We hope this finds you and your family well. The Covid-19 virus has shut down everything here as it has there. As of a week ago Monday, we’ve had to cancel all church services and the School of the Bible classes. Recife has 50 confirmed cases and five deaths as of this writing. However, we don’t personally know anyone who is sick. Aureni says that the orphanage (Lar Mana) is doing well but had to cancel all events and visits during this isolation. While it doesn’t look like it will let up any time soon, we’re hoping that we’ll see some relief in a week or two. 

Like many are doing, our church service Sunday was a 30-minute video Josh put together and sent to the members. It included a 10-minute sermonette I taught on Philippians 4:4-9. This is where God assures us that we never need to be anxious. This is guaranteed because He is in control of everything and promises it will all work out for our good. Speaking of God’s rule, I’m spending some of my time cloistered at home, translating a book by Jim McGuiggan entitled “The Regin of God.” I plan to use it in a course at the School of the Bible.

Before the government-mandated isolation, the School of the Bible was having a great period. Just this month three students put Jesus on in baptism (see photos). I’m teaching the “Introduction to the Bible” course. This week I have set up a virtual network with the students so we can continue meeting virtually until we can get back into the classroom.

In other news, our 22 Venezuelan refugees are integrating well in their new home. They’re attending church and studying the Bible with the local preacher (who is fluent in Spanish).

The preacher training group is currently studying through the Book of Genesis. They take turns teaching it chapter by chapter in the auditorium class. They also take turns preaching once every quarter. Most of them are teaching or co-teaching a course in the School of the Bible. Besides this, we meet every three weeks to discuss a chapter of Peter Scazzero’s book “Emotionally Healthy Spiritually.”

I hope you’re staying isolated until this “storm” passes. You’re in our prayers.

May His peace and protection be with you.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4^:6-7