Snapshots from works along the Juruá River
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together since 1971. In addition to pastoring First Baptist of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down rivers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.
April 10, 2017
Dear Brethren,
March Madness? I missed most of it since I was up river on a long mission trip. You won’t hold that against me, will you?
The river is very high right now, so travel is a bit easier. My bigger boat has a top and windshield, which make things much better, too. Three of our men went with me. Zico (our missions director), Rondisson (one of our chapel pastors) and Sisnando, a young man who just got to go on his very first mission trip. Our visits were to Porto Walter, Triunfo, Foz do Breu, Thaumaturgo and Tipisca in Peru. All of these locations are on the Juruá River. We travelled 625 miles. We used 95 gallons of gasoline at $6.70 per gallon. The trip cost just under $640.00. Gasoline here in town is a little cheaper, but I can now gas up at 2 of the towns upstream. That makes it possible to travel lighter, but pushes the cost up. The weather was perfect. We didn’t have any muddy river banks. There weren’t too many bloodsucking insects. Best of all though is that all the works are doing well. We had one profession of faith. I also baptized 6 at Foz do Breu on the border.
Tipisca is still a tough place, but showing signs of getting better. One of Damiana’s brothers, Bibiano and his wife Eva have been saved and are being trained by our missionary José Maia and his wife, Silvânia. Bibiano’s family is from the Kaxinauá tribe (pronounced kah-shee-now-ah). This name was given to them many years ago by the white folks. It means “bat people”. Nobody remembers why. The real name amongst the tribe is Hunikuim (pronounced hu-nee-ku-een) which means “the true people”. They see themselves as the “real” humans and then there are all the others. They see themselves as the “Jews” and all the rest of us are the “Gentiles”. Anyway, there have been 15 of the “real people” saved over the last few months. We now have a new missionary from their own people, who we brought from the Purús region to work with them. We now have regular preaching points at 3 of the 5 villages on the Breu River. The other 2 villages are now open and inviting Fredi and José Maia to preach to them, too. Fredi has worked very hard to win his own people and the results are coming in. He has also worked with the other tribes in and around Tipisca to get the gospel to them. As I walk around the small town of Tipisca I hear a little Spanish, a smattering of Portuguese, but mostly 5 other Indian languages. The town has grown to about a thousand people. However, the cultural, moral and linguistic jumble is a huge barrier to the gospel.
The work here in Cruzeiro do Sul is thriving. The construction of our rebuild and expansion is progressing slowly. The finish work on the annex is moving along in its final stages. The building continues to fill up every week. Our children’s services, both morning and evening have grown. Since we have added extra rooms in the annex, this has given more space in the main building for adults and youth. It will soon be overflowing again, by God’s grace. We will need the new balconies that are in the project very soon. The economic crisis in Brazil has really held us back, but God will supply. Several more have been saved. Others have come back to church. We even have had several new members by letter, which is rather unusual here.
My son-in-law, Pastor Dauro, has malaria again and some of my other pastors have been off on other projects. That means that I have been doing much of the preaching and teaching. I work on the buildings by day and teach at night. Long hours, but fun. My health has been great and have been feeling fine, so all is well here in our tropical paradise. Keep praying, though. Need it always.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike Creiglow
Mike and Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil 69980
mdcreig [at] hotmail.com
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25 Years Later, Fruit of Labor Produced to the Second Generation
Bobby, Charlene, Jessie, and Brennen Wacaser have served the Lord as church planters in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, since 1985.
April 7, 2017
In my last letter I shared that Charlene, our daughter Jessie, and I would be going to Brazil to work with Projeto Vida in the public schools. I want to tell you about how amazingly the Lord blessed that trip and the efforts of all those who were involved. On the first day of outreach we were able to go into three very diverse locations. One group went to a public park in downtown Curitiba to serve a hot meal to nearly 200 homeless people. Not only did we give them physical food, but we also shared the gospel in different ways. Our youth performed gospel skits using pantomime. One of them also shared their testimony of salvation through a translator and then their leader preached an evangelistic message from God’s Word. There were several individuals who professed Christ as their Savior. All this was done to assist a missionary who follows up on these conversions to get these homeless people into a discipleship program and, often, rehab to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. The missionary operates a halfway house that helps these converts get into productive lives and leads many of them to begin assisting others who are still struggling with their vices.
