The Duarte's Diary

ABC Ensemble Spring Tour

2012-02-01T22:05:00.002-03:00

Our three college kids sing in the ensemble that will be traveling during spring break March 10-18, 2012. They may be singing near you! They will be in Memphis, TN; Horn Lake, MS; Wayland, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Xenia, OH; Beckly WV and Morresville, NC! For more information on exact dates and church locations and service hours check out the school's website; www.ambassadors.edu

Congratulations, Alex!

2012-01-30T18:21:00.003-03:00

Our son-in-love, Alex, graduated Friday night with an Associates Degree in Business Management. We are so proud of him and the effort he put in to working full time; going to college at night; and still being an awesome husband and daddy! Plus serving the Lord by leading music in our church and singing in the choir! God bless you Alex!

Happy 20th Birthday Jed!

2012-01-21T14:20:00.002-03:00

My Precious Son and "baby" boy turns 20 today! Does having no more teenagers make me old? I am so proud and blessed to be his Mother! Wishing we could be together to celebrate; but my heart and prayers are with him as he and his sisters travel today with the ABC Ensemble and sing for our Lord! "I love you Jed!"

A Godly Heritage!

2012-01-14T18:08:00.002-03:00

Happy 75th Birthday to the most wonderful father a girl could ever have! I am so blessed to be your daughter! I cherish your Godly example! Thanks for giving your life...and the life of those you loved....for the dear souls in Brazil! May God richly bless and repay you in Heaven someday! I love you and always will! Your Big-Little Girl! Lawanda

Wishing You a Blessed 2012!

2012-01-11T21:39:00.002-03:00

It was wonderful to have all of our family together for Christmas and New Years Day after 1 1/2 years apart! We are so blessed!

This Little Cowboy Has Lassoed Our Hearts!

2011-08-16T08:40:00.001-04:00

Father’s Day 2011–“I wish that my Dad….”

2011-08-16T08:34:00.001-04:00

The second Sunday of August is Father’s Day in Brazil. Antonio preached a wonderful message on the Family. We had 60 people in the service and 11 Fathers present. After the service we had a fellowship with pasteis! (a fried pastry filled with chicken, ground beef or cheese)

As part of the program we had church people answer questions on little pieces of colored paper and fan-folded them and tied them on a branch. This served as decoration also.

Near the close of the program Jessica and Lawanda read the papers. Some of them were written with praise and gratitude for their fathers, but many of them were heart wrenching! Things like; “I wish that my Dad….had protected me”. “I wish that my Dad…still lived with my Mom”. “I love my Dad because…well, I can’t say that I love him because he abandoned us and I only met him when I was 13 years old”. May our Dads learn by the mistakes of others!

25th Anniversary Photos

2011-08-13T21:06:00.001-04:00

Here are a few of the promised pictures! Enjoy!

WHERE ARE THE MEN?

2011-08-12T16:34:00.001-04:00

(written by Lawanda Doolittle Duarte)

There is a thing that has me concerned

As we travel here and there;

Something that burdens and stirs my heart

And makes me cry out in prayer.

You see, I’ve entered many a church

On a bright Sunday morn,

To meet a few, sweet elderly ladies

Their faces all leathered and worn;

Their silvery heads and teary smiles

Brighten the near empty pew

While beside them playing with crayons or cars

Bobs an illigit grandchild or two.

After the service they gather round

Sharing pictures of all of their kin

And I honestly say that I have a hard time

Distinguishing a “her” from a “him”!

Now they say that its really not that hard to tell

Who is Jill and who is Jack;

It’s just a matter of closely observing

On which side the earring is at!

As I stand and I gaze at the near empty church

A scene oft repeated again;

My anguishing heart cries out in despair:

“Oh, God, Where Are The Men?”

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

On Wednesday night it is not much different

Nor on Saturday visitation.

A few young ladies and a few old maids

Respond to Pastor’s invitation.

And that’s not all, the dilemma continues;

We are asked to speak to the teens...

I am met by blank stares, or rebellious glares

And whatever “whatever” means.

The girls look like guys with cropped hair and low waists

Chewing on gum like a cud,

Their faces all gooped up with colorful paste,

Or did they fall in the mud?

The guys are so “cute” as they “pony” their hair

Teasing with gel the curls,

With earrings and necklaces, bracelets and chains

Trying to look like the girls.

