= I

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BRAZIL CHRISTIAN MISSION

VOL,

XLI

SPRING ISSUE. 1995

NO. 1

3b preach the gospel, make disciples and establish self-governing, self-propagating and self-sustain ing churches in every manner of living in the Holy Spirit and in a missionary outreach... encouraging
the life that must participate in the goodness andglory of God and His Divine nature. (II Peter 1:3,4)

A local donation was received to reform and finance the

EXTENDING THE VISION

which began in central Brazil!

From its beginning, the Brazil Christian Mission has had a vision of ministering to the "whole man." After Starla Joy Sanders de Azevedo graduated from the Brasilia Christian College, she became active in social services and philanthropic
work with the Brazil Christian Mission. Soon others began

rent on the building where the Association currently serves 130 abandoned or very needy children. Luiz Carlos has spent many hours and effort in purchasing material, helping and supervising the workers in the reform. Rent is extremely hioh
and the Association is nrayina for funds to purchase the old

house shown in the picture, for expanding the work. Those

who only need daycare would stay here, study and receive their meals. Those who need protection and/or get rid of drug and other evil habits would go to a farm for restoration and
tartinirj>i training... another necessary step in expansion.

cooperating with the mission to set up a strong, national selfsupporting social service and education work the INTE GRATED LIFE PROJECT. Abigail Mescjuita served as its first president and later, when she became ill and moved back to her city of origin, Recife, Starla Joy became president of the project, then later became executive secretary and coordina tor. It was at this time that Starla was "set apart" as a mis sionary by the local Christian church in Brasilia.

THE CHALLENGE WAS GIVEN . . AND ACCEPTED: -Nubia is tak

In January 1993, with a new completely Brazilian direc tory in charge of the INTEGRATED LIFE PROJECT in Brasilia, and after much prayer and discussion, Starla Joy and her hus band. Luiz Carlos, and their family felt it was the Lord's will for them to move to the northeast... to Recife... to EXTENii
THE VISION!

ing inventory of the food pur

chased from funds from the INTER

NATIONAL DISAS

TER CY

EMERGEN SERVICE

In Northeast Brazil, in the State of Pemambuco, part of the suffering world, there are twelve cities that make up the great metropolitan area of the state's capital, RECIFE. Since 1990, Abigail, in spite of very UI health, had started a work among the street children in Recife (Association For the Res toration of Man) and needed help. Lulz Carlos, Starla and their family drove to Recife in March 1993 and began working with Abigail and Nubia (Abigail's daughter), restructuring and en larging the project for more and better service as well as work ing in the new church. When Abigail passed away in 1994, Starla became president of the Association, with Nubia, a strong collaborator, as vice president.
REJOICE! REJOICE! IS THE

(IDES). This year IDES is providing

funds for food,

clothing and medi cine. A very grateful THANK YOU to IDES from the Association! It is in this present "home" that the VISION OF COMPAS
SION IS BEINO EXTENDED. In March of 1995, there were 130

MESSAGE FROM BRAZIL!

children enrolled in the Association. Fifteen are "boarding in" and the others come each day for special classes and their meals. Many of them have been registered in a nearby schooL These are children that, if it weren't for the "Association,"
would be on the streets.

These thiee sisters, Ellsa, Ellsangela and Erica are candi dates for adoption or a substitute home. Their mother cannot keep them and, according to Brazilian law, they cannot stay In an institution for too long except on an emergency basis. They are hoping to get an authorization from the children's Judge to keep them, so If they cannot be adopted, they can at least have a Christian home in the Association. These girls are very bright, sing in the vocal group and have scholarships
in the music schooL An American couole is oivina 7 such
scholarships tor children to learn music. The older of these

Wagner lAarques is 11 years old. His twin brother, Walter, Is going through several kinds of heart exams. He will possi bly need major heart siirgery. Of sweet disposition, he is al ways smiling and helping. He sings in the vocal group and received a scholarship to learn to play the guitar.

girls, Elisa, has lenrosv. but is being treated and it has re ceded and vrill not affect any of the other children.

