Jeremiah 45 (résumé): A message to Baruch

In Jeremiah 45, which is a short 5-verse chapter, the prophet conveys a word from the Lord to his good friend and scribe Baruch acknowledging that he is worn out and low in spirit, no doubt feeling overwhelmed by all he had written down from Jeremiah's dictation. God then confirmed that he was about "overthrow" and "uproot" Judah but in it all he promised let Baruch "escape with his life".

Japan

Liz and I watched Brazil beat Japan in the World Cup coming from behind to win 2 x 1 with goals from Casemiro (Manchester United) and Martinelli (Arsenal). It was a very nerve-wracking game with Brazil's winner coming in the added on time right at the end of the second half when it looked like the game would go to extra time. Patos erupted with the victory and let off masses of fireworks!

Last night I did my usual Care Centre Dentist's trip taking patients home to rural areas after having been drilled and had teeth extracted. I saw a Burrowing Owl and a Pigmy Nightjar on the way which is always a pleasure.

Jeremiah 44 (résumé): Disaster because of idolatry

Word now came from God through Jeremiah to the Jews in Egypt reminding them that the reason for the great disaster in Jerusalem and the towns of Judah was the blatant unrepentant idolatry of the people. But now they have returned to pagan idolatry and would therefore suffer a similar fate. God warns them that such judgement is imminent and the remnant of Judah will be subject to eradication by sword or famine. "None will return except a few fugitives". God condemned the Jews for burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her. The Jews point blank refuse to give up her worship so God is adamant that he will judge them with widespread extermination. As a sign of the divine commitment to this action he says that he will hand over Pharoah Hophra to his enemies that seek his life.

Three-quarters

I have now finished the synopses of 39 chapters of the Book of Jeremiah which has 52 chapters, so three-quarters of the book are done. Jerusalem has just been captured by the Babylonians, King Zedekiah no longer has eyes or sons, but the prophet Jeremiah is fine.

Last night Pastor Murilo and I led the service and Pastor Rafael preached on Psalm 32. Missionary Sacha and Marina led the praise and worship. It was a lovely service.

Jeremiah 43 (résumé): The Israelites enter Egypt

 Azariah, Johanan and all the arrogant Israelites called Jeremiah a liar because he opposed them going to Egypt. Then "they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord". Now Jeremiah buried some large stones at the entrance to Pharoah's palace symbolic of Israel in Egypt and then said that Nebuchadnezzar would soon attack Egypt setting fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt and bring death and captivity to all. Thus the very place that the Israelites had sought refuge against God's will would be their doom.

Jeremiah 42 (résumé): Jeremiah warns against going to Egypt

Then Johanan and his accompanying army officers asked Jeremiah to pray for God's guidance for them and promised to obey come what may. 10 days later Jeremiah received word from the Lord telling them to stay put and God would bless them, but if they refused to stay and insisted on going to Egypt then all will die by sword, famine and plague. In this case "you will be an object of cursing, horror, condemnation and reproach, and you will never see this place again".

Jeremiah 41 (résumé): Gedaliah assassinated

Jeremiah 41 tells of how Ishmael came with 10 men and murdered Gedaliah and all the Jews with him. However before word had spread about the killings 80 men arrived bringing grain offerings and incense to the temple, so Ishmael slaughtered them all and threw their bodies into a cistern. Then Ishmael took everyone else there captive. When however the word got round about all the killings Ishmael had carried out Johanan and some army officers came after Ishmael, but he and 8 of his men escaped. Then Johanan and all the survivors of Jerusalem fled to Egypt. 

Jeremiah 40 (résumé): Jeremiah freed & Gedaliah made Governor

The commander of the Babylonian army, Nebuzaradan, found "Jeremiah bound in chains among all the captives" and released him and told him he was free to chose whether he went to Babylon or stayed in Jerusalem, and Jeremiah chose to stay. Then the king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah as governor of Judah and he encouraged everyone to "settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon". So all the Jews of the diaspora came back to Judah and planted and harvested bumper crops. Rumours however spread about a conspiracy to kill Gedaliah involving the king of the Ammonites, but Gedaliah didn't believe the story, although some Israelites wanted to carry out a preemptive killing of King Baalis's hitman Ishmael. 

Jeremiah 39 (résumé) The fall of Jerusalem

Jeremiah 39 tells of how the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem finally led to the city wall being broken through and all the Babylonian officials took up seats of authority in the city. Thus King Zedekiah and his soldiers fled but they were pursued and captured the king in the plains of Jericho taking him before Nebuchadnezzar. He slaughtered all the King's sons before his eyes as well as all the Israelite nobles. Then he removed King Zedekiah's eyes, put him in Bronze shackles and sent him to Babylon. The Babylonians then broke down the walls of Jerusalem and torched the royal palace and houses, but they left poorer people in the city. Jeremiah was left unharmed amongst his people.

Jeremiah 38 (résumé): Jeremiah thrown into a cistern

Jeremiah 38 tells of how the prophet warned everyone that if they stayed in Jerusalem they would die and told everyone to go over to the Babylonians who will capture the city. The Israelite officials said Jeremiah "should be put to death" for reducing the morale of the Israelite soldiers, and King Zedekiah handed Jeremiah over to them and they put Jeremiah in a muddy cistern. However Ebed-Melech went and appealed to the king against this and the king sent 30 men to hoist Jeremiah out of the cistern. Then King Zedekiah consulted Jeremiah giving him life assurance, so he told the king that the only way for him to survive was for him to surrender to the Babylonians. Then Jeremiah stayed under house arrest in "the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured".

Wake

Liz and I went to the wake of Brother Caetano's brother. Caetano is a member of the Patos church and his brother Neil died of a heart-attack aged just 42. We spoke to the father and sister with the father crying profusely. 

Yesterday I watched England beat Panama 2 x 0 and finish in first place in group L. I didn't think England played very well, but at least they did enough to win. From now on it's the knockout stages for both England and Brazil so we shall see what happens. Brazil will play Japan next Monday and England will play Congo next Wednesday.

Jeremiah 37 (summary): Jeremiah in prison

 Zedekiah was made king of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar and he sent word to Jeremiah asking for prayer for God to help them whilst there was a lull in the Babylonian siege thanks to an Egyptian advance. Jeremiah warned Zedekiah that Egypt's help would come to nothing and that the Babylonians would soon be returning with full strength. Then Jeremiah was arrested for allegedly "deserting to the Babylonians!" The officials had Jeremiah beaten and then imprisoned him. Jeremiah was put in a vaulted cell in a dungeon and left there for a long time. Eventually King Zedekiah sought out Jeremiah and asked him if he had any word from the Lord? Jeremiah told him straight that he did and that he would be handed over to the King of Babylon. Jeremiah insisted on his release and he was at least put under house arrest in the courtyard of the guard and grateful to longer be confined to the dungeon. 

Jeremiah 36 (résumé): Jehoiakim burns Jeremiah's scroll

 Jeremiah 36 tells how God commanded him to write on a scroll all the warnings and threats to Israel and Judah since the reign of Josiah, so he dictated everything to Baruch who wrote everything in ink on a scroll. Then Jeremiah sent Baruch to read the scroll to the people in the temple and when the officials heard it they were shocked and Micaiah asked for the scroll to be read again for them to hear clearly, and Baruch confirmed that all had been dictated by Jeremiah. Then they took it to King Jehoiakim and as he heard it read he cut it piece by piece and burnt it. The king then sent for Jeremiah and Baruch but they were well hidden. Then came the word of the Lord condemning the burning of the scroll and telling Jehoiakim that he will have no-one to sit on the throne of David and his body will be thrown out and exposed to the elements. "I will punish him and his children for his wickedness". And Jeremiah and Baruch then wrote another scroll.

Jeremiah 35 (résumé): The Recabites

Jeremiah 35 makes a stark contrast between the resolute obedience of a nomadic tribe called the Recabites and the constant disobedience of God's people. God tests the Recabites telling Jeremiah to get them together and offer them wine to drink. They however refused because their ancestor Jonadab had given them a tee total order, and nor should they build houses or plant vineyards but they should live in tents as nomads. They were only in Jerusalem to shelter from the Babylonian invasion. God therefore pointed to the obedience of the Recabites as an example for the Israelites. 

Well, well, well!

Yesterday Liz and I went to inaugurate a new well in the municipality of Princesa Isabel and preach the Gospel to the community. When we got there we were kindly served boiled cassava roots with stewed lamb which was very tasty. Then we held the service. One lady spoke on behalf of the community expressing movingly profuse thanks. She said that the well was a life changer for the women and for the animals. Cows, pigs, sheep and chickens are over the moon. She didn't mention the men!

I see Scotland are eliminated from the World Cup (at least I think they are!) and Brazil play Japan on Monday. Later on today England play Panama. 

