Peter and Josi's Newsletter July 2020

   

Dorothy’s birthday - July 22nd 2020

Dorothy holding the handkerchief, my mother Dorothy had 75 years ago celebrated Victory in Europe May 1945.   I don't know when the photo of Mum was taken, but it looks to be the closest to the year 1945.

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - July 2020

Dears Friends,

Greetings Once again!   Thank you to all of you who remember us in your prayers, messages and support, we thank God for you all, and pray God’s blessing and keep you safe!  Since our last Newsletter, it appears the world has taken a strange turn not only do we have a pandemic, we now see a Cultural war with protests and rioting in various nations. With the present state the world is in, it is difficult to comprehend how people can live without Jesus Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. The wonderful song by Keith Green  How Can They Live Without Jesus seems to sum this up well.

Escola Cristã Água Viva School Iparana

The School continues to provide online teaching and each class of the junior school receives a video each school day, which pupils are able to follow from their work books. It's the least we can do in the circumstances.  But understandably it's not the same as a real classroom. A number of parents of pupils have stopped paying school fees. But we are grateful for those who continue, we offer reduced school fees to help parents during this time too, as many are finding many challenges financially during the pandemic. Of course this affects the salaries of our teachers, but there is little we can do, except be grateful that some parents are continuing to pay.  Clearly everyone wants to know when the end will be in sight for lockdown and quarantine. But even the authorities are not sure and dates keep being postponed as the pandemic continues to increase. When schools do return we expect social distancing rules will be very challenging too, so we take each day at a time. 

Brasil and COVID -19

Sadly, a childhood  friend of Antonia, Josi’s mother, died some weeks ago from Covid-19. Luiza lived just a few doors away in the same street.  Hardly anyone doesn't know of a family or friends who have not been affected. Even a very popular local TV reporter, who had appeared healthy and well, also died.    We had some strange symptoms some weeks ago, and started wondering what this might be - Praise the Lord, we were able to shake it off….while others we know who live nearby have been very sick.     Even now the President of Brasil, Bolsonaro has been diagnosed with Covid -19 some days ago.  Without adequate testing it is difficult to track who has and who hasn't been infected with the virus.   Restrictions and lockdown is very difficult to enforce and the pandemic still effecting everywhere, shops and businesses are reopening again with rules for masks and distancing. We don't know when the peak of the pandemic will reach, only days ago the deadliest toll so far in Brasil was reached - over 1300 deaths in one day.   

Crianças do Rei Project

     

We continue to help the families and children connected with the Crianças do Rei project. Photos of children, mothers and goody bags for the children to brighten the days in lockdown, art activities and Bible stories online. The families are the poorest in the community and live in the mangroves.  Josi was also able to purchase masks to hand out to families as well, many who arrive do not have masks.  

Restoring and republishing Gospel pictures

While some are busy it would seem trying to erase truth and rewrite history…I expect I need to press on even more now preserving the history and art of evangelical missions and evangelism.  Earlier this year I was able to purchase "The Gospel Ship" which arrived here safely in Brazil from the USA - I have been searching for some time for this.  It was quite battered and torn, but it was an original Chromolithograph print from the Victorian era which is not often seen. They are quite different from modern Offset type of print. More about the picture and the scripture texts featured can be found at my blog  However did I get caught up collecting these kind of pictures!  Awhile ago I found notes I made about this - In the notes I had been asking God to give me more pictures to make......and I believe He reminded me of pictures already done by other artists.    As I researched, I discovered more and more evangelical pictures which appear mostly forgotten...And I discovered I even had one stored on my hard drive must be since 2007 when a very kind friend gave me an original Gospel Compass for Sailors of All Nations, I took the scanned image with me to Brasil, but did not investigate until my interest had been awakened  It's been very enjoyable researching and discovering more than I could have imagined.  Pictures which open up the window on a bygone world which was not so very long ago.

