Passing It On (March 24)

Out for our walk, we could see Wanilma coming up the street, arriving home. With a nice smile she greeted us and told us about her new job, teaching 'religion' in a public school to 7th and 8th graders. She has 14 classes and some 800 students throughout the week! By knowing so many kids, says she could run for political office before long! Wanilma was our Bible college student from 1982-85. She's married, has a 6-year old son and is thrilled to be serving the Lord here in Sao Luis, passing on Biblical values to gobs of kids. She's grateful for her SCEN Bible college training.

Pr. Francisco was in the library the other day, preparing lessons for a new Bible institute he has begun in his church. He graduated from SCEN four months ago and wants now to train others in his one night-a-week institute. Our SCEN classes taught him so much, he says. Now it's time to pass it on to his people.

Inez phoned the other evening, reporting and requesting prayer. She, her husband and 6 year old son are down-state in a new church plant. Their denomination asked them to interrupt their SCEN course last fall to consider taking on this new challenge. Inez often refers to my poetic books and Bible study methods classes. Both are helping her in this cutting-edge ministry of passing it on to others in a rustic, rural setting. They still want to complete their SCEN course but for now the lost condition of these people took precedence.

When I became a missionary, I couldn't imagine how exciting this multiplication ministry could be! Our ex-student list is growing every year and God continues to use each one in a timely, unique manner as they endeavor to "entrust (the things they have heard) to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Tim. 2:2b (NIV)

Church Retreat

Our church found this place for annual retreat over carnival weekend. Location was outside town some 20 km. at the Hotel Fazenda, gradually being renovated for such events.
Children were a part of the retreat too.
Was good to participate, sharing observations and ideas during group Bible study. The film, The Village, was a spring board for discussion. Is the church isolated from society? If so, how can we break down walls and be authentic and reaching our world for Christ.

Time to relax between sessions with our 'family' group.
As they say in Portuguese, the retreat valeu! It was very worthwhile. Now it's time to begin our new semester at the seminary so will update you about that later on in March.

Ancient Words, Ever True

Ancient words, ever true, changing me, changing you...so go the words on the CD this AM. How much time do I really spend in God's Book? My present reading of Genesis is interesting in the Portuguese NIV (Nova Versão Internacional-NVI). Seems like a new story once again. For over a year I had prepared vertical charts in the book of Revelation in Portuguese as a basis for my personal devotions. Even learned how to do them on Word with a sprinkling of clip art. Send me your email address and I will send you a sample of these creations!

Decided not to read the whole Bible through during 2007. However in a couple weeks I will be teaching Old Testament I at SCEN and may challenge myself and students to read through at least the O. T. during the March to June term. In case I do that, I already have a jump start reading Genesis these days! All this reminds of Sr. João in our church. He will turn 80 this year and has read the entire Bible through 47 times! And he is still doing it. Says he doesn't care to read other things, just his Bible... I met a young church staff member while selling the Nave's Topical Bible during my summer break from seminary back in the '60's in Tampa, FL. Said their staff had a standing assignment to read the entire KJV Bible through once a month! Took them 2 or 3 hours a day, but hey, isn't that as important as some other things you and I use our time for? Just some thoughts this morning.

35 Years South of the Equator

Well, not very far south, maybe 4 or 6 degrees? I guess that's why it stays so hot year round on our island. The rains we thought had started didn't really yet, but they will. At least the acerola bush started giving its cherry-like fruit so high in vitamins.

Yes, 35 years yesterday, Jan. 21, that we first arrived in Brazil, stepping off that Boeing 707 in the middle of the night in Belem. Been quite an adventure since then: language school, a year and a half in a town on the Trans Amazon Road, nearly 16 years at the Seminary, return to Belem for 10 years, and soon to complete 6 more years back at the Seminary. All interspersed with leave-times in the States. During the years God gave us three wonderful children. One became a scientist, one a school teacher and the other a web master, all bi-lingual, married and beginning to give us our grandchildren! All living in the U. S. but with 'saudades' of the land of their birth. God bless them!

Should point out that we are citizens of three places: The U. S. by birth, family, mission and church affliation. Permanent residency in Brazil by missionary calling and career. Heaven by God's mercy and grace. The adventure continues!

Great Visit & New Year!

