A Mama John Update

Dear friends and family,

This week has been full of joy. Last Sunday's worship set the tone – the worship service was real – singing, dancing, praying and waving palm branches . A deep sense of the powerful, almighty God came over me. I remember that when I came there were only 3 people – besides the pastor – yet on Sunday, the church was quite full. The pastor preached from Matthew in Sunday School and church emphasizing " My house shall be called a house of prayer." With the picture I have attached, I would like to introduce to you my pastor, Pedro, and his wife, Helena. They both only speak Portuguese but our spirits commune.The real highlight of Sunday's service was the 25 children. Nina and Angelina (my interpreter) teach the children. They led the children in singing "Hosanna, hosanna" while waving their palm branches and walking through the church (we live in coconut country so there were plenty of branches to be found). One little fellow, about 1 1/2 years old held onto Nina's hand while walking and waving his branch. It was just precious.

Our worship service at the waiting center of the hospital is growing both in spirit and in number. Also, two mornings a week I go to the maternity ward – 6 rooms with 6 women in each room. The rooms stay full. I find myself praying and blessing these little infants and their mothers. I have learned how to say "May I pray for you" and "God bless you" in Portuguese and otherwise I pray in English. The smiles are beautiful as they thank me, saying "Obrigada".

God is so good. I do miss all of you and hope you are well. You have a special place in my heart. I always write my family and friends with love.

Mary "Mama John"