Venezuela

Brazil's northern neighbour Venezuela has seen hundreds of people killed in catastrophic earthquakes which are the worst there for over a hundred years. Patos has many Venezuelan refugees living here and begging on the streets prior to the earthquakes. Please pray.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and lawyer and Bible College student Rayla brought the study on first Samuel 4. It was a good meeting.

We're going to inaugurate a new well at the Carneiro dos Medeiros Community today in the municipality of Princesa Isabel. We will hold a thanksgiving service and preach the Gospel. It will be about a 3-hour drive to get there and we value your prayers.

Jeremiah 34 (résumé): Warning to Zedekiah

Initially Jeremiah 34 relates a stern message from God to King Zedekiah of Judah telling him, as Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonians, that "I am about hand the city over to Babylon... and you will be captured and taken to Babylon... but he would die peacefully and not by the sword". Then came an incident with slave freedom as Zedekiah made a covenant to free the Hebrew slave as required by the law. However soon he and the officials changed their minds and took back the slaves they had freed. This really annoyed God and in his anger he proclaimed "liberty" to the sword, famine and plague in revenge. God promises that the Babylonians would yet fight against Jerusalem, take it and burn it down!

Jeremiah 33 (résumé): Promise of restoration

 Jeremiah 33 contains a message of hope and restoration which he received from God when he was imprisoned whilst Jerusalem was under siege from the Babylonians. God says: "I will restore the fortunes of the land... I will bring health and healing to it... I will bring Israel and Judah back from captivity". God also promises: "I will make a righteous branch sprout from David's line... David will never fail to have a man to sit on the throne... nor will the priests fail to have a man to stand before me... and such a covenant is as sure as day follows night... I will restore the fortunes of the descendants of Jacob and David".

World Cup (4)

 Of course I watched Brazil beat Scotland 3 x 0 and I was surprised at how easily Brazil won as I wasn't expecting that. I thought Brazil played very well. It certainly was the best game Brazil has played to date in this world cup. 

I have just got home from good physical exercise at Pilates with our daughters Deborah and Lynn.

Jeremiah 32 (résumé): Jeremiah buys a field

Jeremiah 32 tells of the prophet purchasing a field in the home town of Anathoth as directed by God, whilst he was imprisoned by King Zedekiah for having prophesied what he didn't like whilst Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians. This purchase was a real estate object lesson about how God would one day restore prosperity to his people and "once more fields will be bought in this land... because I will restore their fortunes, declares the Lord". The legal documents for the purchase were stored in an earthenware jar so as to survive the judgement period of God. Then comes a prayer by Jeremiah which expresses his bewilderment at the purchase of the field under God's guidance in such an unfavourable time. God replies to Jeremiah's prayer saying that his judgement was due to his people's sinful idolatry but he promises eventual redemption and restoration to the land.

Jeremiah 31 (résumé): A New Covenant

Jeremiah 31 is a famous chapter promising a new covenant and restoration for God's people. Initially God says: "I have loved you with an everlasting love... I will build you up again... you will go out and dance with the joyful". God then promises the return of the exiles including the lame, the blind and expectant mothers. Then it's mentioned about "Rachel weeping for her children" (Joseph and Benjamin) but says "there is hope for your future... your children will return to their own land". Then God says through Jeremiah: "I will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah... and I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts... and I will remember their sins no more... and Israel will never cease to be a nation". Then the chapter concludes promising the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

World Cup (3)

I watched England draw with Ghana 0 x 0 and it was a very boring game. England had 78.8% possession but couldn't transform that into goals. Ghana, whose manager is one of the most negative defence minded in the game, achieved their objective of a draw. Against Panama they nipped a 1 x 0 winner in the 95th minute so I'm thankful that didn't happen against us. Now onto Panama next Saturday.

Last night I completed chapter 30 of Jeremiah so that's 22 to go!

Jeremiah 30 (résumé): Restoration of Israel

Chapters 30 to 33 of Jeremiah are often referred to as the 'Book of Consolation' when the Book of Jeremiah transitions from judgement to a message of hope and restoration. The text envisages the restoration of Israel and Judah, the return from Babylonian exile and the salvation of God's people. The word comes from God to Jeremiah telling him to write in a book that he will bring his people home from captivity and restore them to the land he had given to their forefathers. Jeremiah then describes a period of intense suffering like a man enduring child birth but that eventually God will deliver his people and save them. "I will break the yoke off their necks... no longer will foreigners enslave them... instead they will serve the Lord... so do not fear... I will surely save you". God goes on to admit that the situation of his people was grave and apparently incurable.... but God had dealt with his people as he had owing to their great sin... but "I will restore you to health... I will restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents... the city will be rebuilt... from them will come songs of thanksgiving... I will punish all who oppress them... their leader will be one of their own... so you will be my people and I will be your God".

