In January 2025, Clenildo and a select team set out to evangelize a region where they had never been. Their story starts here.
(I adjusted names and details, but the story remains true.)

Chapter 9: A Mother’s Cry for Truth

“Where Are My Children? They Must Hear!”

The Dumas River welcomed them the next day as Zammy joined their mission. By nine in the morning, they had already evangelized their first family, who all received Christ with tears of joy. The river seemed to be carrying them from one divine appointment to another.

At one humble home, a mother listened intently as they shared the Gospel. Her weathered hands clasped together as understanding dawned across her face. When they finished speaking, she suddenly stood up with fierce urgency.

“Where are my children?” she cried out. “They must hear these truths! They cannot miss this!”

She called and called until her grown children came running from the fields and nearby houses. One by one, they gathered in that small room as their mother insisted they listen to the most important message they would ever hear.

By nightfall, they had visited five more families, and each one surrendered to the Lord. At another home, exhaustion hit Pastor Clenildo like a physical blow. His strength was completely gone. Pastor Renato noticed immediately and asked the gathered group to pray for their leader.

Their united prayers renewed him instantly. Strength flowed back into his body, and he pressed on with fresh energy. The power of corporate prayer sustained him for the rest of the journey.

By evening, they returned to Zammy’s home, physically tired but spiritually overflowing with joy. Community after community had opened their hearts to the King.
 

“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15

“Therefore pray for each other and confess your sins to each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
 

“The world was not worthy of them.” (Hebrews 11:38a)

The writer of Hebrews pauses to honor those men and women who wandered, suffered, and persevered—living for something greater than comfort or reputation. The world dismissed them as obscure, ordinary, even expendable. But heaven called them giants of faith.

Today, there are still such people—those of whom the world is not worthy. They wake each morning with one holy purpose: to see God’s kingdom spread everywhere. They love their families, care for neighbors, do honest work—and offer it all to God’s mission.

They may never make headlines. But the fragrance of their lives seeps into homes, workplaces, and streets like holy yeast.

The true measure of a life is not fame—but faithfulness. The world may not notice them, but the King does.

(Note: Many of our pastors are women living equally valiant, God-centered lives. This photo shows only the men’s retreat.)

Deanna’s Journey to Healing

We celebrated two Canadian Thanksgivings this year—one with the wonderful Eric and Marianne Nielsen (our co-grandparents to Paul and Lucy).

Deanna was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that, thankfully, responds well to a modern treatment called Targeted Therapy—similar to chemotherapy in process and treatment cycles, but much gentler in its side effects.

The worst chemo valleys are behind her, and she’s preparing for surgery on October 31. Please pray with us.

Bella, the twins’ mom, was radiant during Thanksgiving at my sister Marlene’s.

Prayer Requests

• For sustainable, reproducing churches throughout the Amazon Basin, Portugal, and beyond.

• For Deanna’s body to be strong for surgery on October 31—and to recover quickly and completely.

Peers & Milestones

Last week in Dallas, my brother-in-law Darrell Stobbe crossed a finish line he’s been chasing for years. Out of more than sixty seasoned racers in the NHRA Texas FallNationals, he battled through seven intense rounds to win the Super Stock National Championship.

It wasn’t just horsepower—it was precision, nerves of steel, and the quiet persistence of a man who never quits.

Darrell’s faith shines on and off the racetrack. He’s an example of the good leaven Jesus spoke of—transforming the world one conversation at a time (Matthew 13:33).

The trophy he lifted—a “Wally”—represents more than metal. It’s the fruit of patience, discipline, and faith.

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