Is it any wonder our homes fall apart?

I sigh at the sad, sad condition.

The wives are bossy, rebellious and hard,

Refusing to learn submission.

So I stop to reflect at the state of our Nation

Being destroyed so by sin,

And I cannot but help to cry out once more:

“Oh, God, Where Are The Men?”

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

If you’d but stop; look around the world

To that place away over seas,

You’d see a missionary, that man of God,

Down there upon his knees.

He’s so tired and footsore; he’s heartsick and weary.

So heavy is his load!

He cannot at this moment see

Light at the end of the road.

But do you know what he is doing?

He is praying for YOU, my friend!

Can’t you hear him as he cries:

“Oh, God, Where Are The Men?”

The Harvest is plenteous, as Jesus said,

The laborers are so few.

Does this not touch? Does this not concern?

Does this not bother you?

Will you arise and be the first

To boldly come today

And willingly answer God’s sweet call

And very humbly say:

“Dear Lord Jesus, take my life

Use me; Here I am.

My ALL, I at your altar lay;

Oh, God, Make Me A Man!”?

(Camp Victory, July 24, 2002)

SILVER ANNIVERSARY

2011-08-10T08:12:00.001-04:00

August 9, 1986 – August 9, 2011

We celebrated 25 wonderful years together! God has been so good to us and blessed us in ways beyond measure! We didn’t have a big celebration as we are planning and saving for a “dream” trip next year, but we did go out at night for ice cream! We got a nice gift from the Schrocks….a professional photo shoot…..so stay tuned for some photos soon!

Of Cakes and Frostings

2011-08-09T08:51:00.001-04:00

I made a birthday cake for my brother-in-law’s 47th birthday yesterday. This is the brother-in-law who lost his 22 year old son last week in a motorcycle accident.

I tried making a “checkerboard” but it was difficult without the proper dividing equipment. The results, though not perfect, were praised and appreciated!

The best part of the entire cake making was letting Joshua lick the frosting beaters!

Doesn’t he look content?!

VBS Day 5–Last Day–10 Kids Saved!

2011-08-03T12:31:00.001-04:00

We had 95 kids on the last day of VBS besides all the moms, workers and babies! Our theme was “The Finish Line” and the Bible story about the 10 virgins and the coming of Christ. We don’t ask kids to raise their hands if they want to be saved as we would probably have 95 hands raised! We asked those that really wanted to be saved to stay after class and come talk to us. 10 children responded and were dealt with! Praise the Lord!

Lawanda had the privilege of teaching the daily Bible story and of leading the 10 children to the Lord. please pray for us as we visit them and their families!

Our coin offering was 115.70 reais (about 75 dollars) to help with our new sound system. Praise the Lord for a wonderful VBS and for the souls saved and contacts made!

VBS DAY 4

2011-07-29T08:12:00.001-04:00

Another great day with 75 kids present. Our theme today was “Running With Patience” and our Bible story was about Job. Tomorrow is the last day and we covet your prayers as we talk about the “Finish line” and Heaven! Please pray that kids would get saved! if I asked for raised hands, I could easily have 70 kids “saved”, but we want it to be real! Thanks!

I get to explain all the prizes and point system!

We are taking up an offering to help pay for our church’s new sound system. It is a competition between the boys and the girls, and so far the boys are ahead! Bro. Omar made this cute scale and the kids are loving it!

Our teams are: RED (boys ages 3-8) ORANGE (boys ages 9-14) WHITE (girls ages 3-8) and YELLOW (girls ages 9-14). Tomorrow we will see who wins! Each “runner” gets a card to hang around his/her neck with their number, name, age, and holes punched for presence on the front and their “technical” info on the back (names of visitors brought and verses memorized)

Another “favorite” time is the SNACK LINE!

VBS DAY 3

2011-07-28T07:20:00.001-04:00

Today we had 70 children registered, besides the workers and babies and adults how come along for the fun! (Around 100 in all) We have had several mothers visiting with their children for the first time ever at church! Please pray that we can reach these precious people!

Our theme today was “Laying Aside The Sin” and our Bible story was about Gideon. I had a “torch” and a “clay pot” and a “trumpet”. I had everything pre-arranged and when I raised the paper trumpet to my lips a boy from church blew an air horn! It was very loud and took a lot of kids by surprise!

