Visit & Reunion

Fifty years ago our forefathers brought forth in this Amazon River city...a Christian school for children of missionaries. Ourselves and a number of past students and staff are in Belem to celebrate the 50-year occasion. One couple came to visit us first in Sao Luis. A couple of photos of our visit to the beach and old city:

 

 

 

 

Now a few shots of rainy AVA near Belem and a trip to Mosqueiro. It was many years since some of these folks visited this resort fishing village:

 

 

 

 

And that's it for today. Our digital camera just broke so it will be some time before we can post more photos. Happy June!

Something to Get Excited About

My last blog was a bit depressing, I'll admit, but life can be that way sometimes. Since then I prepared and presented a defense of the future resurrection of Christian believers based on I Corinthians 15,mainly for my own encouragement. As a friend commented afterwards, it's very important to reaffirm such basic truth from time to time.

But what I want to talk about today is my Doctrine of Salvation class I teach/lead at the Seminary. This week I was thrilled that several students reported professions of faith in their churches the weekend before. That's encouraging, knowing that God in His mercy and grace continues to save people. And when I reviewed our study-progress of this vast subject with them, I became quite excited: God has chosen us from eternity past. Our election is sure. However we are born as sinners into a sinful world. How can God's eternal purpose for us to know, serve and glorify Him be accomplished? Sin creates an insurmountable barrier between us and a holy, just God. I can't remove sin, not even my own, much less for all humanity. The price of sin is death, eternal separation from God. And God cannot die to pay sin's debt because God is imortal, not subject to death.

Now, if you are a true Christian, you know exactly what happened at this point: God actually became man so that as the God-man He could die and pay our sin-debt. And when Jesus Christ died that day, three things happened: God's justice was propiciated (satisfied), man was reconciled to God, and man's redemption from sin was accomplished. Christ's death is a consummated, finished salvation work, proved by His resurrection from the dead!

What's next? We are now at this point in class, noting various terms that describe the application of this so-great salvation to anyone who expresses saving-faith in Christ. Each believer is called by God, regenerated by the Spirit and united eternally with Christ. Conversion, repentance, faith, justification and adoption are additional aspects involved in this transforming salvation experience, occuring in logical, not chronological order.

Is this heavy theology? Perhaps, but in its essence it's the clearest, most wonderful and important message in the universe, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Something eternal to get excited about!

Another Goodbye

How many cars will go to the cemetery when you are buried?

The longer we live and work here in Brazil, the more deaths occur around us. Twenty days ago we said goodbye to D. Lidia, beloved wife of national church statesman, Pr. Abdoral. She was 87 and in poor health for some time. Her husband and extended family of ten children were saddened but know she is now rejoicing in the Lord's presence. I received around 15 email condolence messages from former missionaries that I passed on to Pr. Abdoral and he was very grateful.

Then today we said goodbye to Washington who died at 43, half the age of D. Lidia, a victim of aggresive cancer. He is survived by his wife Anna and two young children. In recent years he had a good bank job in Fortaleza, about 1,000 miles away. You couldn't have met a finer Christian layman, deacon, leader of youth and oft financial provider for his extended family. Washington was ten when we first arrived in Sao Luis in 1974 so we got to know him quite well in his early years in our church. As his brother said in the service today, God loaned Washington to us all to serve as an outstanding Christian example. He had asked specifically that his viewing and service be held in our seminary auditorium (as was D. Lidia's). From there this afternoon some 45 cars made their way to the neat, modern cemetery outside of town, and with singing and prayers, Washington was laid to rest.

Probably doesn't really matter how many friends attend one's funeral. But it was impressive to observe the collective recognition of a life so well lived. Perhaps you and I should pray that we can so live, like D. Lidia and Washington, that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sad...

Delays, Changes & Delights

New beginnings and events are often messy and unpredictable. The SCEN library ceiling took too long to repair and certainly was messy with the painting and dusting. We finally reopened yesterday, much to the teachers and students' delight. But who thought it would take three weeks into the new term?

And a few students are still registering. Yesterday in my Doctrine of Salvation class was a bright new face asking for a syllibus. OK, I guess we should be grateful for every student who shows up, even if he is very late, right? And we are...

