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“Until His house is full.” Joni and Friends House in Campo Largo, Paraná, Brazil.
As my home assignment came to a close in March, I was able to attend the Detroit Missions Conference, as well as stay with good friends in upper state New York, who took me to visit my two supporting churches in Ontario. I arrived back in Brazil at the very beginning of April, and in less than a week, Paulo and I travelled to Curitiba, Paraná. We went to visit the neurodivergent ministry at First Baptist Church, who partner with the international ministry that Joni Eareckson Tada started called Joni and Friends. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the staff and some of the volunteers who share the Gospel in word and deed. A highlight for me was attending a small group for neurodivergent young adults. Our Bible study was led by one of the young adults who is sensing a vocational calling to become a pastor and will be starting seminary this fall. Even though this is primarily Paulo’s ministry, our field has officially partnered with the neurodivergent camp. What a joy to come alongside the camp and be part of reaching this community for Christ.
At the beginning of May, I had the privilege of travelling to Cleveland and Medina, Ohio, for this year’s Bonfire. I also participated in the Mission Advisory Team and Women’s Connection Leadership Team meetings. On the Friday night, I shared at the NAB Mission Pop-up Event at Cross of Hope Church.
The International Missions Department staff and missionaries who presented at the Pop-up Event: Shan Reed – NAB director of Mobilization; Joel David – VP of International Missions; me; Caryn Young – director of Administration; Maureen Moody – Cameroon field director; Randy Schmor – Gateway director.
In 1990, I participated in the very last NAB New Day team. Our leader was from this church in Parma Heights, Ohio. We had lost touch for many years, but I was hopeful I would somehow be able to connect with her at this Pop-up Event. While she wasn’t there, some people from the church were able to connect us, and Saturday morning, before I flew back to Brazil, we met for brunch. What a sweet reunion after 36 years of not seeing each other!
With all my travelling done for a while, I am thankful for the time I have had in North America and am also thankful to be home. I am so blessed to have such faithful, supporting churches, family, and friends! I am also thankful to serve such a faithful and good God!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUING PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT!