Event around the corner
YEAR 41 | SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS (SP) BRAZIL | J. RANDAL & VICKI MATHENY
The Festival of the Family of God is around the corner, Apr. 18-20. So far, over 100 people have signed up, from about eight different states.
A number of non-Christians is coming as well. We have had baptisms at previous events, so perhaps someone will decide to commit to Christ this year.
Our son Joel will be here to speak also. He’ll bring his oldest daughter with him. That’s one of the most exciting things about this event for us.
Pray this fourth annual event will be a great success for edifying and strengthening the participants.
Vicki continues to create monthly readings for women through her WhatsApp group. It has been a blessing to many of the participants. She also publishes articles for it, such as book introductions.
My latest radio program with Valdizan on Mar. 26, about repentance can be seen on YouTube.
In the new Northside congregation, our Wednesday night studies continue, based on David Pharr’s book for new converts. A sometimes Sunday participant is a young man from a Christian family down on the coast. He’s studying again here in SJCampos, and often has tests on Sunday mornings. So he makes it a point to be with us in our evening meetings.
The political situation here continues to be sensitive. The following article by a Brazilian journalist, in English, points out part of the problem: For the Rest of Our Lives.
One of the lesser known studies we offer is a translation I did years ago of J.T. Bristow’s, “Thirty Minutes with Someone who Loves You.” A brother in the Northeast asked me for it after he made a move and lost it. Here it is in English. You might find it useful. I’ve started on a revised version of it, but you can also see the Portuguese translation here.
I’ve resumed meeting some with Paulo Cesar on Saturdays for study. I joined Pedro’s family for his birthday at a pizza restaurant during the month. I also went with Pedro and family one Saturday night to a congregation in Guarulhos where he spoke on the family.
Pedro speaking in a Guarulhos congregation.
Pedro’s book on the armor of God is at the printer. It will be available in time for the Festival.
In some of my personal study time, I finished a slow reading of the Gospel of Mark. Just a few days ago, I started a similar slow reading of the letter to Titus.
Here are some recent writings of mine or published by me you might be interested in:
- Glory in the Church, but Why? (Forthright.net)
- No Pain’s So Deep (The Scattershot Report)
- Let No One Steal Your Joy (Forthright.net)
- Moving Day (Simplified)
- Distance can increase worry (My Jar of Goodies TiddlyWiki)
Vicki and I are grateful for your prayers and encouragement. We thank God for your presence in our lives and support of these efforts.