"Come As You Are .... Leave Better!"

July 9, 2006

Good morning friend!

As I write you this fine Sunday morning there is much cause to rejoice due to God’s answers to your prayers for us in ministry opportunities.

Cuiabá, Mato Grosso – REVER sponsored The Absent Father Wound: Restoring authentic identity

Ø      On June 24-25 Sam ministered to 110 adults, teens and singles that attended the weekend workshop.

Ø      Although subjected to hard wooden pews and the warm climate of the city, adult interest was not daunted. They streamed in to the auditorium the first session on Friday, and didn’t leave until the last amen on Saturday evening after dealing with the application of how to deal with their Absent Father Wound.

Ø      Sunday AM, June 26, Sam again spoke in Cuiabá, to over 60 laymen and several pastors concerning the importance of strategic men’s ministry. He emphasized that men need male relationships, discipleship and a direct and specific curriculum (Men’s Fraternity of Little Rock, AR). One local pastor, José Carlos, was almost solely responsible for most of the men who attended,

1.      Pray that Pastor José Carlos starts a men’s pilot group, offering it later to the larger body of men in his church.

Igreja Batista Agape in Campo Grande, MS sponsored The Father Wound: restoring authentic identity.

Ø      Thursday evening (06/29) Sam spoke to 87 laymen (including 15 pastors) planting a vision for men’s ministry in their churches.

Ø      Friday evening through Sunday noon (06/30-07/02)Sam & Jorge spoke again on the Absent Father Wound, to 270 registered adults, teens and pastors.

Ø      The very first night the environment was electric with excitement as Pastor Nivaldo´s wife, Ana Alice, recognized each group present church by church.  The size of the crowd was overwhelming, and almost chaotic, especially when they broke for discussion in small groups the concepts being taught each session.

Ø      At key moments each session Sam invited Jorge Ferreira to share his story relating to core concepts. His openness and transparency captured the hearts and ears of those listening.

Ø      Besides the size, age diversity and keen interest of the audience, Sam was encouraged by the huge male attendance - nearly as many men as women.

Ø      By the last session married and singles gave testimony to how the Lord was working in their hearts: , Starting the process of reconciliation, extending forgiveness, seeking their fathers blessing, or now seeing God as their Father who truly cares for their souls and heals all their hurts and wounded memories.

1.       Pray for Pastor Nivaldo who is planning to start a pilot group to study the men’s material together.

Ø      Prayer requests for July

Tomorrow AM (July 10th) Sam enters the hospital for minor surgery (procedure known as TURP).

1. Pray that the surgery will go well
2. Pray for a quick recovery.

Ø      Prayer Requests for August

• Connie will travel to Fortaleza and Belém to minister among leaders she has worked with over the past three years, to help further the vision for restoration ministry.

1.      Pray for her safety in travel

2.      Pray that she will be effective in her desire to minister to these leaders.

3.      Pray as she shares her heart concerning imminent changes in the restoration ministry infra-structure.

Ø      August  25^th-29^th Sam & Jorge Ferreira travel to Palmas, Tocantins to share men’s ministry vision with Pastor Mota and his church family.

1.      Pray for their safety in travel

2.      Pray for their effectiveness in speaking to men and women about the Absent Father Wound

3.      Pray for God to raise-up a pilot group of men to take the men’s ministry forward.

Grateful once again for all your prayer support,

Sam and Connie Gill

Because you prayed...

Because you prayed there is much to share about what God’s Spirit is doing.

DISCIPLING BELIEVERS AND DEVELOPING LEADERS IN LOCAL CHURCHES

Sam & Connie Gill

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