Santa Claus Comes to the Mall

We took our two nieces to see Santa Claus. Yep they do that in Brazil too. Every year we take our nieces to go see Santa. Sarah and Ester always get their letters ready and handing them over to Santa is the first thing they do, even before they sit on his lap. I shot two pictures of them with Santa that I thought everyone might enjoy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! God bless!

(Below Ester With Santa Claus)

(Below Sarah With Santa)

The Judgment of Christmas

The Judgement of Christmas was the name of the play that was held on December 16th at the Palmas Church. The Christmas service was held early because many people travel during this time of year, sort of like summer vacation in the USA. We enjoyed seeing the true meaning of Christmas declared the winner. It really is an interesting play in a time, especially in the USA, that you can't even say Merry Christmas to someone without wondering what their reaction may be. Many witnesses presented their case as to why they were the true meaning of Christmas, Santa Claus (Papai Noel), Christmas Dinner, The Church, A poor boy who was told the true meaning of Christmas, and of course the store manager who gave his 10% discount speech to the court. In the end it came out that Christmas is a time to remember that God sent His Son, Jesus into the world for each and everyone of us. A Christmas cantata sang at the beginning of the service, and a small nativity scene entered in to the last part of the play. Two dance/choreography teams danced, one being the "Blessing of God" the children's dance team, and the women's dance team Lilly of the Valley.

Please enjoy the pictures below. Remember you can click on them to see a bigger version of the picture.

Santa Claus Shot Down In Rio

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

A chopper carrying Santa Claus was shot down over the Nova Mare slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, according to a Reuters report. It was en route to a children's party when it was fired on from below.

No one was hurt, according to the Reuters report.

Click here to read the full story on Yahoo

Rio's Nova Mare section, one of the city's 700-plus slums, is an area know for rampant drug trafficking. Police do not patrol these areas regularly but rather raid them from time-to-time with armored vehicles or helicopters. Brazilian authorities say the shooting was likely a case of mistaken identity.

The brave Santa later returned to the Nova Mare region — this time by car — to distribute the gifts.

Wedding Celebrated December 1, 2007

We told you about the engagement party and service that was held at the church for Júlio Cesar and Layane, so we just have to show you at least two pictures from the wedding. What a beautiful evening it was at the church. We usually don´t use suits or long dresses here because of the heat, but this gave us a good reason to use them. We saw people in suits that I never thought I would see, but everyone gave it their best and had a great time. Congratulations Júlinho and Layane!

Natinha with two of her sisters and two nieces.

Baptism

A baptism was held on 11/25/2007 for the Good News Bible Church of Palmas, Tocantins.

Baptized were Idaelton, Jucemir, e Nelsa.

It was a time of celebration and remembrance of what Christ has done for us all.

Pictures of the baptism follow.

NELSA

IDAELTON

JUCEMIR

Idaelton before the baptism

Congratulations and blessings after baptism.

Candidates for baptism.

After the baptism with Pastors Mike and Ernesto

Congratulations and blessing after baptism.