By bev
“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.”
Ex. 23:20
MINISTRY
It has been wonderful to see our God at work during these past few days. We praise Him that all of our Sundays have been filled with meetings close-by with the exception of Easter and Mother’s Day. We also have some meetings scheduled on Wednesday evenings. Many of the churches here in Iowa that we have had the privilege to visit are our “praying churches” and often we do not get a chance to visit them during our normal furlough. God continues to use His Word and John’s testimony as we go from church to church. A bonus has been that some of our needed monthly support has come in. What an encouragement that has been to us! We also praise Him for allowing us to get to know a young Brazilian couple, Andre and Maria, who live right here in Ankeny, IA. Andre has a PhD in crop pest control and works for Pioneer. They are not saved yet, so we are praying for their salvation. It was wonderful to be able to have them in our home this past Thursday evening for some Brazilian “delicacies,” and also to speak in Portuguese, talk about Brazil, and above all, share the Gospel plainly to them in their native language for the second time. Continue to pray for their salvation. They also have a young daughter, Lucinha.
MARRIAGE
We are in the thick of the wedding plans for our daughter, Jonna, and her fiance, Tim O’Tool. Since it will take place on June 9th, we are feeling time quickly slipping away from us. Please pray with us that on this very special day in our lives, at least one person would accept Christ as Savior and that the Lord would be glorified. For those of you who will not be able to attend, you will be able to watch the wedding LIVE on u-stream at this site-Saylorvillebaptist.com/live. Tim has plans to finish up his pastoral studies degree at Faith Baptist Bible College, and Jonna will continue pursuing her RN. We truly trust that they will continue serving our Lord diligently together throughout their lives.
MILESTONES
Bev’s parents, Keith and Donna Fincham will be celebrating 60 years of marriage on August 6th of this year! This is quite a milestone, and since our plans are to head back to the field on June 17th, the family is planning a celebration two months early on June 6th. We also were reminded of our rich Christian heritage two weekends ago when John’s mother, Frances Leonard, was honored in Brazil for 75 years of life, 60 years of “spiritual life” and 50 years of missionary service to our Lord! Congratulations to our parents!
What an honor to reach a milestone in our lives as well. We were part of the 1987 Baptist Mid-Missions candidate class in Cedarville, OH. Yes, that was 25 years ago. Thank you for the vital part you have had in this joyful and God-honoring ministry.
MOVE
Our tickets for our move back to Brazil have been purchased for June 17th. Our hearts are actually already down there, and we are anxiously awaiting this date! John is scheduled to speak on Sunday, June 24th at our church plant in Sao Pedro. They have kept us up-to-date on the happenings, and we are excited to meet the new believers, to renew acquaintances with others, and to continue reaching out to this needy mountain village with the Gospel of Christ. We also can’t wait to see the progress that has been made on the construction. Although it has been slow, they are so happy about what they have been able to accomplish in our absence, and we are, too! We praise the Lord for the opportunity we have to work with this loving group of people. Along with the blessing of being able to return to the field, God has given us another extra-special blessing. Jess Caster, an RN friend of ours, has offered to travel back with us to Brazil, helping us with our baggage, John’s transfers (we are switching planes in Chicago and Panama), and any other needs that may arise. She will be with us until July 30th, which should allow us to get settled into a good routine before she leaves. Jess is excited, since she is open to a possible future ministry in Brazil, should the Lord call her. It has certainly amazed us to see how God has provided for each and every need, and we know that your prayers have been effectual and fervent.
Joyfully serving,
John and Bev Leonard
e-mail–prayforjohn@msn.com
website–prayforjohn.com
Andre, Maria, and Lucinha
By bev
Dear Prayer Team, March, 2012
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” Is. 60:1-2
God answered your prayers!! We are back from our extensive trip out west to visit supporting churches, supporting individuals, family, and friends. Wow! What a trip it was, and many, many times we felt “an extra measure of strength” which could be nothing but your prayers. How can we possibly tell you how valuable they are to us?!? Even as we ministered, we could just tell that God had “gone before us” and made hearts truly receptive to His Word. Thank you so much for this vital role that you play in our “team effort” to reach souls for Christ and edify believers. May the Lord bless each one.
