Hello to all in the name of Christ Jesus, our Wonderful, Merciful, Savior! This year is really getting off to a crazy start with the Lord revealing Himself to me and strengthening me in ways I had not anticipated. And each time it happens I act as if I didn’t think it was possible. Sometime I think I’m a slow learner. But praise be to God whose mercies are renewed every day! I praise Him for all of you and trust that God is speaking to you through His Word and Spirit as well! 
After I returned to Santarém in January from the south of Brazil, I took a three day personal retreat to officially kick off my first calendar year on the field. I wanted to spend some quality time with the Lord, so I loaded up my backpack and headed for the wilderness (a.k.a. the beautiful, natural beaches of the Tapajós River). I grabbed a bus to a town located about 45 kilometers away and then did a couple hours of hiking to find a nice isolated spot and then just spent three days praying, fasting, meditating, and relaxing with God. This was an amazing time of communion that really allowed me to hone in on just what God was working in my life at the 
Generally speaking, Portuguese study is still my primary activity. I believe that I am doing well with this and am continually making a fool of myself in this area of communication. I guess that’s just part of it. I really get humbled when my mouth starts flapping faster then my brain and then who knows what Portuguese word is going to fly out! It makes for some good laughs! So please continue to pray with me for language learning. I know God wants me to communicate fluently in Portuguese and that He will be glorified by this! Amen!
At the start of February, Igreja da Paz held it’s annual nation wide fast for the missionary work being done throughout the Amazon Basin and the rest of Brazil. This was a great three days of prayer and dedication as a body of believers to the Lord’s work here. We are all believing and praying that God is going to continue to build his work here into something beyond what we can imagine! The mission as many needs and prayer requests. Check our this link to learn more!
Last week I got to experience my first Carnaval in Brazil. While most of the world thinks of the huge party in Rio de Janeiro, Igreja da Paz works hard to provide alternate activities for it’s members and youth to steer clear of the carnality. Here in Santarem, the church hosts a conference for the general membership each night of Carnaval and also hosts a retreat camp for the youth. They bring in a special speaker for both events and so I had the opportunity to head out to the camp each day and join in on the 7 worship services over the 4 day event! It was awesome to say the least! I love to build off the excitement and passion of 500 youth worshipping and praising God! How amazing that they all have that desire to separate themselves from the sinful activities that happen during Carnaval!
Praises
- Awesome personal retreat time with God.
- Continued acquisition of the Portuguese language
- My continual spiritual growth and sanctification that is happening in my life and walk with the Lord
- For the faithful leadership of Project AmaZon and their dedication to make disciples amongst the nations
Prayer Requests
- For God to be glorified through my language training and that I could see the fruit of this labor.
- For wisdom as I soon begin the physical act of searching for an apartment or house to rent later on this year
- For continued faith and pure trust in the Lord for my financial provision even when my short-sightedness wants to worry
- For the patience and knowledge necessary to successfully and correctly file my US taxes
Showered in Grace,
JAE
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