Then changes for the SCEN team going with me to the church plant in Sao Mateus, three hours down the road over Easter weekend. Gorete and her son were all lined up to go until the boy got sick. Found another student, Mazzoel, pleased to go instead to help Valter with home visits and children classes over Easter weekend. Valter preached Saturday PM and I gave a Bible lesson to a few youth both Sunday AM and PM in the meeting area in front of the pastor's home.






The pastor's family offered hospitality including hooks to hang our hammocks on and plenty of water in which to take our baths, bucket and dipper style. Our team was delighted that three children made professions of faith! Vivian stayed home for the weekend to work on the library and to teach her S. S. class of nine in our downtown church. Sure was good to see her again at midnight Sunday PM, driving up to our house!

News & Views

Maybe, just maybe, you've wondered why the Stoners haven't blogged lately. There are excuses and there are reasons why things don't get done; I'm not sure which applies here. My illness from last month has pretty well disappeared, our trip to Belem is over, the new SCEN term under way. But not without some problems, one being the collapse of part of the school library ceiling. The replacement project of the whole ceiling is nearly completed, just a coat of paint on the walls and hand cleaning of all the books yet to do.
There are over 20 first year students, more than I expected. Now if we can just get all returning students to resume their course before Mar. 17. Lack of funds is main reason, so if you'd like to help, just pray that they will have the courage and funds to return while there's still time. Could have a total of 90 some students.
Oh yes, our family is growing with the good news of another grandchild on the way. I won't tell you whose just yet. That will make five for us. And, today, the day after International Women's Day, I congratulate all you women out there who read this blog. Without you ladies, we men wouldn't be around. God had an interesting plan, arranging that the first woman be taken from the man. Ever since then, however, it's obvious that man comes from woman! This eternal balance is what Paul reminds us of in I Corinthians 11:12. Any comments? Have a great week!

Church Retreat Musings

This past week we particiapted in a church retreat held over Carnival days here in Brazil. Many evangelical churches offer spiritual retreats for their people, especially for the youth, as a viable alternative to the carnal debauchery that pervaids much of society during Carnival celebrations. I shared two Bible studies at the retreat based on Ephesians 4:17-32, following the theme of living a life that reflects true Christian character, at the request of the pastor pictured here.



It was good to see the keen interest of the folks in the teaching of the Bible. We pray that our lives and theirs will truly reflect Christlike character, not only in the calm setting of the retreat, but also in life after the retreat. Christ said in the Gospel of John, chapter 17, that believers like you and me are IN the world but not OF the world, and we are being sent TO the world with the liberating message of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

Best Laid Plans...

My ticket was purchased, the syllabus readied for making student copies, and my suitcase about to be packed. But today I found it necessary to cancel my trip on Sunday to Pará to teach in the basic course all next week.

Motive? A persistent intestinal virus or something akin, producing two doctor visits, another appointment on Monday and lab tests that need follow-up. And so the time passes and energy levels vary. Why, Oh Lord, is this happening to me? Wasn't I going to serve You in this course, helping 79 keen Amazon River area folks learn more about the Person and work of the Holy Spirit? Didn't I have all our email friends praying for me in this teaching opportunity?

So far I don't have an answer to my 'why' question and perhaps never will. I just know there is someone to fill in for me in Abaetetuba (plan B), while back here in São Luis God is telling me to step back and care for my health needs for now. Be still and know that I am God, He said to the Psalmist. That's probably the best plan one could wish for.

The True Christmas Spirit

I could hear the refuse collection truck coming down the street as I got those last few winks of sleep the morning after Christmas. Could I get out there in time to place Mom's bin on the sidewalk? With all the gift exchange excitement, we'd forgotten to put it out the night before. Out I dashed in my PJ's and sock slippers into the crisp central Texas morning, quickly rolling the bin across the grass to the street as the truck came down the other side. Suddenly the truck stopped and the driver appeared, stepping down from his truck. "I already passed on that side, sir!", he said. And before I knew it, he crossed the street, grabbed the bin and rolled it to the other side of the street. After positioning it, he climbed back into his truck and deftly dumped the bin into his truck with the mechanical arms. I was so taken back with his kindness that all I could think to say was, "Well, I'll bring it back, and I sure do appreciate your help!" as he drove away. By then my feet were quite wet from the dew but I had a smile on my face. I didn't even mind a couple of neighbors staring at me in my PJ's from their cars as they left for work. I had just witnessed one of the most impressive evidences of the true Christmas spirit of my entire life! So, my driver friend, whoever you may be, thanks so much for adding to my Christmas joy by your simple act of kindness right here in Temple, Texas on Antelope Trail!

