Flashing light syndrome

Here in Brazil there is a strange fixation with flashing lights. Nearly all police vehicles, ambulances and even lorries for towing breakdowns always have their lights flashing whether they're in an emergency situation or not, so the obvious result is that everyone ignores them.

I have just seen a beautiful flock of at least 30 Cactus Parakeets at Green Pastures, plus a smaller flock of Pileated Finches. I also saw 3 wild tortoises and a Roadside Hawk. 

We ask your prayers for our Pastors and Leaders Family Conference (EDL) to be held at Green Pastures from August 8th to 10th. The special visiting speaker will be Congregational pastor Samuel from Campina Grande who will speak on 'How to Lead & How not to Lead' one night, and on the other night will speak on 'How to Preach & How not to Preach'. 

Last night we got back to Patos at 11 pm after a 2 and a half hour drive home from Princesa Isabel where we had a wonderful weekend. On Saturday I preached at the 56th anniversary service of our Cedro church led by Sister Maria José. The service was held in front of the church as it wasn't possible to get the 100 present inside the church. It was very cold there with the temperature at 19 degrees plus wind, but it was a lovely meeting at which I also dedicated a lovely little girl. Then yesterday we visited  the Action School there with head-teacher Ruth which is a school which teaches 80 children. At night I preached at the induction service of Pastor Robério who is now the pastor of the central Princesa Isabel church, Deacon Paulino who is now the leader of the Tavares church, and Deacon Rafael Barbosa who is now the leader of the Belém church. It was a lovely service with the church packed to capacity with not one seat spare. We got home tired but rejoicing in the Lord!

2 Samuel 20 (résumé): Sheba rebels against David

Following on from Absalom's rebellion now was the turn of Sheba, a Benjamite, to revolt against David. The men of Israel supported Sheba but not the men of Judah. With David now back in Jerusalem he put his 10 concubines in a house under guard, but didn't have sex with them ever again after Absalom's abuse of them. David them sent men loyal to him to pursue Sheba, and when they got to Gibeon Amasa met with Joab who had never got over his substitution as commander of David's army. Joab took his chance to get his own back against Amasa, stabbed him with his dagger in his belly, his intestines spilled out onto the ground, and he died. Then all the troops proceeded with Joab and besieged Sheba at Abel Beth Maacah. There a wise woman negotiated a solution for the stand-off offering Sheba's head for peace, and this was agreed. So Joab was reestablished as David's army commander.

Vaccinations

We are in the process of bringing our vaccinations up to date prior to our trip to the UK next month. Today we were vaccinated against pneumonia and shingles. 

I saw and heard Caatinga Cacholotes, Scaled Doves, Pileated Finches, Cactus Parakeets and Blue-winged Parrotlets at Green Pastures where the drought is biting very hard.

I have been talking to our leaders at our Curral Velho church (Old Cow Pen) who want to resign as they are facing internal opposition. Please pray for this situation.

The final of the FIFA World Cup of Clubs this Sunday will be between Chelsea and PSG after PSG slaughtered Real Madrid in their semi-final 4 x 0.

Trump is threatening Brazil with 50% tariffs because he doesn't agree with a legal case against the previous right-wing president! Trump confuses being president of the USA with being president of the whole world! Don't interfere with Brazil Donald! Brazil's President Lula has already said that if Trump goes ahead with his 50% tariff then Brazil will answer with a reciprocal tariff.

Last night we went to take part in a thanksgiving service for the birthday of Deaconess Dodora at the ex-landless settlement in the municipality of São Mamede. It was a good service with a good number present, but it was very cold! The temperature dropped to 24 degrees and with a breeze in an elevated location I was shivering! 

2 Samuel 19 (résumé): David returns to Jerusalem

David kept on weeping and mourning the death of his rebellious son Absalom so that he was failing to thank his soldiers for having fought for him. Thus Joab denounced this imbalance of emotions and told David that is he didn't show gratitude to the men he would soon lose their backing. David heeded Joab and got up and took his seat in the gateway demonstrating his willingness to be reinstated as king with the support of the army.

Initially there was disagreement as to who should now be king after the Absalom fiasco, but David made a clever diplomatic and political move appointing Amasa, who had been the commander of Absalom's army, as commander of his army replacing Joab, and this unified support for David so that the men sent word to David to return to Jerusalem as king.

When David crossed the River Jordan Shimei met him together with a thousand Benjamites and pleaded for forgiveness for having cursed David and thrown stones at him. Abishai said that Shimei should be put to death, but David wouldn't hear of it. David forgave Shimei and promised him freedom to live. Then Mephibosheth came to David and said that his servant Ziba deceived and betrayed him on the occasion of Ziba's earlier encounter with David, and that he had only not gone with David when he fled because he was lame. As a consequence David divided Mephibosheth's land half and half between him and Ziba though the text is not clear how this ended up. Finally David spoke to Barzillai and invited him to go with him to Jerusalem but he declined alleging old age, and he sent his servant in his place.

Tensions were always near the surface between the men of Israel and the men of Judah, with the former group accusing the latter group of leaving them out of the reinstatement of David as king. A fierce argument ensued.

Nice Walk

I went for a nice walk at Green Pastures and saw and heard Red-legged Seriemas, White-tipped Doves, Pearly-vented Tody-tyrant, Sooty-fronted Spinetail and exotic Campo Troupials which are black and mainly shockingly bright orange. They are very beautiful. I also saw a largish wild tortoise. One of our pet guinea pigs gave birth to twins today and they are gorgeous. 

At the weekend on the Saturday I will be preaching at the 56th anniversary service of our Cedro church in the rural area of the municipality of Princesa Isabel. The last time I preached there was the 50th so I can't have preached very well! 😜I will also be dedicating a baby there. Then on the Sunday I will be preaching at the induction service of Pastor Robério (Central Princesa Isabel church), Deacon Paulino (Tavares church) and Deacon Rafael Barbosa (Belém church). We will also be visiting the Princesa Isabel Action School. Please pray for us on this full weekend.

Last night I preached the Gospel in the town of São Mamede on Mark 3:13-30. Deacon chief of the police Esau led the service. It was lovely to speak to a little old lady there whom I had prayed for 2 or 3 months ago and who has now committed her life to the Lord. 🙌

Chelsea are through to the final of the football clubs world cup in the USA having beaten Brazilian club Fluminense yesterday in the semi-final 2 x 0.

2 Samuel 18 (résumé): Absalom's Death

Astute military man David carefully planned and organized his army into 3 sections led by Joab, Abishai and Ittai. David wanted to go to battle too but his generals would not hear of it as he was too valuable an asset, so David stayed behind asking for his men to go carefully with Absalom! So the battle took place in the Ephraim Forest where David's men defeated Absalom's men killing 20,000 men. Then Absalom came to his end in an unusual way. For whilst riding his mule through the forest his hair got caught up in the branches of an oak tree, the mule kept doing leaving Absalom dangling from the tree. Joab had no mercy and plunged 3 spears into Absalom's heart, and once he was dead the battle came to an end. 

When word reached David of his son's death he was devastated and went into a period of profound mourning. David withdrew, despite everything, and wept saying, "O my son Absalom. If only I had died instead of you"!

2 Samuel 17 (résumé): Ahithophel & Hushai's conflicting advice

Absalom sought counsel on how to consolidate his coup by eliminating or capturing his father David. Counsellor Ahithophel proposed a surprise attack against David with an elite force of 12,000 men, but Hushai countered this plan saying David was too wiley to fall for this. Hushai proposed a mass attack mobilizing the entire Israelite army which appealed to Absalom's vanity and this ploy was adopted. However secretly Hushai sent word to David telling him of the plan and advising David and his men to immediately cross the Jordan to a safer location which he did. When Ahithophel realized that his proposal had not been followed he hung himself! Then Shobi, Makir and Barzillai took abundant supplies to David and his men because they were hungry, tired and thirsty in the desert. 

Liz and the Cockroach

Here is a little poem I wrote about Liz 34 years ago! For those reading this translated into Portuguese it won't be the same as it doesn't rhyme when translated. Anyway here we go:

Liz Medcraft is no soft touch, this cannot be denied. If she should meet a big fat snake, she'd look him in the eye. When drunks appear inside the church to cause a great commotion, our Liz just takes them by the ear and orders their submission.

Survivor of so many years of northeast Brazilian ardours. She's still alive to tell the tale 'spite smallpox and amoebas. However there is one weak spot in this dear Christian warrior. For if a cockroach should appear then she is bound to holla!

Dark brown and just a few inches long, with its antennas twitching. This is a foe Liz hates to face, and when she does she's screaming. Now it is true that the cockroach is not a pleasant fellow. It lives throughout the daylight hours in cess pits and sewers.

But when night falls and all is dark roaches come out in force, to pick up any scraps of food to eat them up of course. Our sinister friend unfortunately will not stay on the floor, its aim is higher ground it says where EAB missionaries snore!

With feelers quivering nervously it shuffles round their mouths to see if marmite there remains despite the late night showers. This marmite makes him thirsty but liquid is very close. For now it has a nice long drink from a good English nose!

So when you pray for EAB, especially for Liz, do not forget its not the snakes that get her in a tiz. In fact the Lord might say to you this very day, Brazil's the place where you should go, don't just remain and pray.

And then EAB's army joined you too will face the foe. Boldly announce the Gospel to those in sin and woe. But when you hear brave Liz scream cockroach you will be very sure - you'll boldly charge straight to her aid and squash it on the floor!

