September 2015 Prayer Letter

Dan Bennett

Dear faithful co-laborers in the ministry,

We have had a mild winter here in Brazil, and now spring is upon us.  We are grateful to the Lord for the much-needed rain that we have finally gotten these past few days.  As I sit in my office listening to the rain coming down, I would also like to convey to you some of the “showers of blessings” that God has poured out upon our ministry.

I mentioned in our last prayer letter that we were having a special get-together at the church to celebrate a Brazilian holiday on July 9th.   Fifty one people were present, and once again the Gospel was presented to all in attendance.  The Seed was planted, and we continue to pray for a bountiful harvest of Deaf coming to Christ.

We also had “Friend Day” in July, and the Lord blessed us with 48 people in attendance, with eight first-time visitors.  I preached a message on Hell, and although no one made a profession of faith, they did have an opportunity to get saved.

In August, we had a Men’s Retreat at our home. Some of the men had asked me about having a Men’s Retreat since the ladies have a Women’s Retreat every year.  It was a good time of fellowship for our men, and we had one man that came who used to be a member of the church a number of years ago.  We will work to make the Men’s Retreat bigger and better each year.

On September 7th, we had a churrasco (cookout) at our home for the entire church to celebrate Brazil’s Independence Day.  Fifty two people were present and although it rained off and on, everyone had a good attitude.  We thank the Lord for sending the rain as São Paulo has been in a drought for a couple of years.  We had some visitors on this day, and as customary, we had a time to preach the Gospel.  I had to stop about half-way through the message to move the service indoors when it began to rain again.  Please continue praying with us for the work here as we believe that it will not be long before we begin to reap from the field that is white already to harvest.

Becky has started a new, separate evangelistic class for some Deaf people that are not saved.  She is using the “Wordless Book Visualized,” and is slowly and simply teaching one color each week to some Deaf that have no religious background.  It’s exciting to see these young people come faithfully to church to learn from God’s Word.  Please pray for the salvation of John Gabriel, Valter, Wellington, Leandro, and Edna.

We are planning to take our furlough next year.  If you are interested in having us stop in and give a report, please contact me with a possible date in mind, and, Lord willing, we will fit it into our schedule.

We appreciate you all so much for holding the ropes on our behalf.  May God continue to bless you all!

Your missionaries to the Deaf in Brazil,

Dan and Becky Bennett

June 2015 Prayer Letter

Dan Bennett

Dear faithful ministry partners,

Much has happened since our last prayer letter, so I will try and give just a few highlights of what has been going on in our lives.
In April we traveled back to the USA for Rachel’s graduation from West Coast Baptist College. We picked up a ministry vehicle from Baptist Missionary Transportation Ministry (BMTM) in Harrisonville, MO, and then made our way to California over the next few days. We were blessed to be able to see Dan’s uncle and aunt in Colorado on our way out west, and even stopped again on our way east to pick up Dan’s suit he left there by mistake (whoops). However, we stayed with a precious couple in Utah, and when the man heard about the suit that we had left, he took Dan and bought him a (much needed) new suit. We were only able to visit a few of our supporting churches while in the States since our time was very limited. However, while we were in California it was a blessing to be able to have had our whole family together- all seven children for the graduation! Becky’s parents also were able to fly out to California for the graduation, and we were able to spend some good time together.
After Rachel’s graduation on Wednesday, May 6th, our youngest child, Christine, celebrated her fifth birthday on May 7th. She is growing so fast, and is looking forward to starting kindergarten in a few weeks. On Saturday, May 9th, we began our long trip toward Kentucky and Ohio since Rachel was hired on at the Creation Museum. It was a long, hard trip, but we sure enjoyed the time in the van with Rachel. Joseph and Nathan are working in Ohio, and it was good to have spent some time with them again as we helped them look for an apartment for the three of them to share.
After we left Ohio, we made a whirlwind trip to South Carolina to see Becky’s family, then over to Georgia to see Dan’s dad and oldest brother & family. It was short, but oh, so sweet, to see loved ones again, and we can only imagine the joy we will have in Heaven of never having to say, “Goodbye” ever again.
We returned to Brazil on June 9th, and the following Monday a group from Valley Bible Baptist Church in upstate New York came and spent twelve days with us. This church supports our colleagues, Jon and Hannah Speights. They were such a blessing as they came ready to work. They helped in literature distribution, and also helped with our Valentine’s (June 12) banquet where we had fifteen couples in attendance. Pr. Shawn Foster preached several times while here, and a good number of our church people told him that they wanted him to come back and preach again.
Next week on July 9th we will have a special get-together at the church to celebrate this Brazilian holiday. Please pray with us about this time with the deaf, as we will be having food, fun and fellowship. There will also be a short message preached to the deaf on this day, so please pray that we will see some saved as a result.
On Sunday, July 19th, we are having “Friend Day,” encouraging our people to bring in some first-time visitors.
We are grateful for your faithful prayers and support, and we thank God for you.

