Unexpected Visit

Last evening we were well into a game of Scrabble when we heard singing at our outside gate. Who could that be? I ambled outside to see while Vivian quickly put some items in order in our living room area. Sure enough, it was a group of students and profs from SCEN campus about half a mile away who had come to visit. They usually have an informal get together on campus Friday PM's but this time decided to hold their meeting at the Stoners's house! Was a kind of farewell gesture since we will be leaving Brazil in a few months.




As you can see from the photos, we invited our friends in to sing and share. There was a Bible reading and then different ones spoke, telling what they have appreciated about Vivian and me, our ministry among them as teachers, counselors and friends over the years. Wow! What a wonderful ending for the day, one that had started out with a staff meeting full of discussion how to fix a certain SCEN department, quite a discourageing encounter. But now we were being encouraged and built up in a very unexpected way. Most of their kind words had to do with what they had observed, expressions of our character with little mention of what we've tried to teach in the classroom. And I find that to be significant, in line with the adage that more is caught than taught.



One colleague said that over 25 years ago he observed the way we raised our children and wanted to do the same when he had a family. A student said that he was impressed last week when he overheard me asking a student for forgivenes concerning a small incident in class. Another spoke of the dedication with which Vivian cares for the school library.




As the visit ended, we expressed our sincere thanks, pointing out that whatever has been accomplished has come from the Lord's enablement, and was certainly not our doing. After saying goodbye to our friends, we decided to finish our Scrabble game, which, incidentally, I won by a few points!

Celebrations

On Sept. 7th, the country of Brazil celebrated 187 years of independence from Portugal.

Then, on Sept. 8th, our city of Sao Luis on the northern coast of Brazil celebrated 397 years since its founding by the French in 1612. There was a succession of French, Dutch & Portuguese rule over the years.

And guess what! Sept. 7, 2009 was also the day our Brazilian friend and campus resident, Dona Melu, turned 100!

The municipality of Sao Luis has a population of around 800 thousand. D. Melu is now one of 144 of these residents who are 100 years old or older. This dear lady was already over 80 when she memorized the entire book of Revelation in the Bible! For her special birthday, some 200 relatives and friends gathered in the seminary auditorium for a praise service followed by a buffet dinner, birthday cake and fellowship. Her four children, extended family and friends expressed great appreciation for D. Melu's faithful Christian life and testimony during all these years.
Here are some photos from the occasion:

Now that a new semester is underway here at SCEN Bible College, it's time to reflect on what went on in July, the month of recess. Mainly three things: (1) Mark, Joy and Mia's visit, (2) our time in Brasilia at national church convention,(3) four days after that in Campos de Jordão enjoying cooler weather and doing some tourism. The photos should be self-explanatory as to which of these three is pictured.





Vivian and I were honored for our 37-plus years of service in Brazil. The group picture is of our former students, most now leaders in the AICEB. Some weren't there but you get the idea... What a privilege to have served God all these years in this great land of Brazil! Was our last national convention, thus special to us. And what a privilege to have had Mia and her parents here for that special visit in early July!

On the Lighter Side

For your reading pleasure, we've included an excerpt from our recent Brazil Bulletin, a periodic circular sent to our snail-mail list and inserted into the bulletin of a large church:

One morning a couple months ago we were leaving the house in a hurry to get to 7:15 AM classes at our school. After we shut the door, we realized we’d locked the keys inside, trapping ourselves near our car in the area between the house and the high outside gate which was also securely locked. Our classes were to begin in eight minutes and there we were, trying to figure out what to do!

A couple weeks later we were unloading the car after driving over to the school for evening classes. I pulled out my briefcase and grabbed a bag of theology books from the trunk. Vivian took out her folder and CD player for music class. Then I said, “But where’s the laptop?” Oh my! Before we left home I had taken our computer out to the street, placed it behind our car parked there, and promptly forgot to place it in the trunk before we drove away. Talk about panic!