The group of kids outside the church

The group of team leaders and helpers

(missing Jeremy Lockhart who has a fever today. Please pray that he will be better by tomorrow!)

VBS DAY 2

2011-07-28T07:03:00.001-04:00

We had another great day with 68 children present. Our theme today was “Laying Aside The Weights” and our Bible story about Lot and how his covetous choice and bad friends were a “weight” in his life.

Coloring time

Choosing from the “Treasure Chest” for memorizing verses

Listening to the Bible story

“Pom-Pom” robbing my popcorn!

VBS Day 1

2011-07-25T20:45:00.001-04:00

We had a good first day of VBS with 60 children present! Our theme for the week is : “Running The Race of Life” and our verse Hebrews 12:1-2. Today we talked about “Starting the race” and how that means Salvation! Our Bible story was of the blind man in John 9. Enjoy some pictures!

Our church with banner

Puppets at the “Finish” line

Younger girl class – the white team!

Younger boy class – the red team!

Coloring

Snack line!

See you tomorrow!

4 Children Saved In Lawanda's Sunday School Class!

2011-07-25T18:37:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we had the privilege of leading 4 precious souls (ages 8-10) to the Lord! Lawanda had her students all give a testemony of how/when they were saved. These 4 said they weren't saved yet! Lawanda stressed the importance of that decision and left it at that. After church all 4 came up to her and said they wanted to be saved! Two of the boys have mommies in church. they others are from unsaved families. They are (left to right) Vinicius, Davi, leonardo and Debora. We appreciate your prayers for their growth.

Sr. Moacir

2011-07-25T18:33:00.001-04:00

We don't have a picture for this post, but Sr, Moacir, Dona Fatima's ex-husband, made a profession of faith 2 weeks ago! He has been an alcoholic for over 40 years and is now suffering the consequences in serious cirrhosis of the liver. Fatima informed us last night that in the 2 weeks since he has been saved he has not touched a drop of alcohol! Please pray for him and for Fatima as Antonio and Lawanda disciple them in weekly Bible studies!

A Service At Dona Fatima's House

2011-07-25T18:26:00.002-04:00

We had a service at Dona Fatima's house 2 weeks after she got saved as she wanted her family and neighbors to know! There were 42 people present. Please pray for the salvation of her daughters and grandchildren.

What It's All About!

2011-07-25T18:21:00.003-04:00

This is Dona Fatima. She had visited just about every church in Pedra 90 looking for the "truth"! She visited our church on a Sunday night and came back the next Sunday and got saved. She said that she is so happy that she has to look no more as she found in Jesus all that she needs! Amen! That's what it is all about!

God's Handiwork in Creation

2011-07-25T13:34:00.003-04:00

Thought you might enjoy seeing two trees that blossom in July in our region!

Daniel Bishop - Missionary Internship

2011-07-25T13:00:00.004-04:00

We have been so blessed to have a young man from Ambassador Baptist College in NC here for 10 weeks doing his missionary internship. We were able to do some sight-seeing: go to the zoo; to a water fall; to the annual state agricultural fair; to the Pantanal; and to the aquarium. But Dan has done much more than sight see! He has been involved in all that we do here!

He played piano and sang in the choir and sang special music.

He preached 3 times with Jeremy interpreting. He also went on visitation with Pastor Antonio and passed out tracts.

Daniel did a lot of odd jobs and helped stucco and paint the wall surrounding the church yard.

So he deserves a rest under the mango trees on Mondays!

We will miss Dan as he leaves this Saturday and are praying that God will direct him to the right field of service (and hoping it is Brazil!)

Fun Being a Grandma!

2011-07-25T12:23:00.001-04:00

Giving my Joshua a hug!

Not too old to give horsey-back rides!

Or tell stories to Josh and the Lockhart and Schrock children!

A Missionary Snake Story!

2011-05-31T13:17:00.003-04:00

All missionaries HAVE to have snakes stories, so here is one from yesterday out at our chacara....

Antonio was cleaning up a bit where we hang clothes and saw something move under a broken piece of roofing. What is it? A lizard?...A snake?....

...TWO SNAKES!......