Jeremiah 29 (résumé): A letter to the exiles

Jeremiah 29 contains a well-known letter from Jeremiah the prophet as sent to the Judean exiles now living in exile in Babylon. The letter encouraged them to settle happily into Babylon, marrying and giving in marriage, and increasing in number and not diminishing. The Jews were encouraged to go for the long haul and not to expect a quick release as they were going to be in Babylon for 7 decades. So they should build houses, settle down and plant gardens, and they were to pray for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. Jeremiah stresses that the Jews should not listen to false prophets promising a quick fix. Specific condemnations were prescribed for Ahab, Zedekiah and Shemaiah who were misleading the people. And God says clearly to his people; "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

Jeremiah 28 (résumé): The false prophet Hananiah

In Jeremiah 28 the false prophet Hananiah took off the yoke from Jeremiah and broke it saying that this was what God would do for Judah delivering them from Babylon within 2 years. Jeremiah reacted saying that this would be great if it happened, but said let's see if this prophecy comes to pass! Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah saying that in fact the wooden yoke Hananiah had broken would be replaced with an iron one to the extent that Nebuchadnezzar would control absolutely everything including the wild animals! God then predicted death for the false prophet Hananiah within the year, and in the 7th month he died. 

Jeremiah 27 (résumé): Judah to serve Nebuchadnezzar

In Jeremiah 27 God instructs Jeremiah to make and put on a wooden yoke with straps. This symbolic act was a visual prophecy that Judah, plus neighbouring nations, had to submit to the yoke of Babylon or face destruction. Word was sent to this effect to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, Sidon and Judah. The people were warned not to listen to the false prophets who were saying the opposite. Thus God said: "Do not listen to them... they are prophesying lies to you... serve the king of Babylon and you will live". 

Dentist's surgery at the Care Centre

Last night I did my usual Care Centre duties taking people home from the dentist's to rural areas where there is no public transport. Another totally deaf man was attended yesterday with the help of an interpreter as the go-between him and the dentist.

I have now completed half the Book of Jeremiah having written the synopses of 26 of its 52 chapters. Thankfully Jeremiah managed to get out of being executed in chapter 26! It was no joke being a prophet in those days as if they didn't like your message they bumped you off!

I hear it's hot in the UK so let me suggest that you keep out of the sun and have 1 or 2 showers a day. 💦

Jeremiah 26 (résumé): Jeremiah threatened with death

Jeremiah 26 tells the dramatic story of the killing of one prophet and the threat to kill the prophet Jeremiah because the priests, prophets and people of Judah didn't like what was being prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem, as with Shiloh, and the subsequent destruction of the temple in the process. Jeremiah answered his accusers that he was just conveying the word of the Lord and that if they put him to death the guilt of innocent blood would be on them and the city. Eventually Jeremiah escaped unharmed thanks to the support of Ahikam son of Shaphan.

Jeremiah 25 (résumé): 70 years of captivity

In Jeremiah 25 God speaks through the prophet to tell Judah that he had decided to place them in Babylonic exile for 70 years, banishing all joy and gladness, and the whole country will become a desolate wasteland. When the 70 years are up God will punish Babylon for their guilt and repay them according to their deeds. Then God gave Jeremiah the cup of the wine of his wrath and told him to give it to be drunk (that is experienced) by a variety of nations in the known world. Then the chapter ends with a poetic description of the onslaught of  God's judgement: "roll in the dust you leaders of the flock... hear the cry of the shepherds and the wailing of the leaders... the land will become desolate... because of the Lord's fierce anger".

Jeremiah 24 (résumé): Two baskets of Figs

 Jeremiah 24 is a short chapter telling of a vision of baskets of figs which God gave to Jeremiah. The basket of good figs represented the Jews in Babylonian exile who God says "will return to me with all their heart... my eyes will watch over them for their good... and I will build them up". However the basket of poor figs represented King Zedekiah of Judah, his officials and the surviving remnant of the Jews in Judah... "I will make them abhorrent... and an object of ridicule... and I will destroy them".