The seven who have scholarships in music.

Paulo and Karine are also candidates for adoption. Their mother left them with a neighbor who has mental problems and then disappeared. Another neighbor sent them to the Association for protection from their stepfather, who is an al coholic and has abused them. Karine has a growth problem. Though 9 years old, she is the size of a 5-year-old. She is tak ing tests and exams to see what can be done.

EXTENDING THE VISION THROUGH INVOLVEMENT - YOURSI

I I

Be involved throuoh pravino specificallv for the SandBe involved bv challeniiina prayer partners... some-

ars and the Azevedos and for special projectsi

one else to prayl

I Be involved more deeply bv tMcnminn a "Foster Par ent" (monthly sponsorship - $25.00) for one of the diildren who needs youi

Register to receive BOM buUetlns and prayer lettersi

fSnnririar hAmmiTirt Inwilyed aS a mODthlV SUPPOlter of

this ministry)

THE EDUCATIONAL & VOCATION

AL VISIONSarealsobwngKrten^
(Right): A silkscreen factory was started with funds re
ceived from a Christian friend in the USA. These T-shirts were

specially painted for a dramatization that the children were presenting. The employees of "0 8e A" (a national clothing department store) are helping to start a paper recycling fac tory. They have formed a Foundation to help social service
entities. The Association is one of the few evangelical institu tions who are helped and respected as an institution which actually changes these children. (Below): Two of the children live with their mother liter

ally under the bridge. If they did not stay (during the day) at the Association, they would be in the streets begging or steal
ing.

THE SPIRITUAL VISION . . .

... is being extended in the "home" and in other areas with new churches in Evangelism, helping them to become self-supporting, self-governing and self-propagating. The small
aiifHtnrium of the "home" also serves temporarily as a church building. The location is in the much deteriorated area in the

center of the old city... not too safe to walk alone after dark. Very few of these children in the Association or their fami
lies know the Lord as a friend. Most of them have never heard

about Jesus. In visiting some of the homes, they have found several families who put up boards, cardboard boxes, cloth, wood and built shacks under a very large bridge. Each shack
is connected to another. There are more than 20 under that
EDITOR " L. David Sanders Missionaries:

Llovd David and Ruth Edna Sanders

Caixa Postal 862

bridge. When stepping out of the one room in which they live, they are on the street of the bus station. There is no running water, no lights, except the light in the streets and the water is what comes from rain and gathers in a pool where the mothw and older sisters wash clothes and where they all "bathe."
Thft rhiirtran are not the only ones who are being reached.

70.359-970 Brasilia ~ DF -- Brazil

Starla Jov Sanders de Azevedo

Rua Joao itegoso de Medeiros, 297

Candeias

Every Thursday evening there is a meeting for the mothers w

54.430-250 Jaboatao dos Guararapes Pemambuco, Brazil

Send all contributions and questions to:

Joe Means, Agent

Brazil Christian Mission Box 17033

some relative who is responsible for the children. Two Thurs days a month, a visiting precher, or the local one, comes to speak. The other two Thursdays there is a special talk on health problems, nutrition, counseling or other subjects nec essary fM these people. The plan is to eventually start regular
services in this "risk" area.

Wichita. KS 67217

The congregation located in the "home" is also starting some small home groups, one in north Recife where many of their memben live, and one in the suburb, Piedade, which is next to Candeias, where Starla lives. Starla is also in direct work In new church planting and now "contact representa tive" fcxr the training center being established there as a part of college eiqmnaion. THE SPIRITUAL VISION continues to mq>andl

Please help keep our records straight by designating your offerings for missionary or project.
Please do not send chedcs or bills to the field.

Address corrections should be sent to BCM Bulletin, 216 N. Madison, Ave., Anthony, KS 67003.

REJOICE! REJOICE! IS THE MESSAGE FROM BRAZIL!

REJOICE IN THE LORD JOICING THESE MUCH RE
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!

