Dear Fellow Laborers,
Since our last prayer letter, we have seen five people make professions of faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There have been three deaf adults saved, and two hearing CODA’s (Children Of Deaf Adult). We praise God for the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these people as they have been coming and learning the way of salvation.
On a not-so-joyful note, our youngest daughter’s Brazilian document (RNE) expired while we were on furlough. When she returned to Brazil in September, she returned with a tourist visa, giving her 90 days to renew her permanent visa. We tried to renew her visa, but were unsuccessful in scheduling a visit with the Federal Police. On December 22, Becky returned to the USA with our two children as that was the 90th day of Christine’s tourist visa. We have been keeping our eyes open for available dates and times to schedule an appointment, but each time we look, it says that there are no dates available and to check back later. If you would, please pray with us that we would be able to renew Chrissy’s Brazilian document as soon as possible.
On the same note, Becky’s Brazilian document will expire in March, but because of all the “red tape” that we have been going through with Chrissy’s document, it would be somewhat miraculous if we could renew Becky’s document before it expires. The problem is that, when these documents expire, that person is required to leave the country, even if it’s only for enough time to get the passport stamped. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated as we attempt to renew Becky’s and Chrissy’s Brazilian documents.
On January 2nd, my pastor/father-in-law retired from the pastorate of our home church. Although I was not required to go back for the retirement celebration on January 9th, I thought it fitting to return to honor Dr. Kenneth and Christine Walters, my pastor and his wife, giving honor to whom honor is due. My mother-in-law has also been faithfully serving in the deaf ministry all these years. It was good to be there and honor this faithful couple and servants of our Lord. My father-in-law is now lining up meetings, mission’s conferences and Bible conferences as he seeks to be a help to pastors and missionaries in the work.
Our home church, Southside Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC, has called our former youth pastor to become the senior pastor. Pr. Tyler Donough has done an outstanding job with the youth over the past eleven years, and we feel confident that he will be a good fit as pastor of our sending church.
We would appreciate your prayers as we navigate through the turbulent waters of COVID, and in trying to encourage people to not be afraid to return to church. We are praying for revival in 2022, so please join with us in prayer for the Bible Baptist Church of the Deaf in São Paulo.
Thank you for your faithfulness in giving and praying for us.
That all may “hear,”
Dan & Becky Bennett