Jeremiah 23 (résumé): Lying prophets

 Jeremiah 23 brings a strong condemnation of corrupt leadership: "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying the sheep... I will punish you for the evil you have done... and I will raise up a King who will reign wisely... and God's people will live again in their own land. Concerning the prophets... the land is full of adulterers... both prophet and priest are godless... and I will bring disaster on them... they prophesied by Baal and led my people astray... they commit adultery and live a lie... do not listen to the prophets who invent their own visions... so the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath... for I did not speak to them but they have prophesied... I have heard what the prophets say prophesying in my name... they are lying prophets... I am against the prophets who steal and wag their own tongues with false dreams... I will forsake those who distort the words of the living God... I will surely forget you and cast you out... and I will bring upon you everlasting disgrace".

Jeremiah 22 (résumé): Judgement against evil kings

Jeremiah 22 is a prophecy for the kings of Judah. It points to the fall of the Davidic dynasty owing to sin, social injustice and idolatry. Initially God demands care for the foreigner, orphan and widow saying that the Davidic lineage depends on this. God then warns about his impending destruction of Judah and then says that King Shallum will die in captivity. He then goes on to say that his brother Jehoiakim, who succeeded him, was condemned for his worker exploitation and his desire for opulence. Jeremiah prophecies that Jehoiakim will receive the funeral of a donkey being dragged out and thrown from Jerusalem. Then the chapter concludes with a message for Coniah, Jehoiakim's son, saying that God would rip it off even if he was just a signet ring on his hand, and that he and his mother will be handed over to Nebuchadnezzar. 

Joel

Our daughter Missionary Sacha preached a superb sermon from Joel 2 last night. It was a real blessing. Numbers were down in church as many were away at the youth camp. The youth camp finished last night and was a real blessing too. Missionary Betânia preached last night in the final service. Thanks for your prayers.

Youth Camp

Liz and I spent yesterday evening at Green Pastures at the youth camp which is facing quite an uphill battle as a result of some non-Christian participants who are involved in spiritism. There is an unusually heavy atmosphere about the place which can best be described as a spiritual dark cloud of oppression. Please pray. 🙏

World Cup again

I watched Scotland lose to Morocco 1 x 0 and thought they played quite well against a good team. Scotland could still qualify for the knockout stages. We will see.

I watched Brazil beat Haiti 3 x 0 and thought Brazil played fairly well but not brilliantly. 2 of Brazil's goals were scored by Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) who is from our state of Paraiba in João Pessoa where we have 4 churches. Now next Wednesday Brazil play Scotland which should be interesting. Pundits here think Brazil will find Scotland a tough nut to crack.

Our Youth Camp at Green Pastures started yesterday and the opening service was really blessed with a sermon from Pastor Fabrício Junior who is the youth pastor at our Campina Grande Catolé church.

Donkeys & Carts

Yesterday afternoon our school took part in the St. John's Donkey Cart parade in the Patos high street. All the Patos schools have been doing these annual parades for 20 years every month of June as part of the St. John's Festival. The donkeys and carts are colourfully decorated for the parade and ours looked very good.  Please 

The Cultura Inglesa TEFL School run by our daughters and grandchildren held its certificate presentation evening yesterday and Liz and I went along in support. All went off very well.

Today the annual June youth camp starts at Green Pastures and will end of Sunday night. Please pray for the camp.

Victory

I watched England beat Croatia 4 x 2 in the World Cup last night. I thought England played very well indeed in the second half. It was a very promising start to the tournament for England.

Street Meeting

Last night I preached the Gospel at a street meeting in the town of São Mamede preaching on Jesus' raising of Jairus' 12-year-old daughter and the healing of the woman subject to bleeding for 12 years. It was an excellent service.

This morning I took 36 year 4 children on a nature trail at Green Pastures teaching them to care for creation. The children were from the Fera School in Patos and all went off very well. I enjoy doing these nature trails.

Prayer Meeting

Liz went to the ladies prayer meeting last night. Meanwhile a small group led by schoolteacher Claudivan went and held a service at Fred and Marileide's farm near Green Pastures. Also last night our dentist attended more needy people at the Care Centre. There are activities at our church every night. I was preparing my message to preach tonight at São Mamede.  

Youth take service

Last night I let the young people take the service in Patos and Rayla led, Bianca brought a lovely short word, the drama did a short excellent play and Pastor Murilo preached a good solid sermon. The service was a blessing. The church was nearly full. The children sang a song for us pastors as the second Sunday in June in Brazil is Pastors' Day, and we all were given a water bottle as a gift.

World Cup

I watched the 1 x 1 draw between Brazil and Morocco last night in the World Cup. Brazil's performance was disappointing and they will feel happy with a draw.