2 Samuel 16 (résumé): David & Ziba

David continued his flight from Absalom and after going beyond the summit of the Mount of Olives he met Ziba, steward of Mephibosheth, who gushingly gave him donkeys laden with provisions. David asked after Mephibosheth and Ziba dubiously said that he had stayed behind in the hopes of regaining the throne previously belonging to his grandfather. (This story will be contested by Mephibosheth in chapter 19) But David believed Ziba and gave him the land belonging to Mephibosheth. 

Then a member of Saul's clan named Shimei came and started cursing David and throwing stones at him and his officials. Abishai wanted to go and kill Shimei but David wouldn't allow it seeing the cursing as a possible message from God. 

Meanwhile Absalom set himself up as king in Jerusalem seeking to put into effect the coup, and Ahithophel was with him as was David's friend and spy Hushai. Ahithophel advised Absalom to make his claim to the throne clear cut ending all possibility of a rapprochement with his father by having sex with his father's concubines and this he did. 

Children's Special Service

On Saturday afternoon we held a special children's service in Patos called the Children's Holiday Special (EBF). It was lovely to see the children dancing and singing praises to the Lord and hearing the Gospel declared loud and clear. The theme of the 2-hour special was 'Salt & Light' from Matthew 5.

From the children's service I went out to Green Pastures to take the weekly service for the local church there and I preached on 'Testimony' and 'Things Above' from John 3:22-36. It was a communion service and it was very good. Fabio led the praise and Flávio led in prayer. There was a very good number present.

There are now 4 teams left in the World Cup of football clubs. One semi-final will be between Chelsea (England) and Fluminense (Brazil). The other will be between PSG (France) and Real Madrid (Spain).

Linda is the chief cook at our Green Pasture camps and responsible for the Patos church cleaning. Please pray for her as she seems to have had a mild stroke and was in hospital, but is now home and Liz has visited her. 

I led the main service of the week last night and our daughter Sacha preached an excellent sermon from Job 42. Last night was our monthly communion service.

Love for the Bible

The more I read the Bible the more I love it. The more I read the Bible the more I realize what brilliant ancient literature it is with stories that make your hair stand on end. The more I read the Bible the more I hear God speaking to me through schools of prophets and apostles. Thank you Lord for your precious word!📖🙌

On Thursday night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study which had a good number present. Michelle and Davi led the praise, Espedita and Vasti sang solos, various people shared Bible verses of blessing and Pastor Rafael brought the study from the first chapter of Nahum. 

Beatriz (Bia) is back in Miami from the Bahamas and is well and smiling. 😀

Liz and I have had vaccinations for influenza and DTPA (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough). 💉

I went to Green Pastures and saw flocks of Picui Ground Doves and Vultures. I also saw Red-cowled Cardinals and Chalk-browed Mockingbirds. The mother rabbit with 3 babies which we were given this week look beautiful. 🐇

Last night we held a meeting of our Patos youth leadership team to evaluate the youth conference held last month at Green Pastures. 

2 Samuel 15 (résumé): Absalom's conspiracy

For 4 years Absalom conducted a subtle campaign of self-promotion in Israel undermining his father King David's authority. He then went to Hebron where he staged a coup by declaring himself king following him receiving growing support from many people. Word then came to David in Jerusalem that "the hearts of the men of Israel were with Absalom" and David fled Jerusalem to avoid bloodshed and civil war because of the rebellion. David left his 10 concubines to take care of the palace and he marched around Israel accompanied by a large following. David sent the ark back to Jerusalem with Zadok the priest and his son Abiathar, but David went weeping with his head covered and barefoot up the Mount of Olives. It was a demonstration of humility, mourning and grief. He then sent his friend Hushai to Jerusalem to try and frustrate Ahithophel's advice to Absalom who was then arriving back in the city. 

2 Samuel 14 (résumé): Absalom returns to Jerusalem

 Joab, King David's army commander, knew how much David was missing his son Absalom so he devised a plan to promote their reconciliation. He got a wise woman from Tekoa to come and spin a yarn to the king telling him that one of her son's had killed the other, people wanted vengeance, but she asked David to grant her son  pardon, which he readily did. The woman then revealed the true intention of her visit by asking David why he didn't grant a pardon to his son Absalom for having killed his brother. David questioned if Joab was behind this, and upon learning that he was he granted permission for Joab to go and get Absalom, though he would have to stay at his own house out of contact and view of the king.

Absalom was extremely handsome and when he cut his hair on rare occasions it would weigh over 2 kg. He had 3 sons and a daughter whom he named Tamar in honour of his sister of the same name, and she became very beautiful. When Absalom had spent 2 years back in Jerusalem he sent for Joab to try and change the situation, but Joab ignored him until he set alight his barley field which soon had him running! Absalom said he would be better living back in Geshur if he wasn't going to see his father, so upon hearing this David finally summoned his son Absalom and the king kissed him. 

2 Samuel 13 (résumé): Amnon & Tamar

Amnon fell in love with his half-sister Tamar and he was so obsessed with her as to become ill because he could see no way that he could have her. Then with the help of his friend Jonadab he engineered a way to get Tamar to his room where he grabbed her and tried to seduce her to have sex with him. Tamar resisted and said no way so Amnon used his superior strength and raped her. Amnon's frustration then came to a head and his love for Tamar turned to hate. Tamar became a desolate woman after having been raped and Absalom felt deep hate for Amnon because he had disgraced his sister.

2 years later Absalom's sheep-shearers were gathered at Baal Hazor and he invited King David's sons insisting that Amnon had to come. Absalom then gave his men orders to kill Amnon at the height of the party. When they did this all the other sons of David fled, and a false rumour reached David that they had all been killed. When David however met his sons they all wept together and he mourned the death of his son every day, and Absalom fled to Geshur where he stayed for 3 years. David missed Absalom and came to terms with Amnon's death.

2 Samuel 12 (résumé): Nathan rebukes David

God sent Nathan to confront David about his sinful affair with Bathsheba through a parable. He said there was a wealthy man with a large number of livestock and a poor man who only had one pet lamb. When a visitor came the rich man didn't prepare a meal using his flocks and herds, but killed the poor man's lamb! David was livid about the evil practiced, but Nathan told him that he was the rich man who had had Uriah killed and taken his wife. Nathan prophesied that God would therefore bring calamity upon David as a result of his sin,  and that someone close to him would have sex with his wives in broad daylight. David confessed his sin which was forgiven by God, but his punishment was the death of his son with Bathsheba. David comforted her and then they had another son called Solomon. 

Then David mustered the army and attacked and captured Rabbah, and he took the 34 kg crown of gold and precious stones of their king and it was placed on his head. David took a great amount of plunder and put all the Ammonites into hard labour. 

Bahamas

Our granddaughter Beatriz (Bia), who is on a teenagers' excursion to the USA, is at the moment on a cruise from Miami to the Bahamas islands which are about a 4 hours' trip away from the USA mainland.

The beginnings of a new church plant at the Vila Rajada is going well. Pastor Robério reports that the first service there was good and they have been invited to return. 

Rafael Barbosa, Gerlândia and family have moved to Belém to take on the leadership of the church there. Please pray for them.

Sadly one of the twins born prematurely to Jozilene and Toinho, of our São Mamede church, has died at just 2 months old. Please pray for the parents. I conducted the funeral service yesterday morning at 7 am at a little farmstead, before going to the São Mamede cemetery. The tiny little baby in a tiny coffin was heart breaking. 

On Tuesday night I led the inductive Bible study with the Men's Fellowship and good discussions ensued. It was a good meeting led by chief of the police Esau. 

In the FIFA World Cup of Football Clubs there are 2 Brazilian teams through to the quarter finals, 2 German teams, 1 English team (Chelsea), 1 Saudi Arabian team, 1 Spanish team and 1 French team. The tournament is being very good and I criticize the BBC for deliberately downplaying the event.

Yesterday afternoon I handed over the Christmas play, 'Promised Son' to our drama director Dilma Prata. I wrote the play in 3 days (morning, afternoon and night) which wasn't bad. God really helped me. 🙌The play is teaching, gospel and encouragement in Christ.

2 decisions for Christ were made during evangelism at the men's prison yesterday afternoon. Praise God!

Today is our son Philip's birthday there in England. Have a great day Philip! Happy birthday!

2 Samuel 11 (résumé): David & Bathsheba

Joab was away besieging Rabbah with the Israelite army, but David remained in Jerusalem. He already had 7 wives, but one day he saw Bathsheba bathing, desired her, sent for her and had sex with her whilst her husband Uriah the Hittite was away with the army. When Bathsheba was confirmed pregnant she sent word to David. 

David tried to cover his tracks by sending to bring Uriah back from war and tried to get him to sleep with his wife, but he refused in the name of solidarity with the troops he had left behind. When David sent Uriah back to the siege he told Joab to put Uriah on the front line of battle where he was most likely to die and this was what happened. So when Bathsheba's period of mourning was over David took her as his 8th wife and she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.

2 Samuel 10 (résumé): David defeats the Ammonites

David sent a delegation to express sympathies for the death of King Nahash of the Ammonites, but the lovely gesture backfired and was seen as an exploit of spying. So the late king's son Hanun seized David's men, shaved half of their beards off, cut off their clothes in the middle of their buttocks and sent them away in this humiliating state! There then evolved a battle between the Ammonites supported by the Arameans against Israel, but Joab used clever tactics and soon the Arameans fled leading to the Ammonites fleeing too. Later the Arameans re-grouped but Israel successfully counter-attacked killing 700 charioteers and 40,000 soldiers. The Arameans learnt their lesson and became afraid to help the Ammonites.

