ANNUAL MISSIONARY REPORT
NAME: Jeff and Monica Fife
MAILING ADDRESS (INCLUDE EMAIL AND WEBSITE):
Av. da Saudade 163 – Jardim Guanciale
13236 Campo Limpo Pta – SP Brazil (South America)
E-mail: mailto:rlm_fifes@hotmail.com
http://riveroflifeministries.blogspot.com/
TELEPHONE CONTACT:
Phone: 011-55-11-4038-3422
Cell: 011-55-11-9955-7749
FORWARDING AGENT AND CONTACT INFORMATION:
River of Life Ministries - c/o Elena Coelho
PO Box 8262 - Gray - TN 37615
Ph: 423-741-4907
E-mail: mailto:ebrasa@hotmail.com
MISSION FIELD AND PEOPLE GROUP:
River of Life Ministries
HOW LONG HAVE YOU SERVED ON THIS FIELD?
We have been at the present location since December 2001 (6 years and 9 months). Monica and I (Jeff) were born and raised working in the ministry with our parents and we will complete 20 years working in the ministry as a couple in January 2009.
WHAT WAS YOUR ORIGINAL TIME COMMITMENT TO THIS MINISTRY?
We may not be at the same location for the rest of our lives, but we are committed to this ministry for life.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT TIME COMMITMENT TO THIS MINISTRY?
For life!
TYPE (S) OF MINISTRY: (PLEASE CHECK):
Evangelism (X) Church Planting (X)
Equipping/Discipling (X) Missionary Assistance ( )
Medical Missions ( ) Benevolence ( )
Missionary Preparation (X) Translation Services ( )
Counseling (X) Short Term Missions (X)
Other ( ) Please Explain:
YOUR MINISTRY MISSION STATEMENT:
MISSION: Reach the Portuguese-speaking world for Jesus Christ
VISION: Reach the lost through Evangelism, mentoring and equipping through Discipleship, to Plant New Churches
YOUR TYPICAL DAY AND PRIMARY MINISTRY ACTIVITIES:
TYPICAL DAY:
Get up at 6:20 a.m.
Roger and Isaac leave for school at 6:55 a.m.
2 hours per day are devoted to prayer, devotion and reading.
2 hours per day are devoted for preparation of discipleship, preaching, and teaching material.
Check e-mail and correspondence as needed and as time permits.
At 12:30 p.m. Roger and Isaac come back from school and we have lunch as a family.
Our family dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.
We receive many phone calls every day for counseling and we meet personally with the people when it's needed.
Roger and Isaac go to bed at 9:30 p.m. I (Jeff) personally read the Bible and pray with them before they go to bed every night.
Monica and I go to bed after midnight.
MINISTRY ACTIVITIES:
SUNDAY:Worship team practice at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday School at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Service at 7:00 p.m.
Once per month we have elders' meeting at 10:00 a.m.
Once every two months we have men's breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
MONDAY:Monica and I (Jeff) take the morning off for us as the boys are at school.
First Monday of each month Monica has a meeting at 8:00 p.m. with all the volunteers of the Children's Ministry.
Every two weeks we teach marriage classes at 8:00 p.m.
When needed, Jeff makes visits with one or more of the elders.
TUESDAY:Small Home Prayer Groups meet at the homes at 08:00 p.m. Each week we visit and encourage one of the 7 groups. All these groups are led by the elders and other leaders from the church.
WEDNESDAY:Monica teaches piano and English lessons from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a one hour break for dinner.
Jeff makes visits with one or more of the elders.
From 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Jeff disciples the new converts.
THURSDAY:As soon as Roger and Isaac come home from school we take the rest of the day off as a family day.
FRIDAY:Friday night service at 8:00 p.m.
Worship team practice at 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY:First Saturday of each month we have a meeting at 10:00 a.m. with all the leaders from all 4 churches in the state of Sao Paulo that work in alliance with RLM (River of Life Ministry).
Two Saturdays per month we have Bible College classes from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
One Saturday per month we have an evangelistic event in one of the churches that work in alliance with RLM.
One Saturday per month Monica leads a women's tea.
HOW IS GOD WORKING THROUGH YOUR MINISTRY AND WHAT WERE YOUR PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST YEAR?
God is doing wonderful things through our lives. We have baptized 13 at the CLP (Campo Limpo Paulista Church) during the last year. The 8 churches that work in alliance with RLM have reported 32 baptisms in the past year. We have received many new members who have come from many other church backgrounds, most of whom were without a church for more than a year. These are people who were hurt in other churches and left the church; they've been restored in their faith though our ministry. In the past year the CLP Church had a 30% growth. During the past year we have had the opportunity to promote many ways of discipleship. The church at CLP was planted in January 2005 with the financial help of First Christian Church in Johnson City. We started with 11 members. After two years, in February 2007, we separated 5 men to be trained and become elders. The CLP Church has now 112 members.
