Lloyd Peace – 2011, September
“What! Are you serious?” Those were the first words out of my mouth when Athena called and told me of an anonymous donor who has generously offered to match all gifts given towards the purchase of an airplane up to the amount of $50,000. This offer is good through the end of 2011. This means if a $5 gift is given for the airplane, the anonymous donor will contribute $5 as well. We are praising God for the funds that have already come in for the airplane/hangar project. Since the matching gift offer was made in late July, $12,600 has been donated and with the matching funds, that makes over $25,000. With approximately $7,000 that had already been contributed to this project (before July), $32,000 of the needed $100,000 has already been raised.
Enclosed with this letter is a brochure outlining the need and usefulness of a small plane. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this project, please pass the brochure along to them, or let me know and I can send one directly to them.
The pastor and a deacon from our home church recently traveled to Mexico, Missouri, with me. I was able to test fly the Zenith 750 which is manufactured there. After a lot of research, I believe this to be one of the best choices to use in the Amazon.
We are excited seeing God at work in Amaturá. We recently learned of two faithful men from the church in Benjamin Constant (where I grew up) who are being transferred (job related) to Amaturá. They are both excited about getting involved with this church. Praise God for the help HE is providing for this struggling congregation!
Please continue to pray for Betânia. Several students have not been faithful in attending classes. This work is challenging and can be discouraging sometimes because despite all of the repetition in teaching, it seems at times that the students just are not “getting it”. Pray for my coworker, David, who continues to make weekly visits to Betânia.
Please pray for the youth group in Santo Antônio. We were saddened to learn that during the past couple of months several teens have not been faithful in attending church and youth services. Others are struggling with right priorities in their lives. We were encouraged to hear of two teen guys in particular who are faithful, growing, and serving in the church.
We have one other need we want to make you aware of so you can be in prayer with us. We need to raise $1,500 in monthly support (from churches or individuals) before we return to Brazil. This shortfall has come about because of an increase in insurance premiums, support that has been dropped or lowered because of the economy, an increase in administrative costs, devaluing dollar/cost of living, and a raise (the first in five years). We know that is a lot of money, but are confident that nothing is too hard for God (Matt 19:26, Luke 1:37). For those of you who already support us please know we deeply appreciate your sacrifice.
Your partners in reaching the world for Christ,
Lloyd, Athena, Julia, Jessica, Jacob, and Lucas Peace