TRIP OUT WEST
We have tried to decide what the “highlight” of our trip was out west, and truly it is a near impossible task! God gave us so many opportunities to minister…to individuals, to couples, to small groups of students ( including a group of college-aged Chinese students who cannot be freely taught the things of the Bible in China, so they are brought here to the U.S. where they can have in-depth discipleship–how awesome!), to youth groups, to Sunday School and Kid’s Clubs, to ladies’ groups, to churches of all sizes, to new church plants, to Bible studies…wow… we praise our Lord for His grace and mercy in allowing us to be involved in each one! However, one opportunity seemed to be a divine appointment by God and it was quite unique. On the final day of our missionary conference at Calvary Baptist Church in Mesa, AZ, we ate our noon meal out at a buffet restaurant with a dear couple. When Bev went to start the van afterwards, she could not get the key to turn in the ignition. We thought it was because we were using our spare key since our other key had been left with another person who was planning to use our van to pick up a handicapped individual to bring to church, so the man we ate lunch with decided to go get the other key. It was during that time while we were visiting with our hostess and showing her pictures from our trip on our camera that a Vietnamese young lady named Cindy came up to us and offered to take our picture. John struck up a conversation with her and then we decided to give her a “Gospel coin” that a man from Open Door Baptist in Prescott Valley, AZ had given to us. The coin said “Where will you spend eternity?” John 3:36. Since she was just learning English, she asked us, “What is eternity?” What an opportunity!! We then were able to talk to her about her need to accept Jesus as her Savior so that she could spend eternity with Him. She told us she had been faithful to attend the Buddhist temple for two years in her life, but that she was now “in limbo” trying to decide if Buddhism or Christianity was what she wanted to follow. We invited her to church, and our hostess said she was going to follow up on her and encourage her in the Lord. After that, we were able to get the van started, and there really seemed to be no other reason for the delay other than we were supposed to talk to Cindy about where she would spend eternity!! Thank you for your prayers, and thank you, Lord, for one more chance to witness for you. Continue to pray for Cindy and her lost condition.
FURLOUGH EXTENSION
Early in our road trip, we received some exciting news from our daughter, Jonna. She became engaged to Tim O’Tool, a godly young man who has a heart for God and for the Lord’s work. He is attending Faith Baptist Bible College preparing for the ministry and plans to graduate in 2013. They plan to be married on Saturday, June 9th, and after seeking advice from both our home office and our home church, we were counseled to stay here in the States until after the wedding. The decision was not easy. In fact, we already have at least half of our packing done and we were so excited to be able to soon return to Brazil. But we have great peace that this is what we should be doing at this time. Our field administrator, VW Peters, notified us that we are still a little below the needed monthly support level, and encouraged us to contact churches at this time to try to bring that level up. Between visiting churches, wedding preparations, doing more packing and preparing for the move, we are sure that this short time will fly by. We are thankful for the opportunity to help our daughter during this important phase of her life. Please pray that the wedding will be used to glorify the Lord, and pray that Jonna and Tim would be used in His service. Pray also for us as we set up meetings that God would continue using us.
WORK IN SAO PEDRO
What a joy it was to be able to talk with Pastor Eneias about the work in Sao Pedro. Most of you know that John was scheduled to speak at their anniversary celebration on March 10th, and although it will be hard for us to miss this joyful occasion, we promised our prayers on their behalf. We ask that you, our prayer team, pray with us for these dear people. One of our concerns is Pastor’s and his wife, Mara’s health. We praise the Lord that God has sustained them thus far and has used them mightily to reach this dark area of Brazil with the light of the Gospel. They reported that attendance is up and down, but they are seeing God work in the lives of the believers. They are holding regular open air meetings, and excitement is in the air for the upcoming weekend conference in celebration of their anniversary. The construction is going forward at a slow but steady pace. Continue to pray that God would bless our new church plant. We can’t wait to get back!!
Thank you again for your prayers!
Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard
By bev
January/February, 2012
Dear Prayer Team,
SPECIAL MEETINGS
We are writing this from Wilson, KS where we just had wonderful meetings here at First Baptist Church. Our next trek out west has just begun and ask that you pray as we head over the Rockies this coming week. Our request is for safety and good weather. Pray also for our speaking engagements that God would go before us and prepare people’s hearts. Our total time on the road this time is 41 days and we will be in 11 States. Upon our arrival at home in Iowa on March 1st, we will have 7 days to pack up before we get on the plane and head to Brazil on March 8th! Continue to pray with us regarding these busy days that most of all God would use us to reach souls and edify believers for His glory.
SPECIAL MINISTRY
During the month of December, it was our pleasure to be able to be involved in the Rise Up (special needs) ministry at Saylorville Baptist Church. We praise the Lord for allowing us to be used in this way, and what a joy it was to see new faces at the special Christmas event. It was great to be involved in this awesome ministry that reaches out not only to those who have special needs, but also to their caregivers. Pray with us that God would continue to bless the Rise Up ministry.
