The Taylors Magnifying Christ in Brazil

Christmas Party

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:58:00 +0000

We had to do our Reindeer Antler game again this year!

We were able to have our Christmas outreaches Monday and Tuesday night this week.

After several weeks of planning, and passing out many invitations we were excited to have our neighbors and friends into our homes to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

We started off both parties with some games to help everyone get to know each other. It was so fun to see parents and children interacting and playing together.

Then James and David led devotionals focusing in on Christ as our Savior. We finished off with cookies and finger foods. Some of the kids acting out Luke 2 as David read.

Phil, Mary Ruth and Rachel were to hear to help us. It was wonderful to have extra people to help carry conversations, to help with the children's programs, and to direct people to thinking about their standing before God.

Each night we all went to bed exhausted, usually around midnight, but thrilled to see God working in peoples hearts.

The highlight for me was when one of my more reserved neighbors came over at 10:30 to apologize for not coming. She came into my house for some cookies and the book we gave to everyone. We have invited her over several other times and she always declines so this was a huge blessing. It seems like God is continually breaking down the walls that people are putting up.Three brothers that we are praying for.

One final blessing was the large number of men at both of our parties. Usually it is the women who are more likely to be interested in things of God but we had more men at both parties than women.

Keep praying with us that God will continue to convict them of their sin and their need for a Savior.

Christmas at our House

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:40:00 +0000

How can you make Christmas special but not about PRESENTS and ME, ME, ME, ME?????

Here is our attempt at making Christmas about Christ.

Starting December 1st, we begin reading part of the Christmas story and putting up one character from that story on the wall. It is a type of Advent Calendar, but it really gets the true meaning of Christmas ingrained in their heads as each day you begin at the beginning and then add a new detail to the story. It is so fun to hear your kids tell the story along with you as they become more and more familiar with the story.This is our calendar. I just found clip art on line and cut them out and each day they take turns taping it on.
Below the calendar is our "advent wreath" I also use it as our center piece on the table.

I also have begun doing an advent wreath with the kids. Beginning 4 Sundays before Christmas, I light one candle. We read a passage and share different things about Christ's coming. We always talk about how Jesus is the Light of the world and how his coming pierced the sinful darkness that was covering the earth. We also share that the closer we get to his coming the brighter the light becomes. (Each week you light one additional candle.) We also talk about how we are waiting for Christ to come again. Sometimes I have shared different names of Christ or a special devotional thought about Christmas with them. I don't use special colored candles or read a long passage. I just try to make it a natural way to focus on how special Christ's coming really was.

This year David made us a manger that we put under our Christmas tree. I have a baby in the manger that the kids can play with to act out the Christmas story. I also have other blankets or towels for them to use to dress up like Mary and Joseph, shepherds, etc.

We have been making different cookies and then sharing them with others. Yesterday and today was sugar cookies.

I am not sure if we ate more frosting than we used to decorate or not but they sure had fun.

Since we used our finger to put the frosting on we didn't share any of these cookies with our neighbors. I am sure they were VERY germy since our finger were so yummy!

Hannah's "Passport" into 1st Grade

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:22:00 +0000

Hannah just finished up her Kindergarten year and was given her "Passport" into 1st grade.

They did a little program with the other preschool students . Isn't our little lamb cute??

Here is Hannah running down to pick up her passport.

Our main goals for Hannah this school year were to develop her Portuguese language skills as well as her social skills. We just recently evaluated those goals and are very pleased with how well she is speaking. She seems to always be singing a little song, or teaching her animals in Portuguese.

Pray for us as we are planning to begin homeschooling this next year.

Congratulations HANNAH!

Ornery Kids

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:36:00 +0000

Do you have ornery kids?

Do you ever feel like pulling out your hair?

It all started with Jeremiah. He has found great joy in throwing his toys, clothes, books, and MANY other things out his window to "share" with the kids that live next door. The joy then spread to Hannah and yesterday, to Daniel. We have tried everything to stop the throwing of the toys, but to no avail.

Yesterday as I was closing up the shutters on the window for the night, my neighbor informed me there was a pile of toys in their yard. So, off I went AGAIN to collect our stuff.

Later as I was reflecting, I thought of the soverignty of God. It is interesting how I had opportunity to talk to 2 of my neighbor ladies yesterday and meet a new one, all while collecting stuff he had thrown.