Another Trip?

What a whirl of activities the past month has been! Back from our trip to the States in early November, I was soon off to a weekend preaching opportunity in Almarante do Maranhão where the folks are very friendly and appreciative. The rest of November was finish-up time with my six classes at the Seminary, reminding my students to turn in all their semester work. Most did, but some didn't quite get it all together unfortunately. On December 1st three fellows were graduated, one of whom I had helped earlier with his 'monografia' paper. Then paper-grading time began and preparations for our next trip.

Yes, we are on another trip, this weekend enjoying our granddaughter and her parents in Florida. Next week we go to Texas for the holidays where we will see more family for the remainder of our annual vacation. The change of pace is great! With partial internet access most communication continues and we can also catch up on a couple projects in between family visits. Will try to get some photos on next posting. Meanwhile, have a great rest-of-the-year at your house, remembering that the Savior really did come to save us and to gives us abundant life! Do you know Him yet?

Trip Photos

Update from Trip

Our 13-day trip to the U. S. went well but was very tiring at the end. The airline changed our international flight, requiring us to catch a much earlier flight from Philly to Miami. Had to leave my niece's home in PA at 2:30 AM instead of 8 AM and spend most of the day in Miami airport. Then five hours flying to Manaus, 2 hrs. to Belem, 5 hours in Belem airport and finally a one hour flight to SLZ, our city. Good to be safely back in our home on this sizable island off northern coast of Brazil where some 900 thousand folks live and work, all anxiously awaiting seasonal rains to finally begin in a month or so. At least our acerola tree is giving so we can enjoy the nutritious juice.
My good wife's bad cold left her just as we embarked on our trip in late October but has now returned to plague her. I escaped during the trip but got it just after our return so now we are sniffling and coughing together as we try to figure out which medicine to try next. (Too bad I have to travel to a weekend preaching opportunity but do feel lots better at present...)
As for classes, etc., we are right back into things, keenly anticipating the end of the semester including SCEN graduation of three fellows on Dec. 1st. Will send some photos of our grandkids in a separate posting. Sure was good reconnecting with these very special people and we thank God that we could!

Travel time is nearly here

Next week at this time we should be visiting our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter in Florida. Seemed like the time for this trip would never get here. Now it's right around the corner and I wonder how we'll get everything done in time. Have already done quite a lot, actually, like leaving most things in order for the classes we'll miss and getting a couple lined up to stay in our house. Asked a colleague to look after the school clock/bell system, paid our monthly taxes, made a bank deposit, wrote and sent our October circular letter for mailing and distribution. We also ordered our new laptop computer, several lexicons for students, made copies of our house keys and have started reading a book for the seminar we will attend. Are you bored yet?
Will be good to have a change of scenery for those 14 days. Oh yes, two weekends from now we should be visiting our oldest son, his wife and their three boys in the northeast. Nice to include these family visits on this trip. Will have to wait to visit more family and our other son and his wife in the mid-west around Christmas time, Lord willing.

Thinking about the children

Jonah, our second grandchild, turned three today. He and I have something in common. We both were born in Pennsylvania, but about sixty years apart in time! Jonah's older brother, Luke, was born in Texas and his younger brother, Cody, in Rhode Island. Then there are the parents of these three boys. Their mom was born in Washington State and their dad in Brazil! Anyway, was great to see them all on webcam for a few minutes before bed time. Jonah was thrilled with his 'car-truck' gift for his birthday and smiled nicely when grandma and I sang happy birthday to him. Oh yes, we got to see our nearly 16 month old granddaughter by webcam tonight too, the whole way from Florida! Amazing how technology helps fill in the gaps when families live so far apart.