 

As I study and restore digitally these old pictures... I started to appreciate how much God has done in the lives of the faithful in previous generations, there needs to be remembrance, gratitude and praise for all God has done.....we need to thank Him for His blessings of yesterday and the lives of  generations of faithful Christians, who are now as the great cloud of witnesses, who no doubt will be cheering us on. Hebrews 12:1-2:  

 

Please pray for George Soros - I need to share for agreement in prayer. I wont go into much detail, I think most of you are familiar with what is happening in different places around the world and what is at stake. Most will have heard of George Soros. but if unsure, Its quite easy to find information about him on the internet. There is every reason to believe we must pray specifically for him. That the light of the Lord Jesus Christ would be shone upon George Soros, not just him, but his activities also. Rather like Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. If you keep up with the news you will understand . Many of the groups he supports - if they succeed in their goals, life as we know it will change overnight. So we need to arise in prayer and action now, before it is too late. (More sketches may come) but The picture here is specifically for George Soros and the Light of the Lord Jesus Christ to shine upon him... You are welcome to print the picture and what is shared. For prayer in your church's and fellowships. But above all we need to pray!! I am doing my best to alert people for prayer and action....while others are also too.

Please pray in agreement in Jesus Name!..... Because nothing is impossible for God! The Lord did it for Paul (Saul of Tarsus ) - He can do it for George Soros! Let George Soros hear - "Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “George, George, why are you persecuting Me?”

May the Lord even wake George Soros in the middle of the night and show him His great need of the Lord Jesus Christ!

"...He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 God puts eternity in the heart of man -There is a day when we all have to stand before God and give an account for our lives - good or bad! And so we need to pray George Soros will repent and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. Since the rioting, many Innocent lives have been lost including children, because of all the trouble.

A scripture verse to finish on - To ponder and pray over for all the would be activists, revolutionaries and extremists - “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. "Proverbs 6:16-19      

                                                                        Prayer and Thanks!

Praise the Lord for continued health and strength!

Praise the Lord for His provision.  And for all who help and pray for us!.  As we pass through uncertain times and the world in so much turmoil. For the school and project, the need for safety, health and quarantine and conscious of the needs of our teachers.

Please continue praying for the Art Gallery and Art competition ……. But we do need to find partners able to help. Also for old evangelical prints and creating exhibitions for churches to reach their neighborhoods.

Please pray the Lord will raise up more regular support. We know the School and Project Crianças do Rei needs a lot of help - or falls on our shoulders bearing the burden providing Christian Education in a very poor area. 

Please pray for YWAM - Educating for Life. We are still in the process of revision and correction and raising funds to complete the Curriculum translated into Portuguese.

We give thanks and praise God  for the work on construction already completed for the 3 new classrooms. Please pray we might quickly raise the necessary finance to complete.                                 

With our best wishes and prayers for all of you too  

With our love - Peter, Josi and Dorothy

​For those who would like to help financially - Giving through Stewardship

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  ​  

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - May 2020

Josi's Birthday 30th April 2020

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - May 2020

Dears Friends,

Greetings!   Thank you to all for your support, prayers, and messages of encouragement, we thank God for you all, and pray God’s blessing and keep you safe!  

The pandemic here is advancing, but difficult to see where it will go.  Everywhere is in quarantine and isolation. Only the most needed shops and services are open. Our school is still closed…..and looks like the authorities will keep schools closed though the month of May too. Thankfully enough school fees came in at the beginning of April to pay our teachers salaries. Please pray our teachers will be able to secure government benefits.   But of course the longer schools remain closed the likelihood parents will take their children out from the school will increase.  And we do understand, it's very difficult to expect parents to pay when the school remains shut. At the same time it's very difficult for us, as we have no government subsidies. Please pray, because if the school has to remain closed past May it will be difficult -  We need to prepare and  organise online classes, the logistics involved...we need a projector to help the teachers with school workbooks. We need to look at what we can offer as regards online classes.    Please pray, 

The Pandemic, we are hoping and praying will fizzle out......but it could be just the start here the way the statistics are.   This video at the link below shows the challenge Brazil faces. So many poor people who rely on a daily wage (They rely on money earned during a day to be able to eat) The link below is a video showing how long queues are outside Caixa Economica Bank,, Caucaia and going around the block. Dozens of people registered on the morning of Tuesday April 14th.  

