Saint Anthony

Brazil being traditionally a Roman Catholic country means that many public holidays and festive dates have the names of Roman Catholic saints. In June, for example, the 13th is Saint Anthony's Day, the 24th is St. John's Day and the 29th is St. Peter's Day. To be culturally in tune here you also have to know that the day is always celebrated on the evening prior to the day. Hence Christmas Eve is when Christmas Day is celebrated etc. So it was that Saturday evening was St. Anthony's Eve, which is the equivalent to the British Valentine's Day, and our granddaughter Louisa (has no boyfriend at the moment) received a delivery of chocolates from an unidentified secret admirer! Liz and I had great fun guessing who it was with Louisa, but to no avail. Watch this space!

Another of our pastors - Hamilton in Campina Grande - has gone down with Covid together with his whole family of a wife and two grown up daughters. Please pray for this family. Whilst the pandemic carries on here, now fast approaching 500,000 deaths in Brazil, our irresponsible President is on a campaign to discourage people from wearing masks!

Last night's main service of the week went beautifully. I led the service, Sacha led the praise and worship, and young assistant pastor Rafael preached. I have just received a phone call from Josinete, who is a deaconess, telling me how she and her family were blessed by the service.

This morning I received my new driver's licence for the next three years. It was promised me in 2 days but it took 2 weeks as I had imagined it would.