The same group who ministered to the homeless in the morning went to a different neighborhood in the afternoon to assist a local church in sharing the gospel to the folks who were out and about in the streets. The teams again performed skits and shared their testimony, but here they were working in a middle-class neighborhood. Even here there were several who surrendered to Christ through the Word shared.
Ministering with Projeto Vida in Brazil
Over the next few days of outreach the teams were working in some public schools. The opportunities there were just thrilling! I want to share one wonderful blessing that God gave Charlene and me the privilege of experiencing. About 25 years ago, we began offering classes of English as a Second Language in order to get opportunities to meet lost people and share the gospel with them. One of our first students was teenaged boy who wanted to learn English in order to understand the words to Heavy Metal rock music bands. That wasn’t my intention, of course, but when he asked me to translate the lyrics to one of his albums I realized that it was a Christian Heavy Metal group and the lyrics gave me the chance to share the gospel through a medium that he himself was interested in. He came to know Christ and almost immediately began bringing many of his “metal-head” friends to our church. One of those friends trusted in Christ, surrendered to preach, got married to another converted rocker and became a Baptist Pastor to another state in North Brazil. Though I have not seen them for over 25 years, they have become the parents of 4 wonderfully dedicated Christian children now ranging from 15-22 years of age. When our group was ministering in one of the local high schools, I translated the message of the main speaker. At the end of the meeting, a 17-year-old girl came up to me and asked if I knew a Nilson Bispo de Jesus. Immediately I remembered my old disciple and I told her that I did. She told me that she was his daughter and that their family had recently moved back to Curitiba. That night we got to meet the entire family and we rejoiced to know that they all serve Christ and have been used by Him to spread the gospel through their talents and gifts. The Lord truly blessed us to see some of the fruit of our labor in Brazil, even to the second generation.
The Lord blessed in so many other ways during this mission journey, but I will save some for my next report. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and support.
In Christ’s love,
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Bobby and Charlene Wacaser
Stateside Address:
3912 Casaba Loop
Valrico, FL 33596
Field Address:
Rua Laudelino Ferreira Lopes, 279-1
Sobrado 1, Bairro Novo Mundo
81050-310 Curitiba, PR Brasil
Phone: (813) 481-7007
Cell Phone: (813) 727-6405
Email: bobbymichael_1@hotmail.com
Give: Click here to give.
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Events May Be a Surprise to Us, But Not to God
Missionaries John Mark and Judy Hatcher have been serving the Lord in Tournefeuille, France since 1999. They define their ministry as “disciple-making.”
April 3, 2017
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
You may have noticed that my return address on this letter is in Indiana. Sometimes we are surprised by events that suddenly arise, but our heavenly Father is never surprised and uses all for our good and to display His glorious love to folks around us.
I mentioned at the close of my March letter that Judy had remained in the US and to be with her sister Peggy. Peggy, who has outstandingly displayed the light of Jesus in ministry to others, has been diagnosed with cancer in various parts of her body. The oncologist and radiologist quickly began radiation treatment on one tumor on her spinal column to keep it from causing paralysis. Judy had mentioned to me that they might go out for lunch to celebrate the end of these treatments on March 17. About 7pm France time March 17, I called Judy to ask her where they were going to celebrate and received shocking news.
“I am at the emergency center. I broke my kneecap. I am scheduled for surgery on Monday. My leg is immobilized at the knee and will be for 6 weeks after surgery.” Judy had accidentally fallen as she went to get the car following the last treatment. This, of course, meant that Judy could not drive and care for her sister. She needed assistance herself. She did not say a word about me returning to the States. A few minutes later our youngest daughter called from Chicago having just spoken to her mother on the phone. “Mom said to not jump up and buy a ticket to the US.” This is a true reflection of Judy’s attitude. She never wants to complicate anyone’s life or interrupt the Lord’s work. However, at that moment, it was obvious to me that the Lord’s work was for me to care for Judy and Peggy.
Within an hour, our son Philip, who works with us had bought a ticket for me to fly to Evansville early the next morning. I left the house at 4:45 am the next morning having spent the few hours before leaving in contacting folks, making arrangements for replacements and packing my bags. I missed the the 8:30 am men’s breakfast at our house that morning and a first-time counseling session with a couple from our church scheduled at 11 am. Philip, Amanda and the folks from church who have really stepped up to the plate have left our mind at ease. A man that for several years we discipled several hours each week early in our ministry in France is leading the Bible study in Mazere. I am including a picture of that Bible study the week after I left taken by Douceline. She is the lady with whom we started there who now leads a couple of evangelistic lady Bible studies. The man on the left is the replacement leader. He is also in the process of planting a church with another pastor on the south side of Toulouse.
