Baptism Good News Bahia

On Sunday June 20th, the Good News Bible Church in Santo Antonio de Jesus, Bahia held a baptismal service with 15 new followers of Christ. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and rejoicing in this outward expression of commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Continue to lift up in prayer this growing church and pastors Samuel and Iramaia as they lead the ministry to expand the kingdom of God in NE Brazil.

Hanover First COG Work Team

Project Campo Grande Campinas

Five men came from Hanover. PA to be a blessing and be blessed from May 8-16. In one short week, the walls of the the new church were laid to the halfway point. Even more important were the ties of Christian bonds that were built with the people of the congregation. Brick and mortar are important for a building project, but the bonds of love and brotherhood in Christ will last an eternity.

The following is short collection of pictures taken during the week of sweat, fun and fellowship. Our heartfelt thanks to the work team and Hanover First for their support of Project Good News Brazil!

Check out the Teams blog for more at:  http://hfcogbrazil2010.blogspot.com

Campo Grande Campinas Church Construction

The Good News Bible Church in the region of the city of Campinas (pop. 2 million) called Campo Grande, will begin laying the foundation on the first phase of the church construction this week (4/19/10).  Forty seven footers will be drilled and filled with concrete and steel, so that the foundation can then be poured on top and then up will go the brick walls.  As you can imagine that is a huge undertaking for this young church plant that has met for 3 years in the pastors home.

Basic Construction Material

Recently I have been asked to list some basic materials that will be needed to get this phase up so that the congregation can begin services in the new location.  The idea it to break down the price of building into understandable amounts so that individuals, churches,  SS classes, VBS’s could accept the challenge to raise a portion of the materials as a mission project.  Remember,this list does not include labor, roof, finishing, windows or doors.

If you would like to help on this project please send funds designated to Campo Grande Construction Project. Offerings may be sent to CGGC PO Box 926 Findlay, OH 45839 or click on the Share Tab at www.pgnbrazil.com to do a secure electronic offering at the Brazil Church Planting option. Thanks in advance for sharing!

1. 10,000 Ceramic Bricks - 25 cents each

2. 250 sacks of Portland Cement - $10.00 each

3. 200 bars of steel (12 meters long) - $15.00 each

Work Team - Hanover First Church of God (EPA)

On May 8, 2010, a team of five men will be arriving from Hanover, PA to help build the walls of the new church. This will be the second work team sent down by Hanover First COG. We are doing our best to get the foundation in before they arrive, but there will plenty of work for them for sure! Please pray for their safe travels as well as safety on the work site for a week. What an encouragement this is for our church and pastor,

Thank You Hanover First!!

Interesting LINKS

To see a short promo clip for the upcoming Work Team go to this link:   http://drop.io/hfcogbrazil2010

For a short history of Campo Grande Church Plant go to: http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?page_id=266

Merry Christmas!

Please click to see letter in pdf.

christmas-letter-20092

Palmas Church Accidente

Dear Praying Friends,

I wanted to update you on a situation at our church in Palmas, Tocantins. Missionary Mike Poe reports that the church was building a second floor on the educational building that would add more classrooms. The walls were raised and they were getting to the point to put up roof trusses. That evening, a wind and rain storm came through the area. Unfortunately, the strong winds blew over the walls on one side and they fell on a cyber cafe that was built against the property wall just below. The damage was massive as it ripped through the tile roof structure and smashed some 8 computers and monitors. The rain dealt a final blow to the furniture and desks. The estimate on the damage was roughly $4,000.00.  An agreement is being made to settle this without a lawsuit. We are so thankful that no one was in the cyber cafe at the time!

This has put a terrible burden on the local church who were struggling already to improve and expand the classrooms. I would ask you to pray for this situation and if God would lead you to send a special offering towards this settlement. Thankfully, the neighbor has been very patient and understanding so far. Offerings can be sent to CGGC PO Box 926 Findlay, OH 45840 or go to the www.cggc.org website and share online earmarked,  “Palmas Church Help”.

Thank you for your prayers and help in this matter,

Blessings to you at this Christmas season,

Gordon Avey

Isaac Bryan Avey Arrives!

Gordon and Annie Avey are the proud grandparents of their first grandchild, Isaac Bryan Avey who discovered America in Los Angeles, CA at 7:30 pm on Sept. 2, 2009.  Big boy Avey weighed in at 8lbs and 20 in long. This event was extra special to Annie as Isaac arrived on her birthday! Mother Dini and baby Avey are doing well as is the proud father Bryan!

July Missions Slogan

Here are a few more pithy mission slogans that challenge us to remember our calling and purpose for being the Church in the world. Please remember to pray for Project Good News Brazil pastors and churches and check out www.pgnbrazil.com for updates.

“Go, send or disobey.”  John Piper

“The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity.”   Mark Stachura

“Missions is not the ‘ministry of choice’ for a few hyperactive Christians in the church. Missions is the purpose of the church.”   Unknown

“If the Great Commission is true, our plans are not too big; they are too small.”    Pat Morely

June Missions Slogan

This month I would like to share a few slogans that I hope will make us think about our purpose as followers of Jesus Christ.

“Someone asked, ‘Will the heathen who have never heard the
Gospel be saved?’ It is more a question with me whether
we—who have the Gospel and fail to give to those who have
not—can be saved?”  Charles Spurgeon

“The spirit of of Christ is the spirit of missions.
The nearer we get to Him, the more intensly missionary
we become.”  Henry Martyn, missionary to India and Persia

“The Gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”
Carl H. F. Henry

May Missions Slogan

Starting this month I want begin to share historic missions slogans.  These short sayings come from the passionate missionary hearts of past and present mission leaders.

This months slogans are by the Father of the “Faith Promise” plan of mission giving and founding pastor of the People’s Church in Toronto, Canada.  During his ministry and lifetime (11/8/1889-1/25/1986), Dr. Oswald J. Smith raised literally millions of dollars for foreign missions. A study of his life and messages will inspire us to share the bread of life and let our life shine for Jesus. Reflect on a few of his most provocative quotes below.

“We talk about the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.”

“Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist.”

“No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once.” Oswald J. Smith

Bible Institute Graduation(See New Photos)

On April 5, 2009 the Seminary of Servants in the Lord´s Service as it is translated into english, held their second graduation. The Bible Institute was founded in 2006 and classes are held at the facilities of the Good News Bible Church of Santo Antonio de Jesus, Bahia. Sixteen students received a certificate in Leadership Formation. Included in the year and a half course are subjects such as, Bible doctrine, theology, homiletics, hermeneutics, pastoral ethics and spiritual life disciplines.

Pray for the ministry of the Bible Institute, professors and students. It is preparing leaders for the future of our Good News Conference in Brazil. Your support to CC2804 - Brazil Church Planting will insure that more and better disciples continue being conformed to the image of Chirst and sent out to ministry. Our motto, “Preparing Servant Leaders for God´s Harvest Field”.

A new semester is already underway with a good number of students.

To find out how to support Project Good News Brazil, go to: www.pgnbrazil.com and click on the “Share” tab.  Your continued prayer and financial support is greatly needed and appreciated! Together we are making a difference in many lives for God´s kingdom and glory.

Below are some pictures of the graduating class and graduates of 2009.

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