Your missionaries in São Paulo,
Dan & Becky Bennett

Which Old Testament Character Are You Copying, Isaiah or Saul?

Dan Bennett

During the annual Missions Conference, we look forward to “rubbing shoulders” with the missionaries, hearing their testimonies, seeing their slides, and sensing their passion. We know that we will hear great preaching regarding the Great Commission. We expect to be encouraged to pray more, and challenged to give more. And every year, the guest preacher – whoever he may be – always asks the same question: “Could God be calling YOU to surrender YOUR life to missions?”

Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Two thousand years have passed since Jesus spoke those words, and yet they still hold true today. I believe that the greatest reason for a lack of “labourers” (missionaries) around the world is not that God is calling fewer Christians to missionary service, but that so few Christians are willing to copy the example of Isaiah and say to God, “Here am I, send me.”

Instead of being like Isaiah, many Christians are following the example of Saul, the first king of Israel, who went and hid among the “stuff” (1 Samuel 10:22). Saul was actually hiding to keep from having to do God’s will. Today’s Christian has so much “stuff,” and can’t bear the thought of having to give up their stuff should God call them to missionary service. The author of the book of Hebrews says that we must lay aside every weight – the unnecessary stuff – which hinders the Christian from running the race set before him, and fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1,2).

What is holding you back? Rather than asking God, “Why me?”, say to Him instead, “Here am I, send me!”

January 2015 Prayer Letter

Dan Bennett

Dear praying friends and financial partners,

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:3

We want to express to all of you our deep appreciation for the Christmas cards and special offerings that were given on our behalf. You helped and encouraged us in a special way, and we’re also very thankful for the extra Christmas love offering that was given to us.

Back in November on Thanksgiving night, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the church with our annual Prophecy Conference. The first night there were 30 people in attendance as Dan preached about the Rapture of the Church. On Friday night, there were 29 people as we saw and heard a message on the Judgment Seat of Christ. On Saturday night, there were 53 people for the preaching on the Tribulation. Sunday was a great day as the place was packed with 87 people showing up, with several first-time visitors. Denize, a deaf lady that came on Saturday, was back on Sunday. Pr. Rinaldo, the former pastor, preached a message on the Second Coming of Christ, and at the invitation, Denize got up from her seat and went out to talk with Becky. I saw Denize a little while later hugging another one of our ladies, and with a huge smile on her face she told me that she had been saved. I asked her some questions to try and make sure she understood, and it seems as though she truly did get saved. Afterwards we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Igreja Batista da Bíblia (Bible Baptist Church), with good food, fellowship, and a beautiful and delicious cake made by one of faithful men.

On December 21, Dan baptized three young people (two of our own children, and a deaf Brazilian girl). Also, one lady received assurance of her salvation. We had one first-time visitor, and a few second and third-time visitors. One man who came, began asking questions about salvation. Please pray for Mário, the husband of Denize, that the Holy Spirit would continue working in his heart, and open his understanding of the Gospel. Since Denize made a profession of faith a few weeks back, she really wants her husband to get saved, too. Thanks for your prayers regarding the salvation of Mário.

We ended the year with a good time at Deaf Camp from December 29 through January 1. Although we had a small number, the Lord blessed as we ended the year being spiritually challenged from the Word of God.

We were blessed to have our four oldest children here in Brazil for Christmas and through New Year’s. The hardest part of being a foreign missionary is being so far away from family members, but we know that we are where God wants us, and His grace is sufficient.

Thanks to all that have a part and an interest in our ministry here in Brazil. To GOD be the glory, great things HE hath done!

Level of Difficulty or Level of Faith?

Dan Bennett

Today’s culture has the habit of measuring a task by the “level of difficulty” in which it is required to perform that task.  However, our obedience to the Lord should never be based upon “level of difficulty.”

We read of the heroes of the Faith in the Bible, and we learn of the difficult tasks that God performed because of their “level of faith” in Him.  The level of difficulty required to perform the task had nothing to do with their obedience, but their level of faith in God is what prompted them to do what they did.

When God calls you to perform a difficult task, He is looking at your level of faith in Him, not at the level of difficulty required in which to perform that task.

What is God calling you to do that seems terribly hard, or even impossible?  As far as God is concerned, the “level of difficulty” is irrelevant, for with God nothing is impossible!

Jesus is NOT the Reason for the Season

Dan Bennett

 

“Jesus is the reason for the season,” is not a true statement.

Now, before you write me off as a heretic, think about it.

Why did Jesus come in the first place?  His purpose in coming to this earth was to provide salvation for mankind.  Only through His sacrificial death on the cross – and His miraculous resurrection – can we be saved.

