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Dear Folks,
It’s hard to write a letter labeled "Summer" when I feel cold. Our cool, windy season has started and,
while it’s certainly not winter by US standards , it feels cold to us. Of course with the wind comes waves on the
lake and less enjoyable trips for us and campers. . We just hosted a retreat for a children’s group (like AWANA)
and the ride back was bouncy and splashy. So they would know there was no danger I kept looking back and laughing
and smiling until my cheeks hurt. After things calmed down one girl asked me to splash them again. It seems some
thought I was doing it - aided by a story from one of my sons that there was a spring under the boat and I was
pushing a button to make the boat bounce.
The Climbing Tower is basically done though it will need some tweaking on the hand hold placement as experience
tells us where it is too hard to reach. It took longer than I dreamed to bolt together a couple of boards, but
the 25 foot structure is firmer than I feared. In all I’m satisfied. Of course that gives us one more supervised
event to run during a retreat - five mandatory and two optional. I’m going to need a couple of more sons . . .
No, I just remembered she said I’D have to have the next one. Ah, if only I were twins I could accomplish twice
as much - of course then you’d have to put up with both of me.
One of the approaching retreats is the free kids evangelistic retreat (Aventura Brasil). We certainly need your
prayers as we try to reach kids that have no contact with church and the Gospel; for the lessons, songs and verses
being prepared; and that the Holy Spirit of God might work in the hearts of these needy children. This year our
counselor staff will be smaller and all girls which will be an additional challenge.
The Source of Light course continues, though I’ve lost a few. Two weeks ago a teen girl named Franciele said she’d
made a decision. I talked with her later and am unsure of how well she really understands, but she continues to
show interest in the studies. Eliana, whom I mentioned in the last letter, continues to be faithful with the studies
and at church. I hope in the near future to have a short retreat with the Source of Light students and families.
Our Sunday church services seem to be having better attendance lately. I sometimes wonder if we aren’t being hindered
by the bad testimony of some members; more specifically the ill mannered children. Careers (money) seem more important
than family and the results are obvious. I must deal with them but need prayer for grace and wisdom. Another man’s
immorality (I’ve mentioned him before) has led to his loss of interest in spiritual things and also needs to be
dealt with again. On the brighter side, we started a Bible memory program that is going fairly well.
Adilson, my helper is getting settled in and is as useful as ever. He has both intelligence and drive and I enjoy
his company to boot. His family comes to church some. I hope to one day turn over my physical responsibilities
at camp to him. He has already increased what I can accomplish as well as freed me up more for office and church
tasks.
We need a new care-taker on the Island. The current one doesn’t steal, but he doesn’t do anything else, either.
He decided to move his wife and kids into town because of school and now it seems he spends more time here than
there. A good caretaker is an important matter as in the past, some have stolen, and one even planted . . . inappropriate
crops. I would really like to find a believer who will look at this as a ministry, not just a job.
The social and economic changes in today’s world continue to impact us. Changing boards helped so that we are able
to be on the field, but, I am increasingly considering gainful employment. In general, I am opposed to the idea,
but there are advantages, including contact with a wider range of people on a more personal level. Teaching English
remains an option and meets my "ministry" requirement. I have also considered teaching "religion"
in the schools, but it might conflict with camp schedule and travel needs. This paragraph was much longer, but
I couldn’t get it to not sound like whining or "hinting". Whether it be Principles or Pride, I have never
and do not now ask for money. I am aware - and even humbled - by the level of commitment and sacrifice on the part
of many of our supporters. I seek your prayers and advice.
Yours in Him,
The Athas
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Prayer
Upcoming retreats
Franciele (growth)
Discipline issues
Finances / job
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Praise
Tower completion
Franciele (Salvation)
Church attendance
Adilson (help)
Bible Memory
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Two last minute developments: 1) A property on the lake beside where we "park" the boats has become
available. This is a great opportunity to better guard the boats and campers’ cars, as well as offer a location
for shorter outings where the trip to the island isn’t practical.
2) You may remember an adultery case in the church about 3 years ago. The man (the more innocent party) is in the
hospital, unconscious from the sudden effects of a brain tumor. Please pray for him. Deda made a profession at
the time, but has never shown any fruit.
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