Sunday, 7 July 2024

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - July 2024

 

Children and parents at the Festa da Colheita - Harvest Festival End of term party

JOCUM PRAIA

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - July 2024



Dears Friends,


Greetings from Iparana, Brazil!


Summer months are passing by quickly, so I better catch up with all our news!  



Thank you to all of you for your prayers and financial support and messages and encouragement.  Since our last newsletter building work has continued, we have been very focused on the need to finish classrooms, and open a new school entrance to prepare for the next phase of building work. It was rather complex juggling the school and construction at the same time…but somehow we made it through, and the children are able to enjoy their new classrooms.  The photo opposite shows the Paths to Reading Project we have been doing in school. 

                                                                  




Photo above - Children singing for Mothers Day


Building Work - Doors

Making a Difference!


We started working on ground floor classrooms. Then I realized just how many doors we have!  Many similar to those in the photo on the left. Since we had all new classrooms upstairs, I decided we had better replace the doors downstairs too.  They definitely have seen better days, the weather hasn't been too kind to them, and so decided new Aluminium doors like in the photos below would be a better option. We have 9 new doors now fitted in the school and also some more to be fitted soon. We are very grateful to the Lord for making this possible. In the videos viewers will be able to see the differences taking place, 100% better than it was this time last year structurally. We give thanks to the Lord and for those who have made this amazing provision possible!. 

I made a video to show the latest work  at the link below

Building Work Update


Also a Link to a video for more of

Our Latest News


If you believe the Lord is asking you to help us in any way, volunteering, special project or financial. The end of the newsletter are further details for those interested to find out more information.

The children of Escola Crista Água Viva singing at this years Easter service at school

Criancas do Rei


Josi is running a project for the mothers Project for the Mangue - For mothers to raise finance to feed their children. The project for the mangrove community, for the Criancas do Rei children's families. The project. It is an intention for families to learn. Surviving. It is having your dependence on God to supply your life and the lives of your children in the smallest details. This project starts with a small investment in the sale of towels, each mother will sell towels and this towel will sell for an additional price, which will generate a greater value than the investment. This money will be used to buy food and will be the first step for us to have a store to sell food to the children in the project. This sale will require an investment so that there will always be rice, beans, pasta, sausage, mortadella, eggs. The basics, a cookie, a milk, basic things for families. And this money will be generated with the family itself. And part of it will also be a donation, which we will pursue. This little shop will be located inside the mangrove, managed by one of the girls who will do all the selling, receiving the money, buying food, all the administration. With this, with this project. The main objective is for families to leave welfare, both welfare for individuals and welfare in other places, so that they understand that God is the one who supplies all our needs. And whenever they look at the kilo of rice, the package of pasta, the egg, the beans, the milk, a cookie, they will understand what God is doing. Thrive. Because God is a God of providence and they put their faith in God and God is making this sale thrive. Josi 

 Escola Cristã Água Viva

 

Josi and her team at the end of term

The school broke up for the holidays at the end of June and will start again in August. Even though we are on holidays school staff still have to catch up with marking and all the things teachers have to do. 

 


Another picture created with AI. I have had the ambition to do this, as it's such a fantastic story. James Calvert (1813-1892) was a zealous missionary to cannibals on the Fiji Islands. His faithful work bore fruit in the lives of those accustomed to taking the life of others. Years later, an English earl visited the Fiji Islands and was critical of a chief's conversion to Christianity:

"You're a great leader, but it's a pity you've been taken in by those foreign missionaries. No one believes the Bible anymore. People are tired of the threadbare story of Christ dying on a cross for the sins of mankind. They know better now. I'm sorry you've been so foolish as to accept their story."

The old chief responded with a gleam in his eyes,

"See that great rock over there? On it we smashed the heads of our victims. Notice the furnace next to it. In that oven we formerly roasted the bodies of our enemies. If it hadn't been for those good missionaries and the love of Jesus that changed us from cannibals into Christians, you'd never leave this place! You'd better thank the Lord for the Gospel; otherwise, we'd already be feasting on you. If it weren't for the Bible and its salvation message, you'd now be our supper!"

Those who take lightly the benefits of Christianity should reconsider the privileges they enjoy because of the transformation Christ has made in his believers.


*The story doesn't identify who the king was, but could well be Seru Epenisa Cakobau, a former cannibal, converted to Christianity by the missionary James Calvert and renounced cannibalism in 1854.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seru_Epenisa_Cakobau


Also another video made with AI - AI is advancing at an extraordinary pace, click on the picture below or the link here to hear a very life AI version of Gawin Kirkham speaking from a Lithograph about an article he wrote. The image of Gawin Kirkham was from a Lithograph portrait made over 130 years ago.  The video based on an article written by Gawin Kirkham for the Railway Signal or Lights Along the Line about picture - The Broad and the Narrow Way in 1885 and updated from Gawin Kirkham's later publication - "History and Explanation of the picture "The Broad and The Narrow Way".


Prayer and thanks

We continue to give thanks and praise to God for the amazing provision which is helping us resolve so many structural problems for the school and needs we have.  Please pray for continued safety for workmen and wisdom about which jobs need fixing first, also provision to complete all the areas and items needing to be repaired. We give thanks to all who have given so generously to help and so many answers to prayer.


Thankyou for praying for Teachers for the Nations online school, Josi has postponed this for now.


Praise the Lord for continued health, strength and safety. 


Safety - Thank you for your prayers, 


Please continue to pray for more volunteer staff and for evangelism. And Praise the Lord for answered prayers! We still need to pray very much for staff to join us as part of YWAM. 


With our love - Peter, Josi and Dorothy


We are very grateful to the Lord for all of you who support us through prayer, finance or both. We pray for you all and give thanks for you!  New supporters - For those wishing to support us regularly or with one off donations please contact me.


​For those who would like to help financially please contact me


​For those who would like to help financially please contact me.

Peter and Josi Millward, Rua Pintor J. Figueiredo No. 805. Praia Iparana. Caucaia, Ceara.  CEP. 61.627-250.  Brazil. https://www.facebook.com/escolacristaaguaviva  ​  *Email: ​jocumpraia@gmail.com​ ​ *Please note the email address is the current one I use



Friday, 15 March 2024

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - March 2024

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - March 2024

Dears Friends,


Greetings from Iparana, Brazil!


This Newsletter is in the public domain and is edited accordingly. If you wish to recieve the unedited newsletter in full, please contact me.


We are grateful to everyone who helps us in various ways and keeps us in prayer, and offer encouragement. Your kindness is truly valued, and we offer our heartfelt thanks to God for you all. 

Building work - We give thanks to God for the recent progress and repairs.

 

Before 

Single story structure in the foreground needed raising to the level of the existing second storey with the window.

After

Second storey raised and a large classroom on the right and bathroom on the left. Eventually it will be plastered on the outside.  This part of the building work was complicated and slow. But it should make the structure a lot better with less rain entering during the rainy season. 

Building Work Update Youtube

I know a number of friends enjoy watching the videos so I have made a new one at the link above.  I think I ‘m getting a bit better at making them after learning a new video software.   The second phase is nearly finished, so all being well, soon the children will be able to use their new classrooms.


Art Workshop 

I have an online art workshop available if anyone is interested - I have the course available in English.  I developed this as an online Art workshop and Bible study as I was invited to teach for a Missionary Holiday School for YWAM Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.  I have included information below which explains more

Online Art Course and Bible Study

A workshop for all age groups, more information below and at the link above


A creative Bible study with scripture, art and colour. “Discover the beauty and depth of biblical scriptures through art! Join us for a unique workshop where creativity meets faith.”


For those who want to hold art workshops. Jocum Praia is offering a 5 hour workshop, which can also be run online. Similar lessons can be created around a theme or Bible verse for a school and customised for churches and bases. 


Two meetings are planned, the first one of 2 hrs and can be integrated into evening meetings.   The main meeting is approximately 3 hrs with a break for snacks. If meetings go over time, that can happen if students are enjoying themselves. If participants' artwork is taking longer to finish, hosts are free to organise more time if needed. 


The first meeting - Two colouring activities are designed to engage students in thoughtful reflection and prayer before beginning the main Art lesson.  


                   

                       2 TIMOTHY 4:2                                           Revelation 22:1-3


“With colouring activity sheets - we will dive into these two fascinating scriptures.


Artificial Intelligence 

Since the end of last year I have been experimenting with making AI Art. The link below is artwork created over a 15 day period and made into a short video. A True Story of New Zealand.  Retold as originally published in 1845 In the Sailor's Magazine and Nautical Intelligencer.  Under the direction of THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILORS' SOCIETY.

“The following narrative, by a seaman, is one of the finest testimonies to the cause of missions we have ever met with.” - The British Workman 1863. To watch the video please click the link below.

A True Story of New Zealand


Prayer and thanks


We continue to give thanks and praise to God for provision which is helping us resolve many structural problems for the school and needs we have.  Please pray for continued safety for workmen and wisdom about which jobs need fixing first, also provision to complete all the areas and items needing to be repaired. We give thanks to all who have given so generously to help and so many answers to prayer.


Please pray for Teachers for the Nations online school, which Josi will be running again this year. 


Praise the Lord for continued health, strength and safety. The rainy season is now upon us. And it's much cooler now, as it has been very hot here. Please pray.


Please continue to pray for more volunteer staff and for evangelism. And Praise the Lord for answered prayers! We still need to pray very much for staff to join us as part of YWAM. 