The Bible says in Isaiah 53:5 and 6 says, “But He was wounded for OUR transgressions, He was bruised for OUR iniquities…and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of US ALL.”  In Luke 2:11, the angel of the LORD said unto the shepherds, “unto YOU is born … a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Emphasis added)

When you get right down to it, you can look at yourself in the mirror and say:

“YOU are the reason for the season.”

“YOU are the reason that Jesus, the sinless Son of God, left Heaven and the praise of the angels.”

“YOU are the reason Jesus Christ came to this earth, was born of a virgin, and was placed in a borrowed manger.”

“YOU are the reason Jesus Christ suffered, died on the cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and gloriously resurrected the third day.”

“YOU are the reason Jesus Christ was humiliated and crucified, to pay YOUR sin-debt.”

Don’t take this the wrong way.  The Christmas season is not about YOU; it’s about Jesus!  Jesus is the reason for the celebration, but YOU are the reason for the season.

This Christmas, let us praise God for giving us His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and let us be eternally grateful that His reason for coming was so that WE could be saved.  “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

The Armor of God

Dan Bennett

Many Christians believe that it is stylish to wear the brand of clothing, “Under Armour,” but more important than having on your Under Armour is to have on your Outer Armor, the whole “armor of God.”

The Bible tells us repeatedly that the Christian life is a battle, and we can’t afford to be underdressed and unprepared in time of war.  We are told to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18), and to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

I know that Christians have on their helmet of salvation, and they carry the shield of faith, but what about the breastplate of righteousness?  For many Christians, that piece of armor has been neglected and omitted because, they say, it binds, confines, restricts, and is uncomfortable.  Many of the younger soldiers never got into the habit of wearing the breastplate of righteousness, stating that only the old-fashioned legalists still wear that antiquated piece of armor.

Some Christian soldiers don’t habitually use their belt of Truth, which usually leaves them in a situation somewhat embarrassing.  I’ve seen some cocky, worldly Christians that are too “cool” to use the belt of Truth, but when they really needed it, they ended up, “looking like a fool with their pants on the ground!”

Other Christians go out barefooted, leaving their Gospel shoes at home in the rack.  When a bad situation comes upon you, you will need your shoes to be able to stand your ground without slipping and sliding.

I believe that one of the main reasons why Christians keep losing the battle to temptation is that they don’t take the time to “suit up” with their spiritual armor, they aren’t prepared for battle, and they aren’t fighting.  If you go out into the battlefield without your armor, unskilled with your Sword, and not expecting a fight, you won’t see the enemy coming, and you’re going to lose every time.

The Christian life is not a leisurely walk in the park, but a dangerous mission into enemy territory.  Be expecting aggressive and violent attacks by the foe.  You will get shot at, traps will be set for you to fall into, and you will be vulnerable to the enemy if you go out for a casual stroll.  Don’t ever expect to get the victory if you’re not going to fight.  He is out to destroy you, so be ready to fight!

 

Written by DLB – 9 November 2014

Prayer Letter – October 2014

Dan Bennett

October 31, 2014

Dear faithful co-laborers in the ministry,

With joyful hearts we want to “praise God from Whom all blessings flow!”  It’s hard to believe that 2014 has flown by so quickly.  We have seen God working in our midst, which means that our old enemy has also been fighting against us.

On August 2, we went to make a visit in the home of one of our deaf ladies, and while there we were able to lead Kaio, her eleven-year-old hearing son, to the Lord.  We were invited over to have lunch at her house, but in the end it was her son that received the Bread of Life.

On Saturday, September 6, we had a cookout at our house for the deaf to celebrate Brazil’s Independence Day.  We had 54 in attendance, and Dan took advantage of this opportunity to preach a Gospel message to our visitors.  No one made a profession of faith, but the Seed was sown in the hearts of the deaf that came.

On September 21, Becky had the privilege of leading Rebeca, a fifteen-year-old deaf girl, to the Lord.  Her parents were members of the church when she was born, but they backslid several years ago.  With their daughter being a teenager, and the world closing in on her, the parents knew they had to do something.  Since then, the parents have gotten right with God and started coming back to church.  All three of them are now coming faithfully to church, and they are also enjoying the class we have for new members.

On Thursday, October 23, a deaf lady by the name of Auciléia came to church again.  She has been coming now for a couple of months, but didn’t understand spiritual things at all.  One of our deaf men, along with his wife, has been teaching this lady for several weeks in their home. On that evening when she arrived for Prayer Meeting, she began telling us that she did not want to go to Hell, so Becky took her into another room and spent the whole service going over the plan of salvation with her. At 7:25pm on this October 23, 2014, Aucileia trusted Christ as her Savior! To God be the glory!