I also watched Scotland's excellent 1 x 0 victory over Haiti leaving them top of their group. Scotland and Haiti played very well although I would have preferred the Scotland manager to have brought on the renowned Stenhousemuir chaplain Michael Rollo. At least he did bring on Lyndon Dykes which was wonderful!

Rio Grande do Norte

Yesterday Liz and I travelled 40 km to the neighbouring state of Rio Grande do Norte to inspect the church building project in the town of Ipueira. We went there with Deacon Dedé who is the leader there. The foundations have been built and now the walls are being erected with the wall on the south side the most advanced. We were very pleased to see how the work is going.

On the way back we called into Green Pastures and heard pairs of Caatinga Cacholotes singing beautiful duets as they do. 

I will be watching Brazil play Morocco in their first game in the World Cup tonight. Next comes Haiti against Scotland and then on Wednesday England against Croatia. Brazil, Scotland and England will be the 3 teams I'll be following in this World Cup. 

Talk

Our daughter Deborah is a vet and today she will be giving a talk at the university UNIFIP on the work of sterilization of stray dogs that are taken into animal refuge centres. Deborah is a dedicated animal rights advocate working tirelessly in the Patos refuge centres. There are an estimated 20 million stray dogs in Brazil. 

Last night we had a cricket in the bedroom making an awful din! We couldn't find it but just could hear it stopping us from sleeping, but then Liz saw it and zapped it and peace was restored! 

Last night our church organized a celebration meal for married and courting couples in honour of the Brazilian equivalent of Valentine's Day. We enjoyed a happy evening of fellowship together.

Liz visited Áthila Emanuel in hospital, who is an 8-year-old boy from our church in Juru, who was knocked down by a car yesterday and his leg was broken and he will need surgery. Please pray for Áthila who will be operated on today! He had gone to buy a packet of pop-corn when the accident happened. 

Life Squad

The Life Squad ministered the Gospel at the Men's Prison yesterday afternoon composed of Pastor Rafael and Sister Iara, and 1 decision was made for Christ out of 400 prisoners.

Last night the weekly service was held in front of our Patos school when 32 gathered to hear the Gospel preached by Brother Wellington - not Lord Wellington! It was a lovely service.

Liz and I did a lot of administrative work yesterday morning, and during the rest of the day I prepared a new sermon on "The River of the Water of Life" (Revelation 22:1-2) to be preached in Campina Grande next month. We value your prayers.

Planning Meeting

Last night I chaired a planning meeting for our Pastor Frank Dyer School for the second half of 2026. There were 14 people in the meeting discussing services, sporting and educational activities, work with teens and work with children etc. Please pray for this school and for the planting of a branch church in it in this southern borough of Patos.

Liz has just got back from a long counselling session.

Custard Apple

I have just eaten another delicious custard apple. I read on the BBC that they are coming in the UK so do try one if you can although they are probably expensive there.

The man who was going to be taken to drug/drink rehab and had his foot amputated has died in hospital. He made a commitment to Christ before he died.

The vaccination of people for Dengue Fever has been suspended after half a million people were vaccinated because 42 people had adverse effects including 2 deaths. The vaccine is being administered by the Brazilian NHS known as SUS. 

I took 2 people home from the Care Centre Dentist's surgery last night and saw the usual Burrowing Owls on the way.

Shark bite

11-year-old João Lucas, who was bitten by a shark in Recife, has had to have his left leg amputated and continues in isolation in hospital to protect him from infection. Please pray for João Lucas. 🙏

Last night I led the communion service in Patos and I also preached on Isaiah 35. It was a lovely service. Pastor Rafael went with his wife Rayla and led the service at Imaculada. This too was a real blessing.

Jeremiah 21 (résumé): God rejects Zedekiah's request

Jeremiah 21 tells how King Zedekiah sent Pashhur and Zephaniah to ask for God's help against King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who was attacking them. God's reply through Jeremiah was that to the contrary God would attack Judah owing to their persistent sin and disobedience. "I myself will fight against you with an outstretched arm in anger and fury and great wrath". God then says that he will attack Jerusalem's inhabitants with a terrible plague and will then hand over King Zedekiah and his officials to Babylon. "Whoever stays in Jerusalem will die by sword, famine or plague, but whoever surrenders to the Babylonians will survive". Then God will give Jerusalem into the hands of Babylon who will destroy it by fire. Then the chapter ends with a specific word of the Lord for the house of David telling them to administer justice and protect the vulnerable or face God's wrath... "and I will punish you as your deeds deserve".