2 Samuel 9 (résumé): David & Mephibosheth

David made enquiries as to whether there were any descendants left of Saul's family so that he could show them kindness for his great late friend Jonathan's sake with whom he had made a covenant. He learnt that Jonathan's crippled son Mephibosheth was alive and well, so he had him brought to the palace, and restored to him all his grandfather Saul's land. Mephibosheth was overwhelmed and asked what a dead dog like him had done to deserve it? David instructed Saul's servants to farm the land for Mephibosheth and said that he would aways eat at the palace like one of his sons.

2 Samuel 8 (résumé): David's victories

This chapter relates the victories of David over the Philistines, Moabites, Edomites, Ammonites and Arameans. The method of killing the Moabites was strange as they were made to lie down and were measured by a cord and were killed, or not, according to their height! David fought King Hadadezer of Zobah to restore his control of the River Euphrates and he captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers and 20,000 soldiers. He also hamstrung all the horses except 100! When the Arameans came in support of Hadadezer David killed 22,000 of them and took lots of gold and bronze from them. David also killed 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 

The chapter concludes by showing what a well organized, just and efficient ruler David was. Joab was his army commander, Zadok and Ahimelech were priests, Seraiah was secretary, Benaiah was a regional ruler and David's sons were royal advisers. 

Christmas Play

I am in the process of writing a Christmas play once again for our drama group to perform on Christmas Eve. It is a mammoth challenging job. This year's title is "The Promised Son" (which is not simply what you think it is! But I can only tell you the story after Christmas!).

Our granddaughter Beatriz (Bia) has flown down from New York to Miami and there she went to watch the football match between Brazilian team Flamengo and Bayern Munich which Flamengo lost 4 x 2, with 2 goals from Harry Kane. Flamengo is Philip's team.

On Sunday night I led the main service of the week and co-pastor Rafael preached on Psalm 81. It was a good service.

Our eldest grandchild, 27-year-old Felipe John, is the architect of the Patos Shopping Centre taking care of all the beautiful shop fronts as the centre expands. His work is extraordinary.

Liz went to the prayer meeting last night which she says was very good. 

This blog received 13,725 visits in the month of June which is quite extraordinary! Our thanks and greetings to one and all. May God bless you abundantly. 

2 Samuel 7 (résumé): God's promise to David

 After King David had settled in his beautiful palace, and things were peaceful on the battle front, David started toying with the idea of building a temple to match his palace. However God spoke to David through the prophet Nathan that this wasn't what God desired. To the contrary God's concern was with David's "house" or dynasty and not with physical constructions. God wanted to establish David's "house" so that there will be Davidic kings long after his own death, promising to establish his lineage and throne forever. This covenant is a foundational promise for the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

David replied to God in prayer questioning who he was to be so blessed? He exalts the greatness of God asking who is like the Lord and who can be compared with the nation of Israel? David yet praises the sovereignty of God and the trustworthiness of his word which assures him that the house of David will be blessed forever.

2 Samuel 6 (résumé): The Ark brought to Jerusalem

 David chose 30,000 men to bring the ark to Jerusalem. They set the ark on a new cart and celebrated with songs and musical instruments as they moved along. However there was a hitch when the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out for the ark which angered God who struck him down and he died there and then. This in turn angered David for Uzzah having died and so David held off on receiving the ark in Jerusalem immediately leaving it with Obed-Edom for 3 months. Finally after all went well for this period David brought the ark to Jerusalem and David was overjoyed dancing before the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. Then David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings and fed all the people. When he eventually got home one of his wives, Michal, criticized him for his dancing so she ended up sterile for the rest of her life. 

Donkeys

Donkeys are being massacred in Brazil owing to the high demand in China for a substance found under their skin which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. In 1996 there were 1,370,000 donkeys in Brazil and now there are only 78,000 left, which is a reduction of 94%. It is estimated that over the next 5 years donkeys will become extinct in Brazil.

In the World Cup of Football Clubs all 4 Brazilian teams are through to the last 16 of the competition: Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo (Philip's team) and Fluminense. There are 2 English teams: Chelsea and Manchester City. The final will be on July 13th. I now hear that Palmeiras from Brazil and Chelsea from England have got through to the last 8.

It's lovely to see a couple from the Patos church, Roberto Tiburtino and his wife Daguia, going out doing door-to-door evangelism every Friday evening. Please pray for this couple.

Please pray for Pastor João George who is the assistant pastor at our Imaculada church. He has been diagnosed with intestinal cancer and will undergo surgery.

Next Saturday, July 5th, my sister and expert music teacher Jean will be holding her annual afternoon of musical talent when her pupils will perform and raise money for EAB. Please be there if you can.

2 Samuel 5 (résumé): David becomes King of Israel

Finally at this point the elders of Israel anointed David King over Israel. So David had reigned 7 and a half years over Judah, then reigned 33 years over Israel and Judah united, making a total reign of 40 years.

Then David and his men marched to Jerusalem and captured it from the Jebusites making it his capital. David took up residence in the fortress and called it the city of David. He became increasingly powerful because God was with him and he built a beautiful palace there. There he took more concubines and wives than the 7 he already had and he had many further sons born to him including one called Solomon. 

The Philistines came to attack David, but he defeated them twice striking them down from Gibeon to Gezer.

2 Samuel 4 (résumé): Ish-Bosheth murdered

When King Ish-Bosheth heard of Abner's death he became despondent. Jonathan had a son called Mephibosheth who was lame in both feet as a result of a fall with his nurse when news reached them of Saul and Jonathan's deaths.

Then 2 of Ish-Bosheth's captains, Recab and Baanah, went to Ish-Bosheth's house and upon finding him having his after lunch nap they stabbed him in the stomach and cut off his head! They then took it to David probably expecting a reward. David however was livid and ordered his men to execute them. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the Hebron pool. Then they took Ish-Bosheth's head and buried it in Abner's tomb at Hebron.   

2 Samuel 3 (résumé): Abner switched to David's side

While David was at Hebron he had 6 sons born, all of different women. David thus had 7 wives at this stage, as he was about to recover Michal the daughter of Saul.

The war between the house of Saul (Israel) and the house of David (Judah) was perpetuated for a long time. However Israel's King Ish-Bosheth fell out with his army commander Abner and this resulted in Abner switching allegiance to King David. Abner negotiated with David the uniting of the kingdom under King David and things were progressing very well to this end. However Joab interfered, not understanding the healthy negotiations that were going on, and he killed Abner in revenge for him having killed his brother Asahel previously. David was furious and wept out loud at the funeral to the extent that it became clear to the people that David had no connection to the killing and was totally opposed to it. 

Pastors Meeting

Liz and I had a lovely meeting with pastors and leaders on Wednesday morning (see photo below) to discuss the transition of leadership for our Princesa Isabel Central, Tavares and Belém churches which will take place on July 13th. 46-year-old Pastor Robério and his wife Ana Paula will move from Tavares to Princesa Isabel Central. 43-year-old Paulino and Betânia will move from Belém to Tavares. 38-year-old Rafael Barbosa and Gerlândia will move from Princesa Isabel Bairro da Baixa, where they were assistant leaders, to Belém. Pastor Jair and his wife Silvânia were also at the meeting as pastors of Rafael Barbosa to give their blessing on the change. Please pray for these couples as they take on their new responsibilities in the work of the Lord. After our meeting we went out for a fellowship meal together in a restaurant.

A new church plant is underway at the Vila Rajada in the municipality of Tavares (PB). Please pray for this new work which is not far from Belém and the municipality of Juru. 

Our granddaughter Beatriz (Bia) is in New York making lots of new friends. Her English is of course coming in handy.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and assistant pastor Rafael brought the study from the first chapter of Nahum. We had a lovely time of prayer with many people leading in prayer. Deacon Dedé led the praise and worship and Espedita and Vasti sang solos. It was a good service.

2 Samuel 2 (résumé): David anointed King over Judah

After some time God directed David, his 2 wives, his men and their families to go and settle in Hebron and there the men came and anointed him king of the house of Judah, where he reigned for 7 and a half years. However Ish-Bosheth, son of Saul, was made king of Israel reigning for 2 years, and the familiar theme of rivalry between Saul's and David's families soon resurfaced. Fighting initially took place between 2 groups of 12 men involved in armed wrestling, but this evolved into a full-scale battle which David's men won. 

Following this the very fast runner from David's men called Asahel chased the fleeing Abner who was the commander of Saul's men's army, but it was Abner who won the duel driving his spear right through Asahel! Then the 2 sides of this civil war tried to calm things down after David's side losing 19 men and Abner's side losing 360, but the civil war was far from over.

2 Samuel 1 (résumé): David hears of Saul's Death

We now come to the second book of Samuel which tells about David's reign as king of Israel and the establishment of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. It shows the successes and failures of David, including the sad Bathsheba story, and on the other hand speaks of the enduring covenant which God made with him.

This chapter begins with an Amalekite telling David that Saul and Jonathan were dead. When David sought confirmation of the deaths the man said that he himself had found Saul in the throes of death from battle and that he finished him off as Saul had requested. The man brought Saul's crown with him. So David had him executed for having killed the Lord's anointed and he mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. He said "How the mighty have fallen!.. Saul and Jonathan - in life they were loved and gracious and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions... O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul... I grieve for you Jonathan my brother... your love for me was more wonderful than that of women"!

