Graduation: Peniel Bible Institute

In the wee hours of the morning on December 1, 2023 Byron and I left the land of goats and no rain to head down to state of Minas Gerais where all the fields are green.

The reason for our trip was to attend the graduation ceremonies at the Peniel Bible Institute where young people from Sobradinho have been studying over the past few years.

The weekend was full of joy and excitement to participate in this important moment.

Pedro Henrique, Bruno and Maria Luiza finished the three year course with flying colors and much applause. I was given the honor to accompany Pedro as a representative of his family. Little baby Samuel was carried by Bruno as he and Maria Luiza walked in together. It was a moment I will not long forget.

One of the guest speakers had each graduate stand with their Bibles in hand to hear his charge. He promptly asked each one to raise the Word of God with their arms outstretched. As he spoke, of course, arms began to sag.

The speaker asked members of the family of each graduate to come and help hold the Bible in support of their future missionary.

What a fine reminder for each one in years to come.

Pray for Pedro as he begins his missionary career in the Sertão of the Northeast, seeks monthly support, and starts to work alongside of Byron and myself in the work here in Bahia. Pray for Bruno, Maria Luiza and Samuel as they await the call of a small interior church in the state of Ceará where they will help as interim pastor and with evangelism and youth. Bruno is going to this work by faith and will also need some financial assistance.

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