In the dark

 I was all set to preach last night on 'the great I am' at Green Pastures when I received a call from Francisco telling me that the lighting had gone off so there was no way to hold the service in the dark as we need an electrician to solve the problem. I then proceeded to contact the different farmsteads calling off the service. God willing I will preach there next week and hold the monthly communion service.

Tonight I will be preaching on 'The Joy of the Redeemed' from Isaiah 35 in Patos at the communion service. Pastor Rafael will be preaching at Imaculada. 

Twenty chapters

Yesterday I was able to make good progress with my résumés of the prophet Jeremiah, as in recent days I did a lot of work on sermon preparation for tonight at Green Pastures and tomorrow in Patos. I also did a lot of work on EAB's Action Child and Action Schools project with first half yearly reports and children's letters. But now I have completed the first 20 chapters of Jeremiah so there are 32 chapters to go!

I have been involved in long pastoral meetings dealing with some important issues around the churches and value your prayers.

I will be preaching tonight on "The Great I am" (John 8:58) at the Green Pastures church.

Jeremiah 20 (résumé): Jeremiah and Pashhur

Jeremiah 20 tells of the clash between priest Pashhur and Jeremiah because Pashhur didn't like what Jeremiah was prophesying so he had him arrested, beaten and put in stocks for the night! When Jeremiah was released he immediately made a direct prophecy for him renaming him 'terror on every side' and foretelling that he and all Judah would soon be taken captive by the Babylonians to face death and captivity. Then Jeremiah pours his heart out to God because he feels humiliated and devastated with all he was going through just because he proclaimed God's truth. In his lowest moments Jeremiah curses the day he was born as things had got unbearable for him, but he didn't give up because God's "word is in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot".

Jeremiah 19 (résumé): Break the clay jar!

In Jeremiah 19 God tells the prophet to "go and buy a clay pot from the potter" but this time he doesn't remake the pot with moist earth, but he breaks the pot before the people symbolizing the destruction that God is about to practice on his people. For the people have forsaken God... burning sacrifices to foreign gods... they have built the high places of Baal and practiced infant sacrifice so that the Valley of Ben Hinnom was re-named the Valley of Slaughter! The bodies will be eaten by bird and beast and also in a future siege people will resort to cannibalism eating their own children! So when Jeremiah smashed the clay pot he said this was what God was going to do to Judah! And Jeremiah confirmed that God was about to carry out all his threats.

Jeremiah 18 (résumé): The Potter and the Clay

Jeremiah 18 brings us the famous metaphor of the potter and the clay. Who hasn't heard a few sermons on this passage of scripture? The text describes a potter remaking a clay pot as the original version wasn't satisfactory. So God, says Jeremiah, can do the same with any nation (or person) who needs changing or who repents of his sin. The text goes on to say through Jeremiah: "I am preparing a disaster for you... so turn from your evil ways... but the people stubbornly insist on their own ways". God says this is horrible... "my people have forgotten me and they burn incense to worthless idols... so their land will be laid waste... I will scatter them before their enemies". Then plotting against Jeremiah erupts again because people are angry at his constant warnings about judgement and disaster. Jeremiah calls to God in the face of the evil slander he is facing and asks for God to punish the people in anger". 

Jeremiah 17 (résumé): Judah's sin

 Jeremiah 17 contrasts trusting man with trusting God. It starts saying that Judah's sin is engraved in their hearts with a flint stone as too it is on their pagan altars. As a result they will be enslaved to their enemies and exiled, because they have kindled God's anger. "Cursed is the one who trusts in man... and turns away from the Lord... he will be like a bush in the wasteland... but blessed is the man who trusts the Lord... because he will be like a tree planted by a stream". The text then goes on with the famous verse: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?... God searches the heart and examines the mind... and rewards according to what his deeds deserve... all who turned away from the Lord will be put to shame because they have forsaken the spring of living water". Then Jeremiah cries to God: "Heal me O Lord... save me (he was under a lot of pressure because of his unpopular prophecies)... the people keep ridiculing his prophecies that never come to pass... you Lord are my refuge in the day of disaster". The chapter closes calling the people to keep the sabbath and not to treat it as any other day. If they do this Jerusalem will last forever... "but if they don't keep the sabbath God will kindle an unquenchable fire in the gates of Jerusalem".