DAYS IN NEW CON

VERTS, NEW CHURCHES. NEW GRADU

ATES. NEW CROSS-CULTURE VENTURESI
New churches in the Federal District of Bra

zil initiated by mother churches and national local elders, deacons, preachers, evangelists,
shepherds, ministers...

Evangelism has taken on more en thusiasm in the last 5 years in Brazil. An estimated Jump of over 13,000 mem bers in nearly 200 churches, brings an estimated total of 23,600 members.

A small newspaper called "The Messen ger of the Churches of Christ" publishes 10,000 copies every two months. Three colleges are functioning and two campus extension courses are in formation. National leaders are excited about plant ing new churches. In Brasilia, four new churches were planted in the last 12 months.

O0^4,

(Left): Inaugtuation of new

preaching point and regular weekly ser

vices begun in a new suburb, PARQUE DAS EMAS (Ostrich Park), near the Integrated Life homes for chil dren and elderly about 20 miles from the center of Brasilia. The local evangelist, Vicente de Paula, is sponsored by church
leaders (Marinhos and Lima) from the Ceilandia Church.

(Center): Inaugtuation of 2a Church of Christ in Samambaia, subiub of Brasilia, in June 1994. Eight of the 22 ministers of the Federal District were present. The unfinished building is di

rectly behind the new "sub way" stop, eighteen miles from the center of Brasilia. Osorio Gonsalves, Rector of Christian College, is preacher-evangelist. The Taguatinga Church is responsible for the work. (Right): Setor "O" in Ceilandia opened a new work not far from where an evangelist was shot, robbed and killed a few years ago. The work, officialized April 2, 1995, is looking to another new suburb 10 miles away. The local evangelist, Edgar Neves, is under the sponsorship of the First Church in Ceilandia.

(Left): Inauguration of new house of evangelism and wor ship in Taguatinga during the church's first Missionary Con vention. This new congregation is led by elder/preacher/evan gelist Carlos Ribeiro and its newly-elected president-evange list, Sergio Luiz (currently a student at Christian College.

(Top right): Graduate of Christian College in Brasilia, Lutumba Mpaca, sends back a photo of baptism from Angola, Africa. Forty-one were baptized on this day. Lutumba has helped set up a college extension course here as well. (Bottom, right): Edson Gouveia's substitute in Taguatinga is a second generation evangelist and minister. Edson presents the "key" to the church. Valdeberto (son of evan gelist Florisvaldo Moreira, now deceased) has a BA in Theology and worked with mission
ary Paul Lanham various years.

(Below, left): Installation of new minister, Edson Gouveia (and wife and four chil dren), called to the central Brasilia church after a successful 17-year ministry in the Taguatinga church. In Taguatinga, he led the church in establishing new churches in the
Federal District and in other states. He led in social services and Mission Services Association
PO Box 2427

Non Profit Org.

37950-9998

cross-cul
tural work.

KnoxviUe, TN 37901-2427

U.8. Postage Paid

KiioxvUle,TN
Permit #374

He has also

been elected
the new

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

president of
Christian

College.

BRAZIL CHRISTIAN MISSION

% JOE MEANS

THE AZEVEDO FAMILY

RUA JOftO FRBAGOSO DE MEDEIROS. 297

CANDEIAS
BRAZIL

BOX 17033

WICHITA. KS 67217

USA

54430-250 JABOATliO DOS GUARARAPES

PERNAMBUCO - BRAZIL - SA

1995

BEGINNING A NEW YEAR, WITNESSING FOR THE LORD IN BRAZIL!

TO OUR LOVED ONES...FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCHES:

Personal Greetings!

March 10

God has given us grace, mercy, courage and strength to meet every "headache", every as welj as the many "vexations and "frustrations" and "victories". With the ApOTtIc Paul, vou have given us encouragement and challenge to press on toward the prize. YfiS
anrt vnu hav^ hrmifyht to mind God's love and care with your encouragement in a letter,
in a gift, in a prayer. Von are so verv imnortant to us!