With our love - Peter, Josi and Dorothy


We are very grateful to the Lord for all of you who support us through prayer, finance or both. We pray for you all and give thanks for you!  New supporters - For those wishing to support us regularly or with one off donations please contact me.


*Email: ​jocumpraia@gmail.com​ ​ *Please note the email address is the current one I use.

​For those who would like to help financially please contact me


For those who have a Wise bank account. I also have a Wise Bank account which can receive donations.


Giving through Stewardship

For those who kindly wish to support us in missions with YWAM Brazil. We are registered with give net - Stewardship Services in the UK. Monthly and one-off donations can be easily processed with Debit and Credit cards - please visit the link below to see our giving page. Give net has made some recent updates which should make this easier - for those who wish to remain anonymous, give net makes this provision. For people outside the UK who wish to give - the payment process allows International donors to opt out of UK Gift Aid system. Stewardship Services are a Christian organisation serving charities and missionaries from the UK.   For those who wish to pay through STEWARDSHIP  We have an account at https://www.give.net/20089559   Before confirming any gift on give.net you will be asked whether you wish to remain anonymous. If you choose this option your personal details will be will not be made known. If you have any questions please ask for details Donations may also be sent via Western Union which we are able to receive here.   

Peter and Josi Millward, Rua Pintor J. Figueiredo No. 805. Praia Iparana. Caucaia, Ceara.  CEP. 61.627-250.  Brazil. https://www.facebook.com/escolacristaaguaviva


Friday, 1 December 2023

Peter and Josi`s Newsletter - November 2023

                                                     

At a local church in Fortaleza earlier this year

JOCUM PRAIA

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - November 2023

Dears Friends,


Greetings once again from Iparana, Brazil! 

Thankyou once again to all who kindly send support, pray for us, and for messages and encouragements too. We appreciate it and give thanks to God for you all!

Building work - We give thanks to God for the recent repairs and new roof

Before and after - The above photo showing the start of renovations some months ago

After Renovation - A new roof, replastered walls, floor tiles.

We give thanks to God for the recent repairs and new roof. What a difference it makes! We are now working on raising the roof on another part of the school. We give thanks to the Lord for financial provision to make all this possible…. We have a long way to go, but we are on our way step by step fixing the most needy areas!. The bricklayer, Desano, had been unemployed for months, and was unable to find work. As one can see from the photo, he has done an excellent job. Please pray for Desano and his helpers, Flavio and Carlinho. For safety and for them to come to faith in Christ. I made a short video update about the building work at the link, https://youtu.be/ux9S8no-CG0 I was also working digging holes, to try and speed up the work, fencing was my old job back in the UK so that was bit of deja vu….. Although a bit too hot here in the sun!  Please excuse my video skills, I am having to learn new video software. 

Escola Cristã Água Viva

        

Escola Cristã Água Viva - Celebrating Independence day - 7th September. A day to celebrate and to pray for Brazil. Brazil's independence took place on September 7, 1822. Our Christmas End of Term presentation at the link below https://youtu.be/Rc0mebfK7WY

       Crianças do Rei project

Children from the project Criancas do Rei finished making their Christmas cards. The children are from some of the neediest families in Ipanana and live in the mangroves. We are grateful to all who help support this project. Some of the biggest needs are trying to help their parents who are very needy themselves. 


JOCUM PRAIA

Together with a YWAM base in Nicaragua, YWAM Diriamba, we completed running an online school, Teachers for the Nations school which started at the beginning of August and finished October. Over 60 students were enrolled online. Josi helped to lead the school alongside Yahoska from YWAM Diriamba base in Nicarágua.

Dorothy at the Van Gogh Exhibition

Bible Museum and Art Gallery

For some time we have been asking prayer about creating a Bible Museum. The newly renovated space is suitable, but for now we will use it for the children while their classrooms are rebuilt and a new storey added. But I have been thinking and praying about an Art gallery too with different exhibitions of other artists' work, not just my own. 
                                                
Please pray. We are in a poor area, but that's fine..We want to create an Art gallery that has the same level of quality and presentation as the ones that are in the richer areas. I think creating a beautiful space in an area of poverty is a good way to reach out to the community.  Some months ago I took my family to see the Van Gogh Immersive experience. I had been encouraging my family, as it was shortly to close, and we went before the very last day in Fortaleza. As we walked around and stood at various places, it was an amazing experience..... unforgettable, music, visual, atmosphere,  Josi and Dorothy loved it!   I was studying it closely to see how it was created.    It got me thinking about the potential this could be if we could develop something similar,  but focused on the Bible, a theme could be the Pilgrim's Progress.   So this got me thinking, with similar technology could be feasible to create an Immersive Bible experience! We have the space I think to make a smaller one.  I have quite a bit of antique art which could be utilised too, and videos which I sometimes share in our newsletters.  Something else with a Bible Museum would be special themed immersive experiences based around testimonies of Christians and how the Bible changed their lives. The challenge is to raise the finance, but the first step is to pray. 