One neighbor came to my house to return a cup he had thrown over the wall. We had a great talk and I was able to share a nugget of the Gospel with her.

On the other side of our house I got to go and visit with my neighbor as I collected a bag full of toys and books. I was also blessed to meet new lady who lives on the back of the property.

So, the Christmas Blessing for today is that even ornery kids can be a blessing, used by God to reach others.

Editors note: Just after I posted this blog it got really quiet. James went to check on the kids and found our big black dog covered in Mayonnaise. Hannah, trying to entertain some of her friends, cut open several mayonnaise packs and squeezed them on the dog "by accident."
I have not yet figured out how God will use that:)

A virtuous man is pleasing to God???

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Last night our family was able to do another Bible study with our friends who are Spiritists/Catholics. We took all our kids and prayed that they would not be a big distraction. Praise the Lord they were very well behaved! This is especially amazing since the Bible study didn't start until 8:00 p.m and they usually go to bed at 8:30!

James did a wonderful job of teaching what Christ's death on the cross accomplished. He focused in on the aspect of Christ being our substitute; allowing us to have salvation and fellowship with the Father.

The Catholic wife seems interested and open. The Spiritist husband doesn't seem to see his own sinfulness. He fails to see that he is "already condemned." He lives by a 3-standard system of Love, Forgiveness and Charity. Since he is working at these 3 things, he feel secure in relation to God. One very interesting thing we learned last night was that he believes that he will constantly be reincarnated, possibly through 1,000 lives, until he reaches perfection in these 3 qualities. Once he "evolves" to perfection in these 3 areas, he will die and be placed into his corner of heaven.

It is an interesting twist on works-based salvation. When James asked him if he were to die today and stand in judgment before God, he really couldn't answer because he is counting on being reincarnated until he is good enough to get to God.

This is just one more way that man has devised so they don't need a Savior. They say they love Jesus and that he is a great man and a wonderful example but his death is merely meant to motivate them to earn their own forgiveness. Please continue to pray for this couple, that God would draw them to Him in salvation.

"The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul." (Acts 16:14)

Thanksgiving 2009

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:53:00 +0000

The day after my parents left, we headed to Curitiba to celebrate Thanksgiving with the missionaries.

We all met at the Farlows and had a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing blessings from the past year.

Fun playing "Apples to Apples Jr."

Grandpas on childcare duty!

Thanks be to God for ALL His abundant blessings...
We are blessed beyond what we deserve.

They're HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:21:00 +0000

"This is the best day of my life!" Daniel

Gramma had to start kissing his freckles right away if she was going to get them all before she left.

They brought Jeremiah a little red wagon for his birthday.

So much fun!

First day out sight seeing - Sand Dunes

A little coconut juice to cool down

Dad couldn't believe this was as beautiful as the Caribbean.

Our Sunday was very special. Dad brought the challenge and James translated for him.

We only had Roberto with us but he really enjoyed getting to know my parents.

Our dogs just loved Dad

We went to a Fort on the island that was built in the 1700's.

The beach by the Fort was beautiful, calm and perfect for the kids to get wet.

Phil, Mary Ruth & Rindy came down for 24 hours. We headed out for a little fishing and exploring together.

Small fish but lots of fun!

Thanks Rindy for helping bring my parents down!

"Have I gotten all the freckles?"

Tchau! We love you!!!

Trip to the Falls

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:08:00 +0000

Last week we were invited by the Christian Hospitality Network to participate in a getaway for missionaries in South America. They hosted a 3 night stay at a hotel in Foz de Iguacu, Brazil. This is the location of the world famous waterfalls that run along the boarder of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

We left early Monday morning in a 3 car caravan (8 kids and 8 adults), and made the 10 hour trip there. We enjoyed some great family time at the pool. Our kids were able to take the American Red Cross swimming class. Daniel went from having a fear of water in his face to actually swimming with his face in the water. We are so proud of his accomplishments!Hannah learning to put her face in the water while floating.

Daniel learning to relax while floating on his back.

While we were there, we celebrated Jeremiah's 3rd birthday. On his birthday we had our trip to see the falls. I am not sure if he will remember going but I know that he had fun on our hike. The falls were spectacular. It is impossible to see them all at once. We went on a 1,200 meter hike and the entire time were seeing different parts of the falls. When Mrs. Bush saw the falls she said, "Poor Niagara." This just give you an idea of the enormity of the falls. This was the first view as we stepped off the bus.

