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	A letter from Farris and Thelma Goodrum in Brazil

	November 2004 Dear Friends, Greetings from Mission Haven, in Decatur, Georgia. We arrived here last January, after having spent Christmas with family members in Houston, Texas. Our time of home assignment has been very enjoyable and productive, and as we begin to prepare for our return to Brazil we wanted to get in touch with you and let you know how things have been going during these months here in the States.

	The Goodrums at a mission celebration in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.		Our responsibility of visiting churches to communicate to congregations about how God is using us in ministry in Brazil is always a pleasant and rewarding activity. Our contacts with churches this year have been especially enjoyable, and we want to thank all of you who have had us as guests in your churches and in your homes. We consider it a privilege to have so many opportunities to tell about our mission work, and we have been glad to be able to share, not only about our own activities in Brazil, but also about how the Presbyterian Church is involved in missions all around the world. We appreciate the dedicated support and interest of the churches here in the States.

	Our boys, Michael (12) and Joel (7), have adapted well to the transition from Brazil to the United States. Both are in schools within walking distance of our house, which has been very convenient. Thelma and I are taking some courses at Columbia Theological Seminary this semester, which is also within walking distance, and this has been a pleasant experience. All of us have enjoyed time spent with family and friends here in the States. Michael has really gotten into skateboarding, and Joel enjoys taekwondo.

	Upon returning to Brazil we look forward to resuming our activities at the seminary of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Londrina, in southern Brazil. We also have plans to initiate a project at our church in Londrina that will help underprivileged children in the neighborhoods surrounding the church. We plan to offer computer instruction for children who otherwise might not have access to computers, and support with schoolwork for those who may need extra help. Activities we hope to offer will include music and art classes, as well as sports and other activities. The church established a literacy school for adults several years ago, and letters from friends in Londrina indicate that cooking classes, which emphasize economizing and good nutrition, are now underway. Thelma and I are both anxious to take our places, once again, in the life of this special congregation.				Thelma and Farris on the campus of Columbia Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

	We plan to return to Brazil during the first week of January 2005. Our address in Brazil will be: C.P. 588 Londrina, PR 86001-970 Brazil We look forward to new challenges as we seek to use our God-given gifts and talents in service to the church in Brazil. We thank you for your interest in our ministry, and ask for your continued prayers. Yours in Christ’s service, Farris Goodrum, for the Goodrum family The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 146

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