Was a great time with our granddaughter and her parents over Christmas! We managed to visit many of the significant places and people from our daughter's growing up years here in Brazil. The baby is a great traveler and charmer wherever she goes, as you can see. After four days of sightseeing in Rio, the family braved the Brazilian airline slow-down, arriving in S. Luis 12 hours later than anticipated. Right after Christmas we were off to a nearby beach house for two days and then spent three busy days in Belem, an hour's flight away. Other than several of us catching colds, things went really

well throughout the wonderful visit till we had to say goodbye today. AND, news from our oldest son in RI is that our newest grandson is doing well! However, others in that family are fighting colds. Our youngest son and his wife missed most of the bad weather in CO and are now back to their jobs in Arkansas. So it goes in the Stoner family. The New Year celebrations included my marking one more birthday. Am thankful to God for LIFE, health, family and ministry. Btw, the rains have started!

Cody in Time for Christmas!

Our 4th grandchild, Cody, was born Dec. 12 in R. I. He is our oldest son's 3rd son. Cody arrived a month early but is doing well. Weighed 5 lb. 5 0z.. 19 inches long, so is on his way. Our son hasn't told us the whole story yet but we are just very grateful to God that both he and his mom are doing so well. Vivian returned safely to Brazil Dec. 5 and now we are preparing for our daughter, son-in-law and only granddaughter's visit over the holidays. Still so rain but by the time they arrive next week, it could happen. My commencement speech went OK on Dec. 9, lasting 25 minutes. Ten graduated. After the holidays I must grade the dozens upon dozens of student papers turned in during the last days of the term. As a friend often says, God is good, all the time. Have a wonderful Christmas celebration. Wise men still seek Him!

Term ending, wife returning

The happy fellow in the dark blue shirt just finished successfully defending his monograph. The rest of us are his profs. Next Saturday is graduation for eleven seniors. Classes for me have already ended but I do have lots of papers to grade, most of which I will leave for doing after December 9. I was invited by the graduates to give the commencement address on the theme, "Jesus Christ, our Foundation" so preparation for that is my main concern just now.

Vivian is due to arrive in Sao Luis Tuesday AM. It will have been 33 days since she left to help care for our two grandsons in Rhode Island. She had a great time and I was able to survive, preparing most meals for myself. Our daughter-in-law rested more because Vivian was there and today her own mom arrived. Perhaps the new baby will be a Christmas present, or if he waits until January 1, he will be born on my birthday! We continue to pray that all will go well. We haven't heard the name they've chosen. That's probably the easiest part. 

Presidents & Pineapples

President Lula won 4 more years here in Brazil, an election result I promised you. We had a great 3-day visit with mission colleagues in Belem. Two days later Vivian was off on her trip to the U. S. (Nov. 3) but not without some serious re-routing through the south of Brazil and getting a later flight from Miami to R. I. She is really enjoying helping to look after our two grandsons while awaiting arrival of # three. But I do miss her a lot... Even made rice once, did three loads of wash and generally try to pick up after myself. Great to have a cleaning lady one AM each week. Oh yes, the growing pineapple out front fell off. Our neighbor boy was watching it for me but it was another fellow who found it. After a week in a bag on top of the frig, it actually ripened. I gave half to David who was thrilled. He agreed that it was really good and even took a slice to school in his lunch stuff! Reminds me of a story of a missionary who tried to grow pineapples and the locals never seemed to allow any to ripen..they just disappeared! He got very upset and the story ends something like the book of Jonah, as I recall: God had to remind the missionary that He was much more interested in people than in the missionary's silly pineapple patch (or gourd). So far, my pineapple has actually helped build a relationship with the neighbor boy. Told his mom he will invite me to his sixth birthday party in December. Must wait and see. No more pineapples ripening so maybe a children's CD or Bible would make a good present for David. What do you think?

Travel Time

Today we are off to mission meetings in Belem, a one hour flight. Back to Sao Luis Wednesday PM just in time for Vivian to pack up for her month's stay over November in the States helping to look after our grandsons while their family awaits the arrival of #3! Are praying that things will go well both in travels and that the baby arrives safely. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, things will be busy with seminary classes, church and keeping the emails, Skype chats and internet calls happening.