Loren Cunningham

1935 – 2023. 88 years.

Our mission leader and the founder of Youth With A Mission went to his eternal reward on 6th October. He had been ill for some while. We are grateful for his life. What an amazing testimony and man of God, consistent, unwavering, a visionary who inspired thousands to go into missions. He will be sorely missed but what a legacy he left for us. He leaves his dear wife Darlene, daughter Karen and son David and three grandchildren. Please pray for YWAM at this time.


For Remembrance Sunday

A poem by a mother, Elizabeth Owen whose son died during the 1914-18 war.  


My heart is filled with longing

For my beloved boy.

My Benjamin of the family

He was my help and joy.

Yes Harcourt was well loved by all

So full of life and fun

Just nineteen years scarce saw he

Before his task was done.

Who nobly laid his young life down

Willing to do his share.

He counted not the awful cost

His country for to spare.

And now he is with Jesus

His life’s sand quickly run

Just help me from my heart to say

Dear Lord thy will be done.

Mother

Life’s course nobly run

Last task nobly done.

_________________________

The above poem was found written inside a presentation book - A Dictionary Of Eminent Welshmen 1700-1900, presented to Harcourt Owen in 1911 at Glandwr CE School, Llanidloes, Wales.  Sadly, Harcourt was later to die in what became known as the Great War, 20 June 1918, France, he was just 19 years of age. The very beautiful and poignant epitaph, was indeed surprising to find........may well have been unseen for years. A mother's grief buried in her son`s school presentation book... I wonder if the family knew of this? ....when older people pass away, their books can hold so much - as in this case. Elisabeth Owen must have kept that book by her when she had the difficult task of going through her deceased son's belongings. - the book must have meant so much, and most likely she sat during the book presentation at school, and of course we can only imagine all the memories that accompany this.  So for this year's Remembrance Sunday, I decided to make a picture about this as it sums up so much.  There is very little information and no photos of Harcourt, although Harcourt does have a service record, his regiment was the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers. There are no known living relatives, but maybe the poem and picture will find a connection and jog someone's memory.

Prayer and Thanks!

We continue to give thanks and praise to God for provision and help which will resolve many structural problems for the school and needs we have.  Please pray for safety for workmen and wisdom about which jobs need fixing first, also provision to complete all the areas and items needing to be repaired. 


Praise the Lord for successfully completing the Teachers for the Nations online school.


Praise the Lord for health and pray we might get past safely all the illnesses going around!


Please continue to pray for more volunteer staff and for evangelism. And Praise the Lord for answered prayers! We still need to pray very much for staff to join us as part of YWAM. 


With our love - Peter, Josi and Dorothy

A word from UCB

Sunday 26 November 2023 United Christian Broadcasters

“Two elements are at work in your life today. First, God is teaching you to lean on Him instead of on yourself. Second, people around you are being strengthened and encouraged as they see the grace of God at work in your life.”   https://www.ucb.co.uk/word-for-today/130131


Christian Artist - Paul Hobbs

May I recommend inviting to your church or fellowship of a very good artist friend I have known for years, Paul Hobbs who makes both celebratory abstract paintings, and painting and sculpture that consider contemporary social issues in the light of biblical values. He exhibits frequently, and gives workshops and talks about his artwork, its themes and his method of working. Please visit his website for more information www.arthobbs.com


We are very grateful to the Lord for all of you who support us through prayer, finance or both. We pray for you all and give thanks for you!  New supporters - For those wishing to support us regularly or with one off donations please contact me.


For those who have a Wise bank account. I also have a Wise Bank account which can receive donations.


Giving through Stewardship

For those who kindly wish to support us in missions with YWAM Brazil. We are registered with give net - Stewardship Services in the UK. Monthly and one-off donations can be easily processed with Debit and Credit cards - please visit the link below to see our giving page. Give net has made some recent updates which should make this easier - for those who wish to remain anonymous, give net makes this provision. For people outside the UK who wish to give - the payment process allows International donors to opt out of UK Gift Aid system. Stewardship Services are a Christian organisation serving charities and missionaries from the UK.   For those who wish to pay through STEWARDSHIP  We have an account at https://www.give.net/20089559   Before confirming any gift on give.net you will be asked whether you wish to remain anonymous. If you choose this option your personal details will be will not be made known. If you have any questions please ask for details Donations may also be sent via Western Union which we are able to receive here.   

Peter and Josi Millward, Rua Pintor J. Figueiredo No. 805. Praia Iparana. Caucaia, Ceara.  CEP. 61.627-250.  Brazil. https://www.facebook.com/escolacristaaguaviva  ​  *Email: ​jocumpraia@gmail.com​ ​ *Please note the email address is the current one I use.