DECEMBER 2007

CAMPO LIMPO PAULISTA – SÃO PAULO – BRAZIL

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11.6NVI).

DEAR PRAYER PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ from your co-workers to the Portuguese-Speaking world!

HERE ARE SOME REASONS FOR PRAISING OUR LORD:

Mozambique: Thanks for praying for our Brazilian missionary Kleber, who had malaria. He and his wife Juracema and 4 national workers are in Brazil. They will be staying with us before they go back to Mozambique in February 2008.

9 Baptized: Sunday Sept. 16, four were baptized from CLP (Campo Limpo Paulista) Church.

Oct. 27, three were baptized from Carraozinho Church.

Oct. 28, two more were baptized from CLP Church.

Youth Outreach Programs:
At Carraozinho Church (Sept. 22). We went by bus, 1 1/2 hour long trip. The music was led by the youth from the Carraozinho, Pirituba and CLP Churches. Roger (our 14 year old) brought the message (Roger has preached many times now and he does a great job, this is my boy!).

At CLP Church (Oct. 27). The youth from the RLM churches led the worship. Zelia Lopes, missionary at Urucara, Amazonas (who works with Earl Haubner) spoke.

At Guarulhos Church (Nov. 24). This was the 25th wedding anniversary of Brother David Lopes, minister at Guarulhos Church. We were invited to be part of this special occasion. This church is under Earl Haubner's ministry. The youth led the worship; David had invited a guest speaker. We went by bus, 2 1/2 hours long trip.

Women’s Tea: The ladies at CLP Church promoted two more women’s teas. Sept. 29, Monica spoke on “Love”; Dec. 1, Monica spoke on “Forgiveness”.

Leadership Meeting: The first Saturday of each month, we meet at CLP church, with leaders from the RLM (River of Life Ministries) churches in the state of Sao Paulo. Oct. 6, I (Jeff) started a 6-part series of studies on eldership. Nov. 3, I continue the series on eldership studies. Dec. 1, our last meeting for this year, we meditated on Ezekiel 34 and had communion. We will meet again in Feb. 2008 and continue the studies on eldership.

Children’s Ministry: Monica met with the Children's Ministry Leaders and workers from the RLM churches in Sao Paulo, during the time we met with the leaders of the churches.

Children’s Day (Oct 13): This was a great outreach; we had about 230 children and about 70 adults. When we started to plan this outreach we planned to have about 150 children. Monica and her team worked many hours, over several days, for this event, and it was worth every minute.

Men’s Breakfast (Oct 28): At CLP Church; I spoke on “Man’s Obligations to His Wife”

Brazil National Convention (Nov 9-11): At the convention, they recognized the missionary families that have worked in Brazil since Lloyd David Sanders came to Brazil 60 years ago. Actually, the Sanders' arrived in Brazil in the first semester of 1948, but the Brazilians are already celebrating. During this 60 years, many missionary families came to Brazil, but the convention decided to recognize those families that worked longer in Brazil, and those present at the convention. Lloyd and Ruth Sanders, Gerald Holmquist, Philip MacAfee and I received a small button made of pure gold with the Brazilian Flag, inscribed "Igreja de Cristo 60" (Church of Christ 60). Our family has been working in Brazil since 1965.

Visit to North Goiania Church (Nov 11, 15, 17 & 18): We were invited to speak at the church where my parents (Tom & Libby), & my brother (Robert) ministered from back in the 60’s up to the end of the 80’s. I was raised at this church and was an active member there until I moved to Sao Paulo in 1988. It was great to see the old friends - and more important to see that church growing. They now have close to 400 members, and it is a very alive, mission-minded church.

Vacation (Nov 12, 13, 16): During the time we were at Goiania, between the convention and speaking at North Goiania Church, we took some time off. We visited Monica’s relatives and my brother Tchico’s family. It was a great refreshing time. The only bad thing was, I got a stomach "bug" and suffered a lot for the first four days that we were in Goiania; other than that the trip was great.

End of the School Year (Dec 7): Roger finished the 9th grade and Isaac the 5th grade. The new school year will start in the end of January, 2008. They are enjoying their well-deserved summer vacation.

MBA: My last class this year was on Saturday Dec, 15. Monica and the boys were very happy! I have two more classes (6 Saturdays in Feb. and Mar., 2008) in Brazil. And in the end of Nov., beginning of Dec., I’ll need to come to Florida for two weeks to finish my MBA studies. Now I’m working on my dissertation.

Christmas Cantata (Dec 16): Monica worked hard preparing this year's Christmas Cantata; she'd involved every age group from the church in CLP. After 3 months of preparation, and many rehearsals, finally the presentation date arrived this past Sunday. Everything went just fine; it was a great presentation and the church was packed.

