"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.
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