At one point there was a bridge you walk out on and there was so much spray off the falls that we were VERY wet when we got done.

Here is a view of the bridge.

There were loads of butterflies all around us. Hannah and Daniel both had "passengers" ride along with them for part of our hike.

We are very thankful for the opportunity we had to go on this getaway. God knows just what we need and when we need it!

Mortifying Sin in Your Body

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:39:00 +0000

I am studying "Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges and found this very helpful.

Formula: How to Know Right from Wrong.

"'Everything is permissible for me' - but not everything is beneficial" (I Cor. 6:12).

Question 1: Is it helpful- physically, spiritually, and mentally?

"'Everything is permissible for me' - but I will not be mastered by anything" (I Cor. 6:12).

Question 2: Does it bring me under its power?

"Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall" (I Cor. 10:31).

Question 3: Does it hurt others?

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (I Cor. 10:31).

Question 4: Does it glorify God?

"As simple as this formula may appear, it is powerful in developing conviction - if we are willing to use it. These questions can get rather searching. But they must be asked if we are to pursue holiness as a total way of life." J. Bridges, Pursuit of Holiness, pp. 91

Fun Photos

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:05:00 +0000

Here are some recent photos. Hope you enjoy!

Daniel & Jeremiah going for a run together with the video game.

Hannah teaching her "Class."

Our dogs LOVE David!

Daniel enjoying a Sunday afternoon Banana!

Jeremiah and Gabriel waiting for the bananas to ripen so they can eat one too!

The Effects of the Gospel

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:42:00 +0000

Last weekend we had the privilege to participate in Nova Vida's 7th anniversary celebration. James, David and Phil each took one of the services during the weekend and they all focused in on a chapter from 2 Corinthians.

Saturday evening, David reminded us that our weekend should really be a celebration of what the Gospel has done to us.
Phil shared on Sunday morning emphasizing that when Christ died, we died with Him and we should therefore now live for Him.

James closed out the conference by focusing on the importance of transformation through contemplating the glory of Christ regularly.

The Gospel changes people. It IS evident in the lives of many of the people in this church. To look back 7 years, you would see vulgar, crude, immodest women changed into humble, modest, loving women who are regularly sharing the Gospel with others. One said to me this weekend that she doesn't have many friends outside the church now because her old friends don't want to hear about her new life or feel guilty about their own sinful choices when they are with her.

One man waited several years before accepting Christ but once he was saved his whole life was changed. Today he leads his employees in a short Bible study each morning before work begins. Another man is prayerfully considering full time pastoral ministry. This is a direct result of the effect of the Gospel in the people at Nova Vida.

We had a great time of fellowship there in Curitiba. I think James and David both miss preaching on a regular basis so it was a blessing to do that as well.

We of course had a cook-out with the church while we were there.

Beginning a new work has various challenges but probably the greatest is the sense of isolation from other believers. We are so thankful for the opportunity this weekend to see God working in the lives of other believers, to edify one another and just be together.

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. Psalm 9:1

We praise the Lord for his work in the people at Nova Vida as well as here in Sao Jose. He has blessed us immeasurably!

Ministry Update

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:56:00 +0000

We had a great Bible study on Sunday afternoon with Rosane. This week's lesson was on the resurrection of Christ. Near the end of the study, James asked Rosane if she was ready for the judgment that awaits each of us after our death. "It is appointed unto man, once to die and then the judgment." (Heb. 9:27) She admitted that she was not, for she knew that Christ would not accept her in her sin. James went on to share the plan of salvation, focusing on the fact that we are saved by grace alone and completely apart from our "good" works. Her next comment was completely contrary to what James had just shared. She went on to explain how she was "getting prepared," by reading the the Bible and doing these studies with us. It was as if she didn't really hear James. She still seems to be focusing on her works instead of Christ's work.

We met with 2 other women later that day and had the same conversations with the same outcome. They both admitted that they weren't ready to meet God, but after hearing the Good News, they both talked again about how hard they are trying to earn God's grace.

It is easy to be discouraged as we try and share Christ with these people. Their hearts are so hard to the truth, so full of religious misconceptions. They are distracted with life; work, families, pleasure, etc... Please pray that we will not focus on results as man sees them, but on being faithful to our God.

A Weekend to Remember

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:32:00 +0000

This weekend, we celebrated all the September Taylor birthdays. Daniel started it off, 8 on the 19th, then Gabriel turned 2 on the 23, then Phil turned 58 on the 28th and David 31 on the 30th. Whew! Lots of birthdays and lots of fun...