Volcano

A Brazilian tourist, 26-year-old Juliana Marins, fell whilst hiking with a group in Indonesia near the crater of the active volcano of Mount Rinjani. She was seen alive after the fall, but searchers were trying to rescue her by helicopter, but were hindered by bad weather, but in the end she was found dead.

June 23rd, the eve of St John's Day, is bonfire and firework night in Brazil. Nowadays bonfires and fireworks are less thanks to greater environmental awareness.

Our granddaughter Beatriz (Bia) has gone to the USA with an excursion of young people of her age group of 15 years of age. She is flying from Recife to São Paulo and from there to New York.

Research shows that 83.1% of people in Brazil have water on tap in their houses, but only 55.2% have drains/sewers.

I have just finished preparing sermons for Cedro (12th July) and Princesa Isabel Central (13th July) which will be the induction service for the new pastor there.

Last night we had an excellent meeting with co-pastor Rafael about a variety of pastoral issues. These meetings are important opportunities to share and pray together.

I have finished my résumés of another book of the Bible - the 9th - which is the book of 1st Samuel. 

1 Samuel 31 (résumé): Saul commits suicide

The Philistines inflicted a heavy defeat on Israel on Mount Gilboa killing many, including Saul's sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua. Then the archers overtook Saul wounding him critically, so he ordered his armour-bearer to draw his sword and kill him as he didn't want to die and be tortured by uncircumcised Philistines, but he couldn't bring himself to do it, so Saul committed suicide by falling on to his own sword. The Philistines cut off Saul's head and fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan, together with the bodies of his sons. When the valiant men of Jabesh Gilead heard about this they attacked and took down the bodies to give them a decent burial under a Tamarisk tree. 

1 Samuel 30 (résumé): David destroys the Amalekites

David and his men returned to Ziklag and found that the Amalekites had attacked it, set it on fire and captured the women, sons and daughters. David and the men sobbed, and the men blamed David and even talked about stoning him, but David found strength in the Lord. David consulted God regarding what action to take, through the priest Abiathar and the ephod, and he was encouraged to rescue their families. The 600 men set out in hot pursuit of the Amalekites, but when they got to the Besor Ravine 200 men were too exhausted to carry on. The remaining 400 men pressed on until they encountered an Egyptian slave from the Amalekites who was able to guide David to their goal. Then David and the men attacked the Amalekites and killed many of them, and David recovered everything that had been lost including his 2 wives. Some uncharitable men upon their return to Ziklag didn't want to share the plunder with the 200 exhausted men who stayed behind, but David wouldn't hear of such a thing. He said that all shall share alike.

1 Samuel 29 (résumé): Achish sends David back to Ziklag

David's ironical intention to fight alongside the Philistines gathered at Aphek came to nothing when the Philistine commanders understandably objected for fear of David switching allegiance during the fighting. So Achish, full of apologies, asked David and his men to go back to Ziklag which is what they did.

1 Samuel 28 (résumé): The Witch of Endor

 A great battle with the Philistines was imminent and Saul was terrified when he saw the opposing army. So Saul sought guidance from God but received no word from dreams, Urim or prophets. Hence he searched for a medium at Endor, the witch of Endor, despite himself having banned spiritists and mediums from the land! Saul disguised himself and went at night to ask the witch to consult a spirit for him. The woman was initially reticent, but went ahead after assurances from Saul. So Saul asked for her to bring up Samuel and at this she realized who Saul was. Saul then consulted Samuel as to the outcome of the imminent battle and he told Saul that the Philistines would win and he and his sons would die. Saul was devastated and the woman was petrified by the outcome of the occult consultation, so she insisted on Saul and his men eating a meal with her before leaving.  

1 Samuel 27 (résumé): David amongst the Philistines

David had had enough of being hunted by Saul so he came up with the idea of living amongst the Philistines as there would be out of reach for Saul. The plan worked as David, his 2 wives Ahinoam and Abigail, and his 600 men lived there with no problem for 1 year and 4 months. They were given the town of Ziklag by Achish son of the king of Gath. From there David would conduct raids against the Geshurites, the Girzites and the Amalekites although he used to tell Achish that he was attacking non-Philistine peoples. In every raid David left nobody alive and captured all the livestock. 

1 Samuel 26 (résumé): David spares Saul's life again

David now was in the Desert of Ziph and the Ziphites told Saul that he was there. So Saul went there with 3,000 men and camped for the night beside the road. In the night David went to Saul's camp with Abishai when everyone was sleeping. They crept up to where Saul was and Abishai urged David to kill Saul, but David would not touch the Lord's anointed. They just picked up Saul's spear and water jug and withdrew. The following morning David reprimanded Abner, Saul's army captain, for the lax guarding of the king and produced the king's spear and water jug as proof. Upon recognizing David's voice Saul was grateful for the reprieve and again promised he wouldn't chase David again, and he blessed David. 

1 Samuel 25 (résumé): David, Nabal & Abigail

Samuel died and all Israel mourned before burying him at his home in Ramah.

Then David moved to the Desert of Maon where there lived Nabal and Abigail. She was intelligent and beautiful but he was bad-tempered, unfriendly and mean, despite being very rich with 1,000 goats and 3,000 sheep. David sent some men to get some supplies from Nabal as he was owing him favours, but Nabal humiliated the men and sent them away empty handed. David was infuriated by Nabal's treatment and set out with 400 men to take vengeance. However Abigail got to hear what at happened and intervened taking 200 loaves of bread, 2 skins of wine, 5 dressed sheep, 37 litres of roasted corn, 100 raisin cakes and 200 pressed figs cakes to David. Her beautiful gesture and kind words turned away David's wrath as she begged forgiveness. When Abigail got home, having solved the problem caused by her irrational callous husband, she told him what she had done. Nabal suddenly became ill and died within a few days, and Abigail became David's wife together with Ahinoam, but he had already separated from Michal.

1 Samuel 24 (résumé): David spares Saul's life

 Saul continued his pursuit of David near the Crags of the Wild Goats together with 3,000 men, and he went into a cave to relieve himself not knowing that hidden in that cave was David himself. David crept up on Saul and could easily have killed him, but he would not do harm to the anointed of the Lord. Instead David cut off a corner off his robe secretly. Outside the cave David presented to Saul the piece of his robe and explained to him how easily he could have killed him. Saul wept and said that David was much more righteous than he was. He said may the Lord reward you well for the way you treated me today. He said he was sure that one day David would be king and he asked David to swear to not harm his family, to which David agreed.

1 Samuel 23 (résumé): David saves Keilah

David heard that the town of Keilah was being attacked by the Philistines so he sought God's guidance as to whether he should intervene and received the green light. The ensuing battle saw David and his men inflict heavy losses on the Philistines as they saved the people of Keilah. 

However word reached Saul of David's whereabouts so he called up his men to besiege David and his men at Keilah. When David was tipped off concerning Saul's plan he consulted God through the priest Abiathar who confirmed that Saul was on his way and that the people would hand over David in the event of a siege. Hence David and his 600 men escaped and stayed in the strongholds of the Desert of Ziph. There Jonathan sought him out and encouraged him in the Lord. Saul kept pursuing David into the Desert of Maon, but when Saul was closing in on him word reached him of a Philistine raid, so he was forced to go and deal with that, and David went up from there to live in the strongholds of En Gedi. 

Balloon

8 people have been killed in a hot air balloon accident in the southern state of Santa Catarina in Brazil. There were 13 survivors from the accident. The balloon caught fire and fell to the ground.

Please pray for Jozilene and Toinho - a couple that had premature twin girls on April 28th called Sofia and Safira. Sofia is already home, but Safira is still in intensive care in the maternity hospital. This family is part of our São Mamede church. I married them 10 years ago.

On Saturday we spent over 5 hours at the Youth Conference at Green Pastures and what a joy it was to see the meeting hall full with 213 young people praising the Lord. After the service there was a competition for the best fancy dress and then they had a game of bingo with a variety of little prizes for the winners. On the way there I saw a Pigmy Nightjar and a Burrowing Owl.

Last night I both led the service and preached God's word in Patos. Numbers were down owing to the youth conference and the general festive period. Nevertheless it was a good service.

1 Samuel 22 (résumé): David flees to Adullam & Mizpah

David left Gath and went to the cave of Adullam where his family joined him with his father's household. Thus leader David soon had a group of 400 men with him. Then David went to Mizpah where he left his parents with the king of Moab, doubtless for their protection. Then David left for the forest of Hereth in Judah. 

By this time Saul found out that David had been at Nob from his chief shepherd Doeg the Edomite who had seen David there. He told Saul of Ahimelech's help given to David including the giving of Goliath's sword. Saul was livid accusing his own men of treachery and Ahimelech and his priests as well. Then Saul ordered his men to kill the priests, but in view of the fact that they refused, he ordered Doeg the Edomite to do it, and he killed no less than 85 priests! They went on to slaughter the people and livestock of Nob! Just Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, managed to escape and joined forces with David.

1 Samuel 21 (résumé): David at Nob & Gath

David went to Nob and spoke with the priest Ahimelech inventing that he was on a secret mission for the king. He asked him for bread, but Ahimelech didn't have normal bread so he gave him consecrated bread from the tabernacle. Unfortunately one of Saul's servants was there and saw him, and David felt vulnerable being unarmed so asked Ahimelech for a weapon and he gave him Goliath's sword which was stored there.

From Nob David fled to Gath but people soon recognized him as the warrior who had slain tens of thousands, so this left David feeling very apprehensive. The only way that David could think of to protect himself was to feign insanity and he completely deceived King Achish of Gad.