At CLP Church we started having home prayer groups meeting in July 2008. We started with 4 groups and now have 7 groups meeting every Tuesday night. All these Small Prayer Groups are led by elders and other leaders who have been trained by the elders to become small group leaders. The average combined attendance at the Home Prayer Groups is 72 per week.
Once per month we meet with leaders from the 4 churches in the state of Sao Paulo that work in alliance with RLM for leadership training. Through these meetings we have seen them grow spiritually.
As we promote marriage classes every two weeks for the couples at the CLP Church we have seen changes in their marriages and families.
One of our goals since we started to work at this location was to start a Bible College. In May 2008, we were able to start the College with 22 students. Most of the students are from the CLP Church, but we have two students from each of the other 3 Churches that work in alliance with RLM, plus two students from another independent church.
In February 2007, with the financial support of Seymour Heights Christian Church, we helped plant a new congregation at Carraozinho (East side of Sao Paulo City). This congregation, working in alliance with RLM, is doing very well. Brother Gilberto is responsible for this church and he and his wife Patricia are a very devoted couple.
In 2004, with the financial help of Seymour Heights Christian Church we help re-plant a church in Parnamirim, Rio Grande do Norte, in the northeastern part of Brazil. In the past year this congregation has planted a daughter congregation at the south side of Parnamirim. To see this church multiply on its own is a great blessing. Brother Uriel is responsible for this work with the help of Brother Almeida; these two are retired from the Air Force.
The other churches that work in alliance with us are all growing. They're located in different states and I couldn't visit them in the past year because of Monica's health. But we've kept in contact via phone and e-mails and they are doing very well. These 3 church locations are: Brasilia, Goias, and Rio de Janeiro.
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PAST YEAR:
I (Jeff) believe that our biggest personal highlight was to see God's hands at work, through Monica's health problems. She suffered for so long with head aches, and to see the Lord bring the right Doctor at the right moment to have Monica headache-free is a miracle for us. We felt so loved through all the prayers and uplifting words from the entire world. The way God's people came up with the finances to pay for all the medical expenses was tremendous. When Monica went for the surgery, the doctor said she had a 50% chance of surviving, that she could become blind and deaf on her right side and have no feeling in her face for the rest of her life. The Doctors said if she did survive, the right side of her body (arm and leg) would probably not work properly anymore. To see her alive, back to 80% of her activities, having only trouble seeing with her right eye, is a blessing for us! She still gets confuses when she's in a very noisy, crowded place and she gets tired very easily. But we're thankful for her life!
Another personal highlight is seeing Roger and Isaac grow, not only physically but spiritually. They were very mature spiritually through all we've been through with Monica's health; their faith was very strong! Roger is a 10th grader this year and Isaac 6th. Both play basketball for the Campo Limpo Paulista City and they both play the drums at church.
During the past year I (Jeff) had the opportunity to study for an MBA with a specialization in leadership. Because of Monica's health I still have one more class to take, that's offered in April 2009.
HOW SUCCESSFUL HAS YOUR MINISTRY BEEN OVER THE PAST YEAR? WHAT MARKERS ARE YOU USING TO MEASURE YOUR EFFECTIVENESS?
God has been very gracious to us! We see many ways how we might be more effective in our ministry and we're striving toward this growth as we learn more each day with our Lord. But at the same time, we see the hand of the Lord working trough us as we see people coming to the Lord, and others being restored in their faith.
Although for us, our first ministry is our family, and we've been blessed with very good children who are committed to the Lord. We could say that the Lord has done a marvelous work through our lives.
Every thing we plan in ministry is based on prayer and fasting. So, the markers we use to measure our effectiveness is to see God's approval. First, He has given us peace, courage, strength, and a spirit that does not give up to do His work. We're seeing lives being saved and restored. What we feel we've been doing what the Lord has called us to do, and this work is yielding fruit beyond what we expected.
WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT FURLOUGH PLANS?
We intend to visit our supporting churches in January 2009. Monica was approved for a 5-year visa, since her Green Card expired, so now we can travel without problems. We're scheduled to leave Brazil January 5th, and return February 5th, 2009. Please inform us the best date for us to visit!
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATION? PLEASE ATTACH YOUR CURRENT BUDGET ALONG WITH ANNUAL EXPENSES AS WELL AS THE AMOUNTS BEING RECEIVED FROM OTHER SOURCES. PLEASE INCLUDE INFORMATION ON YOUR RETIREMENT PLANNING.
