Over the past two months, we’ve had the opportunity to visit churches in three different states—Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kentucky—besides our home base here in Indiana. Starting deputation has been a wonderful experience, and it’s been amazing to see how God has opened doors for us to meet fellow believers and to share the Gospel.
Our very first church was in Illinois with Pastor Ellis, as I mentioned in our last letter. I can’t fully express what a blessing it was to be at Jordan Baptist Church on the first Sunday of August. We were warmly welcomed and loved by the church family. Pastor Ellis was incredibly courageous to allow me to preach both the morning and evening services because it was my first time preaching in English! Even with my broken English, I believe I was able to communicate God’s message and encourage the church. It was a joy to get to know the congregation and spend time with them.
God also gave us the opportunity to visit New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Summit, Illinois. We presented our ministry, and I preached the message. Even with my broken English, there was a family attending for the first time who could understand the message. Ashley, a young woman, heard the Gospel clearly and was saved during the invitation, led by Pastor Hernandez. Praise the Lord!
We’ve been blessed with many opportunities. During one of our travels, I was able to share the Gospel with a man and talk to him about salvation in Christ and the assurance of salvation. Please pray for him and his family. They don’t currently attend any church, but I was able to encourage him to grow in Christ after understanding the Gospel and the security we have in Jesus Christ.
We were thrilled to attend our very first Missions Conference at Shawnee Baptist Church with Pastor Frost and the church family. What a blessing it was in so many ways—building lasting friendships, learning deputation tips from fellow missionaries, and seeing the Lord work each day! Saturday morning, the church hosted a ladies’ brunch, where Karlene was able to share a short testimony and connect with several of the women. While the ladies gathered, I went out with Brother Moon to make visits. During one of those visits, he had the opportunity to lead two siblings to Christ. Praise the Lord!
That evening, I presented our ministry, and on Sunday morning, I joined Brother Moon to pick up children on the bus route. For Sunday school, Karlene and I had the privilege of being with the Discovery Class, where we taught about Philippians 3:20—how we should live as citizens of Heaven, not of this earth. Later, we participated in the Spanish afternoon service and enjoyed a delicious international dinner. What a tremendous blessing it was to be with this church family and build close relationships. You can truly tell that Shawnee Baptist Church loves missions!
Back in Indiana during the week, I had a brief opportunity to spend time with two young men, who honestly have no interest in church or spiritual matters. I was able to share about Jesus with them. Though their hearts are hardened, I believe the seed was planted. I pray they will come to understand the Gospel clearly. My hope is that God will send someone else to water that seed—or that we’ll have another chance to meet them again.
It’s only been two months since we started, but God has already done wonderful things. Please continue praying with us that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we keep preaching the Gospel and seeing souls saved. Though we are missionaries to Brazil, our mission field is wherever we are. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers!
Prayer Requests
• We’ll be traveling between Tennessee and North Carolina over the next few months. Please pray for safe travels and continued opportunities to share the Gospel.
• Pray for the church-planting plans in Brazil. My father-in-law, Missionary David Whitmore, will be working with us full-time, along with Missionary Keith Putnam, who will be helping us out whenever possible. We are already working on several plans for the church in Moreira Cesar. Please pray for wisdom and strength, as there will be much work to do once we arrive in Brazil.
“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord,”
Jonata and Karlene Oliveira
Serving faithfully until all of Brazil knows!