And they are not very happy! It is probably a Mommy and Daddy Jararaca. (You can Google that) They are poisonous but not deadly if you take the anti-venom serum in time. The problem is "How do you kill 2 snakes to once without one getting away or you getting bit?"

Not a problem really when you have two brave men! Each gets a stick and on the count of one...Two...THREE...SMASH!

Can you tell by the smiles on their faces that the mission was a success?!

Daniel Doing What He Does Best!

2011-05-31T13:14:00.003-04:00

Mondays are our rest days and we go out to our chacara to do laundry and relax under the mango trees. This is Daniel Bishop's favorite day and time of the week! (I am soooo going to get in trouble for this post:)

I Can Hardly Wait Until Tonight!

2011-05-29T16:19:00.003-04:00

Last Sunday Bother Jeremy Lockhart interpreted the sermon for Daniel Bishop. Tonight he is interpreting for Brother Omar Schrock. You heard me right! Brother Jeremy has been here only 1 year and 2 months and is already interpreting ....and doing an awesome job of it! We are all overwhelmed at God's goodness and so proud of him! Brother Jeremy has really dedicated himself to learning, and the effort is showing. Even amidst many serious health issues with his sweet wife, Esther, Jeremy has surprised us all. When you pray for us, please remember to pray also for the Lockhart and Schrock families. They are a blessing and encouragement to us! I really can hardly wait....

Too Cute For Words!

2011-05-29T16:15:00.001-04:00

Dare to be a Daniel

2011-05-29T15:43:00.003-04:00

We have been so blessed this past week by the first week of a 10 week missionary internship visit of a young man from Ambassador Baptist College; Daniel Bishop. His parents and we actually go waaaaay back as his mother and Lawanda were partners through nursing school in the early 80's! His father also pastors our biggest supporting church near Washington DC. Daniel is a dedicated and hard working young man and Antonio has been taking advantage of this! Daniel preached his first sermon through an interpreter last Sunday. He also plays for services and helps with special music. Antonio taught him how to stucco and they are working on the walls surrounding our church lot. Daniel is a fast learner and is doing a remarkably good job! Little Joshua loves playing with Dan. We are praying that God will lead Daniel to the field where he should work (and are hoping it is Brazil:)

Schrock's Welcoming Service

2011-05-29T15:37:00.003-04:00

We had a great welcoming service for the Schrocks on the 21st. Antonio preached a challenging message; the men prayed together in dedication; the Schrocks opened their house-warming gifts and we all ate the delicious traditional Brazilian flag cake!

The Schrock Family Has Arrived!

2011-05-29T15:30:00.002-04:00

On the 19th, God again answered our constant prayer for laborers in His Harvest by bringing Omar and Tracy Schrock and their children Johnathan (2) and Mahalia (7 mos.) to Cuiaba where are will learn the language and culture as they await God's leading to the exact location where they will start a church. We are so blessed to be a small part of helping them get adjusted here! (including using our truck and "U-Haul" for their luggage!)

I LOVE Being a Grandma!

2011-05-29T15:26:00.001-04:00

No words needed as none could describe the emotion felt of being a grandma to this marvelously fantastic baby boy!

Ladies Retreat 2011

2011-05-29T15:18:00.002-04:00

We had a wonderful 2 day Ladies Retreat with a very special speaker! Our guest speaker all the way from Brasilia was my Sister and Friend Juanita Garland! She translated the book by Mardi Collier entitled "What Do I Know About My God?" and that was the theme of our retreat. It was such a blessing to me and to the 75 ladies attending!

50 RED ROSES!

2011-05-10T15:35:00.000-04:00

I counted 50 roses on my rose bush last week! Thanks, Jana, for planting that cutting from Grandma Maria's roses! Sweet memories!

My "ALMOST" Perfect Mother's Day

2011-05-10T15:23:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day was "almost" perfect! The day was beautiful and I was awakened by my sweetheart wishing me a happy day. My son-in-love made breakfast. My children gave me a lovely set of a pitcher and 6 glasses. Sunday School was great. My hubby took me and our daughter and son-in-law and grand baby out for dinner at a delicious churrascaria (Brazilian steak house). I got to spend the afternoon with my firstborn and her firstborn! (Jess, you are always such an encouragement to me!) I got to talk to all of my children via phone. The evening service was beautiful and Antonio preached a wonderful message. Jessica and I dressed alike and sang a duet. We had a fellowship with pastries, strawberry mousse and ice cold coke after the service. So, why was my day only "ALMOST" perfect?

