arrive for Christmas

2007-12-26T09:28:00.000-02:00

Ruben and Hannah arriving at airport on Christmas Day.

Daniel and Ruben go to Terry's house to see Joel (Andrew's son).

Christmas dinner with Paulo, Ruben and Hannah.

Ruben and his girlfriend, Hannah, arrived for a month's visit with us here in Campinas. They arrived in São Paulo on Christmas Day, about noon. By the time we got home and got dinner on the table, it was about 3 PM. We had a wonderful time around the table. Rejane fixed lots of delicious dishes. We are looking forward to having one more son and daughter-in-law around.

Ruben entered the country on an expired Brazilian passport. He will be working to get that renewed while he is here. Before getting his passport renewed, he has to get other Brazilian documents in order (such as his ID card). Since Paulo had to go through all of those hoops recently, he will be taking his "little" brother down to walk him through the process. He will also show Ruben and Hannah what he has learned of Campinas during this year that he has lived here. Paulo is preparing to relocate to the US in January.

2007-12-23T13:59:00.000-02:00

Four Baptized at the First Church

Four people were baptized by pastor Lucas at the First FWB Church in Campinas in the Sunday evening service, Dec. 23rd.

This makes a total of 25 people baptized in December from all five churches in Campinas. Praise the Lord!

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

2007-12-23T13:49:00.000-02:00

Christmas at S. José FWB Church

The Christmas service at the S. José FWB Church in Campinas was marked by a wonderful music service with a special presentation by the choir and several other special numbers, including a children's choir.

Kenneth preached a Christmas message. Many visitors were on hand, but many of our church regulars were out because they were out of town.

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

2007-12-22T13:56:00.000-02:00

Ouro Verde Christmas Program

The Ouro Verde FWB Mission Church had its Christmas program Saturday night, December 22nd. The small rented hall was crowded with approximately 50 people.

The program included special music by the choir (just started), special children's songs, and a play. Many of the new converts participated in the activities. All these activities, along with the preaching, brought a clear presentation of the gospel.

(Notice the manger with the animals in front.)
The Ouro Verde Mission Church will celebrate its second anniversary next month. Bill Cardoso is the leader of this work. Bill is in his last year of Bible College and will be ordained in the coming months.

(Children singing in program.)

(Scenes from the play, with wisemen, shepherds, Joseph, Mary, etc.)

(Cast of players, many new converts.)

Children's church held outside for lack of room in the hall.)

Check out other FWB works in Brazil at: http://www.brazilfwb.org.br/

Children's Christmas Program at 1st Church

2007-12-16T08:09:00.000-02:00

The children's Christmas program was performed on Sunday night, December 16. They did a wonderful job. Several of the older youth helped with computer animation, making of video clips, decorations, and rehearsals. The Christmas story was presented in a fresh new way.

Some of the older children and young teens showed a lot a talent in singing and acting. Praise the Lord for these young talents. Many visitors were present for the presentation.

Pictures: the one in the white coat is actually a 14-year old boy. He is also an excellent actor.

Christmas Program at First Church Features Araras Choir

2007-12-15T08:28:00.000-02:00

The Christmas program celebrated at the First FWB Church of Campinas on Saturday, December 15, was a blessing to those present. The program included congregational songs of praise and a mime by the youth of the First Church. The main part of the service was a Christmas cantata presented by the visiting choir from the First FWB Church in Araras. The 30-member choir shared the Christmas story through song. They have other presentations scheduled for the 19th at the cultural center in Araras and the Sunday before Christmas at the First Church in Araras.