With the devaluation of the US Dollar, plus inflation in Brazil, in order to maintain ministry and living expenses, we need a 28.465% increase in our regular support. Attached to this report is our 2009 budget and financial audit report. Our budget and financial report has information about our retirement plan; our retirement plan is with Waddell & Reed Financial Services.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED ANY HEALTH CONCERNS ABOUT WHICH WE NEED TO BE MADE AWARE?
We ask you to continue to pray for Monica's total health recovery.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND VISION FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
Give continuation to what we are doing right now:
*Promoting evangelism and discipleship and helping the newly planted churches to grow.
*We plan to plant a new church in Jundiai in 2009. Jundiai has close to 1/2 million population and is about 12.5 miles from Campo Limpo Paulista and about 32 miles from Sao Paulo City. At the present moment we have 21 members at CLP Church that are from Jundiai and are dreaming with us about this church plant. Because of the location and high costs in Jundiai, we will need to raise 10,000 US Dollars to start this new congregation, plus a 3-year support of 1,000 US Dollars per month. The start-up cost will cover chairs, sound equipment and a 3-month rent deposit which we'll need to rent a location.
*Visit our supporting churches in the USA in January 2009.
*Visit the work in Mozambique in February 20 through March 2, 2009 with John Leech from Seymour Heights Christian Church. This time I'd like to take Roger with us.
WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PRAYER NEEDS, FAMILY NEEDS, AND FINANCIAL NEEDS WITH WHICH WE COULD ASSIST? WHAT NEEDS SHOULD WE CONSIDER AS WE DEVELOP OUR ANNUAL MISSIONS BUDGET?
*Please pray for the Lord to keep our family safe; Brazil is not the safest place in the world to live.
*That the Lord will give us good health and finish His healing as Monica recuperates from the removal of the brain tumor.
*That He will free us from all things that do not come from Him that may take us off course.
*Pray with us as we plan for Roger to go to college in a couple of years. He wants to come back to the USA for his senior year at High School and for College.
*Pray that the Lord will use us for His honor and glory, in spite of us!
*Pray that we will be able to raise the support needed to keep up with our ministry and living expenses.
*Pray for the Lord to send the resources needed to plant the Jundiai Church.
RLM 2008 FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORT:
FROM JANUARY 1ST TO AUGUST 31st
BALANCE TRANSFER FROM THE 2007 DESIGNATED GIFTS:
Car Payment $ 641.26
Furlough $ 2,489.75
TOTAL $ 3,131.01
Ministry Balance $ 7,086.49
Balance December 31, 2007(A) $ 10,217.50
INCOME (From Jan 1st to Aug 31st)
Regular Supporters $ 33,750.00
One time Gift $ 5,548.62
Total (B) $ 39,298.62
DESIGNETED SUPPORT:
(1) Mozambique $ 3,400.00
(2) 2009 Furlough $ 800.00
(3) New Church Plant $ 2,400.00
(4) Brazilian 2008 Convention $ 700.00
(5) Personal Gifts $ 740.00
(6) Car Payments $ 3,186.90
(7) Christmas in July (BCC) $ 218.00
(8) FCC-JC Mission Trip to Brazil $ 800.00
(9) BCC Mission Trip to Brazil $ 5,300.00
Total Other Gifts (C) $ 17,544.90
Total (B+C) $ 56,843.52
Total (B+C) + 2007 Balance (A) $ 67,061.02
Contributions to RLM designated for:
(1) The work in Mozambique
(2) Help pay for the 2008 Furlough expenses
(3) New Church Planting
(4) Help pay for the 2008 Christian/Church of Christ Convention
(5) Help Buy School Materials & Personal Gifts
(6) Help make the car payments
(7) Gift from Bethany Christian Church
(8) Gift to pay the travel expenses of Ron and Phil Blackmore from Johnson City First Christian Church
(9) Gift to pay travel expenses of Bethany Christian Church Team
EXPENSES:
Salary $ -8000.00
(House expenses; Food; Clothes; etc.)
