At the end of 2015, we
decided to do what the writer of Hebrews suggested in verse 10:32, “call to
remembrance the former days...” Our journey of unanticipated curves, speed
bumps, and planned straightaways took us through a challenging year that tested
our courage and determination to follow God’s purpose. We are grateful that
this profitable exercise uniquely demonstrates the Gospel of Christ in our
ministries.
This past year, Tim had
many speaking engagements away from home. He ventured six weeks in a row, mostly
out of state, for evangelistic meetings, men’s retreats, couples’ retreats, and
inauguration of a church’s building. The Barro,
Ceará Baptist Congregation invited Tim to help put the roof on their new
building. Igreja Batista em Vila Eduardo,
where we minister, grew with the addition of three new families, several
couples, and more commitments to Christ. Tim completed the transfer of Senior
Pastor to our national pastor, Valdir Ligo. Tim continues on staff.
Seeing the lack of Biblical
counselors in Latin America, Vicki has felt God leading to help fill the gap. In
January, she completed her Life Coach certification, which is Biblically based
and Spirit-driven. Immediately, she presented her first Group Coaching session,
and started making contacts for potential clients. In August, she completed a
second certification. She designed and built her two coaching websites and
blogs in two languages. Revision of the Language Study program for new
missionaries was completed in October. Monthly teaching of our ladies
concluded in March with a full course dinner that she prepared in front of them
in our big kitchen and served at our immense dining room table. In March, she
demonstrated four sessions of live coaching in front missionary ladies at the
All-Brazil Field Conference. After completing her Master´s degree in 2014, she decided
to carry through on her certification to offer PREPARE/ENRICH couples’ relationship
analysis in both English and Portuguese.
Vicki´s sister called
the end of April asking her to help with their elderly mother who was not doing
well. She stayed three months, helping in various ways. Decisions were made, hospice
started, housing for brothers who live there was unsuccessfully searched out,
and too many other things to list. Mom was declining. It was a special gift to
be present when the hospice chaplain came and sang with her mother. He asked
about her favorite part about going to church. She referred to her
participation in choir, which was a long time ago. He began singing “In the
Garden” and Mom sang with him. Vicki had not heard their mother sing in many
years. Vicki left the states early August; Mom died in September and Vicki did
not return. It was very hard for her to be here when her siblings got together
to celebrate their mother´s life.
Immediately upon her
return from the states, Vicki had oral surgery and then Tim was in the hospital
for his surgery. She was not prepared for what she faced in assisting Tim. She
could not return to any activity other than his care for 45 days. October and
November, she prepared and spoke to 100 of our area women followed by a Life
Coaching demonstration, along with 14 brief private coaching sessions at the
event. She also finished up two other coaching projects.
We are looking forward
to a busy year and ask for your prayers for wisdom in walking alongside our
national brethren in our area of the São Francisco Valley. After many years of serving
in the background, Vicki is excited to be changing lanes!
Baptist Mid-Missions P.O. Box 308011Cleveland, OH 44130-8011
USA(440) 826-3930
Baptist Mid-Missions of Canada110 Garnet St.
NorthRegina, SK S4R 3S5(306) 775-2001
