Praise the Lord for First Fruits from the University Study!

On November 7, 2001 Lazinho accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the University Bible Study. (To read about this ministry click here.) He has been attending the studies faithfully for many months and had shown much interest. His intent expressions and attention he gave and the questions he was asking made it clear that the Holy Spirit was at work in his heart over these past months. After the study on the 7th he stopped Tim outside as he was leaving and asked to discuss something that was said that night. Tim lead him to a bench where they sat and talked through the Gospel for 20 minutes. He prayed and asked Jesus to save him right then and there!

What a joyous answer to prayer, Tim could hardly contain his excitement. They have scheduled follow up discipleship at Lazinho's request.

Pray that this young man will grow strong in his new faith and that many others will follow in like decisions. There are several others who have been regularly attending and showing great interest in the message. So far the great majority have been men; pray that our team will have wisdom in how to attract interest among the women students to reach them as well. Join us in praying for a great harvest!

There are dozens of English schools in town and almost everyone knows at least a few words in English (How many Portuguese words do you know? Portuguese is the 5th most spoken language in the world). These people yearn for an opportunity to practice their language skills and learn even more. So we provide just that opportunity, but we also get to share the Gospel.

The service is structured as a searcher/seeker type with upbeat music, drama, and relevant topical messages which end with a gospel focus each week. Some topics we've covered:

• Relationships
• Decision Making
• Define True Success
• What does God say about Money
• Prayer - What is it?

Tim and Dave take turns each week preaching and leading the worship. Andrea serves in the nursery and prepares delicious refreshments. Valerie plays the keyboard in the praise band along with Tim on guitar and Dave on bass.

Attendance runs between 30 and 40 with (2 to 5 new visitors almost every week). The team of teens from Marilla, NY boosted attendance to 70-some for the two weeks they were here.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We can see God's hand at work in lives. We never dreamed we'd be sharing the Gospel in English in Brazil but God had a better plan. Continue to pray with us for salvations through this ministry and that God would bring growth to His church as it begins here in Bauru!

There will soon (January) be another MK in Bauru. The Blazers are expecting!