Most were looking for information about the emergency aid of the federal government. So many needy people who have no option but stand in long queues close to each other for hours. Not all people wear masks as you can see if you watch the video at the Link

We are living in very challenging times, and very harrowing to see the news from the UK and many other places...it is so sad.   I don't think it has sunk in here yet for many, what is happening.  Brazil has had some time to prepare....but if people are standing in queues outside of banks and lotericas...then the idea of isolation is a bit of a myth. The authorities have no way of implementing isolation measures effectively…  and it only takes one infected person to infect many.  It really will be the grace and mercy of God, if the pandemic stays away, because if it gets into the population like we see multitudes in the video...it will be a disaster.

Josi keeps in touch with the families in the mangue...many are not eligible for government help......Their documents are not regularised.  Josi has helped one mother to get her documents in order...but it is very challenging...so much bureaucracy and many people with little education get disillusioned and then live on the margins of society like they do in the Mangue.

In spite of everything. We try in our small corner to hopefully make a difference, We have been helping  those who are needy, preparing activity kits for children for this time of Lockdown. Also some food for families who live in the mangue. There must be at least 30 families we know of, but some more were arriving because there is so much need. Please pray
Meantime, I have been only too aware of the need for a transparent face mask - So I made one!  If you don't have a transparent mask for the pandemic or know those who do not have access. You may like to watch the video  -  the importance of wearing face masks not only for the nose and mouth, but also for the eyes..... the virus can enter. This mask can be made in just a few minutes with a stapler, a hat and an empty bottle of coke! Even though the video is in Portuguese it should be easy to follow.

  

Dorothy has been busy in lockdown too! And has made a picture of her Kitten,  Fumaçinha /Smokey...So I put her design up  at my online gallery at Redbubble. I made a place to have her own collection available. Recently, Dorothy has been getting sales for her artwork on products, so Dorothy is very excited! Please visit the link to see this and Dorothy’s products with artwork!

Time is Short - I wrote to a friend in  2017 - sharing something which was significant to me about three years previously....Which now would be about 6 years ago.  I thought it worth sharing now at my blog - Time is Short                                  

Prayer and Thanks!

Praise the Lord for His provision.  And for all who help and pray for us!.  As we pass through this uncertain time with the school and project, the need for safety, health and quarantine and conscious of the needs of our teachers.

Please keep praying for the Art Gallery and Art competition ……. But we do need to find partners able to help. Also for old evangelical prints and creating exhibitions for churches to reach their neighborhoods.

Please pray the Lord will raise up more regular support. We know the School and Project Crianças do Rei needs a lot of help - or falls on our shoulders bearing the burden providing Christian Education in a very poor area. 

Please pray for YWAM - Educating for Life. We are still in the process of revision and correction and raising funds to complete the Curriculum translated into Portuguese.

We give thanks and praise God  for the work on construction already completed for the 3 new classrooms. Please pray we might quickly raise the necessary finance to complete                                                                   

With our best wishes and prayers for all of you too  

With our love - Peter, Josi and Dorothy

While looking through old sketches and photocopies of sketches....I came across one I did years ago as a commission..... Somehow it seemed appropriate to look at it again and make it into colour.....I sketched a young woman walking through a forest full of scary trees next to a cemetery, and a freshly dug grave nearby with arrows in various places which had missed along the path. At the foot of the sketch is  written the words from Psalm 91:4-6.."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." 

Picture also available with text from the Hymn “Trust and Obey”  In the picture at the link, I placed words from the old hymn Trust and Obey.....Some how it sums up the life of a believer and all who would embrace the words and promises of God in Psalm 91.......Trust and Obey

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​For those who would like to help financially my bank details are as follows.  

