Prayer Requests

Dear faithful partners in the ministry,

With heartfelt gratitude, we want to convey to you our sincere appreciation for the part that you have in the work and ministry here in São Paulo, Brazil.  It is a tremendous honor to serve the Lord in such a needy place, and your prayers and financial support allow us to continue to work at the Igreja Batista da Bíblia (Bible Baptist Church).

Our family has experienced quite a bit of sickness over the past several weeks, and I (Dan) even had to take my wife and kids to the emergency room to try and get them some medical attention.  Becky was on antibiotics, but after the prescription was gone, she still was not at 100%.  The kids here have had cold-like symptoms for a long time, but the doctors told us that a virus is going around São Paulo.  With a city this size, that’s no small virus!

Even with sickness, Becky continues to homeschool five children.  Since we only have three children at home now, you may be wondering about the others she is helping.  Deborah (age 10) and Matthew (age 8) are doing well in school, and Christine (3 years old) likes to color and write her “letters” while the others do school.  Our recently arrived colleagues, Jon and Hannah Speights are going to language school Monday through Friday.  Their two children, Joanna and Jason, come to our house during the day to do school.  There is also a teenage boy that is coming over for Becky to help as he is doing his senior year of high school using the A Beka Academy curriculum.  Becky stays busy, but helping five kids with a good, quality education is worth it.

Our four oldest children are doing well at West Coast Baptist College, and they are having a wonderful time.  We miss them greatly, but we are thrilled that they have a desire to serve the Lord.  Please keep them in your prayers regarding their physical, spiritual, and financial needs.  Having four kids in college is costly, but we are trusting God to supply their needs as He has done in the past. Read more →

As I began reading Genesis 22 for family devotions this morning, Matthew informed me that they had heard this story of Abraham offering Isaac, “a thousand times”. What a valuable time we had as I reminded them that when God tells us to do something, we must obey, whether we understand it or not. Because of Abraham’s obedience, God said that He was going to bless all the nations of the earth through Abraham’s seed. Because of one man’s obedience, his actions have impacted people the world over. When you think that the decisions you make will affect you alone, you never know the outcome that your actions may have on others. As I preached yesterday, I said that, “God does not require you to understand, but He does require you to obey.” Be mindful today that your actions could make a lasting – if not eternal – impact on someone nearby. While your decision to obey or disobey may not be earth-shattering, if could have an impact in your little corner of the world. Let’s copy the example of Abraham, and even though what God requires us to do may be extremely hard and doesn’t make sense, know that He has a purpose in it all, and your obedience could have eternal significance.

06 December 2011

 

Dear family and friends,

First of all, on behalf of our entire family, we would like to say a great big “THANK YOU” from the bottom of our hearts for your fervent prayers for us in regards to our “journey” to Brazil. It was truly an adventure! I will go back and reminisce a few days before our trip began on Monday.

Sunday was our last time at our home church before leaving for our third term in Brazil, so our pastor asked our family to stand in front of the pulpit after the morning service for the church people to come and tell us “good-bye.” We appreciated all the kind words, sweet remarks, hugs, kisses, and tears that were shed for us, and with us. We truly love our church! We will miss you all, and we would love to hear from you all from time to time.

On Monday morning, we had tremendous help as the Stockman’s, Bro. Donough, the Tyree’s, and Pastor & Mrs. Walters came to assist with packing and transporting our luggage to the airport. As Brother Branton Blair would say, “My, my, my,” did we have luggage! When we finished packing as much as we could, we had 22 large duffle bags as “checked luggage”, and a hodge-podge of “carry-on” luggage, complete with a stroller, car seat, and a booster seat. The internet said that our limit was 70 pounds per bag, so most of our bags were right at 69-70 lbs. However, when we got to the counter, the lady said that the limit was 50 lbs. Heather, my nephew’s wife, who helped us get our “stand-by” tickets told us that they had to honor what the internet said, and the internet said 70 lbs. for Brazil. After a mild “discussion”, she went and asked somebody, or perhaps went to the Delta website, came back and told us what we already knew, that we were indeed allowed 70 lbs. per bag. After all that was settled, we still had to pay for excessive baggage, but they were kind enough to take off $75.00 for one bag they discounted.

After we got checked in, we gathered in a circle as Russell Stockman led us in prayer. We then hugged and kissed and cried some more, and then headed toward security.

Well, we got back to our gate, and then we waited to be called to board our 12:45pm flight. That call never came since the plane was full. After we were informed of that, we continued to wait for the next available flight. The lady at the Delta counter told us that she would transfer us to the next flight, which would be at 2:15pm. In the end, she must have forgotten to do that because our names were not transferred to that flight. Read more →

Thank you so much for your prayers for us, and for the church situation in Brazil. I went to Brazil in March, and the Lord opened up a door for us to rent another building in the close vicinity of our previous location. It is also more reasonable that where we previously were, allowing us to save more money. We did not come up with enough money to buy a piece of property, but we have received a little more than $9,000.00 in special offerings. We have put this money in savings now, and will continue to pray and ask the Lord to provide the necessary funds to be able to purchase in the future.

