Today is Labor Day. Although Mary and I are doing just that, we intend to take a few hours off this afternoon to relax and get away. Meanwhile, we wanted to write a few lines and update you on our lives and ministry.
On August 23 I had the privilege of baptizing a couple. These people had been attending our church regularly for about a year and a half. Nearly a year ago doctors discovered Rafael had a tumor on his pituitary gland. It had already robbed him of his eyesight in the left eye and was threatening his other eye as well. He underwent the knife and totally recovered. Our church during this difficult time supported Rafael and Bruni with many prayers, hospital visits and financial aid.
The same day of the baptisms, a young man proposed to his girlfriend during the service. The congregation was thrilled and delighted for the couple. Mary said every woman present had tears in their eyes. It was a beautiful moment as he expressed 
not only his love for his girlfriend but also his appreciation to the church for its support and encouragement throughout the years.
This year has been a year of moves. We have already lost three families to moves and one more will leave in December. Essentially fifteen percent of the congregation has moved to the States in the past four months. The economy is terrible and people are leaving. Nevertheless, the Lord is bringing in others to replace those who have left. Six have started to come every Sunday and yesterday another family visited for the first time and expressed delight with the service.
Well we will close here. Until next time, may God bless you.
Johnathan and Mary
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