Because........I was missing 75% OF MY HEART!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-10T15:04:00.000-04:00

Our Mother's Day decoration this year made the church smell wonderful! We used real roses and baskets of fragrant bath soap! There were citrus, floral and spices! The Mothers enjoyed each getting a rose and a basket of soap to take home.

We had 14 Mothers present this day and a wonderful service.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-17T15:03:00.002-04:00

Oh What Hope and Joy! Because JESUS Lives!

Birthday "Cake" ?

2011-04-17T14:57:00.002-04:00

Antonio doesn't really like cake so we made him something delicious that he does like for his birthday! This is a type of flan - a traditional Brazilian dessert made with sweetened condensed milk and eggs! Yummy!

Antonio's Birthday Dinner!

2011-04-17T14:53:00.000-04:00

Thursday was my wonderful husband's birthday so we did exactly what he wanted to do! Went out to our chacara and baked fresh fish over the coals!

Before:

During:

After:

It was delicious!

Final Words: "Feeling the Grace of God!"

2011-04-10T13:05:00.003-04:00

My Dear friend and Sister in Christ, Tereza Santos, completed her battle with cancer Friday evening and moved from here to the presence of the Lord whom she loved and so faithfully served. On Friday morning she called her husband of 31 years, Pastor Miqueias, by his pet name. He asked her "Are you feeling anything?" This was his custom as he gave her medication depending on the type and location of her pain. She answered "Yes". He asked her: "What are you feeling?" Her answer was: "I am feeling the Grace of God...the Grace of God...I am feeling the Grace of God." Those were her final words on this earth as she fell asleep and went Home to Glory during that sleep sitting in a chair in her own living room. Have you ever "felt" the Grace of God? What will be your final words? Tereza will be greatly missed...and Heaven just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter!

"This is the way we wash the dishes..."

2011-03-30T17:14:00.001-04:00

Grandpa is helping Josh learn at a young age how to be a great husband!

"Thou Shalt Eat of the Fruit of the Land..."

2011-03-30T17:07:00.003-04:00

We have been enjoying all the fresh fruits of our land during this "fall/harvest" season. Here are just a few from this week! (from left to right) lemons, guava, ata (araticum; sugar-apple or sweet sop), and tangerines. Enjoy!

Of Stones, Gravel and Sand

2011-03-20T17:13:00.000-04:00

When God created the world, He created stones, gravel and sand for the benefit of man. What would construction be like without them? I can't even imagine the mud we would have during our rainy season without these precious commodities. But when the verdict from your ultrasound shows "stones, gravel and sand in both kidneys" that is another story! Lawanda has experienced 2 weeks of serious pain due to this diagnosis. Thankfully, and in answer to your prayers, she is somewhat better the past 3 days and off pain medication. She still has occasional renal colic and we don't know if they have dissolved or not, so please continue praying! Pray that "this too shall pass" (literally!)

To All of Us Grandmothers!

2011-03-12T17:35:00.000-04:00

"Grandmas are just Moms with lots of frosting!" (author unknown)

Thought some might like to see the "Noah's Ark" cake I made for Joshua...the things grandmas do!

Joshua Is One Year Old!

2011-03-12T17:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to our dear grandson, who for a year has brought joy into our lives! He had a "Noah's Ark" party last night.

Old Timers!

2011-03-12T17:14:00.001-04:00

These great men of God blessed our lives with theirs...not only at family camp, but through their lives and testimonies! They have been missionaries here in our area of Brazil since the late 1960's and mid 1970's! From left to right; Robert Doolittle (age 74); John Raehl (age 66); George Huestis (age 87). Some are retiring and some "re-tiring". Who is going to take their place? May God raise up young people to walk in your steps (although no one will ever fill your shoes!)

Family Camp 2011

2011-03-12T17:05:00.000-04:00

We were so blessed with our family camp this year! Our theme was "MY GOD" and we heard wonderful messages and Bible studies on My God! My God and my Devotional Life; My God and my Music; My God and my Needs, were a few of them. Here is a picture of the mural in the main building with the theme.