Here are the happy endings to two potentially not-so-happy situations: As for the laptop, Vivian prayed while I took off very quickly toward home. I could hardly believe it as I drove up, but there was our laptop case, safe and sound, sitting by the curb just where I’d left it ten LONG minutes before! “Thank you, Lord!”

The padlocked door took a little more time. We remembered having a hacksaw in the outside storage room. With persistence I was soon able to saw through the lock shaft and free us from our embarrassment. It wasn’t soon enough, however, to avoid hearing a student comment when we finally got to the Seminary: “Prof Carlos is NEVER late to class! Wonder what happened!”

So what resulted from these trying experiences? We learned that in addition to asking a friend to keep an extra set of keys, we need to be more alert! Now when we leave the house you will hear one of us say: “Dear, you DO have the key, don’t you? Could it be that such incidents will increase as we near retirement age?

It seems that the Lord allows certain happenings to show us our need to depend on Him more. They affirm God’s sovereignty in our lives and cause us to pray more specifically, showing how He does answer prayer, even in the more mundane concerns of life. They also help us not to take ourselves too seriously! Our students just love it when they perceive that their teachers also have feet of clay. (But I still don’t like to get to class late!)

39 Years of Marital Bliss

Yes, today is our 39th wedding anniversary! We were married in Dallas and a year and a half later found ourselves in tropical Brazil. We've never quite gotten over the wonder of it all: God's grace in bringing us together, His blessing us with three wonderful children, a challenging ministry in another culture. In about nine months we will be leaving Brazil to begin partial retirement, if we can ever get all our stuff sorted out and disposed of. The house is practically sold and most of our furniture and appliances but there's more to such a transition than what meets the eye. We know God is in control and will guide us each step as we trust Him.

Changing the subject, the rains in April and May in our state of Maranhao, Brazil and in several neighboring states have been nearly double the seasonal average, as noted in our previous blog. The result is unprecedented river flooding in towns like Arari. Over 200,000 people had to leave their homes in various locations and are living in temporary shelters in poor conditions. The government and NGO's are working to get minimal food, clothing and medical care to them.

The evangelical churches are also responding and SCEN Bible College has become a receiving/distribution center for non-perishable food items and clothing. Recently 350 basic food baskets were trucked to a town where 700 families were registered to receive help through churches. Each basket had to be divided so each family could at least have something. This past week fewer baskets were received even though the need continues. When will the crisis end? Rains have diminished somewhat but it will be months before many of the destitute can return to their houses, most having lost everything. So the need for food, etc. will continue at least into July and probably longer.

We have so much compared to these who are suffering. Our immediate area was not affected but we're concerned with the great need. Vivian and I felt led by the Lord to request permission from our mission, CrossWorld, to present the need and appeal for prayer and for project donations to help alleviate the suffering of some of these folks. A basic food basket, consisting of staples like rice, beans, coffee, powdered milk, etc. is presently costing about $15.00. It would be great if we could provide a basket for each of 50 needy families, don't you think? One basket would get a family through a week, maybe longer. A gospel witness is being included where possible during the distribution process. Perhaps your Sunday school class could consider helping with this as a class project.

So, please pray for the situation and if the Lord directs you, just make out a check to 'CrossWorld'. Either on the check or in a separate note indicate 'Disaster Relief Project 091003 - Brazil' and mail to CrossWorld, P. O. Box 306, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

Donations are already being received and we'll give an update later. Next week we are off to annual MICEB field conference near Belem, back to Sao Luis to finish out the semester and then receive Mark, Joy and granddaughter Mia for a 10 day visit.

When will it end?

