September has been a very busy month at Sitio Shalom. The spring rains have given us an abundance of water, and it seems to be raining almost constantly. As I write this report, it has been raining heavily for two days straight. Despite the weather, the rain has not slowed down the ministry opportunities.
On September 8, we welcomed Pastor Nevaldo Naceffe and Lucia. We have been friends for many years, and Guta has known them for even longer. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to spend a few days together.
We were also blessed to welcome Pastor Ignacio and his wife, Marilda, on September 15. This was our first time meeting them, and we greatly enjoyed the opportunity to spend a few days getting to know them and enjoying fellowship together.
The churches in Rio Grande do Sul have a statewide focus on missions during the month of September. I learned that there are 496 towns and cities in Rio Grande do Sul, but only 88 have a Baptist church. That means 408 towns and cities have no Baptist presence. Guta was asked to speak at PIB Caxias on September 20, with a focus on statewide mission efforts. As always, she did a great job.
On September 28, we had the pleasure of welcoming a local pastor and his family, along with a pastor’s wife visiting from the state of Acre, which borders Bolivia and Peru. She was visiting the area for a few days and wanted to learn more about Sitio Shalom. We spent a very rainy afternoon together in conversation and enjoying some light refreshments—which the pastor jokingly called a feast. Loving and encouraging people in the Lord continues to be one of the important focuses of our ministry.
We also continue preparing for the season ahead. I have been making repairs to the baptismal pool and working to get a new coat of paint applied. Our main ministry season begins October 1, so we are looking forward to what the Lord has in store.
In addition, we continue teaching a weekly Bible study in English and working to disciple others. We thank each of you for your prayers and faithful support of the ministry. It is our great privilege to serve our Lord here at Sitio Shalom.
In our Savior’s service,
Guta and Jim