Posted in Uncategorized on Oct 1st, 2009 | Discuss This Post
Yes, I (Janelle) am back to school again—this time as a teacher! I am teaching 6th grade language arts at the MK school here on the property and loving it! In so many ways, this school reminds me of the place where I grew up—a small, family-type environment where MKs receive a quality education that prepares them for life and re-entry into their home country. As I look around, I see myself growing up—the same joys, dreams, fears, and insecurities that come from growing up as an MK. What an amazing opportunity to be on the other side and help to disciple these kids!
What about our family? Are they suffering? I am so thankful for the way the Lord is working it out so far! The boys are enjoying the morning childcare provided by fellow missionaries. We all enjoy eating lunches at the Refei, the school cafeteria. (This is actually GOOD cafeteria food!) It is neat to see the whole body of Christ serve one another as we work together to reach the lost here in Brazil!
Posted in Ministry on Sep 14th, 2009 | Discuss This Post
Overhauling an I0-520 Aircraft Engine
Thanks so much to those of you who have been praying for Joel’s licensing process! We recently learned that Joel has been granted permission to take the aviation tests that will allow him to get his aviation license recognized here in Brazil.
“What’s the big deal?” you may ask. Well, in this country, red tape can be very sticky! Paperwork can go on and on, or can get hung up at any point for any reason (or NO reason, other than that some office worker is having a bad day). For example, a friend of ours took over a year just to get the approval that Joel just received!
It is so encouraging to see the Lord going before us in answer to your prayers! Now please pray that Joel will be able to absorb all the material necessary to be able to pass these tests in Portuguese.
Posted in Ministry on Sep 14th, 2009 | Discuss This Post
Trying to Look Innocent
The other day I hit the light switch and nothing happened. Not too unusual—after all, this is Brazil. What was unusual was that I eventually realized that only half our house was without power. What was going on here?
A member of the maintenance department came to check out the problem, and after several hours of frustration, Joel made it home and joined him. (By this time, the boys and I were eating supper by candle light—which they loved!) Imagine their surprise when upon climbing into our ceiling, many of our electrical wires had been stripped bare—you guessed it, by PARROTS! I had to laugh when Joel described their mindless munching as “eating popcorn”.
Funny though it may seem, it took hours of painstaking work to undo the parrots’ popcorn party. Joel and Steve spent hours over the next couple of days separating and taping wires, and closing up the attic so that the parrots couldn’t get back in. (It must have worked, because our whole house has lights again, and for the next several days there were a couple of parrots sitting in the tree outside our window, complaining loudly!)
Everyday problems like this one don’t seem very spiritual. But Satan will use anything to keep us from accomplishing the task we are here for. In our case, it is a daily struggle for Joel to find the time and energy to study for his upcoming tests to get his aviation license transferred to Brazil. Everything from parrots eating our electrical wires to ongoing car trouble to migraine headaches—you name it, Satan wants to use everyday frustrations to keep us “too busy” for our ministry or even our personal walk with the Lord.
As the Lord brings us to mind, would you pray for us? Pray that we will keep our focus. Pray that we will be able to accomplish what He wants us to each day—and not get frustrated when it doesn’t match up with our goals!
Joel and Janelle Rich Pioneering NTM Aviation in Brazil