HERE ARE SOME SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS & UPCOMING EVENTS:

New Church Plant: On Sept. 1, RLM started a new church plant in Parnamirim, RN. This new church plant doesn't yet have a supporting church. We have purchased, by faith, chairs, sound equipment and etc. on the credit card. The church in Parnamirim purchased the lot and built the building, so this church pays no rent. If your church, Sunday School Class, or any individual, would like to sponsor this new church plant, we need a commitment of US$ 300 per month for only one year.

The Dollar Value: The exchange rate has gone even lower in the last few months now is R$1.80 per dollar. The devaluation of the dollar, along with rising prices, makes it hard for us to keep the work going! Just so you can have an idea what this mean, in January of this year, 2007 our car payment was $380 US Dollar, now in December we paid $460 US Dollar. In Brazilian money, the car payment doesn't go up; this 21% increase is only due to the devaluation of the US dollar. Please pray for the dollar value to go up, or for God to send us more support!

More Prayer Requests: Pray that God will give us the opportunity to reach people for HIS Kingdom! Pray that the Lord will give us good health! Pray that the Lord will provide all the funds needed. Please pray that the Lord will keep giving us wisdom and discernment, so we can accomplish what He has called us to do. To Him be all honor and glory!

Annual Reports: Our RLM 2007 Annual Missionary Report, RLM 2007 Audit Financial Report and RLM 2008 Budget are attached to the report. Thanks for readying them and for praying for us!

Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2008!

Your prayers and financial support are vital for our lives and ministry! Thanks for your prayers and support!

God is good all the time and all the time God is Good!
In HIS Love and Service,

Jeff, Monica, Roger, and Isaac Fife

SEPTEMBER 2007 CAMPO LIMPO PAULISTA – SÃO PAULO – BRAZIL

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11.1NVI).

DEAR PRAYER PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ from your co-workers to the Portuguese-Speaking world!

HERE ARE SOME REASONS FOR PRAISING OUR LORD:

Reports: As you know, I’m working on my MBA and I have classes every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and I have to do lots of reading, paper work, and projects, many of them in a group. Since I’m working full time and studying at the same time I’m only taking time to write our Praise and Prayer Request Report every couple months. We count on your understanding, and seek your prayers for us during this time. I’m learning a lot and God is blessing me with pretty good grades! God is good!

Laptop: We received in August a gift of US$1,000.00 for this purpose and we purchased, by faith, a new laptop for US$ 1,159.39. We believe God will send the US$ 159.39 to cover the laptop cost. Thank you Lord!

Leadership Meeting: The first Saturday of each month, we meet at CLP church, with leaders from the RLM (River of Life Ministries) churches in the state of Sao Paulo. In July (July 7) I spoke on “The Leader Personality”, in August (Aug 5) I spoke on "Keep Your Eyes on The Objective (Goal)" and in September (Sep 1) on "Valuing Your Human Capital (Volunteers)".

Children Ministry: Monica meets with the Children's Ministry Leaders and workers from the RLM churches in Sao Paulo, during the time we meet with the leaders each first Saturday.

Small Groups: In July at CLP Church (Campo Limpo Paulista; a church that's being planted with the support of First Christian Church in Johnson City, TN). We were meeting every Tuesday night at the church for prayer and our average attendance was around 25. Now we have 5 strategic groups meeting in different areas of town and our attendance is around 65 people praying every Tuesday night. Two groups are ready to multiply, so we will have 7 groups meeting by the end of September. The first 5 groups are being led by the elders; the new groups will be led by leaders trained by the elders. I do not lead any group, but every week I do a "surprise visit" at one of them. When needed, I do fill in, if an elder is sick or unable to get back from work on time.

Visit to the Northeast RLM Churches (July 16-18): It wasn't possible to make this visit; we hope I can go in the near future.

Youth Outreach (July 21): Valley View Christian Church gave a Play Station II for Roger and Isaac for Christmas (their "Christmas in July" program) and we decided to use it as an evangelistic tool. We had games Saturday afternoon (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) for the youth at CLP Church. They played many games, but we also took a moment to share the gospel, and afterward served snacks for over 50 young people. It was a blessing!

Vacation (July 25-27): During the month of July the boys were out of school for their winter vacation, and in the midst of our busy schedule we managed to go away for 3 days. We went to the beach (about 2 hours from our home); the water was too cold, but the hotel had a heated swimming pool. There was only one other family at the hotel, and we had a very refreshing time.
Women’s Tea (July 28): 35 ladies were present and Monica spoke on “The wife of Noble Character” (Proverbs 31.10-29). This was the first event of this nature at CLP Church; the ladies are planning to have one every two months.

Back to School: Roger and Isaac started their second semester on Aug. 1st and the school year will end on December 7th.

