We arrived in Paraíba State, in the heart of northeast Brazil, some months ago. However, it seems much more. Probably, because the 4,500 miles followed through the interior of the region provided us with multiple perceptions of the people and their needs.

The purpose of such tours was to make us aware of the interior of the northeast reality and to check out the insight brought up during the planning and research process: the sense of a key factor being neglected by missionary projects and programs, which consequently prevent the Gospel to advance in these regions – the leaders of the middle-interior cities. The insight has been confirmed. Few people are investing on these leaders.

Our thought is quite clear: churches already planted in the middle-interior cities, once supported and challenged, can be transformed into genuine advanced ‘missionary centers’. Pastors and leaders, once trained and encouraged, can lead their flocks in evangelistic actions into hundreds of small rural villages, where 10 million inhabitants live. There are 343 cities in the Northeast region with less than 3 percent of born again believers. Each is composed of different rural villages…in which there are no churches at all.

This picture led us in prayer once more: “Oh, Lord, let us abound in here!” We have already a lot of reasons to be thankful in this initial phase. Your prayers have been answered and so new causes have arisen. Thus, praise and claim with us for…

Health, Maintenance and Protection: We praise the Lord for perfect health and support all over the last months. While on the road, I’ve been protected and so have my wife and kids, who stayed at home. Despite roads being precarious (I can’t tell you how much!) and dangerous (frequent with robberies and homicides), God delivered us from all kinds of evil.

Children Adaptation: Their reaction when facing the challenge of getting acquainted with other children, stopping from practicing sports they were used to, besides missing family and friends shows us they’re doing just good. They’ve found a different style of teaching and addressing at school. Some days were more complicated and we understand that because they’re dealing with the sense of loss. Today they no longer speak about going back… Our little-great miracle!

Anointing: I had the opportunity to share the Word of God during some services and even without a “proper call”, people wanted to come to Jesus. Our church planting seminaries have also been impacted by God’s presence, which led us in spontaneous moments of prayer.

All of a sudden, leaders were committing themselves and their communities to reach interior villages. We are certain that such visitation is a prayer result. Thank very much for stand with us.

For the next months, we’ll be working almost exclusively in the capital city, João Pessoa. We seek God’s discernment so that we may know the right time and way to serve the community and rise up a church. Pray for our contacts, wisdom and guidance.

Days of small things come surrounded by tremendous challenges, which become good opportunities our loving Father gives us to go through circumstances with grateful hearts.

Oh, and don’t forget: “For who has despised the day of small things…?” (Zec. 4.10)Yours in Christ.

José, Val and kids