EDSON QUEIROZ
The theme for this VBS in EQ was “Loving God.”  Although a relatively new church, IBBM has already hosted VBS several times in this neighborhood.  The reputation from past VBSs coupled with the Saturday morning children’s ministry helped draw kids; and on the first day, 204 children from ages 4-14 in attended.  That number grew to 294 the second day, and ended with 345 on the third day, a rather large number in comparison to the 20 “tios” (lit. “teachers,” title used for anyone who helped) who served.  Of those who attended, 38 made decisions of salvation.  On the second day, I talked with Pedro, a 13-year-old boy who recognized that he was a sinner, but did not fully understand salvation.  He thought making a decision would help him to no hit his sister anymore, or disobey in school, etc.  We looked at several verses in the Bible together.  He didn’t want to make a decision then but said he would do so that night at home.  The next day, he confirmed that he did.  Please pray for these new believers, that is was a sincere, comprehesive decision that will impact their lives as their understanding and depth of faith grows.  They do not have an easy home life.  Sex and drugs and not only out in the open, but often pushed upon them.  Robbery is a justified way of life.  Follow up visits have been planned during the next month.  It is essential because of the overwhelming influences around these kids that they become established involved with a local church.   

BOM JARDIM
This was the first VBS held in Bom Jardim by Maranata, and it held a lot of unknowns; however, the 15 tios who volunteered were both capable and flexible.  As a result, this three-day trial was a success.  It was a little bit different format as we did not break up into classes; but the kids did fairly well sitting, especially considering many are accustomed to doing what they want in school (i.e. talking, leaving the classroom, etc.).  The first day, 120 kids showed up.  Days two and three, brought somewhere around 150 each.  Safety was a huge concern, but – praise the Lord! – we had no trouble in this area!  That truly is an answer to prayer, especially with the attention we drew with the materials we brought it.  We had some kids hang around the vehicles a few days, but the guard at the school was able to keep an eye on them.  We also praise God for six kids who received Christ as their Savior.  We actually talked and prayed with several more, but their understanding of what Christ did for them and the decision they desire to make was not firm.  Pray for follow-up with the kids.  Several individuals desire to begin a Saturday ministry like Resgate, however, distance and safety are two big obstacles to be overcome.