Bud Simon

A Cyber Nod

Worship during a recent conference

Hey, I got a word of recommendation from David Krug on his blog post, 5 Bloggers who Change the World Daily.

I am a bit humbled to think that someone is using such strong language.  On the other hand, I am pretty happy to know that there is some readership out there.  He got a couple of the details wrong, but then, I am not really a detail guy.

So, go ahead and take a look at the post.  I found it interesting and the other links that he includes are enlightening. 

Doors from a trip through Manaus several months ago - I love the lively colors.

Spontaneous Growth

One of the faces at KM 55, the location of a new church plant

One of the things that drew me to the Amazon over 20 years ago is the deep desire of the people to embrace the Gospel.  In 1987 I visited PAZ mission for six months and it changed.  The simple thought stuck in my mind that I wanted to spend my life sharing the Gospel with people with that want to hear it.

The people here today still have the same heart for the Gospel that I encountered all of those years ago. 

That is one of the things that is so encouraging to see.  As we work to share the Gospel, we see that people are more than willing to embrace the Good News as they hear it. 

The church is growing, maturing, and expanding, in the number of churches, the size of the churches, and in the number of leaders.  As there is a leadership pipeline produced, it makes the dream of empowering the Brazilian church to reach their own people a reality.  It is great to see that this is what is taking place more and more. 

Could you please pray for the following:
1)  That all of our needs will be met
2) That the church will continue to grow
3) That we will have wisdom as we lead and guide the work that God is doing here

Thanks for your part in the work!! 

Enjoying worship during a typical church service

Behind the projector during a recent showing of the "Jesus" film out in the interior

Road Trip

One of the people attending the meeting at KM 55, one of our new church plants.

I had a quick trip, a short trip, but a really good trip. 

Clenildo, myself, and a team of about seven more Brazilians did a short survey trip to the next town over on the TransAmazon Highway, called "Brasil Novo".  It is a town of about 12,000 people and is typical of the region, with the classic mix of cowboys, frontiersmen, homesteaders, and wheeler dealers. 

We were able to meet several people around town and spend time visiting and praying for several people that we knew. 

Also, we went on out to KM 55 where we have a new church plant.  We had a good meeting there at night and it was a blast all in all. 

It is great to see the continuing interest in hearing the Gospel that the people here demonstrate on a regular basis.  The open hearts make for a fertile area to plant the seeds of the Good News.