Christa

February 2008 -

In July of 2002 I had the privilege of going on a missions trip to Rio de Janeiro with the youth group from my church in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was through a Bible study on that trip that the Lord called me to be a missionary to the country of Brazil.

In the fall of 2004 the Lord allowed me to assist my uncle, Dan Bennett, in the starting of the Bible Baptist Church in Osasco. Osasco, a large suburb of Sao Paulo, is a city of 700,000 people.

This spring the Lord has opened the doors for me to spend 11 weeks in Osasco, Brazil with the opportunity of "declaring all Thy works." I am looking forward to what the Lord has planned for the spring as I minister once again in this church which is so dear to my heart.

May 2008 -

We held our annual Missions Conference on April 16th - 20th...I had the privilege of leading the Childrenīs program and had a good group of kids come each evening. One night we had 17children attend. It was a delight to see the children learning more about missions and how they could apply it to their own lives...

Saturday, during our Missions Banquet, I sat with a first time visitor lady and her ten year old granddaughter...They both came back the next day for Sunday School and the morning service. During the invitation after the morning message she indicated that she wanted to be saved. Missionary Pam Tyler dealt with her and what a joy it was to hear her say that she had prayed repenting of her sins and trusted the Lord as her Saviour...

On April 25th - 27th we held a marriage seminar...On Friday evening and all day Saturday while the adults and teenagers were in their sessions I taught the childrenīs class...

I am enjoying giving weekly piano lessons to my 7 piano students. Itīs wonderful to see them learning more and using their talents for Godīs glory.

Last Saturday, May 3rd, I started a childrenīs bell choir class at church...We will be having bell class each Saturday morning and plan on having a small presentation at the end of this month. Several of the children, whose parents do not attend church at all, will be inviting their parents and family members to come to hear them play. We are praying that they will come and hear the Gospel and be saved.

July 2008 -

I arrived home last week and am finally over jet lag. I praise the Lord for the wonderful opportunity of spending this time in Brazil serving Him there.

...Some of the highlights of my trip:

• Giving piano lessons to 7 students including teenagers and children;

  Accompanying and interpreting for the BIMI SMART Team as they served in our church and ministry;

  Serving and interpreting for BJU's Soccer Team as they ministered at the Bible Baptist Church in Jundiai and went into public schools giving the Gospel and playing soccer with the kids;

  Preparing and decorating for, then serving at, the couple's dinner on June 14th;

  Teaching music theory class and;

  Leading the Children's Bell Choir.

May God bless each of you for your part in this ministry. Thanks again for your prayers and financial support that made this trip possible.