Since the beginning of our ministry with the poor, homeless, and chemically dependent, we have sought to not only offer compassionate care and assistance with shelter, clothing, food, and medical needs, but most importantly leading to the Lord, the very special children He has called us to serve.
Edson, Stenio and Soraia, André, and Diego are just a few of those the Lord has used our ministry to lead to Christ. For the last couple of years, it’s seemed the enemy though has been marking every single man and woman and doing everything he can to block their decision to make that final turn to Christ as Lord and Savior.
Tavares is one of those examples. Several of the ladies in our single mom’s Bible study all know they need to be baptized, just haven’t been able to take that step. I confess, I get discouraged. I don’t believe in insisting on a decision like that, so we keep studying God’s word and focus on His grace and mercy, not failing to also see our need for obedience and perseverance in the Word.
Last year we did see three of the teens we took to camp baptized. And there are other young people coming along the same path. Still, my heart yearns for Tavares, Ítalo, Márcio, Joice, Raiane, and a number of other adults we are studying the Bible with.
Please be praying especially for Ítalo. I believe he’s close to a decision. We’ve been having a weekly Bible study now since last year. He has moved out of the house where he was living with his partner Marta. He’s pursuing a kind of pension for a disability in one of his legs, but also selling water and popcorn on the street in downtown Recife.
On a recent trip Ítalo wasn’t very interested in studying the Bible with anyone else, so we started a nightly prayer and study time over WhatsApp. I’m also sending him daily reflections from my “Jesus said…” devotional. He has some really interesting comments and questions that are a sure sign of a growing faith. Not questioning whether Jesus’ teachings are true, but what He expects of us, and how we can best serve Him.
Studying the Bible with Ítalo in Derby Park
Please pray the Lord will continue to move in Ítalo’s heart to pursue his relationship with Jesus, and to follow where He leads.
Please continue to pray for support. We will be losing another 25% of our support now in August. If you would like to know more please email me at dennis@iluminalma.com