Two weeks ago we drove 150 miles downstate and got to know some other children. They are part of a church plant carried on by some colleagues who invited us to speak over the weekend. You can see how nice the children look in the photos we are attaching.
Where there are children there is happiness along with hope for the future. This is true among our own families and in the larger family of God as well. October 12th is Children's Day here in Brazil. Our church will hold a weekend camp for the children, giving them a special time to play, swim and learn more about the God who made them and sent Jesus to save them. I enjoy the children and look forward to visiting our four grandkids when we visit the States next time.

A First For Me

Well, it may not be the very first time but it SEEMS that way in my fading memory. I actually was not able to give my class today at the Seminary due to symptoms of a bad cold! When Vivian went over for choir rehearsal, a student commented, "Prof. Carlos is not coming today? He NEVER misses class!" Of course we have to miss when we schedule a trip but that's different, I guess, since we plan ahead and make sure our students work on projects while we're gone. I'm taking medicine, resting extra and hope to be back tomorrow morning for Eschatology class, then Angelology in the PM, Lord willing, and if I'm feeling stronger...

We are off to a good beginning with second semester. Students seem more motivated than usual to get their assignments turned in and participate in class discussions. The second year students especially enjoy asking questions and sparring with one another over theological points. I'm getting into Bible Study Methods with 19 first year students. The study guide I used before is out of print so I had to copy material and make a syllabus. Yesterday we learned the importance of the six observation questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why & How? Next Wed. I will see how they did, asking these six questions and registering their answers, observing Philippians 1:1-11. For most this method is a first, but one that I trust will be repeated many times throughout their lives in studying and sharing God's word.

Impressions from a Gathering

Last week over 300 delegates and visitors partipated in our national church's 23rd convention held on SCEN campus. My impressions: (1)God is faithful. This was AICEB's 60-year celebration, as pictured, complete with cake and cokes in closing session. Over 60 Brazilian and foreign workers were honored posthumously with their names read during that service. SO GOOD to see numerous former students serving the Lord faithfully, raising their families, walking in His ways. Makes us grateful for having the privilege of touching many lives during their student days. (2) Good business sessions. I was asked to help on a temporary committee for evaluating motions that came to the floor. The three of us did about 15 motions, most of which were passed by the general assembly when voted on. The association's finances were in good order, much better than two years ago when things were quite confusing. Was impressive to observe business being done fairly and thoroughly, due to God's grace and the moderating skills of Pr. Neto, one of our former students. (3) SCEN seminary has an owner. After the Mission discontinued supporting the seminary three years ago, it was rough going for awhile until the churches began to realize that SCEN really does belong to them. Result? The finances are much better and a new SCEN leadership team was chosen with a minimum of procedural problems. There are seven of us to take office at end of 2007. Meanwhile, four of the seven pictued are functioning till then along with three incumbent members. (4) Missions is/are in. The association's goal of over US$50,000 for missions was met this past year. Two Angolan men, president and vice-president of the Evangelical Christian Church of Angola, were participants in our Convention. Pictured is AICEB's president signing a working agreement with them for sending missionaries to work with this church. Delegates received an attractive missions bulletin published by the department. (5) Challenges are great. Church growth was low to moderate in recent years so there is still much to do. The youth department needs a shot in the arm. Regular contributions to the General Board's office come from less than half of the 160 organized chuches. This should improve by use of a monthly bank deposit form system, a convention decision. So, all in all, favorable impressions of this church gathering in northern Brazil! May God be praised!

Pondering the Unponderable

Over 200 victims in the fiery crash of the TAM airliner landing in Sao Paulo last evening. Constant news coverage, speculation as to the cause of the accident. Intense shock, sadness among families and friends. At least we can pray for the families, asking for God's mercy and comfort, patience with the authorities and for some eventual closure and normality. If statistics mean anything, perhaps only 10 to 15% of those dear folks were evangelical believers. Pr. Jonas said many years ago, we should not ask, 'Why?'(Por Que?). Instead we should ask ourselves 'For what?'(Para Que?). But even 'For what?' is not easily answered for me. And so I wonder and ponder... Perhaps this tragedy will result in better safety conditions at crowded urban airports in this great country. That would be comforting to know next time I fly... Or perhaps it will make folks think more of the uncertainty of life, causing people like me to live each moment more fully yet responsibly knowing that any moment could be one's last on earth. Or perhaps as a Christian I should use the incident to share Christ with those around me who are not yet certain of their eternal destiny. Yes, perhaps that's what I should do... In fact, isn't that what being a missionary is all about? What do you think?