Friday Phil and Mary Ruth arrived and we all got to enjoy the sandbox that David made for Gabriel. We had coffee and chocolate chip cookies and then went for a walk to look at some properties nearby. God blessed us with a beautiful day.

Saturday Daniel got to open his big presents, a Tee-ball set, bat & glove. The first big hit bounced out of our yard and down the big hill right into the main road below. James chased it down in his slippers and although it was run over by a car, the ball is fine!

Although overcast, we did not have rain until that night. So we took advantage and went to a beach that had a park. After the kids played for a while we took off exploring and found some wonderful sights.

The rock formations here are incredible.

We followed the sea wall until it ended at these steps which led us to a beautiful overlook toward the city.

The rain started Saturday night and it didn't stop raining until Phil & Mary Ruth left to go back to Curitiba. (Actually, we had a brief respite from the rain, it is STILL raining!!!)

Sunday was especially encouraging. We had a wonderful time of Bible study together from the book of James. I think we all came away challenged and edified.

We had a wonderful weekend and are so thankful for the opportunity to spend time together as a family.

Happy Birthday Daniel

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Saturday was Daniel's 8th birthday.

He seems so grown up, tall, intelligent, loving, good-looking...Yes, I am the MOTHER!

He wanted to go to the sand dunes for his birthday. God gave us a beautiful sunny day.

This year Daniel has...

Started playing the piano and has just finished his first book.

He has become an excellent reader.

Has realized that he loves math and numbers.

Loves Physical education the most at school, followed by
1. English (as a second language, which is his first and therefore he gets to help the teacher
pronounce the words for the kids.)
2. Cooking
3. Math
4. History
5. ...I can't remember the rest!

He has really developed into a good big brother. Taking care of his siblings and treating them well, MOST of the time!We are very proud of the young man that Daniel is becoming and pray that he continues to grown in his knowledge and love for the Lord.

Family Funnies!!

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:39:00 +0000

Jeremiah was "helping" me bake. His favorite part is licking the bowls and beaters. I found that he had decided to share with our dogs:)

Pressing On

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:28:00 +0000

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I PRESS ON to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I PRESS ON toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."
Philippians 3:12-16

The Christian life is so full of battles. Recently I have been studying II Timothy and noticed how many times Paul mentioned trials, persecution, betrayals and difficulties. I have been reminded that our hope is in GOD and that His Word is profitable for all things: for the personal battle against sin, to lead our children in righteousness, to bring souls to repentance, to spread His Church.

We have no good news to report right now, but we are trusting in God and His plan. We know that it is not us who saves people from their sin. We are simply His servants, ready to share His Word with others.

These past 2 weeks we have had several opportunities to share Christ through our lives in very simple ways. We had one young couple over for lunch and spent the afternoon playing games with them. The following weekend we went bowling together with this couple as well as David & Sharon. It has been fun to get to know them and allow them to see how knowing Christ affects each aspect of our lives.

Saturday, David & James went over and helped carry buckets of concrete to lay the second floor of a house of a new friend. As of now, David has been able to do 3 Bible studies with this man. Saturday was a great opportunity as David & James spent 4 hours with 9 men, none of them believers.

We are not sure how God will use these seemingly small encounters. We are simply trusting His timing. We are pressing on in His grace and for His glory.

The Privilege of Proclaiming Christ

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:49:00 +0000

Today I was able to participate in my first bible study with a woman here in Sao Jose. I want to share with you God's soverignty in leading her to us.

We met Andrea during the kids club at David and Sharon's house. She never received an invitation to our club. She happened to drive by with her 5 year old son and decided to stop by on Thursday afternoon. She watched for the first few minutes and then arrived early to pick up her son, observing us the whole time. Friday she came back for the parents day and spent the whole 2 hours with us.

As everyone was finishing up on Friday she and I got to talking. As we discussed how good it was for kids to learn about God, I asked her if she would be interested in learning about God herself. She indicated that she wanted to know more about God. I told her about our Bible study "Christianity Explained" that is a 6-week study through Mark that explains who Christ Jesus is and why He came. Would you be interested in doing this? Yes she said. Ok, let me make sure we have your information. She followed me to our registration table and even wrote extra contact info on herself!

