Dear Praying and Supporting Friends,
Ministry Update
As the Covid lockdown took over the world we began online services. Even though we are in the States for our son’s weddings; we have been able to maintain our services as normal via our online presence. This pandemic has given us expanded opportunities to witness. More people have been watching our services than we have in our regular services.
God has also opened up a new ministry. People from all over Brazil have been sending us their prayer requests. We are able to share the gospel with them and pray for their needs. So far we have been able to share the gospel with about 500 people since the pandemic began. We will also be connecting them with pastors in their area to follow up on them as soon as they are able.
The lockdown continues in our state of Brazil. The few pastors we know of that have tried to start have been shut down by the police. We were told by our Mayor that when we were able to start we could ony have 30% capacity but no one under the age of 12 and no one over the age of 60. That will affect all of our families. For now we continue with online service for the time being. Please be in prayer for our country. We have had members in our church who have come down with the COVID but thankfully they have all recovered.
MBIB
We need special prayers for our missionaries with MBIB. These Brazilian national pastors and missionaries are suffering under the lockdown. Last month we had to subsidize every one of our missionaries. Praise the Lord some of their support has returned this month. Despite the lockdown they are reaching out in their areas via the internet or food baskets. Some areas of Brazil have opened up for church again but many states of Brazil have not allowed services. Our missionary in Portugal is limited to just 20 people at a gathering. Be in prayer for our Brazilian missionaries as they adapt through this difficult time around the world.
Family News
Despite the lockdown, our youngest son, Lee, got married on May 16th. It was a beautiful wedding despite the limit on size. We were grateful they managed to get a marriage license because the office was closed till right before their ceremony.
Our eldest son, Jeff, was married on July 24th. We are thankful that all of our sons have found good Christian girls who are willing to follow them as they follow God.
Due to the lockdowns we were not able to renew my Brazilian passport. Because of this and the final wedding for our son, David we have decided to stay until January.
We would love to update you in person as we are here through this wedding season in our family. We realize that with COVID many churches are not able to have us in, but it would be a great blessing to see you all again if it would work out. Our stateside phone number is 219-214-6444 or you can email at [email protected].
In His Service,
Bryan and Rebekah Johnson