By the way, today, Oct. 29th, is the runoff election here in Brazil for president and a number of state governors including our own state of Maranhao. Everything is very quiet in the neighborhood this AM, great contrast to the last few days. Will let you know election results eventually.

Children's Camp & Other News

Vivian is helping out at children's camp this weekend. Thirty kids along with counselors, cooks and helpers are having a great time in a large house with a pool about 8 miles away from our home. Last night the mosquitoes about ate up everyone. I got a call to please bring out two fans along with some baking powder for making a special cake. Just before Bible story time this evening the lights went out so we dashed to a town nearby and bought candles. Fortunately, electricity was restored soon and the David and Goliath story was acted out as planned. I took some photos.
Is different and lonely with Vivian gone but I have managed to stay busy. I will pick her up Sunday after lunch, Lord willing. Is much more relaxing than last week when I was called upon suddenly to handle a funeral service Friday afternoon. That's another story told in our recent email update...By the way, the Brazilian election held on Oct. 1 resulted in a run-off election set for Oct. 29. President and a number of state governors will be chosen. Vivian and I will fly to Belem that day for a 3-day mission meeting with our U. S. director. Guess my students can work on their term papers during the classes I will miss.

Oct. 1, Election Day in Brazil

Even though we don’t vote in Brazil, it’s interesting to observe our friends trying to figure out whom to vote for. There are various party choices for state and federal congressmen, governors and president as some 100 million people peacefully cast their ballots today, all using modern computerized voting machines. Our seminary serves as a polling location, eleven different precincts set up in our classrooms. People come and go all day. Attendance was down at Sunday school this AM as everyone must vote and some had to travel to the interior. Our pastor heard a talk about whom a citizen should vote for and shared four points he learned in the Sunday school opening: You should vote for one who (1) Has a calling or commitment to the political process and is not in it for other reasons, (2) Has the necessary preparation for the post he or she is seeking, (3) Can truly represent his or her constituency, knowing well their social interests and needs, and (4) For one who has a basic fear or respect for God. I thought those were good guidelines for voting in any democracy, not just in Brazil. What do you think? Watch the world news and you will probably soon know if President Lula was relected today or if there will be a run off election in a month. May God bless Brazil!

50 Years of Marriage!

Congratulations today to Bill & Hope on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary!
Bill is my older and only brother. He is a retired businessman with a successful career in sales. Hope is a homemaker and also worked in department store sales for a number of years. What impresses me about this couple is their commitment and love for each other even with quite differing personalities. Also, back in the 80’s they decided to move to Europe and ended up working in Germany, England and Holland for a number of years. That was quite an impressive adventure which they not only survived but even thrived on. As Bill wrote yesterday, it’s a pity we can’t live closer, allowing time to sit on the porch and reminisce. We look forward to doing that not too many years off. But for now it was fun thinking how we could honor this couple on their Golden. First, we snail-mailed a card from Brazil which they received yesterday. Good timing! Next was an email letter telling why we think they are such special people. Then, to top it off, we wired a bouquet of fall flowers that arrived on their doorstep this morning. Certainly they deserve all this and more, for staying the course for 50 whole years together.

What a Ministry!

“As you look back, what comes to mind as the most satisfying part of your ministry?” I asked Dorie this question today at our farewell dinner for her out by the beach. She is leaving in just ten days for retirement in the U. S. after nearly 40 years of ministry in Brazil. Dorie didn’t hesitate. What gives her great satisfaction was what she noticed in a sizeable meeting of pastors recently. “As I looked around the room,” Dorie said, “I realized that through the years 90% of those present had been my students at the seminary!” What a ministry legacy! Dorie was obedient to God’s leading to a teaching ministry here in northern Brazil in the area of Bible and missions. We her colleagues will certainly miss her. And so will her students, not just for her clear teaching impact but for opening her apartment for them to watch videos Friday evenings. And for creating the first computer lab on campus. And for loving and respecting them and insisting that they indeed could learn from her and become better equipped servants of the Lord. Dorie’s ministry reminds me a phrase I heard many years ago, “Only one life, t’will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Wow! What a Week!

Opening of SCEN classes was postponed for a week but things finally got under way. Now it’s Friday and I can say I finally met 32 first year students, worked on learning their names and generally kept my wits about me in following a checkered morning and evening class schedule. What really helped in all this was prayer. Also, reasonably good planning and a homemade cappuccino mixture that I carried along to class.