There is an empty lot directly across the street from our new location, and while it is not on the market yet, I believe it would be ideal if we could purchase that, and then build according to the needs and future growth of the church. God could put it on the market when we need it to be, if it is His will. We will see what He is going to do.

I received an e-mail a few days ago from the missionary that is taking our place in Brazil, and he said that they had a good number in Sunday’s services, with first-time visitors in both services. Praise the Lord!

We greatly appreciate your interest in the ministry, and we would certainly appreciate your prayers. God bless!

December 9, 2010

Dear Faithful Partners in the Ministry,

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10, 11). We praise the Lord that the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is for “all people.”

We have had a very busy schedule over the summer and fall months as we have traveled extensively. We have visited a number of our supporting churches, as well as being in some new churches. We praise the Lord for some new churches that have taken us on for monthly support.

In August, we traveled to Williamsburg, Ohio to help with a Vacation Bible School. We had a great time and we were able to see several children make professions of faith.  From there, we traveled to Illinois, then back to Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia. We began the month of September in Virginia for the first two and a half weeks, and the last week of September was spent in St. Louis, MO, in a missions conference of one of our supporting churches.

October took us to another missions conference in South Carolina, just over an hour from our home church. On October 8^th, we left South Carolina for a trip that would take us all the way to California. We had a rigorous schedule that took us through thirteen states while visiting a number of churches. While we had the privilege of seeing the Grand Canyon and many other sights, nothing compares to the joy of seeing two people accept Christ as their Saviour while we were in San Diego, CA. We had good meetings in Arizona, California, Texas and Alabama. We praise the Lord for one new church in Texas that immediately took us on for support while we were there. Please pray for us as other churches in Texas will be voting soon to take us on for support.

We are now back in South Carolina for the Christmas holidays, but will begin traveling again in January of 2011. Our schedule is filling up quickly, and I am trying to get into as many new churches as possible. Please keep us in your prayers as we need to raise some additional support. Thankfully, God has not been affected by the economic crisis, and we trust Him in regards to our support needs.

Our family is doing well and Christine is now seven months old and growing like a weed. We have been traveling together this summer and fall, but will be a little more stationary as the children continue in their studies. Rachel, having finished high school this past school year, has been a big help around the house.  She just recently celebrated her 20^th birthday.  Joseph is a senior with A Beka Academy and is working hard to finish all the requirements for this year.  Nathan is in 10^th grade and Anna is in 9^th. Deborah, now seven years old, is in the 3^rd grade, and Matthew, age five, is in Kindergarten. Please pray for our children as homeschooling on the road is difficult. Becky is doing fine and stays busy trying to keep up with the children and their schooling, as well as, our travels. Please remember our family in your prayers concerning our safety and well-being. We have stayed healthy this year except for a cold here or there. The Lord has certainly been good to us, for which we are thankful. He supplied every need and even some wants on our trip to California and back. Praise His name!

Thank you for the birthday and anniversary cards this year, as well as, the Christmas cards and special Christmas gifts that you have given sacrificially. We trust that God will bless each and every one of you this Christmas season. Remember that Jesus is not only the “reason for the season”, but also the reason for our ministry in Brazil. Merry Christmas!

Your missionaries to Brazil,

Dan & Becky Bennett

June 28, 2010

Dear faithful partners in the ministry,

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people (Psalm 105:1). We have much for which to praise the Lord! He is so good to us and His grace is all-sufficient! We would like to share with you the great deeds He is doing with us and through us, here in the USA, as well as in Brazil.

We praise the Lord for Missionary Garry Tyler, with his wife, Pam, as they are keeping the work in Osasco going while we are here in the USA for furlough. They have re-started the teen meetings every other Saturday evening, and have had good attendance with even a few visitors. Please remember Rivaldo in your prayers as he has been coming, but has yet to trust Christ as his personal Savior. Adriano, a man that Dan led to the Lord a couple of years ago, has gone visiting with Garry on occasion, so pray that he and his wife (Kléia) will continue to be faithful to church and in making visits. Pam and our niece, Christa, have taken Kléia to make a visit with Sandra, her sister-in-law, who was very depressed after losing her baby. The Gospel was clearly presented to Sandra, and although she did not make a decision at the time, she is open to having more visits with Pam and Christa. Please keep Sandra in your prayers regarding her salvation. Read more →

Before I say anything about my grandmother-in-law, I would first like to begin by talking about her Savior, because I believe that she would want me to do that. We have a PRECIOUS Savior! I would like for you to think with me about the words to the following song.