Bible Study in Mazere: The man on the left has been leading this Bible Study since John has been in the States. He is also in the process of planting a church with another pastor on the south side of Toulouse.
God uses events that are a surprise to us to move us and others around us along the race that is set before us. In the process, we see God’s amazing grace. He displays His love toward us through Himself in us and through His children. Our lives have been touched by the help of many around us here in Evansville. The Lord has also already opened doors of service for us here. My personal life has changed. Suddenly being removed from our usual place of ministry and facing an opaque future has a somewhat stunning effect. But, I have found that there is great joy in cleaning house, washing dishes, taxiing and giving personal assistance to those you love.
Our youngest daughter and her family are in Tournefeuille to visit us! They had bought tickets months ago for this epic visit. So, they are staying at the house we rent and call home. They are having a great visit with Philip, Amanda, Abigail, Nathalie, Camille and Emily. The house is also the church meeting place which means that the space has double usage and needs to be set up for each meeting. However, in order to make Lydia and family’s stay less stressful, various church families have volunteered to host church meetings during these three weeks.
Amanda and Philip have given raving reviews of the services in the last two weeks and the evidence of God’s people there growing in Christ as they read and apply His word to their lives. We are grateful beyond words for what God is doing.
Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for Judy’s sister Peggy who is now undergoing target medical treatment for her renal cancer. Ask God to display His glory and love through all of us.
Until the next surprise,
John and Judy in Evansville
Stateside Address
John and Judy Hatcher
1901 Shepherd Dr.
Evansville, IN 47715
jmhatcher@aol.com
Field Address
4, rue d’Aspin
31170 Tournefeuille, France
JMHatcher[at]aol.com
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Preparing to Return to Kenya
Nathan and Carrie Radford serve the Lord in Kitale, Kenya. Their main ministries include indigenous church planting, a prison ministry, and a hospital ministry for mothers with premature babies.
April 1, 2017
Dear praying friends,
We are now in the month of April, and time is passing so quickly. It is a very beautiful day in WV today, nearly 80 degrees. This has been a very good furlough for us but as we begin to prepare to return to Kenya we have many prayer requests to share with you. God is in control of the future and we know we can trust Him. What a mighty God we serve.
It has been a great year of schooling for our two daughters, McKenna and Camille. As I have mentioned previously, one of their big challenges on the mission field is socialization. There are very few children their age for them to have as friends.
God knows all about this we depend on Him and His grace, trusting in His perfect will. Please pray for our daughters as they are finishing up the school year in WV and also for their return to Kenya in June, Lord willing. There will be transitions for them when we return to Kenya, but we believe they will adjust quickly as they know Kenya as their home. We know God will provide the grace and strength for them in their adjustments.
Please also pray for my wife and me and our adjustment back to Kenya. It is always difficult emotionally to leave our home and family in the States and return to Kenya. However, we have recently learned that there are some new families in Kitale and we are excited to meet them and hope to build new friendships. Missions has many challenges and we need one another. We need to pray for each other, encourage each other and be there for one another. Adult missionaries have struggles as well, and how important these friendships are to day to day life on the mission field. Of course, we need to depend on God first and foremost, as He is always there for us and will never leave us or forsake us. Proverbs 18:24 says “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Praise His name.
Please pray for us and the many things that are needed in the days ahead, such as packing for a long period of time in a foreign country, all the last-minute details that are needed, etc. I really appreciate my wife as she works very hard to make sure we have all we need before departing for another term. This is a huge job and stress for her, yet she is so faithful to do it well each furlough. I hope and pray I never overlook her sacrifices that she makes and all she does for our family. She serves behind the scenes, but I know the Lord will reward her for her faithfulness, servant spirit, good attitude, etc. I am a very blessed person. When I think of her, I think of Proverbs 31:10, which says “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Please pray for her and the many sacrifices she makes daily on the mission field, and also as she raises our daughters overseas.
Thanks so much to each of you for your prayers, sacrificial giving, and encouragement. All of you are such a blessing to us. I will keep you updated. God bless you.