The subjects I am teaching? One is the Doctrine of Man. Once we get man created he doesn’t do well and ends up fallen and dead. Then God’s great plan kicks in to restore men to spiritual life through an incarnate Christ, great news for all who accept Christ’s salvation (Doctrine of Christ). However, at this point Christ leaves earth temporarily. What now? Not to worry, Christ sent another Counselor (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit) so redeemed men can make steady progress living & witnessing by His power while awaiting Christ’s return. Another great resource in this mix: God’s Word, the Bible. That’s where Bible Study Methods enters the picture to give first year students the joy of discovery in personal Bible study. This past week served as an introduction in all these subjects. Next week the real work begins!

Some photos of baby

Just over three weeks ago we said goodbye to our family and returned to Brazil. Our granddaughter continues to grow and bring much joy to her family. Will be hard not to see her for some months but if all goes well she and her parents will visit us over Christmas so we really look forward to that!

Driving Again...for a Price

Good to be driving again. My drivers license was ready last Wednesday and now we can get around town much easier but much more expensively. (Filled the Corsa with gas on Sunday and it cost us US$4.75 a gallon!) My better half is still working on her license renewal and hopes to have it within a week. Class preparation is slow but steady. I'm teaching 4 subjects starting first week of August: Bible Study Methods, Doctrine of Christ, Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Doctrine of Man, all but one subject repeated in the evening session. Have taught all these before but each new group of students provides new challenges. Will have 30 or more students for one subject and smaller classes for each of the other sections. Can't believe how much good study material my predecessor left on a CD! Now I must decide what to include & exclude and get my lesson plans going. Anyway, the more time I spend working on course stuff, the less $ we spend on costly trips in the car!

DL? Not yet!

My approved medical test had not been run through the system till today, Friday. This means my new Brazilian license will be ready only Monday afternoon or Tues. AM! Not to worry, I am learning which are the best buses to catch back and forth from DETRAN. Good for one's sanctification, namely a good lesson in patience!

Drivers License Saga

Our Brazilian drivers licenses expired while we were in the U. S. So, off by taxi and bus I went on Monday to DETRAN, the traffic bureau, to renew only to find the computer system down for the day. Back on Tues. afternoon. The nice attendant carefully asked me if perchance I was 60 or older? Now that you asked, "Yes!" And then things began to happen rapidly as I went ahead of a very long line. Erika, a believer, found my info from the next state on her computer where my last license was issued. Printed out the forms and sent me for a photo and prints. From there I got No. 426 in the line at the bank to pay but only No. 350 or so was being helped at the moment. Not to worry, off to the medical test down the street. A girl wrote up my request and led me to a small clinic where the doctor tested & approved my grip, hearing and eyes. Back to the girl for my receipt. Then back to the bank in DETRAN to pay the other fees. The tellers were helping No. 376 or so by then so I found a chair and read PERELANDRA for an hour. Forgot that my age could have put me to the front of the line again. Finally paid the 3 fees and went back to Erika to schedule my written test for Thurs. It was past closing time but I found her. Got the wrong bus home but that was OK because I passed a driving school and bought a drivers manual. Studied most of that & did four simulated tests online for practice. Thurs. back at DETRAN I passed, answering 26 of the 30 questions on the test. This afternoon (Friday) I can pick up my new license at DETRAN and join the other brave drivers of São Luis once again. Vivian went with me yesterday to begin the same process for herself. Is good we don't have to wait in line much anymore, don't you think??

Moving Again?

Yes, moving again. Will it ever stop? Probably not soon as it’s an integral part of our chosen missionary ‘vocation’. This time from Texas to Brazil with a short visit in FL on the way for a partial family reunion with Ruthie, et. al. Is still dubious if all our stuff will fit into the suitcases but a week from now it will probably all be there when we unpack in our small house on a tropical island in northern Brazil. These nearly seven months in the land of our birth have been very refreshing with visits with friends, supportive churches and our loving, growing family. So, return here later for a progress report on our re-adaptation to wilder traffic patterns, year-round heat and humidity and speaking mostly Portuguese. Not to worry! Actually, we look forward again to preparing for the new school term and reconnecting with colleagues and students. God is so good!

So, here is that promised photo!