1 Samuel 20 (résumé): David & Jonathan

David discussed with Jonathan the inexplicable persecution by his father Saul. Jonathan insisted that everything would be alright and that David wasn't going to die, but David knew he was but a step from death. Hence David wanted to avoid dining with Saul at the New Moon Festival as was planned and so they invented a story that David had gone to Bethlehem. If Saul was alright about this then all well and good, but if he went into a rage his murderous intent would be clear, and Jonathan would let David know through a pre-arranged signal firing arrows near where he was hidden. As it happened Saul was furious at David's absence and nearly killed Jonathan in the process. When David and Jonathan met they wept profusely as they knew beyond doubt of Saul's intent to murder David. They then swore a friendship pact, David left and Jonathan went back to town.

Brazil's high interest rates

Brazil has the second highest interest rate in the world, second only to Turkey. Brazil's interest rate is 9.53% per annum after having discounted inflation. This only goes to show the precarious state of the Brazilian economy. The UK's interest rate after discounting inflation is 0.28%.

Thursday was a public holiday here so our Campina Grande Catolé church held an all night of prayer only going home when Thursday dawned. 120 people spent the night in God's house in prayer. Praise God! 🙌

Patos is in the middle of its 5-day St John's Day Festival, or rather 5-night festival as it is a series of 5 all night parties from about 10 pm till dawn with up to 100,000 people taking part! Entrance is free with the cost of the famous singers and bands paid by the town council.

Our Youth Conference is underway at Green Pastures.

I have just eaten a kiwi for my morning snack. 😋

It might be hotter in the UK than it is here as this is our coolest month of the year. Today we have a maximum of 32 degrees and a minimum in the night of 22 degrees. Take care! ☀☂

Yesterday we went to our girls' TEFL school 'Cultura Inglesa' for the giving out of certificates for the first semester. Students and parents came to the school, received their certificates, ate maize tasties and heard live regional music. It was very nice. The school does a brilliant job teaching English as a second language in a wonderful way.

1 Samuel 19 (résumé): Saul tries again to kill David

This chapter tells further about the erratic paranoic behaviour by Saul as he told his son Jonathan and his counsellors to kill David. However Jonathan tipped off David and told him he would work on his father to the contrary. Saul initially listened to his son and swore not to kill David, but he soon forgot his oath and tried again to kill him with his spear. 

Then Saul sent men to David's house to kill him, but his wife Michal warned him and helped him escape to where Samuel was and told him all that was happening. When Saul heard where David was he sent men to capture him, but the men saw Samuel and other prophets prophesying and the spirit of God came on them and they prophesied too! Eventually Saul went to see what was going on and he ended up prophesying too!  

1 Samuel 18 (résumé): Saul's jealousy of David

David and Saul's son Jonathan became very close friends indeed as David stayed with Saul permanently. David was very successful in all he did, as the Lord was with him, so Saul gave him a high rank in the army. But as David started to get more praise than the king he became increasingly jealous, and one day, under the influence of an evil spirit from God, Saul twice tried to spear David but David was too quick and escaped. So Saul sent David away with a thousand troops but nothing hindered David's success, and he became increasingly popular with the people.

Then Saul offered David his daughter Merab in marriage, but he turned her down. Next another of Saul's daughters Michal fell in love with David so Saul offered her too in marriage, so as to serve as a snare to him, and the price would be 100 Philistine foreskins. This time David accepted the bride and proceeded to kill more that his stipulated quota and killed 200 Philistines. David became increasingly well known and Saul saw that the Lord was with him, and he considered him as his enemy.

1 Samuel 17 (résumé): David & Goliath

Israel and the Philistines were lining up for another battle in the Valley of Elah. However a 3 metre tall Philistine giant challenged any Israelite with a winner takes all dual, but nobody would take the giant on as both Saul and all the Israelites were terrified. Goliath challenged the Israelites every morning for 40 days but nobody had the courage to face the giant. Then however young David was sent to the war front to take food to his older brothers, and he heard Goliath throwing down the gauntlet. So David offered to fight Goliath in the name of the Lord, but Saul said he wasn't up to it. David retorted that he had killed both lion and bear whilst caring for the sheep so he believed God would deliver him from this Philistine giant. So Saul eventually gave in and said go, and the Lord be with you! Saul then put his armour on David but it didn't feel right so he took it off, and advanced towards the giant with his staff in his hand, 5 stones in his bag and a sling. When Goliath saw that his Israelite opponent was just a boy he ridiculed him and cursed him by his gods. David reacted saying that Goliath might come with sword, spear and javelin, but he came in the name of the Lord! Then as the giant advanced towards him David put a stone in his sling and struck Goliath on his forehead knocking him out! He then took Goliath's own sword and beheaded him. At this all the Philistines turned and ran, and the Israelites chased them back to their cities of Ekron and Gath killing many on the way. Meanwhile David took Goliath's head to Jerusalem and kept his weapons as souvenirs in his tent. Saul was impressed by David to put it mildly.

Hen Party

Liz went to a hen party on Tuesday evening of Karol Macena who will be marrying our young lawyer and Bible College graduate Murilo on August 2nd. I will be conducting the wedding. Please pray for Karol and Murilo. They will be living in a flat not far from the church.

I hear you will be having a heatwave of up to 33 degrees in the UK. I suggest you take at least 2 cold showers a day to lower your body temperature. 

I have had my hair cut and I hope you like it? 👨

The Great Lumley Evangelical Church in County Durham has just held another sponsored toddle, together with a kids singing concert for the parents, to raise funds for the EAB 2-wings project with a chicken run and 7 chickens. Thank you Great Lumley kids!

I have just got home from conducting Bia and Kelvin's wedding held in a chapel in the municipality of Junco do Seridó. Everything went off very well after a start about an hour late, which is about par for weddings here. The reception was lovely too.

1 Samuel 16 (résumé): Samuel anoints David

God told Samuel to stop bemoaning Saul as he had now rejected him. So God told Samuel to fill his anointing horn with oil and go to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem because he had chosen one of his sons to be the next king. When Samuel saw the first son he was impressed, but God said he wasn't the chosen one as God looks at the heart rather than outward appearance. This routine was repeated various times but never was the son God's choice. Samuel asked if there were any more sons and Jesse said there was just the youngest out tending the sheep. When they sent and got David God told Samuel straight away to rise and anoint him, and from that day the Spirit of the Lord came on David in power. 

However the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. So Saul's attendants sought out someone who could play the harp to sooth him and they came upon David who fitted that bill. Therefore David entered Saul's service and Saul liked him, and every time Saul got down David would play the harp and the evil spirit would leave him.

1 Samuel 15 (résumé): God rejects Saul as King

God told Saul, through Samuel, that he was to attack the Amalekites as punishment for their ill treatment of Israel years earlier, and that he should annihilate them by killing every man, woman, child, infant, cattle, sheep, camels and donkeys! So Saul set forth with an army 210,000 strong and attacked and destroyed the enemy east of Egypt. He captured their king Agag, killed the rest except the best of the cattle and the sheep. 

God was most upset by Saul's disobedience and grieved that he had made him king. He told Samuel to sort Saul out and when he went after him he had gone to set up a monument in his own honour at Carmel. When they eventually met up Saul said he had done with the Amalekites what God had requested, but Samuel questioned this as he could hear sheep bleating and cattle lowing! Saul's excuse was that the best animals had been kept to sacrifice to the Lord, to which Samuel retorted that obedience was better than sacrifice! He sternly rebuked Saul in the name of the Lord telling him that because he had rejected the word of the Lord God was rejecting him as king.

Saul asked forgiveness but Samuel said that God would not change his mind. However Samuel and Saul did eventually worship the Lord together prior to Samuel executing King Agag. From that day onwards Samuel and Saul parted ways and never met again.

1 Samuel 14 (résumé): Jonathan attacks the Philistines

Jonathan went and attacked a Philistine outpost and killed 20 men, having received a sign from God that he was favourable to the endeavour, but his father Saul was not aware of the initiative. The surprise attack by Jonathan sowed panic amongst the Philistines, made worse by an accompanying earthquake. When Saul saw the Philistine disarray he attacked an enemy that was so confused that they even ended up fighting each other, and God helped Israel drive the Philistines back beyond Beth Aven. 

Saul banned his troops from even eating so as to keep them focused and cursed anyone that ate, but of course this made the troops faint. Jonathan didn't know about his father's curse and ate wild honey so that when Saul discovered this he wanted to kill him. But the men refused to let this happen in the light of his warfare achievements. 

The exhausted and famished troops, having struck down the Philistines from Michmash to Aijalon, butchered the plundered livestock and sinned eating it with the blood. But in Saul's reign Israel was victorious over Moab, the Ammonites, Edom, the kings of Zobah, the Philistines and the Amalekites.

Saul's sons were Jonathan, Ishvi and Malki-Shua, and his eldest daughter was Merab and his youngest was Michal. His wife's name was Ahinoam and his army commander was Abner. Throughout Saul's 42-year reign there were constant wars with the Philistines. 

1 Samuel 13 (résumé): Samuel rebukes Saul

Saul was 30-years-of-age when he became king and his reign lasted 42 years. He chose 3,000 men from Israel and sent the rest home. When Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba this stirred things up. So Saul had the trumpets blown throughout the land and summoned the people to join him and Gilgal. But the Philistines massed forces against them at Michmash with 3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers and innumerous soldiers. This caused panic and widespread desertion by the Israelites who hid anywhere they could, but Saul remained at Gilgal despite the 600 troops with him quaking with fear. 

