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This fall has reminded us of our mission’s focus on theological education. Our goal is to come alongside what God is already doing here in southern Brazil and equip those he brings to us so they can continue to proclaim the good news of his kingdom.
At the seminary this fall, Brandon has been teaching the second half of systematic theology, which focuses on the doctrines of Christ, atonement, salvation, and the future. We have around twenty students enrolled in the course, and it has been a joy to see them work through what can be complicated issues.
Just this week, while Brandon was grading papers on the atonement, he was thrilled to read about a student’s journey, pondering the many-faceted aspects of the atonement, using conversation partners from church history, such as Ireneus, Abailard, Anselm, and Martin Luther. Every week the students work through knotty issues in groups as well, forcing them to grapple with the unknown depths of the amazing faith we all share.
Our church invited us to become Sunday School teachers, which kicked off with a combined class in February. Since then, we have been working through the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy with the young adults’ class. This has been such a unique opportunity for us, as this class is made up of many people who are originally from other parts of Brazil and even out of the country! We have one class member from Ecuador who is working on her medical residency in our city.
Kairos Brazil will soon produce its first two graduates from the program, and we will open enrollment to our second group of students by the middle of this year. We have already had several prospective students contact us this past year, so we are praying God will bless this second group.
Marci is also continuing her studies with Kairos University, and, as part of her module on biblical exegesis, she guest taught a class on biblical authority and theological themes in the book of Job for our seminary. The students responded well to the material and assignments.
On the homefront, we have been so proud of Daniel, Monica, and Olivia with their efforts in school. Daniel has excelled as a student and worker. Monica and Olivia both have had excellent grades too, as they have been pushed rather hard given they are working on their first years of high school and middle school respectively.
For the last half of April, we were able to enjoy something a little different. The vice president of International Missions for the NAB, Kerry Bender, spent a couple weeks here in Porto Alegre. He taught a two-week class on homiletics, and on one of the Sundays he was here he preached at our church. It was a joy to get to know him more deeply, as we were able to host him for some meals. And he even cooked a couple meals for us!
On the last night of his visit, he joined us and many others to celebrate our Field Director, Lyndell Campbell-Réquia, who has now been serving in Brazil for over twenty years! We spent a Saturday evening worshipping God in both Portuguese and English, focusing on Lyndell’s favorite verses from Proverbs 3:3–6.
Verses 3 and 4 are lesser known, but they talk about the importance of love and faithfulness for anyone who wants to be a witness for God. May our family also be marked over the years for our love and faithfulness. And may you be marked that way too!
Thanks again for your support and prayers!
Blessings,