An update - 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  ​  

Peter and Josi's Newsletter - March 2020

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - March 2020 Dears Friends, Greetings once again!   One could say quite alot has happened since our last news!     Thankyou to all for your support, prayers, and messages of encouragement, we  appreciate this.  In spite of everything that is happening, we are well.  First of all, many of you may not have heard but the Police in Ceara went on strike  13 - 14 days and ended at the end of February. President Bolsanario sent the  army...but it was not the same as having the police.....There was a lot of  violence, raids and murders...the statistics were difficult to comprehend.  I think it was mentioned 380 murders in 14 days for Ceara. The carnival period there was only the civil police coping. and the army I think, still finding their feet as it were. During the Police strike, one Friday we closed the school,  we were warned schools are being invaded by armed gangs.   The bandits were driving around freely in the roads everywhere ...I can not remember another time  like this since I came to Brazil....but we are so thankful the police went back to  work. Some years ago we hear some where else in Brazil the Police went on  strike and that one did not end quickly..... Our Video Diary - March JOCUM PRAIA  Now we have a Global Pandemic - Coronavirus which arrived in Brazil too and a  number of cases have been reported in Ceara…...reading and watching the news  from Europe, it looks very harrowing indeed. Regarding the health Crisis,  since I made the video above the governing authorities here made statements  about health precautions, and closures of public places including schools and Universities and non essential business. So our School closed.  I don't think  will be opening again any time soon….of course our teachers depend on wages,  and the school depends on school fees…..And parents depend on wages...but if  everyone is in isolation in their homes for a prolonged period of time…. things are going to become very difficult for all. It doesn't look like the  government of Brazil has a plan for this eventuality - citizens don't have reserves of finance and money to stock up on food etc. And Brazil is about two weeks  behind the UK as far as the pandemic goes.  What I may add is the health  service struggles here without a pandemic….So I am  apprehensive about what  will happen when it arrives. All I can say is most people in Ceara wont be able  to isolate long, most have to work to find their daily bread on low wages,  have no reserve finance to isolate for months or stock up on food. Many queue for hours in long lines for basic bank service and pay bills...Hospital treatment is the same - The whole infrastructure of Brazil is going to be in break down if a prolonged isolation is in place and people have no way to find finance  to buy food. …..it doesn't bear thinking about. Of course for the elderly and  vulnerable and those with health issues.....only the Lord knows the outcome with what may happen. I believe God is speaking to the whole world, and given a window of opportunity for millions  to seek His face during a time of isolation.  What concerns me  - If people and nations  do not humble themselves before God during this time. If the lawlessness and wickedness continues to harden and increase as it has done the past two decades - then the Bible makes  very clear what will happen.  If we do not see  revival - we will see judgement.                           The Stone Prayer Rail Earlier this month I woke one morning...... dreaming of a man who was weeping at a  prayer rail made of stone.... On the old stone rail covered in moss and lichen  were the words "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,  then I will hear from heaven and will forgive  their sin and heal their land. "  2 Chronicles 7:14. Then I awoke…to read more please follow the link             Taxi to Fortaleza - Another Day in Paradise. It was a very hot day last week 20/03/2020  in Caucaia and so I decided to take a taxi to  Fortaleza, at least the queues to pay bills  should not take hours.. The taxi was a good  one, nice air conditioning... and sound  system.......and so settling down for the  journey, my thoughts once again returned to  the health crisis engulfing the world.....and  certainly apprehension for Brazil, for friends, neighbors and the vulnerable ....But just as we are driving along The taxi driver reaches  for another music disc to put in the player.  Deep in thought, I am not paying much  attention...but then begins a familiar sound I have not heard in years, its one of Phil Collins - As I listen ....its as though I had never listened to the words before,  and somehow I was transfixed by  what was sung.  I could see a scene being  played out, a scene which must have been  played out a million times before in Brazil...It was as though God showed me In all this world crisis.....What He sees everyday.......The poor and forgotten,  the street kids, the street dwellers and the marginalized.  There in that taxi...I was shocked. When we arrived at Fortaleza.....What was I going  to do about what I saw.  The song  - Another Day in Paradise - (In the picture I made a few changes to the words of the song). I told Josi what happened with the Taxi and the song …… Josi said for the poor,  life is dangerous anyway, life is like facing a coronavirus everyday………. Please pray for Brazil.                                                    Construction Construction started again getting ready for 3 new classrooms. The flooring has  been concreted and ready for floor paint, but still need to complete stairs and access.  Our aim is to make the new classrooms usable, but still need to raise the finance to complete plastering on the outside and guttering.  Due to the current health  crisis work has stopped temporarily until things improve and the government gives the all clear for Ceara.  Will the world return to the way things were before  the pandemic? Reading people's posts on social media, it would appear many want  to, even the religious….But I am quite sure God does not want the world to go  back to the way it was on it's downward spiral...the only remedy for change -  Repentance and to walk in the fear of the Lord.                               Life in Iparana Like many we are not prepared for a pandemic,  we never had means to stock up on food and  necessities for a long isolation….We cannot  afford a health plan…….But God has a better  plan for us!  So we pray for His will to be  done in our lives. The current pandemic is  ringing the bell of Eternity very loudly  in the ears of the whole world! - The most  important thing, are we ready to meet the  Lord of Eternity if we depart sooner than  expected?…..By the grace of God we  are….And what a wonderful hope we  have in Jesus Christ who is the Resurrection  and the Life!  And so as we prepare to face  down what could be a very challenging few months……..please pray  and of course especially for Dorothy.                                                               Prayer and Thanks! Praise the Lord!  Josi has had a successful minor operation on her leg.   Please keep praying for the Art Gallery and Art competition ……. But we do need to find  partners able to help. Also for old evangelical prints and creating exhibitions for churches  to reach their neighbourhoods. Please pray the Lord will raise up more regular support. We know the School and Project  Crianças do Rei needs a lot of help - or falls on our shoulders bearing the burden providing Christian Education in a very poor area.  Please pray for YWAM - Educating for Life. We are still in the process of revision and  correction and raising funds to complete the Curriculum translated into Portuguese. We give thanks and praise God  for the work on construction already completed for the  3 new classrooms.  Please pray we might quickly raise the necessary finance to complete With our best wishes and prayers for all of you too   With our love - Peter, Josi and Dorothy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Giving through Stewardship An update - 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  ​