Then to make things worse Saul took the law into his own hands when Samuel was late to offer the pre-battle sacrifices, and Saul went ahead and did it himself! This was an outrageous error as such rituals were exclusively the domain of priests and this sin would cost Saul his kingly dynasty. 

Things only got worse because the Israelites also found themselves unarmed for a lack of blacksmiths to sharpen their weapons to the point that on the day of the battle the soldiers found themselves without swords or spears!

1 Samuel 12 (résumé): Samuel's farewell speech

Samuel's farewell speech starts by reminding Israel that he had always been prepared to listen to the people even if meant installing a king against God's ideal will. He stressed how honest he had always been as judge to which the people agreed. He then warned the people to be careful to be faithful to God and not repeat the errors of the paganism of the past. Samuel said that if the people and the King remained faithful in following the Lord then all well and good, but if they rebelled against his commands then God's hand would be against them. 

Samuel then charged the people to stand still and observe what God was about to do, and he called upon God to send thunder and rain on the wheat harvest and this took place the same day leaving the people in awe of God and of Samuel. Thus Samuel condemned idolatry and useless idols and challenged them to be sure to always fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all their hearts.

1 Samuel 11 (résumé): Saul reaffirmed as King

Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh Gilead so that the people proposed a treaty with him involving their subservience to him. Nahash struck a hard bargain saying he would only make a treaty if he could gouge out the right eye of the entire population of Jabesh Gilead! When word reached Saul of this the Spirit of God came upon him with power and he burned with anger. He cut a pair of oxen into pieces and dispatched them throughout Israel saying that whoever didn't follow Saul and Samuel would see their oxen suffer the same fate. The terror of the Lord fell on the people and united them so that when Saul mustered them at Bezek there were 300,000 from Israel and 30,000 from Judah, and they sent word to Jabesh Gilead that the following day they would be delivered. Saul divided his men into 3 divisions and broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered most of them. 

After this great victory the people wanted to kill those who had doubted Saul's capacity as King, but Saul did not allow it. So Samuel called all to go to Gilgal and there reaffirm Saul's kingship with great celebration and sacrifices of fellowship offerings in the presence of the Lord!

1 Samuel 10 (résumé): Saul made King

Samuel now privately and secretly anoints Saul King pouring a flask of oil on his head and kissing him. He then provides Saul with 3 confirming signs and experiences which will follow. He says that Saul will meet up with 2 men near Rachel's tomb at Zelzah who will tell him his father's donkeys have been found. He will next meet 3 men by the great tree of Tabor who are going up to Bethel with offerings. The men will offer him 2 loaves of bread which he should accept. The third sign will be meeting a procession of prophets which Saul will join and the Spirit of God will come upon him in power. All 3 of these signs were fulfilled that very day. People were surprised when they saw Saul prophesying.

Then  Samuel summoned the people at Mizpah and announced Saul as King, but they couldn't find him because he was hidden in the baggage! When they got him out Samuel told the people to look at the man God had chosen, and the people shouted: "Long live the King"! Samuel then proceeded to explain the regulations of the Kingship. The assembly ended and Saul went home to Gibeah accompanied by valiant men, but there were some people opposed to his rule.

1 Samuel 9 (résumé): Samuel anoints Saul

Saul, son of Kish, was a Benjamite who was taller than all the Israelites. He went searching for his father's lost donkeys but he couldn't find them. So he and his servants decided to seek out the man of God Samuel to see if he could help them find the donkeys. They met some girls on the way who confirmed that Samuel was in town, and then they bumped into Samuel.

The previous day God had told Samuel that he would send him a Benjamite whom he should anoint King. God said that this Benjamite would deliver Israel from the Philistines.

When Saul met Samuel he didn't realize he was the seer he was looking for, but Samuel told him to relax about the lost donkeys as they had been found. He then invited Saul to eat with him and spend the night there, saying that Saul was the man who would fulfil the desire of all Israel for a King. Saul was taken aback questioning this because he was from the most insignificant clan from the smallest tribe of Israel. Samuel sat Saul at the head of the table for their meal together and gave him choice meat. The following morning Samuel asked Saul to send his servant on ahead because he had a message to give him before he left from God.

Princesa Isabel Church

 Since problems arose in our 1st Princesa Isabel church in August 2024, which resulted in the removal of the pastor, the church has been under provisional pastoral care whilst a new pastor was found. I am glad to report that Pastor Robério has now been approved by the unanimous church council, and 75% of the church membership, and will take up office as soon as possible. May God bless our brother in his new sphere of ministry. Please pray for Robério. I will be preaching at his induction service on July 13th.

On Sunday night I led the main service of the week in Patos and young lawyer Murilo brought an excellent sermon from Jonah 4. 

Our grandson and doctor John David is working at a clinic in the town of Desterro which is 53 km south of Patos. 

One of our members at our church plant at Ipueira has just gone to be with the Lord aged 91. His name was Olival. 

Last night we had an excellent meeting with the youth leaders in preparation for the Youth Conference at Green Pastures this coming weekend. Please pray for the Conference.

1 Samuel 8 (résumé): Israel asks for a King

When Samuel was old he appointed his sons Joel and Abijah to be judges but they were not like their father and turned to corruption. So Israel's elders asked him for a king to lead them like other nations had, and this displeased Samuel. Samuel consulted the Lord about this and he told him to listen to the people but warn them of what to expect from a king. So Samuel told Israel that they would be exploited by kings who would be oppressive and abuse power, even conscripting their sons, daughters and land. But the people had their minds made up wouldn't heed Samuel's warnings. They wanted a king to be like other nations and he will lead them in battles. So the Lord told Samuel to listen to the people and give them a king. 

1 Samuel 7 (résumé): The Philistines subdued at Mizpah

Having been brought from Beth Shemesh the ark was taken to Kiriath Jearim where it remained for 20 years as Israel mourned and sought after the Lord. So Samuel said that if they really meant it they should get rid of their pagan gods, and this they did. Then all Israel assembled at Mizpah under Samuel's leadership and fasted and confessed their sins. When the Philistines got word of Israel's assembly they approached to attack them, and Israel was scared. But Samuel sacrificed a lamb and cried to God, so that great thunder made the Philistines panic and Israel rushed out of Mizpah and routed them! Then Samuel set up a remembrance stone and named it Ebenezer saying 'thus far has the Lord helped us'! Hence the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory again. Thus Samuel continued as judge over Israel all the days of his life. 

1 Samuel 6 (résumé): The Ark returned to Israel

The Philistines had had the ark in their custody for 7 months when they called for their priests and diviners to decide how to send it back to its rightful place. They suggested that the ark should be returned with a guilt offering of 5 gold tumours and 5 gold rats symbolizing what they had been facing. So they put the ark with the guilt offering on a cart drawn by 2 cows and set them off in direction of Canaan, and when the people of Beth Shemesh saw the ark they were over the moon. They chopped up the cart and sacrificed the cows as a burnt offering, observed at a distance by the 5 Philistine rulers who then went back to Ekron. However 70 men at Beth Shemesh died as a result of looking inside the ark of the covenant. However the good thing was that the ark was back in Israel.

1 Samuel 5 (résumé): The Ark in Ashdod & Ekron

The Philistines took the captured ark of God to Dagon's temple at Ashdod, but the next morning the god Dagon had fallen on its face in front of the ark. They put it back in its place but the following morning it was back on the ground minus its arms and legs! The people of Ashdod suffered tumours, rats appeared in the land and death and destruction were rife. The people therefore demanded the ark to be removed, so the Philistines took it to Gath. However the story repeated itself at Gath, with tumours appearing in young and old, so they took the ark to Ekron. However the outcry from Ekron was great from the start and they made it clear that they didn't want the ark there for fear of tumours and death.

1 Samuel 4 (résumé): The Philistines capture the Ark

The Israelites went to battle with the Philistines and lost 4,000 men in a crushing defeat. Israel's elders were bewildered by the defeat and gambled on a quick fix by bringing the ark of the covenant to carry with them into the next battle. There was great enthusiasm at this but in the ensuing battle it made no difference as Israel was even worse off this time losing 30,000 men, the ark of the covenant was captured and Eli's 2 sons were killed. 

News travels fast and a Benjamite took the news of the crushing defeat, the capture of the ark and the death of Hophni and Phineas to Eli at Shiloh. Eli, who had led and judged Israel for 40 years, fell off his chair, broke his neck, and died. One of his daughters-in-law was pregnant and died in child birth with the shock, but the surviving son they called Ichabod which means the glory of the Lord has departed in the light of the loss of the ark of God.

1 Samuel 3 (résumé): The Lord calls Samuel

Samuel continued ministering before the Lord under Eli, although in those days "the word of the Lord was rare and there were not many visions". But one night God called Samuel as he laid down in the tabernacle and Samuel ran to Eli thinking he had called him. After this had happened 3 times Eli realized that it was God calling him so he told Samuel that the next time it happened he should reply: 'speak Lord, for your servant is listening'. This Samuel did so God spoke to him saying that he was about to do something that would make people's ears tingle! God said he would fulfill his threats against Eli for having failed to restrain his sons. Eli enquired about God's message the next morning and Samuel only told him after Eli's insistence. 

So Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and he kept God's word in his heart. All of Israel came to recognize his as a prophet of the Lord.  