SPECIAL CELEBRATION
The Lord has allowed us to stay in touch with the congregation at Sao Pedro where we plan to continue ministering. The anniversary celebration is planned for March 10th, one day after our arrival in Brazil, and John has been asked to speak. He is so excited to be able to jump right back into the work! Pray for strength as he preaches that many Brazilian lives would be touched.
SPECIAL BOY
John also heard from one of his favorite little boys from the work in Sao Pedro. His name is “Paulinho,” an ornery little kid (pictured below), who hardly ever misses church. His story is quite sad, as the last we heard, both of his parents were in jail, and one of the ladies of the church took him in so that he wouldn’t be on the street. Even though he always seems to find some type of mischief to get into, he loves to come to church. We are praying that some day God would use him in a mighty way. Paulinho still has not made his decision for salvation, so please pray that soon he would take this important step of faith.
Thank you again for your prayers! We appreciate each one of you!
Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard
By bev
Christmas, 2011
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:7
Our hearts rejoice that even though our Savior, Jesus Christ was turned down by the innkeeper before He arrived on this earth, He is doing just the opposite today. He is inviting each person to come to Him, and we know that there is always room for more in His kingdom (John 14:2).
Furlough Since January, we have been here in the States spending most of our time traveling around to our supporting churches and individuals up-dating them on the work in Brazil. Once again, we have been encouraged to see salvation of souls and we would like to tell you about one of our most recent experiences. In October, we had the privilege of speaking at a hay-ride in Williamsburg, IA. (They even used a skid-loader to lift John up wheelchair and all onto the hay trailer!!). What a joy it was to witness the salvation of at least three individuals as a result of this ministry. How grateful we are that there is much room in God’s kingdom for those who desire to accept Him as their personal Savior.
Family It has been a busy year for our family! Joshua stayed behind when we came to the States and he continues to be involved in the Lord’s work in Brazil. He enjoys teaching English at Medford Business School and is a good witness to anyone with whom he comes in contact. Jerrod graduated in May from Faith Baptist Bible College and one week later married Alyssa, a pastor’s daughter from Normal, IL. Jerrod is currently serving the Lord as Children’s Ministries Director at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, MI. Jonna has completed the first phase of her nursing degree and is studying at FBBC. She is dating Tim O’Toole, who is also at Faith, and is interested in serving the Lord as a missionary someday. Jeanne graduated from high school in May and has begun her elementary education degree at Des Moines Area Community College. She is also enjoying working at TJMaxx, and has done well at adapting to the American culture. Please remember our family in prayer so that we would continue to faithfully share Christ with others and see more people enter into God’s kingdom.
Future Even though we are planning to head back to the mission field of Brazil for four more years to serve the Lord alone, we are excited to see what God will do in and through us. Our children have been a vital part of our ministry for all these years, and they will most certainly be missed. But we are reminded time and time again how God uses our “weaknesses” to show His strength in our lives. Our last furlough meeting is on February 26, 2012. One more long trip is planned out west (western Kansas, Colorado, Nevada, California, and Arizona) to minister and report to supporters, so please be in prayer for this journey. God has been so gracious to us this year as we have not had to miss any commitments because of health, car trouble or any other reason! How grateful we are to our Savior for His goodness and we thank you for your prayers, which have sustained us. We continue hearing good reports from the work in Sao Pedro, Brazil, where we plan to spend our next term. There is still room for more to accept Jesus as Savior in that needy city, and that is why we are so excited to get back!
Festivities This year for the festivities our plans are to attend church and to be with our family. We are “making room” for time to spend with our Lord and with our family—the dearest things we have here on the earth. Are you doing the same, dear friend? May this be the year that you enter into God’s plan by receiving Christ as Savior, or that you will help others know that there is much room in His kingdom for everyone!
Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard
By bev
Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Phil 1:6
Dear Prayer Team, June, 2011
What a joy it has been to see God work in recent days…let us share with you only a few of His blessings and “good works” that are spoken of in Philippians 1:6.
May was a month filled with meetings in the churches and also special family events. May 6th was the date of our son Jerrod’s and his fiance, Alyssa’s graduation from Faith Baptist Bible College. Also on that day, we had the surprising honor of receiving the FBBC Foreign Missionary Alumni of the year award. The next weekend (May 14th) was Jerrod and Alyssa Barth’s wedding in Normal, IL, in which John helped officiate along with Alyssa’s dad, Mel Barth (also a pastor).The following weekend,(May 21st) we held a high school graduation reception for our youngest daughter, Jeanne, here in our home in Ankeny, IA.