As this day dawns, it is comforting to bring to mind your friendship and prayers.

"heartache", every "damaged feeling", every "evil attack", every blessing", every joy

SO WE WANT TO GIVE YOU A SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS FOR THE many years of cooperation AND MANIFESTATION OF YOUR CONCERN. WE WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE HAVE APPRECIATED YOUR PERSEVERENCE WITH US, EITHER INDIVIDUALLY, OR WITH YOUR CHURCH HELP. PLEASE REGISTER IN YOUR HEART THAT YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO US!
Familv Up-Date!

Alhertn Malbrirns. .Tunior in Recife, Pernambuco in January. L. David performed the ceremony and we were reminded of own wedding, when a friend sang Because in Portuguese, as it had been sung 50 years ago in English. ^ Fernanda I.niiisa Sanders de Castro, our youngest grand-daughter (Mar^

Kyula Jane, our oldest grand-daughter rstarla's daughter), was married to Jflifl

daughter) was born on April 4, 1994 and already happiest when she is in the swimming
pool with her daddy, T.uiz Fernando.

Daryl Bruce and Pamela and familv have moved to Columbia, South Carolina where Daryl has taken a new job, still in computers... he has also re-enlisted in the Navy reserves. His new address is: 305 Concourse Drive, Columbia, S.C. 29223.
Church and College Growth!

Camaval time in Goiania, where there are 30 churches of Christ. At this time, we also visited missionary Earl Haubner and the new church in construction. A survey was
including new churches in 1994. revival and renewal spirit. ^ ^^ ^ , , u

This new year, we (David and Ruth) visited the annual Youth Congress held at

made to report on ministers and church growth. We hope to have this report real soon,
As missionaries, we feel a new tranquility among the churches and nejoice in a

church. However, there is already a new growth, now in 1995, in attendance and with U
stmng stable leadership.

In Brasilia, there was little growth in 1994 and another division in the Brasilia

transfers on March 5, 1995. (Two new congregations have been initiated since the

separation, by former pastors). We look forward to 100% increase this Ycar, with a new

Reports were puhlished of tremendous growth in the last five years

estimated total of 20,000 members in all Brazil.

with an

There are various "Restoration

Movements" with an unestimated growth.

another is a Community Christian church.

One is a non-instrumental group, and

Our big event of the year was that Christian College in Brasilia graduated 29 students on December 8, 1994. Fifteen received 4 year Bachelor degrees in Theology and fourteen received certificates for the 2 year leadership course by extension. There
were around 450 who attended the graduating exercises in the Brasilia Church. A new

extension "campus" was opened in Rio de .Taneiro (area of Teresopolis) by Philip McAfee and another branch has also opened in Recife (1500 miles away). Recife Report - Staria .Toy and Luiz Carlos!
* Family health conditions are more stabilized!

Many adjustments have been made to live in high temperature and desert-like suffocating climate, even though close to the ocean. Staria and Luiz Carlos sold their home in Brasilia and purchased a home in a * suberb of Recife - Candeias (Jaboatao dos Guararapes) to work with the "street Children" along with Abigail Mesquita (Luiz Carlos'sister). With the death of Abigail, Staria was called to the presidency of the Association of human development - caring
for the homeless children of the streets. 13Q children were matriculated in 1995.

Because of the difficulty of housing and transportation, they travel by bus some 10 miles
with an added five blocks to walk. The small auditorium of the "home" also serves

temporarily as a church building. The location is in the much deteriated area in the center of the old city. * L. David and Ruth visited Recife especially for the wedding of Kyula .lane and John Alberto in January, 1995. They also attended church services while there and

initiated theological studies with the voung preacher who began as minister-evangelist in the struggling local church. He works in computer analysis in a bank and began a
ministry when the church was divided. Hopes and Plans!

We are making plans for two special events this year!

Lloyd David and Ruth's Golden Wedding Anniversary on August 26. We invite you to share our Joy. We would be very pleased if you could come. Let us know if you
can and we will HIl you in on the details!