There were over 200 people on Sunday and Tuesday (the actual Mardigras holiday) and around 150 full time campers. 44 were able to go from our church, thanks in part from a dear church in VA who helped pay for those unable to pay. The food was awesome!

"Close Encounters of the Best Kind!"

2011-03-01T15:25:00.002-04:00

You never know what a day may bring forth! Yesterday while downtown running errands we were cut off by a motorcycle and ended up side-swiping a parked car to keep from hitting the motorcyclist. We parked and went back to talk to the owner. She was impressed that we even stopped since it would have been easy to just keep on going and no one would have ever known who damaged her car. The damage was minimal (a long scratch and a tear in the bumper) and we settled on the amount and paid her to get it fixed. She offered us coffee and we shared the clear plan of salvation with her and 2 other ladies listening! She was under so much conviction! She wept, sharing with us about her life and her knowledge of her need of The Savior! She feels she needs to quit smoking and to clean up some things in her life first. We told her she needed to be saved first...and let Jesus help her clear up those things! She promised to come to our church next week. Please pray that she will! Pray for her salvation. Her name is Rosy. As we were leaving she started weeping again and said "I think that God let you hit my car to share with me what I needed to hear from God!" Now, I wouldn't suggest this method as a definite means of evangelism!(it is kind of expensive:) But, why not take advantage of the "encounters" that God allows in our lives?

"All the King's Horses and All the King's Men..."

2011-02-28T09:09:00.002-04:00

One of Antonio's favorite pass-times is riding "Cheyenne". This wild horse was given to Jed by his uncle "Jinho". Antonio broke her and has been riding her for over a year. This past Thursday she decided she didn't want to be ridden (or got spooked by a snake at the edge of the pond) and threw her rider. Antonio landed quite hard on his backside and broke his tail bone! Thankfully that was the major extent of his injuries! Four days later he is still sore and in pain (especially when sitting). Don't think he will go riding today...and don't think Cheyenne will get her scoop of special feed for awhile!

Our College "Kids" on Valentine's Day

2011-02-24T08:25:00.002-04:00

Janalee, Jedidiah and Jenifer at Ambassador Baptist College.

God Answers Prayer...In Unexpected Ways!

2011-02-24T08:13:00.003-04:00

We have been praying and searching for 3 months for the right car for our kids to use to get from college to work and back. The Lord answered in an unexpected way through a dear family in TN who took great-grandpa Doolittle's 1967 pickup, rebuilt it and painted it red! Not only is it "sweet", but the truck gets to stay in the family! Thank you Lord! (and thank you "C's")

Two More Souls Saved!

2011-02-24T07:55:00.004-04:00

The preaching of the Word once again brings results! Two more 16 years old boys have made a profession of salvation! Pray for Maicon and Dhailton!

Enjoying God's Handiwork!

2011-02-24T07:29:00.001-04:00

Our daughter, Jessica, and grandson, Joshua, enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

Beautiful Rainy Season

2011-02-24T07:22:00.002-04:00

The grass is so green...the sky so blue...everything feels fresh and alive!

Brothers

2011-02-24T07:20:00.001-04:00

Stanley and Kevin Doolittle

A Boy and His Dogs

2011-02-24T07:17:00.001-04:00

Thought you might enjoy a few pictures that our daughter Jessica took recently. This is Stanley Doolittle (Peter's son) and his dogs.

Another Rainbow

2011-02-24T07:14:00.003-04:00

God is good! All the time! And His promises endure forever!

The Rainbow! God's Promises!

2011-02-12T14:42:00.002-03:00

"Our future is as bright as the promises of God!" This rainbow on the way home from our chacara reminded us once again of this! We await news today of our two remaining prayer requests...a job for Janalee and a car for our college kids to get to work! We are "Standing on the Promises of God!"

Making Precious Memories!

2011-02-03T15:25:00.003-03:00

How thankful we are that Dad (Robert Doolittle) got to come to Brazil and meet his first great-grandson! (Joshua Lima) We love you Dad! Proverbs 17:6!

About the Graduation...

2011-02-03T15:06:00.003-03:00

It may not seem like a big thing to you, but I forgot to mention that Andreia is the first and only person so far (beside Antonio and Lawanda) to graduate from college in our entire church family! It is an important step!

A Graduation...