HE IS SO PRECIOUS TO ME
Words & Music by Charles H. Gabriel

So precious is Jesus, my Savior, my King;
His praise all the day long with rapture I sing.
To Him in my weakness for strength I can cling,
For He is so precious to me.

Refrain:
For He is so precious, so precious to me;
For He is so precious, so precious to me.
’Tis heaven below, my Redeemer to know,
For He is so precious to me.

He stood at my heart’s door ’mid sunshine and rain,
And patiently waited an entrance to gain.
What shame that so long He entreated in vain,
For He is so precious to me.

Refrain

I stand on the mountain of blessing at last,
No cloud in the heavens a shadow to cast,
His smile is upon me; the valley is past,
For He is so precious to me.

Refrain

I praise Him because He appointed a place
Where some day, through faith in His wonderful grace,
I know I shall see Him, shall look on His face,
For He is so precious to me.

Refrain

Here is another song that tells of the PRECIOUS name of Jesus.

PRECIOUS NAME
Words and Music by Lydia O. Baxter, 1870

Take the Name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe,
It will joy and comfort give you;
Take it then, where’er you go.

Refrain:
Precious Name, oh, how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n;
Precious Name, oh, how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.

Refrain

Take the Name of Jesus ever,
As a shield from every snare;
If temptations round you gather,
Breathe that holy Name in prayer.

Refrain

Oh, the precious Name of Jesus!
How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us,
And His songs our tongues employ!

Refrain

At the Name of Jesus bowing,
Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in heav’n we’ll crown Him,
When our journey is complete.

I love those two songs that remind us that Jesus is PRECIOUS! His name is precious. The Bible tells us that the blood of Jesus Christ is precious. (1 Peter 1:19 – But with the precious blood of Christ…)

The Bible also tells us in 1 Peter 2:7, “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.” Those of us that believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, He IS precious to us. Jesus was precious to “Grandma.”

But now I want to change my focus a little to something else in the Scriptures that is said to be “precious”. The Bible says in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

It’s interesting to note that the same word is used of Jesus, His blood, and the death of His saints. We can understand that Jesus and His blood are precious, even essential, to our salvation, but how is the death of a Christian precious in the sight of the LORD?

Let me try to explain it by using a simple illustration from the airport. We have been to airports and many times have seen it when one person is about to enter the line that reads “EMBARKING”. There is a circle of friends and loved ones around the person that will soon be departing. They are hugging, crying, and kissing the soon departing loved one. It is truly a sad time as they say their goodbyes.

However, at another location, perhaps half-way around the world is someone else anxiously awaiting the arrival of the aforementioned person getting ready to embark on his trip to a new and different place. The people in this place are excited about the arrival of the traveler. Everything has been prepared. They can’t wait for the long-awaited loved one to arrive as they count down the days, then the hours, and then the minutes. This excited waiting party is at the airport early with flowers in hand, checking the flight status on the computer monitor in the terminal. They eagerly watch out through the window, wondering if THAT’S the plane he is on, wanting to see when the plane lands, and then whispering a prayer of gratitude when the plane has safely landed. Then, as excited children on Christmas morning, the arrival party practically runs to the “DISEMBARKING” area to be the first to get a glimpse of the one arriving.

But wait: the traveler left a group of sobbing loved ones just a short time ago. It was a tough trip, both emotionally and physically. Now he is anxious to see the arrival party at the airport. It was a long, tiring journey, and the traveler is ready for the journey to end, and to finally get home.

As our weary traveler nears the end of his journey, he sees HIM. The ONE who loves the traveler with an everlasting love. The One who gave His life for the traveler. The One who had prepared a place for the traveler. Everything is ready for the traveler to arrive. As the eyes of the weary traveler makes visual contact with the One waiting, he sees Him running toward him with tears of joy streaming down His face. As the two embrace, the tired traveler hears, “Welcome Home, My child.” The journey has ended.

As we return to think of the departure of our dear mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, grandmother-in-law, and great grandmother, we can rest assured that her arrival on the other Shore was a grand reunion with her Savior. As we on THIS side weep over the departure of our beloved one, there was joy on the OTHER side upon her arrival. The LORD was there to take her in His loving arms, and not only did He say to her, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” but He also said, “Welcome Home, My precious child.”

The Home-going of a precious saint of God is precious in the sight of the LORD. And since it is precious in the eyes of God, it should be precious to us as well.

“Grandma, you will be missed, but we know that you are in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, and surely it must be precious!”

That is how the death of a Christian is precious in the sight of the LORD.

Now THAT is PRECIOUS!