Peter and Josi's Newsletter - February 2020

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter  - February 2020

Dears Friends!

It's 2020 and we are already in February!  Greetings once again and many thanks to all who write to us, for your prayers and help...Thank You to all who thought of us at Christmas and sent gifts - Christmas is a very challenging time of year!  - We give thanks and appreciate this very much! 2019 was quite a challenging year in many ways…....We enjoyed a short Christmas break...but we needed to continue with the construction of three new classrooms, We are grateful to the Lord for all those who have helped and prayed. We still just need to raise a little more finance to complete ….  but we can see the finish line and when it is done we shall have 3 new classrooms. . At the moment the building work has stopped while we raise the rest of the finance. The new stairs need to be completed, put concrete flooring down in the classrooms. And plaster the outside walls. But we shall have to postpone putting doors in, ceramic tiles and Bathroom for a later date.  

Once we have the new classrooms complete. We would like the school to be run in the mornings for Infants and Junior school and Crianças do Rei project in the afternoon.  It will be much better to run this way. 

The school started back again in January -  although we have challenging days sometimes -  the electric was cut off during a storm two sundays ago....the energy was off for 48 hrs. 

Pictures

Since January 2018, (Two years ago) I commenced studying and searching for old evangelical religious pictures of a kind not often seen.   Most Religious art is Roman Catholic in origin….But what surprised me there is a lot of old Evangelical works of art out there, it's just they are not so widely known or popularized.    

The artwork below  is from a book plate - “The Voyage of Human Life” - by  John J Barber 1798 –1885 My interest began through the Victorian era Broad and Narrow Way print, which seems to be one most well known…..which opened a door of discovery, and finding a lot more evangelical works of art out there, but mostly unheard of to most people..  So I firmly believe the value of researching and studying this, they are extremely important for us to know where the Church has come from ….and these visual treasures show what the church believed. What is refreshing, is to see an evangelical worldview, unashamedly Biblical, boldly proclaiming the Gospel visually..   Maybe it's time to dust off these old timers and send them out again into the Harvest field? I am sure the Lord would have many divine appointments for those He wants to speak to about Eternity.  

Equipping the Church for works of service 

At the moment there are upwards of 20 or more available which can form a thought provoking exhibition, and literature with each picture.  An excellent opportunity for churches and fellowships to have their own antique art exhibition as a way of outreach into their communities.   Empty shops in town centres could easily be rented and made into exhibition space. If anyone knows of churches or fellowships interested please contact me for further information on how this can be arranged.  

Prayer and Thanks!

We give thanks and praise God  for the work on construction already completed for the 3 new classrooms. Please pray we might quickly raise the necessary finance to complete

Please keep praying for the Art Gallery and Art competition …….We are certain these two projects will make a very big  difference… But we do need to find partners able to help.