2011-02-01T10:04:00.003-03:00

Andreia, a dear young lady from our church, graduated last night from the University of Cuiaba receiving a BS in Accounting. She has offered to help with the church's financial paperwork, income taxes, etc. Praise the Lord! Congratulations Andreia! We love you and are praying for God's best in the future!

One More Soul! Again!

2011-01-24T16:20:00.002-03:00

We are rejoicing in the salvation of another teenage boy yesterday! His name is Ezequiel. He is the one on the right, back row of the picture. His cousin, William, (front row middle) is bringing all of his friends and relatives to church! It was William's sister (Hellen) who was saved last week, and Ezequiel is his cousin! Please pray for the new converts!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!!!

2011-01-24T16:13:00.003-03:00

Several of you have written expressing concern about the flooding here in Brazil. We are safe and far from the major flooding....but it rains every single day! Then again, what can you expect during the rainy season? On the down side, it is really hard to get laundry dry as it is all hand wrung! On the up side, everything is a beautiful, luscious green; and the sky...!!!

Ambassador Baptist College Students

2011-01-17T19:26:00.004-03:00

Thought you might like a recent picture of the objects of our earnest prayer and concern! While they enjoy the snow....we have heat and rain...RAIN...RAIN!!!

TWO DOWN - TWO TO GO!

2011-01-17T18:48:00.003-03:00

Jed just called this afternoon to say that he got a job at a carpenter shop 1.8 miles from the school! He starts tomorrow! Keep praying for the other two needs! Our "miracle" may be just around the corner!

1 DOWN & THREE TO GO!

2011-01-17T15:16:00.002-03:00

God has answered one part of our four part need! Jenifer started her new job today at a daycare! Praise and thank the Lord with us and please remember the remaining needs in prayer:
1) job for Jedidiah
2) job for Janalee
3) vehicle for transportation to and from work

One More Soul!

2011-01-17T15:14:00.003-03:00

Yesterday we had a little seven year old girl from Lawanda's Sunday School class get saved! Pray for Hellen and for her 16 year old brother William. The rest of the family is not saved.

The Silver Lining Behind the Dark Clouds!

2011-01-10T13:52:00.002-03:00

Please pray this week for 3 jobs and a car for our three children at Ambassador Baptist College. We are asking God for a miracle! He is Able!

Our Joshua is 10 Months Old!

2011-01-10T13:39:00.001-03:00

We love having our grand-baby close by!

Paulo saved on New Year's Eve

2011-01-10T13:35:00.002-03:00

What a wonderful way to start 2011! We are rejoicing in the profession for salvation of this man on New Year's Eve. His wife and two pre-teen sons are members of our church. Please pray for Paulo. He has been an an alcoholic for over 15 years. God is able to free him from this bondage!

NINE MONTHS OLD!

2010-12-12T16:43:00.002-03:00

Our little grandson, Joshua, is nine months old already! As you can see, he is in to everything...including bumps and scratches! He brings us so much joy! He calls grandpa "Bo-bo" (portuguese is Vovo - rhymes with Go-go) and calls grandma "Neh-ma" (like cinema without the "ci") Too cute!

...And then the "EMPTY NEST"!

2010-12-12T16:32:00.003-03:00

"PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW..." Jedidiah has gone to the USA to get a job and to enter college at Ambassador Baptist as soon as God provides. Our nest is empty! We miss you, Jed!

Jedidiah's Graduation

2010-12-12T16:22:00.003-03:00

Our dear son has finished high school! What is Mom going to do with all the free time now after 20 years of teaching?

Our 3 College Students

2010-11-29T09:06:00.000-03:00

Jenifer, Janalee and Jedidiah at Ambassador Baptist College

New Family

2010-06-30T21:40:00.002-04:00

We are rejoicing at the salvation of this dear family please continue to pray for Mr. Marcio, his wife Sandra, and their 2 daughters, Julia (14) and Maria Luiza (11). They have been faithful to the services and we are excited to see them grow Spiritually. They have brought neighbors and friends to church with them. Last Sunday Julia brought her neighbor/friend a 15 year old girl named Kathleen and we saw her get saved. Please pray that the Lord will continue to work in them and through them.

Our New CD is Here!

2010-06-12T16:45:00.003-04:00

After many months of waiting we finally have our new Portuguese CD - TU ES A ROCHA (Thou Art My Rock). Please pray that it will be a blessing to our Brazilian people.