We did not mention the disastrous situation in north Brazil when we wrote our email update yesterday. Are we becoming jaded or what? Thousands of people chased out of their homes in several states as the rains continue and the rivers flood and flow through entire towns. Some have died from drowning or in landslides. Hundreds of trucks stranded on their way, unable to bring their products north because bridges are out and sections of road washed away. Fruits and vegetable prices already doubled as produce rots on the trucks. General food shortages beginning in our city of 800,000. March and April are the seasonal rainy months but this year the rain gauges already registered double the normal amount. Global warming the culprit? Perhaps a contributing factor as clouds carry more warm moisture from the ocean inland.

Our seminary director took some students along in a Civil Defense truck to hand out clothing and food staples to some families in temporary shelters in precarious conditions in an area of our city. Was the stuff donated a couple weeks ago at our school. He showed his photos in chapel yesterday with the distribution report. We prayed for God to have mercy on these folks but shouldn't we do more? If this calamity had happened in the U. S., it would have international coverage. Brazilian President Lula has come to view the area and promised more government aid but such help takes considerable time to reach the people. Churches and businesses are responding but it seems so little for such great need. Yesterday and today we had more sun than rain where we live. Perhaps that is the answer: pray that the rains diminish soon? Also, purchase more food staples to donate...

Translating & Celebrating

I had an interesting experience this past week, serving as translator (English to Portuguese) for a series of Bible studies based on the book of Ephesians. Simon is an Anglican pastor in England who along with his brother-in-law Alister, also an Anglican minister, was invited to give a conference on Biblical expository preaching here in northern Brazil. Frankly, I went into the week a bit dubious as to what I would hear and learn. However, I didn't need to wait long to discover that these men have a godly, conservative and creative approach to teaching the Scriptures. During four mornings Simon showed us clearly how Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians to help them understand that they had all spiritual blessings in Christ and that they were saved, raised and seated with Christ in the heavenlies, in a position of victory over the world and Satan.

But Simon also showed us how this was to be lived out in the church today, effectively applying this truth to his hundred or more listeners in the SCEN auditorium this week. Alister did similarly in the evening sessions, giving instructions on the importance, implications and methodology of expository preaching.


A couple weeks ago Vivian and I celebrated her birthday in a special way. We drove 160 miles to another coastal area of our state to visit the beautiful sand dunes. We stayed in a nice hotel, enjoyed great food and Scrabble & got tossed around on the back of a Toyota truck to get out to the sand dunes. We had a delightful time and will long remember how surprised she was that I arranged this special two-day trip & how happy I was to be able to show her my love in a different way this year.

Back in Brazil

The rains have begun, the mangoes are sweet and our friends have welcomed us back. Of course we already miss family a lot(including our 5 grandkids!)in the States. But we know we still have work to do in northern Brazil, so here we are.

Sunday PM in our church I shared a power-point report of my December visit to Mozambique. Have already participated in three deacons meetings where we dealt with tough church discipline issues. Then today, since our SCEN director is traveling, I led the staff meeting when we accepted two new students, praying that many more will apply before classes begin in March.

I was saddened Sunday to observe that my dear elderly friend, João Pereira, is not doing well. At 84, serious health issues are taking a toll and he is loosing his memory. Yet, João was in church Sunday AM. And he insisted that his daughter take him again for the PM service to hear me speak! I was greatly honored and am continually challenged by this dear brother who has read the entire Bible through 52 times since his conversion at age 42! I just turned 65 and still have a lot to learn and accomplish, following the example of João. Now, where did I place my Bible...?

Wise Men Still Seek Him

It's that festive, reflective time of year again. So much travel since last Christmas for the Stoners, including our time away from Brazil in the U. S. since July. And more recently my 12-day visit to So.Africa and Mozambique. And within the U. S., several plane trips last summer and thousands of miles driven since, from Florida to Texas; to New England and back again.