MICEB Conference on Mosqueiro Island

MICEB Conference 2007 ended last Sunday near Belem. Was a good week of messages, fellowship, prayer and yes, even tolerable business meetings. Some 55 missionaries from Brazil, U. S., Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Great Britain attended plus visitors. A highlight was the special Sat. PM celebration of 40 years existence with our present name, although the mission's origins in Brazil go back some 40 years before that. Vivian and I with two others organized and led 40 minute prayer groups each morning. We also helped some 20 colleagues rehearse one choir number for the Sat. PM meeting, Filhos da Luz. My most taxing task was to serve as Portuguese minutes secretary for the business meetings. That probably completes my administrative participation in MICEB through the years. First I served as mission treasurer for two years, 1991-93. Second, as MICEB president for seven years, 1993-2000. And now during this conference five days as minutes secretary! Goes to show that God's grace is still varied, abundant and enabling for someone who came to Brazil primarily to serve as a theology teacher! As for that part of our work, first semester ends on Thursday and we are ready for it! Enjoy the photos and enjoy your summer wherever you live. The black & white photo was taken c. 1972!
P. S. One pineapple fell off already and is slowly ripening. Is there hope for the other? (See last blog...)

Computers, Pineapples & Anniversary

Our computer problems continue but at least we were able to send a June update to our 'revised' address list. Our list is probably 75% as complete as it was before our laptop stopped functioning. Let us know if you didn't receive the update, please. Things are beginning to pop around here: entering last three weeks of the semester to teach and receive student papers; visit from our international director this weekend; our annual field conference in Belem next week (students don't particularly like the work we leave them for the week of classes we will miss but that's life!).
On June 5th we celebrated 37 years of happy marriage, evidenced by the photo. Yes, those are roses! And the other photo shows how pineapples really do grow in the tropics. Takes two years, though. They are in a little 'flower bed' out front, by our now paved street. The neighbor boy and I are carefully watching to see that our two pineapples reach a delicious maturity in the next couple weeks. Nice to see something growing like that.

Computer Problems!

It's been a week since our notebook wouldn't open and is needing another motherboard. At least we have this other computer to do some email, etc. Must soon decide if repairing our nearly three-year old Dell 600m is worth the expense. Probably not. Have any advice? So, just be patient and we will eventually send you a more interesting blog. Meanwhile, we are doing well, even with my 4 more classes a week to teach (eschatology)in the SCEN evening course. Tonight only one of my six students nodded off before I dismissed them early, at 22:35 instead of 22:50, the official closing time. Guess it's because they were filling out a form while I explained the different periods of Biblical prophecy. I admire their dedication to listen to me past my bedtime once a week.

I shared the following at the English service where I spoke last evening. Tony Campolo is a Christian, a college professor, and a well-known speaker in the United States. He tells about a sermon delivered by his preacher friend at the mostly-black church he attended in Philadelphia. The essence of the preacher’s message was one line, which he mentioned over and over again – a message particularly appropriate on Easter weekend.
“It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”
It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming. It was Friday, and my Jesus is dead on a tree. But that’s Friday, and Sunday’s coming!
Friday, Mary’s crying her eyes out, the disciples are running in every direction like sheep without a shepherd. But that’s Friday, and Sunday’s a comin’.
Friday, some are looking at the world and saying, “As things have been, so they shall be. You can’t change nothing in this world! You can’t change nothing in this world!” But they didn’t know it was only Friday, and Sunday’s a comin’.
Friday, them forces that oppress the poor and keep people down, them forces that destroy people, the forces in control now, them forces that are gonna rule, they don’t know it’s only Friday, but Sunday’s a comin’.
Friday, people are saying, “Darkness is gonna rule the world, sadness is gonna be everywhere,” but they don’t know it’s only Friday, but Sunday’s a comin’.
Even though this world is rotten, as it is right now, we know it’s only Friday. But Sunday’s a comin’!
It’s Friday! But Sunday’s a Coming!