I was once told that the tribulations and trials we have are the very spice of our lives.  Let us remember the words of God, and then the commentary of Paul the Apostle from 2 Co 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

The Lord is doing something great among us!  He is moving in our midst! He is pouring out His spirit in these last days!  He is revealing Himself to the people.  Do you see it?

For us, we are humbled by it.  For who are we, that the Creator would look kindly upon us?  That He would call us by name?  That He would use us to minister to others?  Are there not others more qualified to do this?  We are humbled.  We are filled with awe.  We glorify His mighty, awesome power!

Melissa recently said to me, “Who could have imagined 23 years ago that we would be here today?”  I can tell you, “Not I.”  Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

The work in the Indian village is showing much fruit now.  Oscar and Analucia are really being used by the Lord and we see the makings of greatness in their mists.  Through their lives, we see Oscar’s brother Valdicis now back in the church.  He has repented of his wayward path and has been shown strong in the Lord for over 4 months.  He has such a desire to evangelize and speak of Christ!  He has been placed as a deacon in order to prove his changed life before the people.  And the other leaders and people of the village are seeing it.  Oscar’s other brothers are being changed too!  Agustinho is being spoken to by God, but is still fighting against the goad. What a strong message God is sending through Oscar to his family!

We took our first local mission trip.  Oscar and Analucia, Valdicis, along with Raimunda went.  We visit two villages.  We first went to the chief’s house in each village and stated our intentions.  I already knew a few people at each village on account of working in the area and riding the river boats, but I had not visited one of the Villages before.  Everyone knew who I was, after all, there are not very many Americans around.

The closest village actually has a small Assemblies of God congregation and building.  We talked with the leadership and started the foundations of a future relationship, hopefully of working together, but not on top of each other, to reach the unreached with the Gospel of Christ.

The chief was not at the second village.  We went to the house of the eldest and first resident, Luis.  He is a Christian, given the Gospel by the two missionary women before us.  As of today though, the rest of his family are not.  We had him call everyone to the house and I gave a short evangelical message on sin and redemption, and about God not having grandchildren, emphasizing each person needing to make a decision.

We will see what fruit is produced as these seeds start to germinate.

The work in Jardim Tropical in the city of Manaus is coming along.  As I stated in the last update, we have started construction of a new Community Church there which will be led by Artur, a local resident we have worked with over the last 4 years.  The weekly children’s outreaches continue also, being led by Filipe and Ledeiana.  The community is very poor, but they put their resources together, along with just a little from us, trusting God, they started building the Church.  We are looking for His provision for the rest.  Would you consider helping build a church building in Jardim Tropical?

Family News:  Our oldest son, Jr and his wife Ashley are expecting their first child the first part of February, possibly this week.  And Andrea, our oldest daughter will complete her studies in the U.S. in May and would like to come back to Brasil to work and do ministry.  Both of these things, as you all know, require resources and sometimes bank loans.  Please pray that their needs are met and that they always seek the Lord in their lives.

Please pray for each of the people involved in these ministries, plus the many other things we don’t have time to write about.  Please pray for our family, our health both spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  Please pray for our adult children in the U.S., Jr and Andrea.

God bless you all,
Brad and Melissa Miller and Family.