Happy Birthday Jessica!

2010-06-12T16:34:00.001-04:00

Our first-born is 23 today! It seems like yesterday....
Jessica, hope your day is wonderful and that you enjoy the Torta Holandesa I made!

Joshua is 3 months old today!

2010-06-09T16:16:00.002-04:00

Proverbs 17-6 Childrens children are the crown of old men... (and of grandmas!)

ACTS 16-31

2010-06-09T16:01:00.002-04:00

Praise the Lord with us for the SALVATION of an entire family on Sunday night! I will try to get a picture of them later, but please pray for Mr. Marcio, his wife Sandra, and their 2 daughters, Julia (14) and Maria Luiza (11) who all made professions! Pray for their growth as we disciple them!

Jeni and Jana meet Joshua for the first time!

2010-05-24T11:03:00.002-04:00

They Are Here!

2010-05-24T10:47:00.003-04:00

The joy...the tears...the embraces! It is wonderful to have our ABC girls home for the summer! God is so good to us!

Joshua is 2 months old on Mothers Day

2010-05-24T10:40:00.001-04:00

Mothers Day 2010

2010-05-24T10:24:00.002-04:00

Our church ladies had a great Mothers Day with personalized mugs and ice cream!

Let the Little Children Come!

2010-04-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

This morning in Lawanda's Sunday School Class we had 6 children make professions for salvation! They are all between 8 and 10 years of age. Here they pose with their happy pastor and are from left to right: Davi; Monica; Daiane; Gabriel; Daniel and Guilherme. They are from 6 different broken homes! Please pray for them!

One Month Old

2010-04-09T11:13:00.000-04:00

Our Precious Grandson, Joshua, is one month old today! He "cooed" outloud for grandma for the first time today!

Tia Nana's Little Helpers

2010-04-09T08:49:00.000-04:00

Getting Pratice at Being a Grandama

2010-04-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

Allie and Bethany Lockhart lovingly call me "Tia Nana" (rhymes with Tiajuana) Tia is "aunt" in portuguese and Nana can be short for Lawanda or for grandma! I made them some little aprons so they can help Tia Nana with baking and cooking!

Light at the End of the Tunnel?

2010-04-07T11:28:00.002-04:00

What is impossible with man is possible with God! Jenifer and Janalee each need $2,000 (two thousand dollars) by the 30th of April to be able to take their final exams! We are trusting that our great God who took them there and has provided thus far will miraculously meet this need. Will you pray with us for this? Thanks!

Enjoying Spring in the USA!

2010-04-07T11:14:00.001-04:00

Jenifer and Janalee are at Ambassador Baptist College in NC and glad that winter is over!

Isn't he Precious?

2010-04-07T11:11:00.001-04:00

Joshua is already trying to communicate! He is such a blessing in our lives!

Joshua

2010-03-15T10:16:00.001-04:00

2010-03-10T08:07:00.001-04:00

The Lima Family!

2010-03-10T07:53:00.001-04:00

The "new" daddy and mommy and 20 minutes old baby Joshua!

I'm an UNCLE!

2010-03-10T07:48:00.001-04:00

Mommy and Baby

2010-03-10T07:45:00.003-04:00

Precious Grandbaby!

2010-03-10T07:44:00.000-04:00

One Happy First-Time Grandpa!

2010-03-10T07:42:00.000-04:00

HE IS HERE!

2010-03-10T07:40:00.000-04:00

Announcing the arrival of
JOSHUA ALEXANDRO LIMA
born March 9th, 2010 at 6:55 am
9 lbs. 20 inches
Proud parents - Alex and Jessica Lima
Proud Grandparents - Antonio and Lawanda Duarte

A Boquet of Roses from Baby Socks

2010-02-05T14:41:00.001-03:00

I taught the ladies at Jess's baby shower how to make these lovely roses from baby socks. They are very easy and make a thoughtful gift, corsage, or can be used for decoration.

Only 4 to 8 weeks to await......

2010-02-05T14:28:00.005-03:00

...the arrival of our first grandbaby and the object of this "baby bump"! Can hardly wait!

Fun in the SNOW in NC

2010-02-02T17:14:00.001-03:00

Our college girls were actually snowed in this weekend in NC while we are down here mid-summer experiencing all the "global warming" !