: Brazil

Ask God’s continued blessing on the life and witness of the church in Recife Diocese and pray for Bishop Robinson and Miriam Cavalcanti and clergy. Thank God for the encouragement of Bishop Robinson’s visit to the Vilellas’ church in Porto Alegre.

Marcus and Tamara Throup and Rebekah have a busy ministry in João Pessoa where Marcos teaches in the Anglican theological college, mentors young ordinands, preaches, is studying for a PhD in New Testament studies, and with Tamara runs a group for young married couples. Pray for a right balance between work and family life.

Pray for Latin partners Danielle and Josías da Souza and Daniel in youth leadership and preaching in Holy Spirit church, Recife. Ask God to bless this ministry, and for mature, committed and faithful young people to emerge as leaders for the future.

Pray earnestly for Ian Meldrum’s health and for the necessary treatment, for strength for Siméa and God’s peace for them both. Siméa Meldrum has been leading the School of Mission for 23 young students in the Living Waters Church. Part of the course uses Tearfund material on preparing for an emergency, teaching them to lead in times of tragedy. She writes, “these youth….overcome difficult situations with more ease than people who always had everything.” Pray they may be empowered by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to assume a leadership role.

Keep praying for Andy and Rose Roberts and the staff team at My Father’s House, for daily strength and wisdom to do the work and respond to needs, both the expected and unexpected. Pray for the boys, for their physical, emotional and spiritual welfare, and for their future. Commit to God the need for accommodation, should the road building go ahead through the current property.

Please continue to pray for the Rev Miguel Uchoa (Holy Spirit Church, Recife) suffering from multiple myeloma and for the rest of the pastoral team, including Latin Partner Josias de Souza, in his absence.

Pray for God’s blessing on Josias and Danielle de Souza and Daniel in youth ministry and preaching in Holy Spirit Church, Recife and beyond. Pray for deepening faith and commitment from the young people, and unity among Christians in the area.

Efraim and Ruth Vilella praise God for his leading and timing in finding a home, a church and starting work in Porto Alegre. With Sara, nurse and pastor’s wife, Ruth is starting an evangelistic ministry for pregnant women similar to that in Recife. This is being advertised through local health centres, and Ruth will be able to pass women on to other health professionals. Trained volunteers help with the Bible teaching and health talks. Pray for them with the challenge of setting up a sewing workshop as part of this ministry.

Ruth loves the weekly support she gives at a local children’s home, helping the hardworking staff and looking at areas to address with further training. Efraim leads worship at church, has started a music group with some of the youth, and is enjoying having a prayer group in his new office. Of the move to Porto Alegre Ruth writes: “We hope you can rejoice with us now …. Thank you for your continued prayers.”

David Weller, chaplain of Christ Church Rio de Janeiro, wrote of serious floods in April. The worst affected were the poor of the favellas and over 150 died. Pray for those who grieve and those whose homes were destroyed. Pray too for David and Sue and daughter Rachel, in their ministry of services, Bible studies, counselling and pastoral visiting for their English speaking congregation.