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

Five of God's choice servants

Pouring concrete for foundation

Pr. Jimenez laying first bricks

mixing mortar the old fashion way!

Up go the walls!

Think what we can do together!

Two Cultures - One Lord - Family of God!

Foundation Footers being marked off

Drilling Footers

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

ceramic brick

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)

Hanover Work Team at Campo Grande 2008

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

On the 25-29 of March, the 11th Anniversary of the Good News Biblical Conference in Brazil was held again at the Good News Bible Church in Santo Antonio de Jesus in the state of Bahia in NE Brazil. Once again, everyone received the treatment of royalty! I know most will need to diet after all the great food prepared by the ladies of the church.

The pastors from the other Good News churches were present as well as Pr. Don Dennision, director of Missions for the CGGC and Michael Wheeler representing the Olive Branch Church of God in Roaan, IN.

The conference started off on Thursday evening with Gordon bringing the opening message on the theme, Transformed People, Transform the World!

Friday was a day of fellowship at the beach enjoying the sun and a great fish and shrimp lunch at a members home. That evening there was a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate the finishing of the Temple that has been in constant building program for 7 years. Pr. Jimenez from Campinas brought the evening message.

Saturday began with a pastors meeting where reports were heard and prayers offered for each pastor and family. After lunch, we met with some of the Bible Institute students and leaders of the local church. Pr. Don Dennison spoke on multiplying disciples and Michael Wheeler discussed Servant Leadership principles. Both were well received and blessed those who attended. Following the teaching sessions, a feet washing service was observed by all the leaders, what an example of Servant Leadership put in practice! Sunday evening Pr. Natal from our church in Araraquara spoke to a crowd of over 200 and got the house on their feet with his musical gift of praise on his guitar.

On Sunday morning Pr. Don brought a report on the general situation in Haiti after the earthquake and a report on our churches and hospital specifically. The Brazilian conference has given roughly two thousand dollars to date to our hospital in Haiti. The host here church giving one thousand dollars towards the needs of our brethren in that grieving country. The closing service was filled with wonderful praise songs, special music by the different choirs, Christian dance groups, children s presentation followed by the closing message by Pr. Don. The Lord´s Supper was observed to close out these wonderful days of praise and fellowship.

WE GIVE THANKS

Thanks to God for raising up these churches in Brazil. Thanks to all of you who have prayed, supported, visited on work teams and encouraged us all these years! During this Easter season we shout, Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Co. 15:54

Don & Michael with Pr. Jimenez Family

Presentation of Pastors at ribbon cutting at dedication of completion of construction on the Temple

Overflow crowds every service

Only complaint...too much good food!!

Good News Pastors present wearing conference theme shirts

Pr. Don receiving gift from Pr. Samuel

Pr. Mike Poe translating for Pr. Don´s meeting with Institute Students

Pr. Gordon Avey translating for Michael Wheeler

Teaching session with pastors and students

Anoiting service for local church leadership

Ladies observe Feetwashing Ordinance

Men during feet washing observance

over 200 packed the church for worship

Transformed People, Transform the World!

This is not original…a couple of years ago I attended the Midwest Region Conference and was impressed by their theme and thought that one day I might use it in Brazil. Behold, the time has come! I just hope I don´t get a bill from Pr. Bob Eatherton, regional director,  for borrowing his theme.

Banners such as the one shown here have been made and are used to promote this biblical theme of a life transformed by the power and presence of Jesus Christ taken from Romans 12:1-2. This will also be the theme of our 11th anniversary conference March 25-29th to be held at the Good News Bible Church in Santo Antonio de Jesus - Bahia.

Theme 2010

Campinas Church Plant Progress

The Church Plant in the Region of Campinas known as Campo Grande, has called several work days to get their property ready to begin building their Bethel. They have been cramped in the pastors’ remodeled small garage for almost three years and urgently need room to grow. Since this is summer time in our part of the world, school is out. Thankfully, many of the youth of the church set aside their video games and television to help clean the property of weeds and high grass. The property is now fenced in and two nice gates have been put in place as well as water, sewage and electric hook ups. Please be in prayer about funds to purchase materials for this project.

The church is presently paying a loan for this property and have limited resources with which to build. Please pray about what you, your church or Sunday School class could do to help on material costs.

Youth Cleaning Property

Pr. Jimenez "posing" for work pic

laborers are plentiful but shovels are few!

