No Internet and School started!

Hi everyone,
Sorry it has been a long time since I updated the blog but I went to a mission's meeting, started school, and I have no internet. My class this year is great. They are all ESL (English as a Second Language). I have 6 students. (4 boys and 2 girls) One of my students lived in the US for about a year, so he actually speaks English very well. I am learning a lot of Portuguese just because my students don't speak English yet. They are learning English fast though.

I also went to the beach for a week for a mission's meeting. It was good to see and to meet my new friends. I learned a lot and I even got to worship the Lord in English. I miss being able to worship the Lord in English! However, as I progress in Portuguese, it is becoming more natural! Praise the Lord!

It has also been a blessing to go back to Saturday evening church services because my church cancelled it for the month of July. July is a vacation month for Brazilians.

Here are few prayer requests:

• Please pray for my decision for extending my term (as a volunteer to finish out the school year)
• My students ability to learn English
• My students spiritual, academic, emotional, and social growth
• That I might be effective witness for Christ inside the classroom as well as outside the classroom
• Physical strength to finish my term strong!

Thank-you for your continued support and your prayers!!

Lord, thank-you for being so faithful and teaching me so much about my self!!!

Great is Thy Faithfulness!!

Nova

Nova's testimony.MOV

ANSWERED PRAYER!!!!!

Before my prosthetic leg was fixed


Another picture of my leg


The top of my leg fixed!


The bottom of my prosthetic leg fixed!


Hi everyone,
Wow, the last 2 months have been an adventure. I have experienced Spiritual Warfare unlike anything I have ever experienced before except right before I became a Christian. Thank-you for your prayers!!! Satan is not going to get a victory!

Recap:
1. I have had 2 staph infections since I have arrived on the field. I was on crutches for several weeks while teaching school.
2. My prosthetic foot was damaged in May. I was told that no one could fix it in Belem and I would have to go to Sao Paulo to get it fixed. There is a world famous hospital that could not do the necessary repairs because they only specialize in upper extremity prosthetics. I am a below knee amputee. There was a possibility that I would have to go to another country to get my leg fixed. I was trying to get it fixed before I started school in early August.
3. I got really sick from intestinal infection and was in the hospital for 6 days.
4. I went on an amazing missions trip and there were about 45 decisions for Christ. I was able to share my testimony and the gospel. Satan didn't like that so he tried to discourage me in every possible physical, emotional, and spiritual way. I had a blister on my leg during the trip too.
5. My roommate, Anna, got scabies too and she had to boil all of her clothes and sheets every day. Satan wasn't going to discourage her either. She went on a mission trip the next week and they saw 100 decisions for Christ.


Yes, it was difficult circumstances but the most rewarding summer so far in my life, you know why-- not because my leg is fixed (although that is a blessing), not because God restored my health (although that is a blessing too) but because I have to rely on Him only. What a great peace, joy, and hope! He is glorified! Also, there are 145 people that I will meet some day in heaven because of faithful service by all the missionaries here and from around the world. WHAT A PRIVILEGE TO SEE PEOPLE COME TO THE LORD!! We were obedient to our call. I am being obedient to HIS CALL! No greater place to be!!!!!!

THE LORD IS VICTORIOUS!!

NOW FROM HIS WORD: (I love Paul's perspective here.)
2 Timothy 1:7-14
" For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you."

Philippians 4:10-14:
"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern, for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all through Him who strenghthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction."

James 1:2-4;12
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

v. 12-
"Blessed is a man who perserveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

Amen!!!

By the way, I got my leg fixed in Belem! It took a total of 3 hours! He fixed it in 1 hour though. Praise Him! See how God answered! He wants our obedience! Before I knew that the people in Sao Paulo couldn't fix my leg, I surrendered to Him and said I would be willing to go to Sao Paulo to get it fixed. Even if that meant I would have to miss some school to do it. I did some research on the internet and found a prosthetic store in Campinas that has prosthetic supplies and they recommended this man in Belem. We were not aware of this place! God opened that Door!

Humbled and Joyful in the Midst of All Circumstances,
Nova

Pictures of the Iguana in My Front Yard

Iguana in the sunlight



Can you see it? It is so camouflaged. Isn't God good?

Hey everyone,
I hope you are well. I am not sure if this is the same iguana that was in the boys bathroom. But it could be. Wouldn't that be cool? Anyway, my maid was hanging clothes on the line and said, "Look, there is an iguana!" I got my camera and took pictures. He was in my front yard. I don't have to go to a zoo anymore to see exotic creatures!

Amazed by My Creator,
Nova

Happy 4th of July and a BAD SMELL!

Hi everyone,
I thought I update you all on the events of the week. Let's see..My roommate, Anna, is house and dog sitting for a fellow missionary family. She has to take care of 2 dogs. These dogs keep getting out and she has had to chase them around my school's campus. So I have gone over a few times to help her. So one night I decided to watch a late night movie with her and make dinner and sleep on the couch. I woke up the next morning and said, "Wow, what is that awful smell?" Anna could not smell it. So a little later she smelled it and she said, "I think I know what that smell is--it is pot." All of the houses have window screens and there is no glass on the windows, so you can smell everything from outdoors. The missionary, who owns this house, said that there are some shacks behind his house and the people who live in those shacks smoke pot. Interesting smell to be awoken up by!