Despite the downturn in the economy and major political changes, God is still sovereign and is calling out a people for His name. He's saving, sanctifying and securing them...to enjoy an eternal relationship with them through His incarnate Son, Jesus Christ. Our God is incredible when you stop to think of His eternal purpose being worked out in the universe at this very moment. And the biggest evidence is the birth of the Baby in the manger, an event with world-changing repercussions. So good to be involved, still seeking to know and serve Christ, through leadership training in northern Brazil. Lord willing, we will fly back January 13th. Am including some photos from my trip to Mozambique, so Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Travels & Photos

Our travels from Texas are going well and have brought us to Lancaster, PA until Nov. 24th. Actually, we have only about 8 weeks left before returning to Brazil: Next is a ministry report in two ABF's at Calvary Church, Nov. 23rd; then off to Matt and family in Rhode Island for Thanksgiving; my trip to AIM conference in Mozambique Nov. 28-Dec. 10, while Vivian stays in RI; then the long drive back to Texas from RI for Christmas and New Years, followed by the drive to Florida from where we return to Brazil, Jan. 13, D. V.

Now some family photos to enhance your reading/viewing pleasure:

Thoughts on Voting

Ok, Ok...you've been wondering when I would update this most interesting blog! Don't have a good excuse, just that the amount of my blog 'traffic' is not all that impressive anyway, and I've been spending more time on my Mozambique trip (Nov. 29-Dec. 10) preparations. Baby Amilia, also known as Mia, is doing great and her parents are pleased with her growth and schedule.

We voted 'early' today and one lady entering the voting booth was overheard to ask about the paper ballot: "Do I fill in the oval or leave it blank for my candidate?" Good basic question, don't you think? Were at least 50 ahead of us in line and it took about an hour for us to have our turn. If it's that crowded for early voting, what will it be like on Nov. 4th? I think Brazil has a better system, using small computer machines. And everyone must vote, aged 18 to 60. Those 16 and 17 may too, and those over 60, but they don't have to. And the elections are always on a Sunday, not a Tuesday. There was an election there earlier this month for municipal officials, I think, and our SCEN classrooms undoubtedly served again for several voting precincts.

As for the result of the U. S. presidential election, God is still sovereign and will put the one He wants in the White House, using, in this case, the democratic process. Whoever wins will need more wisdom than he presently has and wonder why he ever wanted such a thankless, impossible job. Perhaps he'll learn to ask God for help as he will certainly need it. So far neither candidate speaks very convincingly of needing to depend on the Almighty. We will be driving east on Nov. 1, one reason for voting early, visiting friends in KY on the 4th. Celebration or disappointment? God bless America!

Granddaughter has arrived!

It was so special to be in Arkansas last week for the arrival of Amilia Kate, born Sept. 18! As you can see from the photos, she's a cutie. Joy and Mark are very happy and were well prepared for the event. Grandmother Abbie from Portugal was also present and we all enjoyed those days together. Now we are back in central Texas, enjoying the beginning of fall weather and preparing for our trip east in early November. For more baby photos, please go to www.thestoners.com

Ike gone, baby to arrive

A friend phoned us from Michigan, asking how we are. Our area of Texas had only a little wind and very little rain from Ike. Family members from Corpus Christi came to spend the weekend after boarding up their windows, just in case, and returned home today, paying more for gas, of course. We are grateful for low number of hurricane deaths reported so far but are saddened by the vast property damage.

As for our next grandchild's arrival, latest word is that it's marked for the 18th in Arkansas. We will be driving up a day early (perhaps before?) and joining Joy's mom from Portugal who is already there for the big event. Mark was born in Brazil, Joy in Portugal and their child will be our first grandchild to be born in Arkansas. Each of our other four grand kids was born in a different state: Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida and Rhode Island. Could this reflect the rootlessness of third culture kids, their parents? By the way, you know you are a missionary if you have a time-zone map next to your phone. Or you have friends from, or in, about 29 different countries. Or you speak with authority on the subject of airline travel.

In closing, on my last blog I offered to send you my story, Bees, Chickens & Church Pews. You didn't request it but so far 56 other happy people did, about 25% on our email address list. Sorry you missed out! On next blog will report on new grandbaby, so be patient!