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Nathan and Carrie Radford
Furlough Address:
56 Lobo Lane
Culloden, WV 25510
For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280
Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.
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A Day of Worship & Fellowship!
Odali and Kathy Barros served the Lord in Sao Paulo, Brazil together from 1987-2013. In late 2013, they transitioned to Manaus in Northern Brazil to start sharing the Gospel and planting churches in villages along the river.
March 31, 2017
Dear Brother and Sisters,
We praise God for each of you and pray all is well with each of you. Thank you for your love, prayers and support! You are an important part of our ministry.
Things are doing great here. God has blessed the ministry. We have had many visitors coming. Most of them have been reached through the youth ministry. Our house is always filled with youth. On weekends, we have several that come and stay and during the week many come to play volleyball. Since most of them come from homes that are not saved, they enjoy being here at our house with other kids from church. It is a blessing to see them grow each day. Pray for them and for us that we can continue to help them grow spiritually each day. Next month the youth are going to have a special supper for their parents. The idea is to bring their parents to visit the church in an informal way, to see where their children are coming and what they do.
The last Sunday of the month we had a special day. When we have baptism, we make it an all-day celebration. We gather all the mission points and start the day at 9:00 am and go to 4:00 pm. We eat, have fellowship time, then eat lunch, then have service and baptism. Then we fellowship some more. It is a great day. Since the missions are not close to each other, we make baptism day a very special day. This time we had 7 baptized and after the service, 3 received Jesus as Savior. What a wonderful and blessed day!
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together since 1971. In addition to pastoring First Baptist of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down rivers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.
In Christ,
Odali and Kathy
Odali & Kathy Barros
Caixa Postal 1
Iranduba, Amazonas 69.415.000
Brasil, S.A.
odali_kathy[at]hotmail.com
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News & Reports – April 2017 [Online Edition]
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A Visit to the Works on the Moa River
Mike and Beverly Creiglow have served the Lord in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil together since 1971. In addition to pastoring First Baptist of Cruzeiro do Sul, Mike builds his own boats and frequently travels up and down rivers to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.
March 15, 2017
Dear Brethren,
A few weeks ago Zico (our missions director) and I went to visit our works on the Moa River. The rainy season has been, well, REALLY rainy. The river broke all high-water records since they started keeping records. We put our boat in at Mâncio Lima to start out on the Japiim River. They just put in a really nice ramp there. All of this saves about 2 hours travel time. We had absolutely perfect weather for the whole trip. We didn’t get rained on at all. Yet it was overcast, so we did not get burned. The temps even dropped down into the low 80’s. No insects, no mud and plenty of wild game to eat. Thank the Lord for putting me in paradise. We had above average crowds at all the services. Since I had not visited the Nukini tribe and the folks at the mountains for several months, I decided to do more teaching than usual. Our missionary, Aldenísio, continues to do evangelism in the villages between the congregations.
The congregation near the mountains on the Moa River on a Sunday morning.
Our first youth camp of the year happened from February 24 through March 1. We were able to build one more cabin for the guys. Recently we have been having more guys than gals. We can now handle about 120 people at Camp Salém. There were 4 teens saved and a number of other important decisions were made, 20 in all. My son Andrew and his team take care of this ministry.
The kids getting ready to sing during the service.
We just had our first baptism and Lord’s Supper service at church. 30 more were added by baptism. We have also had several new members join by letter. The other side of that coin though is the fact that we constantly lose members who move away. One of our best group leaders moved to the state of Goiás. One of our keyboard musicians passed his engineering entrance exam at the federal university in Rio Branco. One of our guitar players moved to France! These and many others are saved and trained here at First Baptist Church….then off they go to serve in other cities, states or even other countries. It is sad, but we are glad to prepare folks to serve in other fields.
Since the modifications on the building, which increased our seating capacity, we have been filling those extra seats almost every week. We have continued to see people saved every week this new year. Last week 8 were saved and this week 3 more.
HELP! My satellite phone subscription renewal hit my credit card this year and it more than doubled! Last year was only a little more than $500.00. Not bad to have this essential tool for my mission trips deep into the jungle. This year they charged me $1,170.00!!! That hurt. Help me if you can.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support. God bless you as much as He has us.
In Christ,
Mike Creiglow
Mike and Beverly Creiglow
Caixa Postal 24
Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil 69980
mdcreig [at] hotmail.com
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News & Reports – March 2017 [Online Edition]
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