December
18th
The participants of the Christmas Cantata at São Paulo Baptist Church.
15th
Selina and Gabriel at their school Christmas party.
John with Paul Rowland at the Trinitarian Bible Society of Brazil's presentation of the 2011 ACF Portuguese Bible.
November
24th
Thanksgiving day celebration service at São Paulo Baptist Church.
12th-15th
Serra da Graça Camp
October
28th
Gabriel and his classmates did a little presentation for us parents, showing us what they have learned. This has been such a good experience for him.
22nd
We attended our second fifteenth-birthday celebration this year, for a wonderful girl named Júlia. She will have read through the Bible at least twice this year alone. She is a hard worker, a soul winner and a great encouragement to those around her.
Every Thursday night, a Brazilian pastor, Pr. Washington, preaches to our people at the Baptist Church of São Paulo. He has been a tremendous encouragement!
13th
Cristhian painted the gospel message for the people of the church. He did a fine job!
Cristhian Ching, of Chinese nationality, but born in Peru, is considering being a missionary here in Brazil. He stayed with us a few days. He does very well with Portuguese considering he has never had formal classes!
1st
Our second Gospel Day was held at New Life Baptist Church. The turnout was great! Over 50 participants from three churches spent a great portion evangelizing the Jardim Ingá district. That evening we had a special gospel film. Over 18 new people came to watch it!
September
17th
The three ladies my wife was privileged to take to the Ladies' Conference in Limeira. This was really a first time experience for them! It was a true joy to hear there testimonies in church, and their desire to go again next year!
The choir that sang at the Ladies' Conference.
August
27th
The fifteenth birthday for a girl in Brazil is very important. Here the Kokenzies are with Bárbara Rodrigez as she celebrates with her church. Typically the party involves much worldly revelry, but she made the very noticeable effort to have a Christian celebration. Her faithfulness to the Lord has been a true blessing.
Julie helping to distribute some literature amongst the participants of our first Gospel Day.
God gave us a great group our first Gospel Day--about 45 people showed up from different churches to pass out gospel literature and tell people the good news of Jesus Christ. The morning was kicked off with singing and special instruction on how to win a soul to Christ. It concluded with a lunch.
John worked to organize the Gospel Day but left all final decisions to the host pastor. He is following this pattern for the subsequent meetings. One is planned for October 1st and the other for the first Saturday of December in two different churches.
July
30th
Missionaries Robert Tulley, Bryan Johnson, John Kokenzie, Juan Vallejo and Jeremy Tyler attending a prayer meeting at First Baptist Church of Parque Bristol. Bryan Johnson was the host pastor, and Robert Tulley was the preacher.
28th
Bro. Darrell Moore (from First Baptist in Hammond) Preaching for Missionary Juan Vallejo. We lost power, so he preached the whole message by a battery powered LED light and several candles. God blessed his message on Steadfastness!
24th
Brazilian Missionary José, who has planted four churches, and now lives in the State of Bahia, came to one of his supporting churches. He now has a church that works with the blind. He has even organized a blind soccer team!
19th
Brazilian Pastor Rui (on right) invited me again to the television show Vejam Só! The show is nightly covering a wide variety of controversial topics among Christians. I have been impressed that even with differing views, no one has resorted to mudslinging. In this particular episode, the debate was on whether it was a sin to have a cosigner. Cosigning is extremely common and often required in Brazil when renting a house or apartment.
17th
VBS at New Life Baptist Church
15th
Christian's First Birthday & His First Time Eating Chocolate Cake!
10th
Missionary Juan Vallejo, Pastor of São Paulo Baptist Church
June
26th
John Preaching at New Life Baptist Church in São Paulo
21st
John's Visit to the RiT Television Network to Watch the Debate on the Vejam Só! Show
The sign before entering the studio and makeup area
The producer (standing) discussing with the host the next segment (after the commercial)
17th
Graduation from Language School
Most of the Language School students today are Korean
John & Julie with the Language School Staff
May
8th
Selina & Gabriel Singing in the Children's Choir
April
21st - 24th
Mission Conference of First Baptist Church of Parque Bristol in São Paulo, SP
4th - 8th
BIMI Field Conference We Were Invited to Attend in Cotia, SP
Jimmy Rose Preaching
Jeremy Teaching on "Media and the Church"
Amanda Tyler, Rebecca Johnson & Julie Kokenzie Doing Special Music
March
26th
Julie Teaching at a Ladies' Tea in the São Paulo Baptist Church (Auditorium Under Construction)
February
25th
Business Cards with Our Website Logo Sent to Us From Missionary Andrew Tonkin
12th
Bible Institute at New Life Baptist Church
5th
Bible Institute at
New Life Baptist Church
Orientation
First Day of Class
January
24th
Working with the Men and Young Men of the First Baptist Church of Bristol Park in São Paulo to Fix the Roof
Erique, Jeff & David climbing from one roof to another
Roberto working on removing the concrete near the bell tower
Pastor Bryan Johnson and Roberto removing old concrete
Muryllo Removing old material from the lower roof
Roberto, Pastor Bryan & Junior Discussing the Matter with Jeff in Foreground
The Old Bell in the tower that may be renovated with this project
17th
Missionary Men Revival Prayer Meeting