Tom Gilmer: June 2014 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends of Zion:

Thank you so much for your prayers and offerings.  “One step forward, two steps back,” or just “plodding along” and sometimes seeming to be at a standstill, describes much of our work.  Then all of a sudden, God blesses with bits of good news!

It was exciting to see the title “Rev.” before the name of the author of an article entitled “Anti-semitism” printed in a Jewish magazine. In past years, that would have been unthinkable! It was written by a former missionary  to Israel with our Brazilian Jewish Ministries organization. He is of Jewish origin and first learned of our church over 30 years ago through a Jewish publication.  He now works independently in southern Brazil, supported mainly by the church of which he is a member. Another Jewish publication told about Benjamin, the young Hebrew Christian we helped immigrate to Israel earlier this year. He now works as a Kosher baker, a job that gives him free time to attend services on the weekend.

Last month Élison’s mother, sister and niece of Jewish descent from Fortaleza, Ceará, visited São Paulo.  When Linda called to wish Élison’s wife, Tânia, a happy birthday, she asked Linda to have a Bible study with them and a neighbor lady. The Lord opened the door for a very clear presentation of the Gospel. On Friday evening, the sister and niece went to the Friends of Zion meeting to meet Professor Assis and Camila, who also are from Fortaleza.  Assis was teaching at the Bible Institute, but Camila spent time witnessing to them and telling them about their church in Fortaleza. After the service, both of them called on the Lord for salvation. Tânia said her sister-in-law came back rejoicing and wanting her and Élison to teach them how to pray like they pray.  We gave them the address of the church in Fortaleza.

The Lord seems to be opening the door for Professor Francisco Assis Nogueira Barros and his wife Camila to study this coming fall.  More details will be given as plans become more definite.  They are now working by faith through application forms and all the multiple details of preparing for a school year in another country, getting ready to work in Bible translation and consultation for multiple translation projects. By the end of July they will need $3,000 more than they presently have to be able to go, or commitments of 10 monthly offerings totaling at least $300 per month. Praise the Lord for the victories and challenges. May the Lord richly bless you.

Yours for the Messiah,
Tom and Linda Gilmer

PRAISE:

1. Professions of faith:  2 Jews, 4 Gentiles.
2. School located for Professor Francisco Assis and wife Camila
3. Amazing, increasing acceptance of Jewish Christians.

PRAYER:

1. Salvation of Jews and Gentiles.
2. Bible study helps preparation.
3. New churches & growth of existing ones.
4. “Church Growth by Soul Winning and Discipleship” Conference with Dr. David Teis in Brazil in July 2014.