Help Pay for the Boys School $ -3.200.00
Home Allowance $ -3,513.97
(Home and Office - Rent, Security, Taxes)
Electricity (Home and Office) $ -494.97
Water (Home and Office) $ -181.40
Gas (Home) $ -40.90
Phone (Office, Home and Cell) $ -1,825.35
Gasoline and Toll $ -2,603.55
Car Insurance $ -596.94
Car Maintenance $ -1,079.33
Life Insurance $ -1,864.64
Retirement Plan $ -960.00
Medical Insurance/Medicine $ -4,240.49
Post Office $ -13.38
Publicity (News Letter and Others) $ -203.70
Internet Access $ -412.99
Office Supplies $ -618.17
Evangelism $ -1,477.52
Discipleship $ -2,195.76
New Church Plant $ -2,286.68
Bible College $ -701.95
Ministry/Missions $ -7,078.92
Car Payments $ -4,553.85
Bank Fees and Government Taxes $ -463,73
Mozambique $ -3,400.00
Personal Gifts $ -740.00
2008 Brazilian Convention $ -300.00
2008 Car taxes $ -1,985.17
USA Office Supplies $ -177.64
Christmas in July $ -218.00
FCC-JC Team $ -545.62
BCC Team $ -5,291.25
Renew Brazilian Passport (Jeff & Monica) $ -209.33
Renew USA Passport (Jeff) $ -116.08
Monica USA Visa $ -231.67
Total Expenses $-62,317.92
BALANCE AUGUST 31, 2008 $ 4,743.60
BALANCE TRANSFER FROM THE DESIGNATED GIFTS:
Furlough 2009 $ 3,289.75
TOTAL $ 3,289.75
Deducting the Balance from the Transfer Balance "Designated Gifts" - RLM's
Balance in 08/31/2008 is $1,453.85
GIFTS THAT ARE GIVEN TO RLM:
65% COMES FROM CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
35% COMES FROM INDIVIDUALS (Family and Friends)
(If needed we have a spreadsheet with all expenses itemized)
MONICA’S SURGERY
GIFTS RECEIVED $55,390.16
AMOUNT USE $45,350.59
BALANCE $10,039.57
RIVER OF LIFE MINISTRIES 2009 BUDGET:
Salary $1,000.00 (House expenses; Food; Clothes; etc.)
Help Pay for the Boys School $ 450.00 (The monthly fee is $390.00)
Rent, Security, Taxes, Electricity, Water, Gas $ 850.00 (Home and Office)
Phone (Office, Home and Cell) $ 225.00
Medical Insurance/Medicine $ 480.00
Life Insurance $ 250.00
Retirement Plan $ 200.00
Gasoline and Toll $ 315.00
Car Maintenance $ 80.00
Car Insurance $ 105.00
Car Payment $ 505.00
Car Taxes $ 165.00
Office Expenses $ 90.00
Publicity (Newsletter and others) $ 100.00
Internet Access $ 60.00
Evangelism $ 500.00
Discipleship $ 300.00
Church Planting $ 300.00
Bible College $ 500.00
Benevolence $ 20.00
Bank Fees and Government Taxes $ 50.00
Ministry/Missions $ 900.00
Total $7,445.00
OUR MONTHLY GOAL FOR THE MINISTRY IN BRAZIL AND LIVING FOR 2009 IS $7,445.00 PER MONTH
If the supporters that has supported us in 2008 continue with their regular support in 2009. Between churches and individuals that support the ministry in Brazil, we have committed: $ 5,795.83
If the supporters that has supported the work in Mozambique in 2008 continue with their support in 2009. At present churches and individuals have committed: $400.00
Brazil Ministry $ 7,445.00
Mozambique $ 400.00
TOTAL BUDGET FOR 2009 $ 7,845.00
FURTHERMORE, FOR US TO REACH OUR GOAL FOR 2009, WE NEED AN EXTRA $1,649.17 PER MONTH FOR THE MINISTRY IN BRAZIL.
We believe with all of our heart that God will move peoples' hearts as He has moved yours, and we will reach this goal for His honor and glory. We have many goals for River of Life Ministries for 2009 – We want to continue reaching many souls for the Lord in 2009, please continue supporting us!
EXTRA BUDGET CHURCH PLANT:
Our goal is to continue to Plant New Churches. We have a big challenge for 2009; we're planning a New Church Plant in Jundiai. Jundiai is located about 12.5 miles from CLP (Campo Limpo Paulista) and has a ½ million population. At the present time, 21 members of the CLP Church live in Jundiai, and are dreaming about this church plant.
The cost of living in Jundiai is much higher then in CLP. To plant this church we'll need to raise $10,000 US to start this new congregation, and a 3-year commitment of support of $1,000 US per month. We are looking for 10 churches and/or individuals that can give $1,000 US, to start this new church plant and 10 churches and/or individuals that can give $100.00 US per month for 3 years.
We need people to step out in faith with us and make this possible for God's honor and glory!
Thank you very much for supporting us! Your prayers and financial support are vital for our ministry. May the Lord bless you! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!
In His Love and Service,
Jeff, Monica, Roger, and Isaac Fife
Missionaries/River of Life Ministries
“Whoever believes in Me, as the Scriptures has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:38)