Wedding in Araraquara

In December the Good News Bible Church in Araraquara celebrated a wedding. The couple who have been attending the church and after many years of common law union felt they wanted to honor one another and their testimony for the Lord. Pastor Natal officiated the ceremony and a great time of fellowship and food followed at the reception. What a wonderful testimony of God´s transformation in the hearts and lives of this couple.

Good News Help For Haiti

Upon hearing of the terrible earthquake that struck Haiti, our churches have decided to do something to help. Besides having special prayer for Haiti during our worship service, each of our six churches is going to raise funds to send to our CGGC ministry where most needed. During the next month our churches will send in ten percent of their offerings, sell hot dogs and other promotions to raise funds for the needs there. We know that our little with God´s blessings will be multiplied to bless many in that suffering country.

Beautiful Haitian Children while visiting Haiti in Nov. 2009

christmas-letter-20092

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

Roof Damage

]]> http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?feed=rss2&p=786 http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?p=735 http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?p=735#comments Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:26:41 +0000 admin http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?p=735 It has been awhile since my last update so let me fill you in on some highlights. In September, Annie and I took some vacation time to visit our sons Bryan and Roberto and their wives in the Los Angeles area. On September second, we welcomed our grandson Isaac into the world and our family, it was also Annie’s birthday which made the day even more special.

Isaac Avey

Dedication of Campo Grande Property

property dedication campinas

In October we had a special dedication service on the new property of the congregation located in the Campo Grande Region of Campinas. Pastor Samuel was down at the time from our church in Bahia state and we had special services on the weekend inviting friends and neighbors to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. On Sunday morning, a good number of the members and also the next door neighbor, joined together in singing and prayers for those living in the region and for the ministry of this new church. A special prayer for wisdom and strength was given for Pr. Jimenez and wife Claudia as they lead the ministry.

This young church is paying a loan for the property and are strapped for funds for building materials. If you would like to help purchase materials for the church construction please send funds to CCM office or donate online at www.cggc.org earmarked “Project Campo Grande Construction”.

International Leaders Fellowship in Haiti

Delegates praying together

Gordon and Samuel making presentation of Brazil

On November 12-19 I traveled to the country of Haiti with fellow pastor Samuel to represent our Brazil Good News Conference. We were joined by representatives of each area of the world where the General Conference has mission work. Those countries represented were, USA, India, Bangledesh, Kenya, Venezuela and of course Haiti. At first, it was a mini tower of Babel, but soon the tower fell and the language of Christian brotherhood prevailed! It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the leaders from the other countries and “talk shop” on the blessings and challenges faced on each field. Even more conversation took place after the meetings each night in informal discussions and fellowship time. For most of us it was the first time to visit Haiti and most were saddened by the stark poverty of the island but also blessed and inspired by the spirit of our Haitian brothers and sisters faithfully serving the Lord under such dire circumstances. They truly serve as great examples to us all. As we say in Brazil, “we often complain with a full stomach.”

All delegates desired to have another meeting within 2 or 3 years in Bangladesh. A planning committee was elected and plans are already underway for that event. It is a true saying that the sun never sets on the ministry of the General Conference around the world. Thank God for the faithful Christian leaders we have in each country sharing the Gospel in the many churches, hospitals and schools making an impact on so many lives in so many ways. Let us hold them up daily in our prayers!

A Blessed and Wonderful Thanksgiving to you and your family! We want to thank God for you and your faithful prayers and support to this ministry.

Pr. Samuel with new friends

Final Evening Feet Washing Service

]]> http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?feed=rss2&p=735 http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?p=730 http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?p=730#comments Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:15:48 +0000 admin http://pgnbrazil.com/hope/?p=730 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!

Isaac Bryan Avey

The Good News Church Plant in the Campo Grande region of Campinas held another baptism July 26th.  Ten new disciples of Jesus Christ followed their Lord in believers baptism at a local camp that was rented for the day. It was a day of blessing and celebration for the young congregation that has just completed two years and still meets in the pastors home.

This church needs to relocate to their new property(see May News for pictures) as they have no room to grow in the small home where 60 to 80 crowd in for services 4 times a week.  Would you or your church or Sunday School class consider sending a special love offering for building materials? If so, click on the Share tab at www.pgnbrazil.com or go to www.cggc.org to find out how.

Thanks for your prayers and support to Project Good News Brazil!

young people following Christ

Pastor Jimenez and baptismal candidates

Fulfilling the Great Commission

baptismal cadidates

Worship after Baptism