Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 13:41:30
Subject: More progress

Friends,
	You may have noticed that it has been awhile since my last update.
I usually send out an update every week or so, but last week was an
exception.  Not a whole lot has been happening lately.	Once I arrive in
Sao Paulo and begin my ministry I will have plenty of things to tell you
guys about.  But right now I have just a few.
	Last week was slow.  During the first part of the week I just went
to class as usual.  Thursday and Friday was a holiday so I didn't have to
go to school.  I just hung around my house and relaxed and read.  It was
good to have some down time.
	Sunday the Summit Church (http://www.thesummitchurch.org) called
me during the second service.  For the past few weeks they have been doing
a missions emphasis and they thought getting to talk directly with someone
on the field would be cool - and it was.  This was no doubt a surprise to
many of you, but I had been expecting it for several weeks.  I thought a
surprise would be cool so I kept it a secret.  Although the interview was
short it was awesome.  The cheering at the end and the prayer that Bro.
Bill offered was incredibly encouraging.  My thanks go out to all those
who made this possible.
	Monday I had a language test and moved into the final stage of my
language learning time here in Campinas.  A student's time here is divided
into three sections which are marked by different books that we go
through, one book a month.  After each book there is a test over that
months material.  The book I started on Tuesday is going to be
challenging.  Every day I have two lessons (same as always).  During the
lessons I learn at least 6 vocabulary words and expressions to have
memorized for the next day.  We read a news article off CNN.com.br
(Brazilian CNN) and talk about it.  We review material from the previous
day.  We read a story which I retell in my own words and in a different
verb tense.  Then we have a point counter-point discussion.  During these
times we talk about philosophical ideas, and theological issues.  The
teacher gives an opinion and I give one in the opposite direction.	We
discuss the topic and try to persuade one another to our point of view.
Its pretty fun, but it is rigorous as you can imagine.
	I believe this specific training will be very relevant to my
ministry.  I will be working with students from the University of Sao
Paulo.	This university is one of the premiere schools in the nation and
the students are top notch.  I have no doubt that we will have critical
discussions about a myriad of topics - it is the nature of university
life.
	Wednesday I will be leaving to go to the beach.  I am going to be
meeting with many of the missionary families from my "field" (the state of
Sao Paulo).  I am really looking forward to this time to build some
relationships, relax, and just have fun.  I will be staying there until
Saturday afternoon.

		Please pray for:
			A core group of students that will become
				disciples of Christ
			Language acquisition
			Those at the Summit pondering missions

	Thats all for now.  I hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving!

Justin

P.S.  I am posting all my emails on my webpage now so if you think you
missed one go check it out at http://www.keyspace.org