Staria .Toy's trip to the States in September and October on "deputation" for Project-Recife, This is especiaUy important in helping the mission and the churches

become directly concerned about encouraging her in her work and needs. Please pray
for her throughout this year!
Special Report!

Thank God with us for the enclosed Hnancial report for 1994 and its suggestions
and appeal! Prayer with us as you give special consideration to our OBJECTIVES!
In Christian Love,

d
L. David and Ruth Sanders

QRIECTfVES FOR SANDFUS AND AZl^VEDO IN 1995!

w:

r U> i.

and In a missionary out-reach... enc(ftiraging the life that must participate In ttie goodness and glory of God and His Divine nature. (H Peter 1:3,4) >
aOAIS FOR SANDERS TN 1995! 31 _

To preach the gospel, make ^disciples and establish $elf-goTeniing, self propagating and self-sustaining churchlsr in every manner of living In 4he^ Holy Spirit

1. To continue encouraging the local chdrctt in evangeiism and to double the local

3. To encourage the iocal association of ministers to establish 10 new churches in the

Federal District. f

membership to 200. ' 2. To double the local missionary giving.^"

4rTorestablish locally, five new house chlffches... beginning with small groups. 5. For Sanders to send out at least two 'Oculars" to all the preachers of Brazil for

encouragement (appeal for cooperfition in "international communion service").

a local church and/or establish a i&Sw church within 100 kilometers of the college.

6. Aim to enlist each student in the ChrBfian College to participate In some ministry of

7. Share In expanding the ministerial training program through existing structure.

8. To Implant and/or help enlarge the vi^on of training and encouraging the helpless to
all of this through present structifrb (through expansion or reform).
9. Work with other missionaries and nationals to print two books In 15195.
FINANCIAL GOALS FOR AZEVEDOS^IN 1995!

help themselves and the poor to ^power themselves (In Christ) to confront life...

1. Starla Joy for a two month visit in the USA. She is seeking a church or churches for
their living link sponsor and needs $2600.00 2. For transportation - $20,000.00 or $400.00 monthly for 50 months. 3. For telephone - $3000.00 or $100.00 bionthly for 30 months.

4. For completion of payments on their'house - $25,000 or $500.00 monthly for 50

months. i

IN THIS NEW YEAR, PLEASE PRAY EARNESTLY FOR REACHING THE ABOVE
OBJECTIVES AND GOALS FOR BOTH SANDERS AND AZEVEDO!

WE SEEK YOUR CONTINUE PRAViaiS FOR POWER TO SERVE GOD IN EVERY OPPORTUNITY DURING 1995! ^
PLEASE PRAY FERVENTLY WTTH^US FOR GOD'S GLORY TO MANIFEST IN ALL TRUTH AND GRACE! ^

BRAZIL CHRISTIAN MISSION FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1994

DECEMBER 1993 FINAL BALANCE
In Working Capital

In Field Account-Brasilia
Owed on loans

$ 336.82 $3677.00

$14,756.16
$31,875.82 14,545.00
141.00

Receipts duri*^q 1994:

For L.David & Ruth Sanders For Starla Sanders Azevedo For Church Growth & Literature

For Integrated Life Project

For Project- Recife
For "Wheels for Recife

For "Feed the Children"-Recife

Total receipts for 1994:

4,115.00 3,521.95 1,888.00

For Transfer to other individuals or missions

Expenditures during 1994;
To Stateside Working Cap_ital
Repayment on Loans To Brasilia Field Account
To Pension Fund

250.00
a.518.00

$59,854.77

$ 1,961.14 2,174.48
18.413.15 500.00 32.568.00

To Starla Sanders Azevedo

To "Feed the Children"-Recife To "Wheels for Recife"

1,888.00

Transfer to other individuals or missions Total expenditures for 1994:

To Stateside Administration
To Pension Fund

250.00
2.100.00

$59,854.77

WORKING CAPITAL AND PENSION FUND EXPENDITURES: $

Total expenditures for 1994
BRASILIA FIELD ACCOUNT EXPENDITURES: To Integrated Life Project
To Stateside Administration
Repayment on Loans

1,549.45
500.00

$ 2,049.45

$ 4,085.00 1,320.00
800.00

Health Insurance (Sanders)

Transportation

1,368.00
906.00

Office-Telephone-Secretarial help
Field meeting (Travel) Reform-construction - ADONAI
Christian College , _

Evangelism

4,005.00 1,000.00 2,755.00 2,776.00 1,594.00

1.524.00

Transfer to other individuals or missions

Total expenditures for 1994

$22,403.00

DECEMBER 1994 FINAL BALANCE:

Yet owed on loans

In Wheels for Recife In Brasilia Field Account

In Working Capital (Stateside)

(negative)

$11,584.00

250.00 -214.85

715.00

c nn

'?3'
GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATED IN BRAZIL

Lloyd David and Ruth Edna (Snodgrass) Sanders, missionaries in

Brazil for 4? years, celebrated their 50'th year of marriage on August

29t 1995 in Brasilia (Federal District) Brazil.

This special celebration was held in the Brasilia Church of Christ
with over 300 members, friends, missionaries and families present. Of

the Sanders* personal family present were Luiz Carlos and Starla Joy
Sanders de Azevedo from Recife, northeast Brazil, where they work with
street children. Their four children, Kyula Jane, Kalinka, Jean, Kaliula

Joy and Kevan Andrew were unable to be present.

Daryl Bruce Sanders

was present from Columbia, South Carolina, but his wife, Pamela and their

three child^^en, Russell Lloyd, Richard Daryl and Kathleen Ruth were unable

to be present. Siadiffs* youngest daughter, Maria Joyce (from Brasilia)

was present with husband, Luiz Fernando de Castro and their three children,

Marcelo Jason, Rafael and Fernanda Louise. These three grandchildren were a delight as they walked down the aisle in front of their grandmother,
Ruth and their uncle, Daryl.

One outstanding guest was the first convert that L. David had

encountered as he journeyed back to Goias from Rio de Janeiro, the first

time. This man later confessed that he had planned to kill David on one of his visits to his farm in northern Goias... but he accepted the Lord,

instead.

Two of his grand-daughters want David to perform their weddings

Other guests included various preachers, third generation

in December.

descendants of some of the first converts, one of whom, Marques Borges,

is now associate minister in the Brasilia church.

Another guest, graduate

of Abilene Christian College and verteran missionary, was 93 year old Virgil Smith who gave the closing benediction.

The ministering counsel of the churches of Christ, represented by

its secretary, Evaldo Fernandas (a preacher of a daughter church in Guara),

and by Manuel Marinho Sena, minister of evangelism and missions in the
Brasilia church, presented the "Sanders" with a congratulatory plaque in

honor of their golden wedding anniversary and their faithfulness in

ministry of the churches of Christ. Osorio Gonsalves Rodrigues, rector

of Christian College and "planter" of two new churches in the new satelite
city of Samambaia, led in a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for the
lives of the couple. Robert Fife, missionary to Portugal and son of

Thomas Fife, gave a historical sketch of this fifty year period.

Edson

Ppreira Gouveia, minister of the loca Brasilia church, brought a message

of love and eternity from Psalms.

Special music was presented by ensemble groups, from duets and solos
from the local congregation and various surrounding churches, in both

the English and Portuguese languages.

After the worship-celebration

service, the ladies of the Brasilia church shared inproviding and

distributing refreshments including a delicious 80 pound coconut cake baked by Selma Macedo, disciple of former missionary Art Carter.
The Sanders plan to continue living and serving in Brazil as

opportunity and strength permit.

They express their gratitude to all

brethren and churches who have made this so possible.

END

Picture! The Sanders were presented with a congratulatory plaque for

their golden wedding anniversary and their faithfulness in

ministry in Brazil.