The Bible says in Acts 16.34:

The jailer brought (Paul and Silas) into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.

As followers of Jesus we all rejoice when we see those who are lost coming to know the Savior.  And I think most of us are even happier when the ones who find salvation are members of our own family.

Yesterday Hugo and Milene made their decision to put on Jesus in baptism.  Hugo’s youngest brother, Raul, became a part of our congregation in 2004.  Two years later Célia, Raul’s mother, was converted to Christ.  Raul and Celia have been working and praying to see Hugo and his family following to Lord.  How wonderful it is to see Hugo, Milene and their children worshipping our God each Sunday!  How amazing it is to watch the seed of God’s word take root and grow as it touches hearts and transforms lives.  May the Lord continue to give the increase in Rio de Janeiro and throughout the world one soul and one family at a time!

July 3rd – 5th Mel Latorre Jr. was here in Jacarepaguá and taught a series of classes on the themes of marriage and the family.  Everyone benefitted from the informative lessons.  That Sunday Mel gave us a quick and insightful overview of the book of Ecclesiastes.  His visit was a blessing to the church.

Speaking of blessings, it was great to have Joy Cook and Sue Pyland from Little Rock, Arkansas in Rio for four weeks in June.  They returned this year to teach the Bible in English.  Some of their readers from last year came back and they also had several new readers.  In addition to the one on one Bible classes with students, each weekend they hosted fun get-togethers so that the church members and those studying English could meet.  We pray that the people they came in contact with will have open hearts and a desire to continue studying God’s word in the weeks and months to come.

On Saturday, June 20th, Luiz Cláudio and Márcia renewed their wedding vows at the church building.  They had had a civil ceremony 21 years ago and wished to have a church wedding ceremony now as they continue their union.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship for the whole congregation.

This month we are in the process of starting a few home Bible study groups.  The idea is to provide fellowship and encouragement for believers but especially to reach out to relatives and neighbors who still don’t know the Lord.  Three groups have already begun and we plan to begin a few more in the near future.

Please continue to pray for all the people studying God’s word each week at our Outreach Center.  And that the Lord will keep sending more people with open hearts our way.  We also request your prayers on behalf of new converts like: Marcos, Bruna, Zoraide, Cesar, Aparecida, Flor, Laércio, Arlindo, Hugo and Milene.

We thank God for your love and support!

In Him,

Larry, Connie and Jonathan

P.S. Hugo and Milene are in the center of the photo holding towels.  Raul is to the far left.  Aurélio who taught the couple is next to him.  Célia and some of the kids are on the right.

(Web editor's note: There's a problem with the photo; I apologize for the poor quality.)