July 21, 2005

Report from Brazil

I got a great update the other day from Tim Reiner, ministering in Petrolina, Bahia.

We’re in the middle of a church split! Most church splits are painfully riddled with misunderstands, hard feelings, and often violating basic biblical instruction such as Eph. 4:2 or Rom 12:16. This however, is a good “split”, one that has been planned for almost two years.

In the Petrolina barrio of Vila Eduardo, the church for the hearing impaired (Igreja Batista dos Surdos), has grown numerically primarily with hearing being drawn to Christ and converted. Most are family and friends of the deaf, as well as folks from the barrio. Because Brazilian signing has such as limited vocabulary and the absence of abstract thought, it became evident that the growing group of hearing would have to come under conventional teaching and preaching. Last year we reported the construction of an extension to the existing installations for this increase. Just think, God had used the group of deaf Christians to start a church for hearing believers! Because we continue to grow, neighboring property has been purchased and we are to start building the new facilities for our church “split” in August. Half the necessary funds are on hand. If you want to come down and work on this construction or participate financially, please let me know. The excitement amongst our new believers is mounting as many plan to help where they can to build a place for Bible study, Godly worship, and close fellowship.

One of Tim’s recent projects has been building up a power plant for Treasure Island Camp. Last year the camp’s new generator unit was stolen. Though much police involvement took place, the unit was never recovered. A dissembled diesel tractor engine was purchase in the junk, rebuilt and adapted to a 20kw generator. Now the days of crank starting are over…with the press of a button there’s quality power throughout the camp!

Posted by Andrew on July 21, 2005 10:31 AM.