It's hard to believe it's Wednesday already. Rich will be speaking one more time tonight and then we head back to Porto Alegre on Thursday and will fly out on Friday. We have a long lay over in Sao Paulo so hope to see that city before we leave Brazil. It rivals with Mexico City and Toyko as one of the largest cities in the world. Dr. Loftis arrived yesterday and gave an update on ABWE and Dr. Kempton's funeral. It was quite moving. Yesterday we went to the Chocolate Factory - Yum!! [View Full Entry]

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We started Sunday with breakfast and devotions with Bruce Mc Donald. He's been speaking on "Renewing our Passion." While the missionaries were in sessions, Rich prepared for the evening message while Jeff, Sheri and Lynette walked the town. After another dinner buffet, Rich spoke on "When I leave my First Love" from Rev. 2. Jeff and Sheri took care of the babies so the parents could enjoy the service. Monday started with breakfast and devotions. Once again Rich spent time preparing. After lunch we took a short trip to the falls here in Gramado. They were beautiful. Rich, Jeff and Sheri [View Full Entry]

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We stayed in the Hotel Express, not far from the airport. After getting settled in our rooms, we went out looking for something for supper; walked a few blocks and came to a tiny cafe. We thought it was closed, because of the gate being shut, but the lady came to the door and had us come in and then promptly locked the gate behind us. :) She spoke no English, but after hand gestures, & Lynette and I ending up in the kitchen, pointing to french fries cooking in a pot, we got our food just fine and it was [View Full Entry]

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On Saturday we took a two hour bus trip up in the mountains to the Serrano Resort in Gramado. Another beautiful place! We had some free time in the afternoon and were able to walk the town. They are noted for their Chocolate so we'll see what comes home in our suitcases!! We started out the conference with Rich sharing his favorite message from Ecclesiastes "When Life Doesn't Make Sense" on Saturday night. Sunday AM, Bruce McDonald began his series on "Renewing the Passion" and the morning sessions are on evangelism. Wish you all were here. [View Full Entry]

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We flew from Cedar Rapids to Chicago to Sao Paulo to Porte Alegre. We are staying in a motel for two nights and will tour the city tomorrow. Then we will head Gramado for the conference. [View Full Entry]

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On January 23, we leave Cedar Rapids for a 10 day trip to Brazil. Pastor Rich will be speaking at ABWE's All Brazil Conference. We are looking forward to ministering to 65 missionary family units. We will try to update you with pictures as the days go by. Jeff and Sheri Lesh, chairman of the missions team, will be traveling with us. [View Full Entry]

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This week we are starting a new emphasis on Mid-Week Ministries. Some of the topics include: Shepherding a Child's Heart, Money Map from Crown Financial Ministries, The Measure of a Man, The Measure of a Women, More Key Truths for Women, Draw Me Closer, Lord, and Real Men Pray, Faith Lessons from the Land of Israel along with the Bible Institute on Understanding the Old Testament. We are encouraging everyone to be involved in one of these life changing studies. [View Full Entry]

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Getting Started: It's the beginning of January and our theme for this year is "Focusing on our Mission. In Matthew 28, Jesus tells his disciples to go and "Make Disciples" of all nations. And that is what we are trying to do. This year we are starting the year with a Series in Matthew in the morning services and then a Heart to Heart chat with our church family in the evening services as to how we can better make disciples in the Cedar Valley area. We are hoping to look at all our ministries and honestly see which ones the [View Full Entry]

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