Our First Sunday in Caruaru...

Today was our first Sunday in Caruaru. The morning started with a service at 9:00 a.m. in which we were all introduced to the congregation.

• Ron and Joe participated with the music team. At about 9:40 the congregation split up for the Sunday School classes. Ron taught the children's class,
• Charlotte took the Adolescents (Teens)
• Joe & Barry took the Youth group (college age)
• Betty took the Adult class
• Mike taught in the New Believer's class with Rita.
• I ran around taking pictures of it all.

The classes ended at 10:45 and morning church was over. The Warkentien's then took us all to a Chinese lunch (along with many from church ... about 25 of us in all) at the mall in Caruaru. Then it was time to rest up and prepare for evening church, which is the main service here in Brazil. It was also the 14th Anniversary of their church. We did a skit honoring their 14th Anniversary which Betty prepared and then were introduced to the congregation (it seems that the attendence at evening is different to a large degree from that of the morning). I introduced the Team and gave a background of our support for Lou & Fay and of Phil & Rita. Barry, Mike and Ron gave a short testimony. I gave the message and Phil closed it all up. We had cake and Guarana (Brazilian soda) in celebration of the church's anniversary.

We then returned to Phil & Rita's for a late dinner and more fellowship. It is long past my bedtime and most of the house is sleeping....it is only midnight, which is early for Phil, Mike and Betty.

It has been a busy day and we have enjoyed many of God's blessings. Betty would want me to use more words, but she can use them when it is her turn!

Pray for Phil. He hurt his toe and the healing is taking too long. I've been with him to the doctor twice and they are concerned that something else is wrong. He is scheduled for tests this Tuesday for which he must sit completely still for 2 hours after lunch. There are the 7 of us here, a chair, and a roll of duct tape, so we're hoping that will work. His blood pressure is too high and they are also concerned about the possibility of diabetes. Keep him in your prayers as it is important to determine what the problem may be.

In Christ,

Jim Griset

Morning service introduction to the congregation.

Our skit honoring the 14th anniversary of the Church.

Phil interpreting Jim's message on faith.

Mike teaching Sunday School to new believers.

Lunch at the China Town Restaurant -- we got fortune cookies in Portuguese.

Ron & Joe joining the worship team at evening service.