1 Samuel 2 (résumé): Hanna's prayer & Eli's sons

This chapter starts with a beautiful prayer of praise and thanksgiving by Hannah. She exclaims: "My heart rejoices in the Lord... there is no Rock like our God... she who was barren has borne seven children... the foundations of the earth are the Lord's"! Such joyful praise of God stands in stark contrast with the rest of the chapter's description of Eli the priest's wicked sons.

Eli's wicked sons Hophni and Phinehas had no regard for the Lord. They used to steal portions of the sacrifices in the tabernacle and all the fat which was to be offered to God they took for themselves. The text says that they were treating the Lord's offering with contempt. To the contrary Samuel grew up in the presence and service of the Lord, and every year his parents visited him and took him clothes. Eli the priest used to bless them and Hannah gave birth to 3 sons and 2 daughters. Eli however rebuked his sons but they just carried on with their evil deeds and wouldn't heed him, even having sex with women that worked at the tabernacle.

Then a man of God came and rebuked Eli with a prophetic message concerning the scorn of God's sacrifices and offerings by Eli's sons asking Eli why he honoured more his sons than he honoured God? God said that he would only honour those who honoured him. God said that he would punish the priestly lineage with shorter lives and that Eli's sons Hophni and Phineas would both die on the same day. God said he would then raise up a faithful priest who would do according to his heart and mind.

Green Pastures

 I went for a nice walk at Green Pastures and saw many holes dug by the Armadillos. I also saw a flock of 6 Guira-Cuckoos, a pair of Red-cowled Cardinals, a pair of White-tipped Doves and a pair of Picui Ground-Doves. Some of the youth were there organizing things for the Youth Conference which will be held there next week.

I have finished by résumés chapter by chapter of the book of Judges, and have also done the 4 chapters of Ruth with that beautiful story of commitment, faithfulness and romance. Now I have started the 31 chapters of 1 Samuel. So that's 8 books of the Bible done in 8 and a half months. 58 books to go!

Illiteracy in Brazil has slightly improved from 5.4% of the population in 2023 to 5.3% in 2024, which means 9.1 million can still not read or write a simple note.

Last night I spoke on the Song of Songs to the married couples fellowship, together with courting couples and engaged couples, who met together to celebrate Valentine's Day which here is St. Anthony's Day. At the end everyone ate maize which is the thing everyone eats here at this time of year.

1 Samuel 1 (résumé): The birth of Samuel

The book of 1 Samuel covers the period of transition in Israel between theocracy under the judges to monarchy. It relates the life of judge and prophet Samuel, the rise and fall of Saul as king, and the anointing and preparation to succeed Saul by David. 

The first chapter starts by telling that Elkanah had two wives: Hannah, who was barren, and Peninnah. The child-bearing wife humiliated and provoked Hannah which made her very sad. But Hannah cried to God to help her become a mother and promised that if he did she would give him back to God under a Nazarite vow. One day Hannah was praying so intensely in the temple that the priest Eli thought she was drunk. Upon discovering the true motive of her prayer Eli blessed her wishing that her prayer should be answered. So it was that in due course Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son whom she called Samuel. Having weaned the child Hannah took him to Eli at Shiloh together with a thanksgiving sacrifice, and she gave him to the Lord's service 100%.

Ruth 4 (résumé): Boaz marries Ruth

Boaz went into town and sought out the kinsman-redeemer who was a closer relative than him. He explained to him before 10 elder witnesses that Naomi was selling land that belonged to their brother Elimelech and that he was first in line to buy it. The man said he would buy it until he found out out that the land involved taking on the widow Ruth! With this information the man didn't want to know, so Boaz was left free to marry Ruth as her kinsman-redeemer and the deal was done and sealed by the removal of a sandal which was the cultural signal for closing a deal. So Boaz took Ruth as his wife, and they had a son called Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Ruth 3 (résumé): Ruth & Boaz at the threshing floor

One day Naomi encouraged Ruth to go to the threshing floor where Boaz would be, having bathed and put on perfume and her best clothes, and propose to him the triggering of the kinsman-redeemer clause in the law so as to bring into effect their marriage. So after Boaz had eaten and drunk, and gone to sleep at the end of the corn pile, Ruth discreetly uncovered his feet and lay there. Boaz only realized what was happening in the middle of the night as Ruth proposed him to be her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz was over the moon, but admitted there was another man that would have first choice in making Ruth his wife, so he would have to be honest and see what the other man said first. So whilst Boaz was sorting this out Ruth went and told Naomi everything, giving her the barley Boaz had sent with her. So Naomi and Ruth eagerly waited the outcome!

Ruth 2 (résumé): Ruth meets Boaz

Ruth joined in the barley harvest gleaning grain left over by the regular harvesters as the law permitted, and she happened to find herself in a field belonging to Boaz who was from the clan of her late husband Elimelech. Boaz noted Ruth, enquired about her, encouraged her to keep gleaning in his fields and was kind to her providing her with food and water. Boaz learned about Ruth's devotion to Naomi and asked God to richly reward her. So Ruth managed to glean 22 litres of barley that day, took it home to Naomi and told her about Boaz. Naomi remarked that Boaz was a close relative and one of their kinsman-redeemers. So Ruth continued working in Boaz's fields till the end of the barley and wheat harvests. 

Ruth 1 (résumé): Naomi & Ruth

The book of Ruth contains a beautiful story set in the period of the judges. The story involves 3 women, Naomi, Ruth and Orpah who all lost their husbands, having settled outside of Canaan in Moab to escape a famine. It is a story of love and devotion, and of the providence of God.

This chapter begins with an Ephrathites family from Bethlehem going to live in Moab to escape a drought. Elimelech and his wife Naomi were with their sons Mahlon and Kilion. However Elimelech died, but the sons married Moabite girls Orpah and Ruth, but 10 years later both sons died too.

When Naomi learnt that things had improved back in Judah she decided to return there together with her 2 daughters-in-law. Then Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to go home to their families, but the girls resisted. Eventually however Orpah did leave, but Ruth stood firm, was inseparable from Naomi and said that wherever Naomi went there Ruth would go with her with total commitment and devotion including to her people and God. Their return to Bethlehem coincided with the beginning of the barley harvest.

Judges 21 (résumé): Wives for the Benjamites

The aftermath of the previous chapter's civil war left the tribe of Benjamin bearing on extinction, especially after the Israelite oath to refuse their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites. The dilemma was how to therefore provide wives for the Benjamites to make possible the tribe's survival. This problem was partially solved by killing all men and women of Jabesh Gilead who had failed to assemble before the Lord at Mizpah, except the virgins, and this provided 400 wives for Benjamin, though this was not enough. So a scheme was elaborated for the annual festival at Shiloh whereby the Benjamin men seized wives from the dancing girls of Shiloh without them actually being given! All this happened in the days that Israel had no king and when everyone did as they saw fit. 

Home, sweet home

Having spent 3 days in João Pessoa on the coast, we arrived back in Patos, after a 5-hour journey, on Wednesday night. I saw the sea for about 30 seconds from a great distance whilst there! It was a good trip with very happy content. I heard Southern Wrens and Parakeets whilst there and saw plenty of Vultures, Crested Caracaras and Egrets. 

I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study last night and co-pastor Rafael gave the study concluding the book of Micah. Erika and Davi led the praise and worship.

Patos is highly decorated for the annual Saint John's Festival with streamers all over the main street and lots of decorative lighting. The main festivities in Patos will be from June 19th to 23rd as St. John's Day is on the 24th. However in Campina Grande the festivities started on May 30th and continue to July 6th!

Judges 20 (résumé): Civil War

The result of the abominable happenings with the concubine in the previous chapter was full-scale civil war in Israel. For as the word spread about the concubine's murder Israel united to punish the city of Gibeah and the Benjamites. Israel demanded that the men who committed the heinous crime be surrendered to face capital punishment, but the Benjamites refused. 

There therefore ensued a series of battles between Israel as a whole, versus the Benjamites, with initially the latter prevailing killing 40,000 men. However in the third battle things were inverted with Israel defeating Benjamin killing 25,100 men and taking and burning the city of Gibeah. They then went on to take and burn the surrounding towns and villages with just 600 Benjamin fighters surviving.

Judges 19 (résumé): A Levite & his Concubine

 A Levite from Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem, but she betrayed him, left him and returned to her father. 4 months later the Levite went after her and was well received by her father. After spending a few days there he left with his concubine, and on the journey they decided to spend the night at Gibeah, inhabited by Benjamites, where they were put up at an old man's house.

During the night a group of men came banging on the door wanting to have sex with the Levite in Sodomite fashion! The old man resisted and offered his virgin daughter and the concubine in his place, but this the men refused. Faced by this clash of wills eventually the concubine was given to the men to rape and abuse her all night long, and at daybreak she was returned without life. The Levite cut his concubine into 12 parts and sent them to all areas of Israel. 

Graduation

We are in João Pessoa again this week for the graduation ceremony of our grandson John David as a medical doctor, for an ecumenical thanksgiving service, and for the official registration of John David with the Medical Association (CRM-PB) when he will receive his registration number to be able to practice as a doctor.

So John David has graduated and is now a doctor. Congratulations!

The Patos men's fellowship took another street service at São Mamede last night at which 2 decisions were made for Christ. Praise God!

EAB Committee Meeting

On Saturday I took part in the EAB board meeting online via Messenger. It was an excellent meeting discussing various aspects of the work of the Lord. It was good to receive confirmation of Amy Gough's visit here next January for the 10-day evangelistic outreach at Soledade. Recently engaged Amy is a theology and youth ministry degree student with Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London.

