Brazil Update

They have been travelling down to Brazil over the past couple of years and feel that God is calling them to move there for an extended period to lead the church plant and whatever else God opens up for them in the future in Brazil. They have another home group on the other side of Rio in Barra de Tijuca, which hopefully will become a fully-fledged church plant in the not too distant future. They have their visas and will be leaving Mexico on the 12th April. They report that it's very exciting, but very challenging!

Below is a newsletter which John sent out recently with more information and pointers for prayer.

As many of you may have heard by now Flor and I will be moving down to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in April this year, initially for six months but very much open to a longer stay. We’ve been traveling to Rio a couple of times a year over the last three years and have really felt God stirring us and calling us to spend an extended period there.

We need massive amounts of prayer to break into this amazing city and nation and would love to appeal to you to partner us in prayer for this new and very exciting, though very daunting adventure.

At present we have two home groups in Rio both led by people who were previously part of Newfrontiers churches in England, one in the Flamengo area, near the Sugar Loaf, (Andrew and Nicky Lorimer, ex Harrow) and one in Barra de Tijuca on the other side of town (Al and Denise Dobb, Al is ex Orpington). The Flamengo group will begin regular public Sunday meetings when we move down. The Barra group will hopefully become a fully-fledged church plant in the not too distant future. I will be taking over the leadership of the Flamengo plant and overseeing all we’re doing in Brazil, not a lot as yet but there’s a lot more to come. Some of our needs and challenges are:

Although Brazil is a Latin nation it is very different to Mexico. Language is obviously an issue. I’ve worked hard on learning Portuguese and am now pretty fluent. I can preach in it, not as comfortably as in Spanish of course but ok. Flor has some basics but will need to take classes.

The food is good but it’s not Mexican! This is not a triviality for a Mexican I can assure you. And though it might seem strange there just isn’t the same variety and availability of all kinds of stuff we have in Mexico. Being near the USA isn’t always such a bad thing!

People are friendly but they will measure you up more before letting you into their circle. We need real grace to find favour with the Brazilians. Up to now it’s been going well. I haven’t mentioned the good things, they’re easy to adapt to!

Rio is beautiful it’s true, but it’s also a very large, violent and complicated city to live in. We will need to feel ‘at home’ as quickly as possible.

This will probably mean a flat as getting a house in Rio is not an easy option. Please pray we find just the place, which fits our needs as we don’t want to be battling with unnecessary issues such as lack of space, noise problems etc. If we’re comfortable we’ll do a better job.

This is a vital ingredient! It looks as if Flor can have the same insurance cover as in Mexico by paying an additional percentage on her premium, but this needs to be finalized here and then set up in Brazil. We need it to be as simple as possible. There have been all kinds of health issues for folks who are part of the work in Brazil. We do need God to keep everyone in good shape!

Good news on this one. After a very ‘interesting’ process our visas have been authorized for one year and are renewable.

Although it’s still small the group in Flamengo will be helping us and our church here in Guadalajara will be too, but it’s still a big challenge. Cost of living in Rio is at least 50% higher than here. And of course we need to set up the new church with PA, chairs etc.

Our church here is almost four years old now, we have a good leadership team in place but obviously our absence is going to be a challenge. Please pray that God blesses them and keeps them mightily encouraged.

And last but by no means least GOD’S POWER AND BLESSING for growth, conversions, healings, and contacts around the city and the nation.