Jeremiah 16 (résumé): Day of Disaster

God is about to judge Judah and so he commands Jeremiah not to marry, not to go to funerals and not to take part in celebrations as a symbolic demonstration of being ready for the impending demonstration of the wrath of God. Then when the people ask the reason for such impending judgement Jeremiah is told to tell them it is because their fathers forsook him and followed and served other gods. However the current generation is worse still following the stubbornness of their hearts. So as punishment God will throw them out of their land and send them into exile where they can serve foreign gods as much as they like, but God will show them no favour. Despite the pronouncement of ruthless exile the chapter progresses to a more positive note with God promising to send out fishermen and hunters to find his scattered people and bring them to justice because "their sin is not concealed from my eyes... I will repay them double for their wickedness... and detestable idols". There ensues however still a promise of deliverance of God's people so much so that they will remember more the deliverance from Babylon than the deliverance from Egypt, and the nations will realize that their hand-made gods are not gods at all. 

Jeremiah 15 (résumé): Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem?

Jeremiah makes it clear that God's mind is made up to judge Judah owing to their sin and unrepentance, and not even Moses and Samuel intervening would make any difference! The message from God through Jeremiah is devastating: "Those destined for death let them die; those destined for the sword let them have it; those destined for starvation let them starve; and those destined for captivity so be it!" God goes on to say: "You have rejected me... so I will destroy you... I will bring bereavement and destruction on my people... because they won't change". Then the prophet cried out to God weighed down by the message of doom and despair that he is commissioned to deliver. "Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth... everyone curses me". But God replies saying he is with Jeremiah and will "make his enemies plead with him". Jeremiah responds asking God to remember him and care for him questioning why he has to suffer so much "pain unending" in the service of God? God reacts to Jeremiah's complaints calling on him to repent of his moaning and get on with the job. "If you repent I will restore you that you may serve me... and promises Jeremiah to protect him with a wall of bronze... saying he will save him from the hands of the wicked". 

Pastor Oseias

Our Pastor Oseias at the Itaporanga church has had some sort of mild heart-attack in which he passed out twice hurting his face a lot in the process with the impact of his falls. He is now in the hands of a cardiologist doing tests to arrive at a clear diagnosis and treatment. Please pray for Pastor Oseias and his wife Lucia at this time.  

Last night I led the prayer meeting and Bible study which went off very well with a good number present and many blessed participations in the service.

Custard Apple

I have just eaten a delicious 'custard apple' for my morning snack! 😋

Dona Florzinha is a lovely very poor middle aged lady who rides round Patos on a donkey cart collecting recyclable goods. Liz is her friend and every week gives her all our recyclable items like empty tissue boxes, empty yogurt cartons etc. Dona Florzinha has just taken our materials to the recycling centre where she sells them, not for much, but it all helps. 

Liz is now out distributing food hampers to the poor and hungry,

Today is a public holiday in Brazil for the Roman Catholic festival of 'Corpus Christi' (body of Christ) commemorating the transubstantiation of the literal body and blood of Christ in the mass. This day occurs on the Thursday 60 days after Easter. Of course we do not believe in transubstantiation, and on Sunday we will be holding our monthly communion service in which we share the emblems which represent the body and blood of Jesus which we remember with grateful hearts.

Snake

Yesterday a snake appeared in our Patos School and the headteacher called the Fire Brigade who came and "arrested" it! The children loved the diversion from regular lessons and once the fireman had hold of the non-venomous snake they all took turns in stroking it! I reckon the snake was glad to finally be released back into the wild after so much affection and attention! 🐉

Last night I went with the Patos Men's Fellowship to preach the Gospel in São Mamede in a street meeting. It was a nice little service with about 35 people present.

A young man in the process of being taken to rehab for alcoholic addiction is to have a foot amputated owing to advanced diabetes. He has made a commitment to Christ and the plan is to take him to rehab as soon as possible. Please pray for him. 

Shark

An 11-year-old boy has been bitten by a shark in Recife. It is the second shark attack in Recife this year. The boy is recovering well in hospital.

I took some people home from the Care Centre last night who had been attended by our dentist. On the way to the farmstead I saw 3 Burrowing Owls and I saw the same 3 on the way back.

Yesterday I finished sending the reports from our 15 Action Schools to our EAB UK Office. Our total number of pupils attended this year is 810. I also sent the translated letters from all the sponsored children.

Blog

Last month this blog was read 74,153 times. I checked this statistic and learnt that Google, who owns the blog site, is not completely reliable so I have no way of knowing what the correct figure is. But anyway thanks for being with us and thanks for all your prayers and support.

Last night I led the service in Patos and Pastor Rafael preached on Psalm 32:1-5. It was a good service with a full church.