On Saturday night I led the weekly service at Green Pastures and preached the Gospel on John 3:1-21. Flávio went with me who is a masseuse of the Patos 'Esporte' football club. It was a good communion service with many participations. I saw a Burrowing Owl on the way.

A poor man with an old cart horse turned up to the charity, where our daughter Deborah treats the stray cats and dogs, and asked if she could treat his horse's infected eye! So she has duly medicated it.

Last night I led the main service of the week on the day of Pentecost, and our daughter Sacha preached an excellent sermon on Psalm 103. The children sang a song for 'Pastors' Day' as the second Sunday in June is commemorated here. It was a lovely service. 

Judges 18 (résumé): Danites settle in Laish

The Danites were for some reason looking for a new home as they had already received land from Joshua. They sent out 5 men to spy out new options, and when they met Micah's private Levite priest they consulted him as to whether God would bless their mission which he answered positively. The 5 went on to Laish which they found to be prosperous and temptingly vulnerable, so they reported this to their people.

The Danites therefore sent out 600 warriors to conquer Laish and on the way they stole Micah's gods, ephod and carved image. They also took his private Levite priest to be their own tribal priest. Then they attacked Laish and burned down the city renaming it Dan after rebuilding it. They set up their idols, and Gershom, son of Moses and his sons were the priests for their tribe!

Judges 17 (résumé): Micah's Idols

The last 5 chapters of Judges are very different from the first 16. No judges appear, the problem is not the philistines but rather the lack of a centralized government or king. "The reading here is unedifying" (Cundall & Morris) and reflects the precarious tendency in Israel towards pagan idolatry. The spirit of the age was a spirit of free for all when "everyone did as he saw fit"!

In chapter 17 Micah admitted to having stolen 13 kg of silver from his mother, he returned it and she forgave him. Micah's mother then took part of this and had made an image and an idol which she solemnly consecrated to the Lord!

Micah had a shrine, had an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as priest! Then later he employed a young Levite as priest believing that this would be pleasing to the Lord! Such steps reflect an unbelievable level of syncretism! 

Saint Anthony

Brazil doesn't celebrate Saint Valentine's Day on February 14th owing to its proximity to Carnival. Instead it celebrates Saint Anthony's Day (June 12th) as the celebration of courting couples, engaged couples and married couples. In the Patos church there will be a special evening on this theme on June 14th. 

On Thursday night I didn't lead the mid-week prayer and Bible study as I usually do because I was getting over the flu. In my place deacon Dedé led the service and lawyer Murilo brought the study as assistant pastor Rafael was away caring for his sick parents. Our daughter Sacha led the praise.

My veterinary doctor daughter Deborah tells be that there are an estimated 30 million stray dogs and cats in Brazil with 2 thirds of these being dogs. In Patos, where we live, there are an estimated 15,000 stray animals. Yesterday Deborah gave a speech on animal rights at a university conference. She works regularly voluntarily for the Amparar Animal Charity.

I have had an amazing message on Instagram from Aivy Ann Roult Macedo Dias who is the granddaughter of Peniel Chapel missionary Ivy Roult. What a wonderful contact! I have been talking with her a lot and learnt that she is a pastor, her husband also is a pastor, and they have 2 daughters.

At Green Pastures I saw a White-naped Jay and a Wild Cavy.

Judges 16 (résumé): Samson & Delilah

 One day Samson went to Gaza where he spent a night with a prostitute. When the people heard he was there they waylaid him aiming to kill him at dawn at the city gate. However Samson got up in the night, took hold of the doors of the city gate plus the posts and bar and carried them to the top of a hill!

Some time later he fell in love with Delilah. Samson had a problem with women, but this time was to be his final downfall. For the Philistine rulers asked Delilah to discover what was the secret source of his extraordinary strength. Samson strung Delilah along every time she asked him for the secret of his strength. First he said the secret was by tying him up with 7 fresh thongs. Then he said the secret was new ropes. Then came another lie involving the 7 braids of his head. However every time Delilah tried these things they came to nothing.  Nevertheless Delilah kept on nagging Samson until one day he finally caved in telling her the truth that the secret of his strength was in his Nazarite vow and that he had never cut his hair. So the Philistines were able to capture him, gouge out his eyes, put him in bronze shackles and set him to grinding in the prison. But his hair started to grow again!

Then the Philistines organized a celebration in their temple to their god Dagon rejoicing at the capture and demise of Samson. There were about 3,000 people in the temple looking at Samson leaning against the temple's 2 central pillars. So Samson asked God for strength one more time as he pushed the pillars with all his might. The temple collapsed killing everyone so that Samson "killed many more when he died than while he lived".

Judges 15 (résumé): Samson's vengeance on the Philistines

Samson was infuriated that his ex-wife had been given to a friend, especially when he had second thoughts about her but was refused access to her by her father. Samson therefore came up with a plan of vengeance catching 100 foxes, tying burning torches to their tales and decimating the Philistines crops in the process. The Philistines therefore burnt Samson's ex-wife and ex-father-in-law to death, and captured Samson tying him up. Samson however broke free and killed a thousand of them with the jaw-bone of a donkey! Then Samson found himself dying of thirst but God quenched his thirst and restored his strength through fresh water from a spring. And Samson led Israel as judge for 20 years.

Judges 14 (résumé): Samson's marriage

Samson grew up and fell in love with a Philistine woman much to his parents' displeasure. Whilst in the courting process Samson was attacked by a young lion, but the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he ripped the lion apart with his bare hands. Some time later, when he went back to marry, he saw a swarm of bees in the lion's carcass with honey, and him and his parents ate the honey.

In the 7-day wedding feast Samson set his 30 Philistine companions a riddle to solve within the 7 days, promising a prize of clothes for each of them if they could solve the riddle. However if they failed they would have to present him with 30 sets of clothing. The men struggled in vain to solve the riddle so they threatened his wife if she didn't discover it for them. When she did this Samson was furious and he went and killed 30 Philistines to get their clothes for the prize! But Samson's marriage was soon over and his wife was given to a friend.

Judges 13 (résumé): The birth of Samson

Following the death of judge Abdon the Israelites abandoned God's way and he punished them with 40 years of Philistine domination as a consequence. 

Then a man called Manoah, who had a sterile wife, received a visit from the angel of the Lord telling her she was to have a child who would be a Nazarite (Numbers 6) and when he was born she wasn't allowed to cut his hair. As from that moment the woman could not drink anything fermented or eat anything unclean. When she shared the good news with Manoah, her husband, he prayed that the angel of the Lord would re-appear to them.

Then the angel of the Lord did re-appear and confirmed all he had said the first time, but Manoah didn't realize who he was. Manoah offered him food which he refused, but he suggested he could offer a burnt offering unto the Lord. When Manoah burnt the offering the angel of the Lord went up in the flame making him finally realize who he was. So it was that the couple had a son whom they called Samson and he grew in God's blessing with his spirit stirring in him.

Judges 12 (résumé): Jephthah & Ephraim

In this chapter a civil war broke out between the Gileadites and the Ephraimites. It started because the Ephraimites were angry at not having been called to join the fight against the Ammonites. Probably they felt the lack of prestige and missed out on the bounty! The ensuing battle saw a great defeat of the Ephraimites with the loss of 42,000 men! The victorious Jephthah remained strong and led Israel for 6 years.

Following Jephthah the next judge of Israel, the 10th, was Ibzan of Bethlehem who had 30 sons and 30 daughters and who ruled for 7 years. Ibzan was followed by Elon the Zebulunite who was judge for 10 years. The 12th judge was Abdon who led Israel for 8 years. He had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who all rode donkeys. 

Wells in difficulty

With the small amount of rainfall that we received this rainy season our wells are in deep trouble. For when we have normal rains this raises the underground water levels which hasn't happened this year. This year's rainy season was the worst for 10 years. The Green Pastures lake is bone dry and for our youth conference later this month, from the 20th to 22nd, we will totally be dependent on our 2 wells for showers, toilets, cooking, cleaning etc. for 250 people. Our main well burnt out its submersible electric pump owing to the low water level and we had to replace it. Now our secondary pump/well has burnt out and we will need to replace it as we need both wells for the large crowd of youth. Please pray.

I have just prepared a wedding ceremony that I will be conducting on June 19th at Junco do Seridó between Kelvin and Ana Beatriz. Both are Christians and Ana Beatriz is a member of the Patos church. Kelvin is from the extreme south of Brazil and they met via the internet. One unusual thing about the wedding ceremony is that the couple have requested no music, but I pray that their marriage will be full of sweet music! 💕🎶

Judges 11 (résumé): Jephthah

Jephthah was a mighty warrior - son of Gilead with a prostitute - and he was driven away by the legitimate sons of Gilead. However when the potential Ammonite conflict was imminent they went after Jephthah asking him to lead them into battle. Jephthah initially resisted the idea, but eventually agreed as they promised him he would head over all. 

Initially Jephthah attempted a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Ammonites but this was unsuccessful. Then the Spirit of God came upon Jephthah and he made a rash vow telling the Lord that he would sacrifice whatever came out of his front door if her returned from battle victorious. Thus Jephthah had victory in his battle with the Ammonites and devasted 20 of their towns. However he was gutted with he got home to be met by his only daughter and he told her of his vow! She accepted her destiny but asked for 2 months to prepare for this. Then Jephthah killed his only child and offered her as a burnt offering to God, and her biggest regret seems to have been that she died a virgin without getting married.