In June, our travels on the weekend and speaking opportunities during the week have continued along with hearing of several who have received Christ as Savior. Our neighbor, Mike, was saved at the beginning of June. Our son, Jerrod,and his wife Alyssa, who are spending the summer at a camp in Michigan, also witnessed the salvation of 5 adolescents at one of the recent Junior weeks. Jonna left last week to help out for 8 weeks counselling at a camp in Wisconsin, and is looking forward to making a lasting spiritual impact in the lives of those kids. One of her goals is to be able to lead at least one soul to Christ. She also has plans to attend Faith Baptist Bible College in the fall continuing her missionary-nursing degree. Jeanne recently invited an unsaved neighbor to attend a newly formed Bible study group. Even though she (Lindsay) accepted the invitation, she was not able to make it, but has promised to try to be there next week. Our oldest son, Josh, continues to be used of God in Brazil. Just last night, his friend, Enrique, whom he met on the bus and invited to church, accepted Christ as Savior (along with three others) after the evening service! Our hearts truly rejoice with the way God has used our family to reach out to others who need Him.
We continually hear “good news” from ”Good News Baptist Congregation” our current work in Sao Pedro, Brazil, Seven were recently baptized and the construction of the church building has continued in our absence!! What a thrill to hear how God has been working.
In July we will be making a long trip out east, and would greatly appreciate your prayers. Pray that we would continue to be used mightily of the Lord in all of our meetings, and that God would grant to us safety and health as we travel. Nothing to be alarmed about, but John has had a couple of minor health issues as of late, and we ask that you pray for strength to be able to fulfill all of his upcoming responsibilities.
August is also a full month for us with lots of speaking including a week of family camp in which John is in charge of both the missionary and youth hours. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of this area of our “support” that you as our prayer team give to us. Prayer is our “life breath” and is THE REASON why we are able to be used of God. Yes, through your prayers, God is “performing” that which He began years ago. Thank you so much for your faithfulness! As Uncle Sam says, “WE WANT (NEED) YOU!” With His grace and your prayers, we will continue enjoying His “good works” in our lives.
By bev
Dear Prayer Team, January 5, 2009
We praise the Lord that He has given us strength to help the work here in Jundiaí in many ways. As we mentioned in previous letters, it is now capable of being carried on totally by the national believers. We have experienced this moment before, but the excitement of it never grows dull. You (our prayer team) are a vital part of this moment through your prayers and sacrificial giving. To God be the glory.
God in a wonderful way has opened up a preaching point in the city of Cajamar. Our services have been attended by an average of 15 people. Although no one has accepted Christ as Savior yet, we see interest through the questions asked and expect in the near future to see souls saved. There are no other churches nearby, and we see this as an opportunity to reach the unreached. Yesterday, our son Jerrod brought the message from Genesis 22, the story of Abraham and Isaac and how God supplied the sacrifice. The second part of the message was explaining that for man’s salvation, God supplied the sacrifice by sending His Son, Jesus. Pray for the salvation of souls in Cajamar.
On Sunday, December 28, our family had the opportunity to minister to a congregation in the city of Niteroi. We were able to encourage the believers and after the evening service, lead a lady and a young girl to Christ. Please pray for this new work and Cristiane and Vanda, the two newest babes in Christ!
John’s has enjoyed good health. Whenever we see a problem we have been careful to address it quickly. We know that this has been the direct answer to all your prayers. Thank you for praying for John’s health. John’s two-year check-up is scheduled April, 2009 at Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado. We will be making a quick two-month trip back to the States to make sure everything is fine. Pray for our trip, and pray for John’s check-up.
FAMILY
It has been a joy to have our family together during this Christmas and New Years’ season. Our 25th wedding anniversary on December 31 was very special, as we celebrated not only with our kids, but also with congregation in Niteroi. Jonna and Jerrod’s trip back to the States is planned for the 7th of January, just two days away. Jonna will enter nursing school in Iowa, and will be missed greatly by us, not only here at home, but also in the work. Jerrod will continue his sophomore year at Faith Baptist Bible College. Josh plans to continue his teaching job here in Brazil and helping out with the new ministry. Jeanne will be working in the children’s department in Cajamar, and also finishing up her sophmore year in high school. Thank you for praying, our family (John, Bev, Joshua, Jerrod, Jonna, and Jeanne).
Because He lives,
John and Bev Leonard and family
By bev
VISITATION
This is always one of the highlights of our week—to go out and visit the unsaved of our neighborhood. Pictured here is Senhor Antonio who has cancer and is also in a wheelchair. Once again, thank you for your prayers as Bev and I go out spreading the Good News.
