Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:41:28
Subject: Pressing on toward the goal

Friends,
	My, its been a long time - over 2 months.  Much has happened, and,
as I did in my last email, I wish to apologize for not emailing more
often.  You guys are a very valuable to me.  I feel that I have been less
than an effective steward in my responsibilities to help convey what God
is doing among students here in Sao Paulo.  But, we must press on, and so
we shall.  On to the news.
	The English Workshops went off without a hitch (see more at
http://trusteam.net/project_eng_wksp_2002.htm).  From what I hear, the
students were very impressed by the quality of the workshops.  Out of the
workshops we have started a new English Bible study that I am leading.
The contacts we made during the workshop are the main targets of the study
as it will give them a place to continue practicing their English by
studying the Bible.  Both the English Workshops and this new Bible study
were (and continue to be) my responsibility.  This is a bit daunting, but
exciting as well.  John has been very good in knowing when I need
supervision and when to "push me out of the nest" so to speak.
	Brazil won the world cup.  It was quite an amazing thing to be
here amongst the celebrating people.  Brazil is definitely passionate
about soccer.  I had never before seen a celebration of that magnitude.
	I then attended a week of meetings with all the missionaries in my
and surrounding regions.  We had a wonderful time.  My heart was greatly
encouraged and my mind was enlightened.  Billie Hanks came and shared with
us about discipleship - the kind of discipleship that I learned from Lewie
Clark.  Billie Hanks is, to quote a web page, "a world-wide evangelist,
formerly of the Billy Graham Association, now the founder of the
International Evangelism Association."  It was very refreshing to hear
many of the things that I had heard before and know that many others in
the body of Christ are focusing more attention on this essential, Biblical
form of ministry.  John and I are now making a much more directed focus at
discipling specific people in our Bible studies.
	After the week of meetings I spent a week in Campo Grande.  I had
been to Campo Grande before during my trip to the Pantanal (see
http://www.keyspace.org/odyssey.html).  I went with John's family, Eric
and Val (English Workshop volunteers), and journeymen John Jackson and
Matt Cumbow.  We spent some very relaxing time on a ranch, and just had a
good time fellowshipping.
	The week of the meeting and the trip to Campo Grande was the first
time I had been able to spend any significant amount of time with American
guys my age since I arrived in Brazil eleven months ago.  Speaking of
that, I can't believe its already been eleven months (as of August 20).
John Jackson will be arriving in Sao Paulo in mid September to begin
working with John and me.
	After half a week off a team of International World Changers
arrived to help construct a church and conduct "backyard Bible clubs."
You may have noticed that this has little to do with our regular
university work.  Well, from mid June to mid August students are on
vacation hence our meetings, week in Campo Grande, and this project.  We
all stayed at a camp in the southern-most part of Sao Paulo.  Staying at
the camp was necessary to access our construction site better.  I did
various jobs on the work site and interpreted as the need arose.  It was a
very cool week.
	I had a few days off then I went to Riberao Preto (a city 4 hours
north of Sao Paulo) to visit Leonardo, a student who attends our Bible
studies at the law school (check out a picture of me and him at
http://www.keyspace.org/img/meandleonardo.jpg).  Also while I was there I
was able to visit some other missionary colleagues.  I stayed with
Leonardo in his home 2 nights and with my missionary friends one night.
It was very cool to "enter" into Leonardo's world.  He is a very
enthusiastic young man.  I hope to disciple him.
	That next Monday school started back.  My schedule has changed a
little and you can see what it is at http://www.keyspace.org/weekly.html.
	That Friday I went to Campinas to renew my visa.
	The next day (Saturday) Paul and Erin (my brother-in-law and
sister, respectively) arrived for a week visit.  It was incredibly good to
have them down.  They stayed with me in my house and accompanied me as I
did my work around the city.  We managed to fit in a lot of travel around
the city but no travel out of it.  They weren't able to get a full picture
of Brazil, but they did get a full picture of my life here.  If you know
them, ask them about their trip.
	Like I said, a lot has happened over the last two months.  Perhaps
you can see why I haven't emailed as often as I would have liked.
	Personally speaking, these last two months have been a veritable
roller coaster.  As you can imagine, the constant busyness led to a
burn-out of sorts.  You might even say I was depressed.  However, I am
doing very well now.  Something clicked at beginning of this week and my
faith and hope have just soared.  I can only describe it as divine work of
the Holy Spirit.  Not only that, but the recent Bible studies have been
very encouraging and I am using my time much more effectively overall.

	As always, opportunities for prayer abound.  Let me mention the
most pressing:
		My efforts to disciple Leonardo
		All of the Bible studies, especially the new English one
		My continual victory over temptation
		John's efforts to disciple his disciplees

	Thank you for your continued support.  I love you guys and "...I
urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the
Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me..."
(Romans 15:30, NASB)


Justin