Yesterday, Anna and I decided to go to church. So we rode the bus for about 25 minutes to get there and guess what the church was closed. Hmmm..I thought oh yeah it is vacation month for Brazilians and everything is closed. Then we decided lets get pizza while we are out and it was delicious. We rode the bus home and got off and then we were about to cross the street--When the smell of more drugs was evident! Anna said, "Is that drugs we are smelling and seeing?" I said, "Yes." The lady next to us had her bucket of drugs and coals on her bicycle. Did I mention I saw a completely naked prostistute on the main highway a few months ago? And human waste flowing on the side of the road too? (everyday I go on the bus and I walk by this)

You have to always be on guard and aware of your surroundings? Don't let Satan attack you because you let your guard down!!

THE GREAT NEWS! JESUS DIED FOR ALL AND WE CAN ASK HIM FOR FORGIVENESS! HE DIED FOR THE DRUG USERS, PROSTITUTES, FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR, AND YOU!

Thank-you for the freedom YOU GIVE! Thank-you for YOUR SACRIFICE!
I praise God for all nations! I thank-you that YOU ALLOWED FOR A GODLY FOUNDATION IN AMERICA! Thank-you for our freedoms! May we turn to YOU for SALVATION, guidance and direction!

NOW FROM THE WORD OF GOD:
Galatians 5:1-"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."

I Timothy 2:1-8-"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension."

THE WORD SAYS IT "ALL!"
AMEN!
Nova

Bad Intestinal Infection and some Insight from Habakkuk--We must live by FAITH!

Anna snapped this picture when I worshipping the Lord. By the way, I didn't know it.

The hospital food was interesting.

Cindy, Erna, Linda, and Anna all cranked this for me!

This IV holder was much better than the chain and paper clip I had in the emergency room.

Anna and I

Hi everyone,

I hope you are well. I am doing much better too. Praise the Lord! I was in the hospital for 6 days with an intestinal infection. So, I asked myself, Lord, what are you trying to teach me through this? The answer: God is testing me to see if I am going to be on guard at all times and not let Satan attack me at one of the greatest times of my life..on this mission to Brazil! Also, that I must walk by faith. I remembered an interesting story in the minor prophets about the life of Habakkuk.

Some background information on Habakkuk:
He was probably a part of the Levitical choir. He was a contemporary of Jeremiah and Zephaniah. It was written around 650-627 BC or a little later. The Chaldeans were approaching Judah during the reign of Jehoiakim. He prophesized after the destruction of Ninevah.
It was about the time when Jerusalem was seiged by Babylon.

Scripture verses that are quoted from Habakkuk 2:4: Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:12, and Hebrews 10:37-38.
Habakkuk was complaining to God about the approaching Chaldeans and he prophesized about the coming destruction of the Chaldeans. He saw the terrible things that were happening to Judah. Despite the destruction, Habakkuk knew God was in control by the third chapter. He praised Him and His majesty. It is interesting to see what Habakkuk said in chapter 1:12:
"Are You not from everlasting, O Lord, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. You, O Lord, have appointed them to judge; And You, O Rock, have established them to correct." He has assurance that despite this attack that they will not be killed. We must have faith when the enemy attacks! Are we looking at our surroundings? Are we being observant? Is God trying to get our attention? 1:5 Am I living by faith alone? 2:4 His knowledge of glory is filled on the earth 2:14 In wrath remember mercy 3:2...O, Lord it is You I fear! Lord, you are my strength and you were The ONE who put the sun and moon in their places! I exult You, O Lord! 3:11;18-19

Lord, You are my strength in the midst of a testing and trial! Even when it seems that the enemy is approaching, I will rely on Your promises and what You have done in the past! Your majesty, power, mercy, and glory are my Rock in the storm.

Please Pray for:
1. Renew Health
2. Prosthetic Problems and how God is leading
3. Direction for the rest of my term
4. That I will glorify God in every decision I make

I love you, O Lord!
Being observant!
Amen!
Nova

One More Video and God's Word

Hi everyone,
I have a total of two more videos I want to share but I am going to only load one today. Check back tomorrow. Also, this is what the Lord has been teaching me lately. I am continually humbled and thankful for what He has done. I have been reading through 2 Corinthians in my quiet time lately. These verses spoke to me especially: "Now, this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed, as it is written, 'HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.' Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through the many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"

Lord, I thank-you for this ministry and how you are impacting the saints around the world. You gave me abundance and I cannot express my gratitude in words! I PRAISE YOU FOR THE INCREASE! Thank-you for this worship experience with fellow saints in Brazil. Lord, I pray that you will draw Brazilians to yourself.

In the video, you will see two wonderful teenagers named Bethany and Rachel. They have grown up here in Brazil and they are missionary kids. They will sing the song in English and Portuguese. They were great translators for us on the mission trip.

Now, the video:

Changed forever because of Him,

Nova