Sharon followed up with her for 2 weeks, playing phone tag and almost giving up. Yet, she recommitted and today finished her 3rd week of the study!

As I sat there today watching an unbeliever with a Bible open in front her, discussing the resurrection of Christ and what a person must believe in order to be saved, I was THRILLED and AWED to be a participant!

God is being glorified through the faithful teaching of His Word. We are making a difference here because we are faithfully proclaiming Christ. What a PRIVILEGE!

Take every opportunity to proclaim your Savior with others. I KNOW that it is hard to get started but there is no greater joy.

James putting together the new Bible Study booklets that David designed this week. As we follow up with the parents from our clubs we are offering to leave the booklet with them for a few days to look over it and decide if they would be interested in doing a study.

Family Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:06:00 +0000

I am so thankful for the opportunity that Hannah and I had to visit my family. I am even more thankful for a family that loves the Lord. The bond that we have because of our Savior makes our family even closer.

I am so blessed to have my two closest girl-friends as my Mom and Sister. To have a real Titus 2 woman for a mother is amazing. I was so moved to hear testimonies of all the ladies that my mom has helped in their spiritual walk. Not through an "official" role of counselor but day to day conversations that she is able to use to help them in their walk with the Lord. She always has such wise counsel for me as well. I feel so abundantly blessed that we are friends as well as family and that I get to benefit from knowing her.

Laura is in the midst of the most "trying" time of life with 3 LITTLE ones yet she is focused on her relationship with God. She told me one day that if she has not been feeding on the Word how can she hope to feed her children. I am so proud of her and her desire to continue growing in the Lord as well as to teach her children to love the Lord. I love it that my time with my mom and sister is edifying!

It was so good to sit under my Dad's expository preaching of the Word. To see that he is committed to the faithful preaching of the Word even though most people today are not interested in the Truth. Over the years as He has come to know the love of his Savior he more and more reflects that love. I so appreciated the unconditional, generous love he demonstrated toward us.

Albert and I had so much fun together playing in the waves at the beach with Hannah. We went out to the deeper part and then just let the waves carry us away. I am thankful that Albert is not content to let that happen spiritually. I am proud of his battle to fight the status quo of "normal" American Christianity,to not let the world and its ways carry him away from the Lord.

Not one of us Armitages are perfect. Yet I am so thankful that all of us realize that we are in a battle. That we must PURSUE righteousness, faith, love, and peace along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. This is a family that I am blessed to be a part of.

Guess Where I Am?

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:45:00 +0000

Hannah's discoveries of day 1:

The fun of blow drying her hands, usually she just wipes them on her clothes!

Long John Silvers & Corn dogs

Meeting the only other girl cousin ~ Abigail!!!!

Life is FULL of long lines!

One more minus the picture:

You can flush toilet paper in American toilets

AND

the flushing button is not on the wall, the top of the toilet or the seat, it is beside the seat.

Well, I am currently in Houston, Texas to Surprise my parents for their 35th wedding anniversary.

James, Daniel, & Jer took Hannah and I to the airport in Florianopolis yesterday afternoon. Hannah did great on the flights and we arrived in Houston at 5:00 a.m.

It was so hot & humid when we arrived that my camera was very foggy! This was the best we could get.

At lunch time we surprised my Dad at work and then went out for Long John Silvers for some Malt Vinegar with our fish!

Tonight we had a special outreach at church to try to get more families to come. We had 12 kids there and several parents. My parents are working with the other church members to involve these younger families. I had lots of fun getting to know a mom of one of their Good News club kids that visited. She has the same struggles with her English that I have with Portuguese! We really enjoyed chatting and I got to share the gospel with her. She says she will come back next Wednesday with her daughter & possibly some friends.

Final week of Bible Club

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:43:00 +0000

Last week was our final week of Kids Bible Clubs. This week we met at David & Sharon's house which is about 9 blocks from our house. The first day we had about 8 kids waiting out side the gate 30 minutes before we were to start. That first day was a challenge as we had several small children that needed lots of attention.

This week we had to separate them during game time.

Little kid game time with Tia Sharon:
Big kid game time with Tio David:

Story time with Cloves:

Craft time:
Snack time & Gospel challenge:

Our story time went well but was a little more challenging with the bigger group. Every day we had 30 kids. Not always the same kids, but 30 kids! God blessed us by not sending more. With only 4 adults and 2 little kids sleeping in the house (Jer & Gabe), we had our hands full!