Fathers Day in Brazil (Aug 11): The children ministry did a special presentation at CLP Church.

Woman’s Celebration (Aug 18): The Carraozinho Church (This is a new church plant supported by Seymour Heights Christian Church) had a celebration on Saturday. Monica was invited to speak! This church is doing very well, and is experiencing good, healthy growth. Praise the Lord!

Family Visit (Aug 23): My brother Fife MacDuff, who works for the U.S. Dept. of State as an English Language Officer was in Brazil coordinating the visit of the U.S. Secretary of Education Margareth Spellings to Brazil. He was in Sao Paulo and we had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with him.

Outreach at Pirituba Church (Aug 25): Starting in August, we will have an evangelistic meeting every fourth Saturday of each month in one of the RLM congregations in the state of Sao Paulo. The first was at Pirituba Church; these meetings are led by the youth of the RLM churches, and they take care of the whole program. They asked Monica to speak. Over 150 were present!

Men’s Breakfast (Aug 26): At CLP Church, and I spoke on “Love Your Wife”.

Youth Outreach (Sep 1): This was another day for games at the CLP Church, but this time we had soccer at our parking lot. Many visitors came and heard the Gospel.

New Church Plant (Sep 1): This is a great blessing! Over two years ago, RLM sent Brother Uriel to restore the dying church in Parnamirim (Seymour Heights C. C. supported the restoration of this church). The church in Parnamirim now has an average attendance on Sundays of 90, and has planted a daughter congregation! This new church plant doesn't have yet a supporting church. We have purchased, by faith, chairs, sound equipment and etc. in 10 payments on the credit card. The church in Parnamirim purchased the lot and built the building, so this church pays no rent. If your church, Sunday School Class, or any individual would like to sponsor this new church plant, we need a commitment of US$ 400 for the next 10 months.

Jeff to The Emergency Room (Sep 3): In Sao Paulo it rains all year around but this year we've gone for months without rain; this has caused many breathing problems. I developed breathing problems, sinus, ear, and throat infection. I went to the Dr. on August 27, and he put me on an antibiotic for 10 days. After a week taking the medication I got worse, and Monica had to take me to the E.R. At the emergency room, they X-Rayed my lungs, sinuses, etc. Both were full of secretions, so they put me on IV's and changed the antibiotic. I've taken all the medication, but I’m still not feeling well. Pray for rain!

HERE ARE SOME SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUESTS & UPCOMING EVENTS:

Mozambique: Please pray for our Brazilian missionary Kleber, who has malaria. He and his wife Juracema are getting ready to come to Brazil in October. They will stay in Brazil until February 2008, and they're bringing 4 national workers with them.

Outreach: At Carraozinho Church (Sep 22); at CLP Church (Oct 27); and at Conquista Church (Nov 24). Pray for God’s direction and for the youth who are leading these events.

Women’s Tea (Sep 29 and Dec 1): At CLP Church.

Leadership and Children Ministry Meeting (Oct 6 and Nov 3): At CLP Church for all RLM Churches in the state of Sao Paulo!

Children Day (Oct 13): October 12 is Children's Day; all the schools have celebrations on this day. We're preparing a Children's outreach at CLP Church for at least 150 children. Monica is working overtime preparing all the materials for this day, and the members of the church are doing all they can to help her. We want to give a gift to each child and provide snacks. We're writing letters to many businesses in town asking for gifts, hoping they'll help. (Oct. 13 is Monica’s birthday! Monica’s e-mail is: monicafife.rlm@gmail.com)

Men’s Breakfast (Oct 28): At CLP Church.

The Dollar Value: The exchange rate has gone down to R$1.86 per dollar. The devaluation of the dollar, along with rising prices, makes it hard for us to keep the work going! Please pray for the dollar value to go up, or for God to send us more support!

Annual Reports: Now that we have a working laptop, and all the records from the old laptop, we can write our annual reports. Some churches have asked for these reports and we hope to have them written by Sep 25.

More Prayer Requests: Pray that God will give us the opportunity to reach people for HIS Kingdom! Pray that the Lord will give us good health! Pray that the Lord will provide all the funds needed. Please pray that the Lord will keep giving us wisdom and discernment, so we can accomplish what He has called us to do. To Him be all honor and glory!

Your prayers and financial support are vital for our lives and ministry! Thanks for your prayers and support!

God is good all the time and all the time God is Good!
In HIS Love and Service,

Jeff, Monica, Roger, and Isaac Fife

RIVER OF LIFE MINISTRIES/MINISTÉRIO RIO DE VIDA
Reaching the Portuguese-Speaking World for Jesus Christ!
EVANGELISM – DISCIPLESHIP – NEW CHURCH PLANT