Please pray the Lord will raise up more regular support. We know the School and Project Crianças do Rei needs a lot of help - or falls on our shoulders bearing the burden providing Christian Education in a very poor area. 

Please pray for the structure of the school and project - We praise God for the amazing provision so far!

Please pray for YWAM - Educating for Life. We are still in the process of revision and correction and raising funds to complete the Curriculum translated into Portuguese. 

Please pray for visiting the UK again, we recognize we do need to visit more often. And need to pray and plan for this. 

With our best wishes for 2020 . 

With our love 

Peter, Josi and Dorothy

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​Giving through Stewardship

An update - 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  ​

Peter and Josi's Christmas Newsletter 2019

The Calvary Express

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter  - Christmas 2019

Dear Friends!

It's Christmas Eve here in Brazil….but there is not much sign of snow yet…... kkkkk.  

It only seems like yesterday we were in London at Christmas last year, and we had such an amazing time! And we are so grateful to our friends who made this possible and gave such hospitality and welcome to us! We still remember and often talk about this. We were so blessed, especially Dorothy who has so many wonderful memories of our stay…..Not long ago Dorothy had a dream about a journey she was going to make to France, England, United States and Portugal…..with 6 children and 9 adults!. They are all our friends here in Brazil. And we were going as - JOCUM Praia our YWAM Base!. Please pray…..We know God speaks through dreams, so we must pray, because nothing is impossible for Him! The year is quickly coming to an end and we will soon be in 2020 God willing! We have a lot to be grateful for. God has given us friends who have stuck with us through thick and thin, and we are so grateful! Some of you will receive personal Christmas greetings this year all being well...I miss sending Christmas cards, but sending from Brazil is a bit expensive and the post office isnt nearby. But a few days ago I managed to find an online Greeting cards service that sends cards through the post. So for those I managed to find your addresses - Christmas cards all being well shall arrive! Escola Crista Água Viva has broken up for the end of this school year, and the new school year will start next year. So we are enjoying a break - Recovering! Please pray for the completion of the 3 new school classrooms for the start of the new school year.

Since this is Christmas Eve and it's 11:00pm - I better close now. With a few thoughts on the picture - The Calvary Express.Those who have watched the children’s movie “The Polar Express” will recognize the themes of the picture….and some changes! – The movie is a favourite every Christmas, and millions of children and adults will be settling down to watch the movie… how a small boy is transported to the North Pole with lots of other children to see Santa Claus………..But what if the movie was about the real message of Christmas? and the Polar Express had instead been called “The Calvary Express” I expect the movie directors would have to make lots of changes, and instead of a make believe story…they would have to convey the real message of Christmas about the Saviour Jesus Christ, redeeming a lost mankind and how true belief and faith in Him alone ultimately decides our destination – When the Lord of Glory – Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary…. He quite literally put His life on the line …. and his death at the Cross paid the price only He could pay to redeem lost sinners. Do we believe Him? Do we truly believe? Then we must believe the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him. On His train only one ticket is accepted…….

                                        

So with this in mind let us worship and focus on the one who is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever - The Lord Jesus Christ. With the way things are in the world...one can perhaps be forgiven wondering how much longer things can go on, but the Lord’s timing is perfect….. And so we pray “Come Lord Jesus quickly!”

                                       

With our best wishes for Christmas and Gods guidance and blessing for 2020 . 

With our love 

Peter, Josi and Dorothy

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​For those who would like to help financially my bank details are as follows.  

Giving through Stewardship

An update - 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  ​ 

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter - December 2019

     

Crianças do Rei - Christmas Project - Brazil.

Peter and Josi’s Newsletter  - December 2019

Dears Friends and Prayer Warriors!,   

*********Our Newsletter, if you wish to read the full report and news - Please contact us.********

Since our last Newsletter….  Thankyou for all those who pray for us and help!   Recently we had a meeting with friends in Fortaleza and we are looking to see how to develop partnership with the Ywam University of the Nations 

Construction progress for Escola Crista Água Viva 

This is the picture of the construction for the school - 3 new classrooms. What is wonderful now  is the blue rope which was so often seen in our newsletters holding the roof down has now been removed - Praise the Lord!!. Please continue to pray for finance to complete before the rainy season starts.  We still need need to raise finance for material and labour.  School Construction - Remaining material needed 19/11/2019

To complete we need to raise  £354 for material for each New Classroom. We have 3 new classrooms to be completed. Since last year I had to place a blue rope around one corner of the roof to stop the wind blowing it off!  But now we are seeing a great answer to prayer with new classrooms and new walls going up!…. The school could not have continued in the state of maintenance that it was in…..So we are grateful to God for His provision to be able to do this…...We are building and walking by faith……. Please, If anyone would like to help finance any of the items mentioned, Please contact us and let us see this project completed to the Glory of God! 