VOTING
We thank God for allowing us to be a citizen of a free country where you can vote. Over half of the world’s population are in countries that do not allow this. Bev and I received our overseas ballots and here we are voting!! May we never forget to pray for our country and also do our part as a citizen.
VERY GOOD ATTENDANCE
In recent months, many have asked questions about end times. John has been preaching a series on this very subject. Attendance has gone up…Sunday before last 76…last Sunday 83. Keep praying, God is answering.
VROOOOOM!
The next three weekends we will be preaching in three different churches. The farthest one away is a five hour drive. Our emphasis will be evangelizing the lost, but while we are there, we will also be teaching a workshop to the men of the churches on how to speak in public. Traveling is not easy, but it is always worth it!! Once again, thanks for praying!!
Love, John and Bev Leonard
By john
NEW LIFE
We praise the Lord that two men (Marcio and Guilherme) who have been coming to church faithfully with their families, have accepted Christ as their Savior. Rejoice with us!! Please pray as on-going discipleship is done and that these men will soon not only be saved, but serving.
NEW NEST
Right outside our bedroom window a bird called “Sabiá” decided to build a nest. Bev and I thank the Lord for the “Sabiá family” We not only have something to watch when we can, but listen to, especially dusk and dawn. He is always the first bird to sing and has a strong, beautiful song. Thank the Lord with us as He reminds us about the small things that can brighten our lives…even a bird nest, and a song.
NEW CLUB
Our church celebrated its first official VBS at the end of July and in August started our new Kid´s Club. It´s name is “CLUBIQUE.” At first most parents were polite, but would not allow their children to come. Now, only a month later, we are running between 15 and 20 kids. Pray for the salvation of these children and that through them we will be able to reach their families.
NEW APARTMENTS
About 300 yards from the front of our church, the government has put up a complex of 600 apartments. This means 600 new families basically right next to our church. We have been praying that God would give us an open door to this new neighborhood, for it is a closed “no solicitors allowed” community. Two Sundays ago, a lady brought her two children to Kid´s Club and after being visited this Sunday returned with her two children and her husband. What a joy!! Pray that we can sit down with them and figure out a program that can be done during the week to reach others in the complex and still be within their regulations.
NEW BOOK
John has helped translate books from English to Portuguese many years ago, but as a couple, this is one ministry we have not undertaken. Joni and Friends (which is an international organization that helps the handicapped through the national local churches) wants to get organized in Brazil. Hope Baptist Church started by one of our BMM missionaries, Marvin Frey, is spear-heading this evangelistic effort. We were asked to do the translating of two of their training books. We praise the Lord that this has been done and Bev and I are still friends!!! Hope Baptist Church already has a work amongst the handicapped. As you well know from past letters and pictures, we have had a part in this ministry. Please pray that these books will open many doors of an unreached group to the Gospel of Christ and that many souls will be saved.
NEW PASTOR
This past Saturday evening, we were invited to participate in the installation service of Pastor Ronaldo, his wife, Renata, and their son, Lucas at Central Baptist Church in Olympia, SP. This church was started by fellow missionaries Mark and Anita Swedberg.Even though it was a 5 hour drive away, we made the trip. Renata was saved as a child in the VBS of Barro Duro Baptist Church, a work we participated in as very young missionaries in the early 90´s. Pastor Ronaldo was reached through the visitation program at Graciliano Ramos Baptist Church, the work that we participated in after Barro Duro. They both attended Cariri Baptist Seminary where John´s brother, Jim, has been the director. One of the good aspects of being a “senior missionary“ is seeing folks from past works going into the ministry. Please pray for Ronaldo, Renata, and Lucas, as they begin this new chapter in their lives.
NEW NEWS
Jerrod is now back at FBBC for his sophomore year. He fully enjoyed his summer camp ministry. Joshua is teaching English, helping with church visitation, and forever making new friends. Jonna is working hard at getting done with her senior year of high school and looking forward to college. She also helps in the children´s and music music ministry of the church. Jeanne has begun her sophomore year and also helps in the various aspects of a missionary church. We covet your prayers for our children that they will always serve and honor God.
NEW PRAYER
Over the years, we are certain of the fact that on a daily basis, your prayers on our behalf are taken “new” before the throne of God. That is the main part of all that has happened in the many places we have ministered. Once again, T H A N K Y O U, and may the Lord richly bless you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Missionaries John and Bev Leonard
(Written by John!!)