On Sunday, October 26, a young deaf man by the name of Fábio came to church. We mentioned earlier that we had a cookout at our house on September 6, and Fábio saw a Gospel presentation, possibly for the first time, back in September.  On that Sunday, he saw the Gospel story one more time.  As Dan preached another evangelistic message, Fábio was all “eyes” as the Holy Spirit was working on his heart. He responded during the invitation, and after the service another hard-of-hearing man and Dan took him to another room, and for the next 30 minutes Dan went over the verses and recapped the message for him. At 5:30pm, Fábio bowed his head and prayed a simple prayer of confession and repentance of sin, asking Jesus to save him. Praise the Lord!

We have several activities planned for the next two months, and we are excited to see what God is going to do at the Igreja Batista da Bíblia (Bible Baptist Church) in São Paulo, Brazil.

Once again, from the bottom of our hearts we want to convey to you our deepest gratitude for having a part in our ministry.  Thank you for giving and praying, as both are necessary for us to be able to continue spreading the Good News here in Brazil.  May the Lord continue to bless you for your faithfulness in helping us carry out the Great Commission among the deaf and hearing in São Paulo.

That all may “hear,”

Dan & Becky Bennett

The Faulty Flashlight

Dan Bennett

I have a nice looking, sturdy silver flashlight.  I have noticed, though, that there must be a bad connection internally.  Last night, I had to go outside and check on something around 11:00pm.  I pushed the button on my flashlight to turn it on as I walked out the door.  It shone brightly.  However, as I walked up the steps to where I needed to go, the beam of light went out as I hit the last step, which happened to be the darkest place.  It was very dark, so I was a bit uneasy as I walked into an area where there could be creepy-crawly things lurking about, or “land mines” strategically placed by our domestic animals.  I pushed the “on/off” button numerous times, but to no avail.  I shook and beat the flashlight to try and get the faulty, internal connections to re-connect, but it was useless.  I quickly checked on what needed to be done with the help of the light from the screen of my cell phone.  As I descended the steps, when I reached the next-to-last step the flashlight came back on and beamed brightly.  It was frustrating to me that the flashlight seemed to work fine in the light, but refused to shine in the darkness.

That reminded me of some Christians that can shine brightly at church on Sundays, and perhaps even on Wednesday nights at prayer meeting.  However, during the rest of the week when they are walking in a lost and dark world, they refuse to shine when they are needed the most!  The reason that those Christians don’t shine in the darkness is because they have a “faulty, internal” problem – a problem with their heart.

Christian friend, at church on Sundays, we love to greet you, see your smiling face, shake your hand, and hug you.  We know you, we know you’re saved, and we appreciate that you let your light shine at church, but there’s already light inside the church house.  However, it’s on Monday when you go to school, or work, or to the grocery store, or hang out with other “soccer moms” when your light needs to shine brightly where there is no light.

Just like my faulty flashlight that is not much good when I needed it the most, neither is a Christian that doesn’t shine for Jesus in this dark world.  Get the faulty connection fixed in your heart so that Jesus can shine through you, and then you can “let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”

July 2014 Prayer Letter

Dan Bennett

July 24, 2014

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.  (Psalm 145:3)  We greet you from São Paulo, Brazil, praising the LORD for His unsearchable greatness towards us.  We have several items that we would like to share with you, so that you may join with us in our song of praise to the Lord.

On April 20, Dan was able to lead Alaor, a deaf man, to the Lord that had been coming to church for a couple of months.  It took several times of explaining the Gospel from different angles before he was able to understand and was ready to put his faith in Jesus Christ.  His life has been transformed, and he is definitely a “new creature” in Jesus Christ.

On April 27, Becky was able to lead this nine-year-old hearing boy to the Lord after Dan preached on the second-coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  He had been curious and wanting to be saved, but was not ready in his understanding of the Gospel.  That day, the Holy Spirit opened up his heart and understanding, and Almir trusted Jesus as his personal Savior.  His parents are deaf, and they are happy that their son is now saved and on his way to Heaven.

May 12 marked the fifteenth anniversary of our family’s arrival to Brazil.  It has not been an easy road, but oh my, what blessings we have received!  We are so grateful for the opportunity we have had to serve the Lord in Brazil these past 15 years.

On May 31, our eight-year-old son, Matthew, was having doubts about his salvation late that Saturday night.  Becky had talked with him, and then she called me in from my office to talk with him.  What a thrill and a tremendous blessing it was to see Matthew kneel beside our bed and pray to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior!

On June 8, Dan had the special privilege of baptizing these two precious deaf ladies.  The one on the left, Amélia, is 72 years of age, and the one on the right, Imaculada, is 76 years old.  The water heater was not working, but even though the water was cold, they were excited to get baptized.

We count it an honor to be able to represent you, our faithful ministry partners, here in Brazil.  Without your love, prayers, and support, we would not be able to do what are doing to reach the deaf of São Paulo with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

With grateful hearts,

Dan & Becky Bennett