Like an oasis in a dry and thirsty land, children and families come to quench their thirst. This is God’s will for His church, the Bride of Christ - education should be one of those oasis cultivated and cared for with meticulous care and attention by the Church and not the State.  The steady downward spiral of the West...can be fixed to the date nations looked to the State instead of the Church to educate its children …. Also in Isaiah 58:12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets of Dwelling.   This is what the Church is called to be.….. And education is one major area for discipling a nation… In many ways our school is like a small section of the walls of a spiritual Jerusalem. I think we know a little how Nehemiah must have felt!   And thinking more about Jerusalem reminds me of William Blake’s splendid and stirring hymn “Jerusalem” 

It was always a mystery singing it at school, wondering as we sang... “And did those feet in Ancient Times walk upon England's mountains green?” Well...Did they?  But I finally understood a few years ago. Blake was asking four rhetorical questions, questioning a popular myth. (There was a myth going around during the time of William Blake, some believed Jesus visited England as a boy.)   William Blake's amazing response was - Jerusalem!. Unfortunately all through school and even attending churches - It would seem - No one at the time actually understood the kind of treasure this hymn represents...So many still don't know the meaning of William Blake's profound poem or implications!.  It kind of got lost and hidden as a patriotic anthem…...but the hymn is for mobilizing the Church do the works God prepared for those who love Him.  

Full text and explanation of the picture can be seen at my blog 

THE GOSPEL LIFEBOAT or, Salvation for the Perishing.

Posters, cards and T shirts and much more 

A New Edition based on the Original “Gospel Lifeboat” circa early 1900s produced for The Lighthouse Literature Mission – Samuel H. Strain, Director. “The Lighthouse” Belfast, Ireland.  The work and ministry of the Lighthouse Literature Mission and Samual H Strain who founded it in 1904. During his lifetime, Mr Strain maintained communication with hundreds of Lighthouse keepers and their families all over the world for 36 years, supplying much needed parcels and literature to those engaged in this lonely and at times perilous enterprise of Light keeping.  This is one example of many posters, print and cards available as various gifts - If your stuck this Christmas to find a unique gift for family and friends take a tour at the Online Gallery  

Adding on to what I shared in our previous Newsletter -  While recovering from an injury to my arm a few months ago - It was as though I took a last days tour on youtube and  I think the Lord captured my attention!

During that time I listened to many messages on youtube...but one in particular caught my attention, Pastor Anton Bosch (Sun Valley Community Church) shared a story about travelling on a train in the UK. And it got me thinking very deeply.....and took me back to memories I hadn't thought of for years - about the story of another train journey and the sobering dream of a man who saw a beautiful train on a journey to Hell.

Franz Jägerstätter - The Dream of a Beautiful Train.

Prayer and Praise!

We have a YWAM Leaders reunion in December and also YWAM Family Reunion. Please pray we might have the necessary means and resources to attend.  This year it is particularly challenging to attend. 

Please continue to pray for the School Escola Crista Água Viva and Crianças do Rei project - That God will open doors for us to find help needed. 

We give thanks to God for His protection as we work….

We praise God for all who agree with us in prayer, please keep praying! 

Please keep praying for the Art Gallery and Art competition …….We are certain these two projects will make a very big  difference… And the prayer request about the picture being painted to go to auction…...God indeed hears our prayers!

Please pray for the structure of the school and project, We praise the Lord for all the provision and blessing!

Till next time…..I hope to write our Christmas Newsletter too!

With the  seasons greetings and love and best wishes!

Peter, Josi and Dorothy  

​For those who would like to help financially with our support in missions.  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  ​