The last day we had 31 kids and 3 parents come out. We had one parent, Andrea who is very interested in having a Bible study in her home. David and Sharon are going to meet with her this week to get things going.

Pray for us now as this is the hardest part. Follow-up. Our goal is to visit the homes of all the kids who attended. Pray that we have courage and positive results.

Final Club Days

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:36:00 +0000

Drink, Drink, DRINK! They all have straws in a mini coke and are racing to finish before the other team.

Thank you so much for your prayers. We had two wonderful days of club on Friday and Saturday.Friday we had 20 kids, 6 of them came for the first time. Sharon did a rope story/trick to share the Gospel during snack time.

It was the perfect day for water games!

Today was the day of our final program. We had 20 kids and 8 parents come.

David planned lots of fun, unusual games for the kids.

James was able to share the Gospel clearly for both the children and the adults.

We gave awards out to 7 kids who came each day of the club and this is the group that said their verses each day.

We finished off the afternoon grilling little meat kabobs and serving cake.

Everyone was so thankful we were teaching "doctrine" to the kids. Many commented that this type of program had never been done in the area before now. They all wanted to know when the next one would be!!!

Kids Club

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Here are a few shots of our kids club that we are hosting this week.

We had planned to begin the club on Monday but school wasn't officially out until Tuesday. The first day we had 15 kids. We had 10 on Wednesday and 8 today. Each day the weather has gotten colder and rainier. We are so thankful for the kids who have come out and been able to hear the Gospel. Pray with us that the weather will be rain-free for the last two days.

Welcome to club!

Our first game time, led by the super creative David.

James and "Cloves" interacting during our Bible story time

Hurry Daniel, Grab it!!!

Winter at the beach

Craft time

Sharon serving snacks

Gabe joining the fun just after his nap time

Jer practicing to share the Gospel with our Gospel ball

Jer is HOME!!!

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:51:00 +0000

THANK-YOU for all your Prayers! We know that God used them to carry each of us through this difficult time.

Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Jeremiah arrived home. We were so thankful to be able to all be together again and start to get back to normal, (whatever "normal" is!)

Daniel and Hannah both wanted to sit by Jeremiah at supper.

While waiting for Daniel and Hannah to get home from school, Jeremiah passed the time greeting our dogs.

Playing without Daniel and Hannah was not so much fun.

Jer - Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:57:00 +0000

"What did Mommy bring today???"

This was a very good day for Jeremiah.

He ate regular meals and has started having bowel movements again. The problem is that he is too well to be in the hospital! He is tired of staying on his bed and it is hard to keep him happy because he is feeling so much better. "Let's build a tower."

He will finish his last round of antibiotics today and should be able to check out after lunch.
We are so excited to be heading home. Yesterday for part of the day there were 4 kids in our room and Jeremiah wasn't able to take a nap. Last night 2 of them went home and they added a new baby who cried all night. God has taken good care of us and provided abundantly but there are moments when circumstances are difficult.

I mentioned yesterday that two ladies from our church in Curitiba came to help out. They arrived Tuesday after lunch and so far they have helped James pass out over 300 flyers for our upcoming 5 day club, cleaned my house from top to bottom, made meals for our family, as well as kept up on the laundry. They have been such a blessing to us. "Cafe, anyone?"

Yesterday James got permission from the school just down the street to pass out invitations after school today so we will hand out about 350 more invitations today. The ladies will be helping with that as well.

Keep praying for Jeremiah as he continues to heal and for our 5 day clubs which begin next week. We will be doing one week at our house and one week at David's house.

Jer- Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (James and Christen) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Today when I got to the hospital, Jeremiah was laughing and playing with James. He didn't throw up during the night and was able to eat breakfast.

Breakfast was a roll and chocolate milk, which he practically inhaled! Later, they offered him soup but it was fairly tasteless and he didn't eat it. He ate another roll in the afternoon, drank several cups of chocolate milk and tonight had some graham cracker type cookies.

The Doctor said that if all continues well tonight, he will be given "real" food at lunch tomorrow and be set to check out of the hospital on Thursday.

We were especially excited to have two friends arrive today to help us during this time. Dirce (our pastor's wife from Curitiba) and Regina our friend from Nova Vida. They arrived by bus right after lunch and are helping with cooking, cleaning, watching the kids, passing our flyers for our 5 day club and just good old fellowship.

Thanks for your prayers, we are doing well because of them!