I have just sent out the fortnightly "Diary" Update (with Marian Rashleigh's help who kindly puts it in the correct order for me). This in fact is a copy of this blog for people who presumably don't read the blog or else are gluttons for punishment!  I had a great idea the other day using the word "beans" to give a new name to the long-winded update... but I can't remember the idea!! I call the shorter version the "nutshell" update and I thought how beans is very Brazilian too! I thought of this excellent phrase but it has gone! The "Full of Beans" Update... no ... the "Bag of Beans" Update... no either. Oh how infuriating!

I am working on a historical PowerPoint presentation for the 70th anniversary Celebration here on the 19th. I am not very good with PowerPoint so it is a matter of sticking at it, but so far so good. I have also had meetings with graphics people and printers as I have gone mad an decided to print a short book of ACEV's history by next week!

I forgot to mention that we saw Peter Grant (Tearfund's International Director) on BBC World at breakfast yesterday. It was quite a shock to see him being interviewed connected to the G8 conference. Excellent stuff. Well done Tearfund!

Escrito por John Philip Medcraft às 08h14 PM
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11 days to go!

With 11 days to go on the countdown to the big EAB 70 years celebration here we are beginning to wonder where we are going to fit everyone in at the Town Hall as 3 coaches are confirmed from Campina Grande and a mini-bus from João Pessoa!

I am trying to do the impossible and have decided at the last minute to print a short booklet of the abbreviated history of ACEV/EAB for Saturday week's celebration.

I have just produced and sent out the weekly ACEV Brazilian Update so that means tomorrow I will hopefully be able to work on the powerpoint presentation for the celebration.

 Escrito por John Philip Medcraft às 08h48 PM
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Update on John & Liz's travel funds from the EAB UK Board

"Car:  A loan car has now been provided for John & Liz's rapidly approaching visit (thank you supporters). 

 

Expenses: Contributions towards petrol and living expenses are a practical way in which you can still contribute directly to the work of EAB, as we would like John and Liz to be able to visit supporting Churches and individuals throughout the length and breadth of the UK (and they do need to eat too!).

 

Flights:  Flights to the UK have now been booked using EAB funds.  Whilst this is a necessary and proper expenditure, we'd love to be able to spend this money directly spreading the Gospel in Brazil - so please do consider donating to the flight fund.

 

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers, financial and practical support over the years".

 

Roy Dyer (Chairman) 

 

 

 Escrito por John Philip Medcraft às 09h03 AM
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Leadership meeting

We had a further 2 hour Patos leadership meeting last night which went well. The problems in the Patos church have improved a little tiny bit. We also discussed preparation for the big 70 year celebration weekend the weekend after next.

Liz and I were very happy to receive news from the EAB Chairman of the Board, Roy Dyer, that a car has been lined up to be loaned to us when we are in the UK from September to November. His news flash has been circulated via email but I will put it in this blog in case anyone missed it.

 Escrito por John Philip Medcraft às 09h01 AM
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2,000 miles for Moringa!

This is hard to believe but it's true. 3 ladies turned up here this afternoon having travelled 2,056 miles from Altamira in the Amazon jungle just to visit our Moringa tree plantation and obtain seeds. The 3 ladies work with indian communities and read about our work through our website. I was stagerred after lunch when I was told these ladies had arrived from the Amazon jungle to see us! They had not let us know they were coming and we could easily have been away as we were over the weekend. Anyway Liz took them out to Green Pastures and they absolutely loved it (as everyone does) and we kitted them out with seeds so they have just left thrilled and are going to use Moringa leaves for nutrional programmes with the indians and for water purification.

 Escrito por John Philip Medcraft às 06h09 PM
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3 weddings and 24 baptisms!

EAB's Campina Grande churches got together yesterday and married 3 couples and baptized 24 new converts! The church was full to capacity. See the wedding photo at: http://medcraft.fotoblog.uol.com.br 

 Escrito por John Philip Medcraft às 04h38 PM
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56 days to lift off!

The Communion service in Patos last night went off well. The P&W group did particularly well with Philip having restructured it following the bass player having left, with even some reserves coming in for one of the songs. The result was a better P&W group than before the rumpus so PTL! We actually could worship last night and not just get our ear drums blown up!

With 56 days to our Eurotour of churches, friends and supporters we continue to ask prayer for our fares and a vehicle to get us around.

This week and next we are all flat out preparing for the national celebration of ACEV/EAB's 70th anniversary in Patos to take place on July 19th with the preacher, from São Paulo, staying with us for Sunday, July 20th too.

My new reading glasses are driving me crazy. I hope they are correct as I have been using them since last Friday and adjustment just doesn't seem to be coming.  

 Escrito por John Philip Medcraft às 09h35 AM
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Back from João Pessoa

We got to João Pessoa yesterday at about 3pm as planned and found a packed little branch church awaiting for us at that time of the day! It was quite beautiful.  It was just great to see how God is blessing at the Valentina church and how many have come to Christ there as a direct result of the EAB ActionChild school. The first meeting at João Pessoa yesterday was definitely a tear jerker.

The service in the central church at night went very well too. There is a good spirit in the place and Pastor Umbirajara is doing a good job. The leadership, however, is a bit frustrated as they can't get on with building the manse on the church land because of a legal dispute with neighbours which the Council insists has to be sorted before any building can be done. The foundations have been completed for the manse but that is all that's allowed.

Philip & the youth's trip to Maturéia yesterday also went very well.

We are now preparing for the Communion service in Patos this evening. We drove back from João Pessoa this morning.

 Escrito por John Philip Medcraft às 05h07 PM
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