| January 4, 2007
Dear Friends and Family,
We arrived in Londrina in January of 1997, exactly ten years
ago. We have always enjoyed life here in southern Brazil, but
2006 was an exceptionally good year for us, with many opportunities
for rewarding ministry and many meaningful experiences.
I (Farris) enjoyed my teaching at the theological seminary of
the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil. In 2005, I began
teaching a Christian education course, along with my music teaching
activities, and I have continued to enjoy this course very much.
The enthusiasm and the creativity of the students, as they prepare
lesson plans and teach classes designed to involve the students
in the learning process in meaningful ways, are far beyond my
expectations. Being able to guide students towards more creative
teaching in the church has been a very positive experience for
me and, I hope, for them as well.
I continue to enjoy my music-teaching activities also, which
involve a liturgy-type course where we discuss the over-all importance
of music in the church, and the positive impact that music can
make in worship when chosen and performed in a responsible way.
My music teaching at the seminary also involves music theory and
directing as well as piano lessons and a bell choir. A music course
I offered in 2005 for people in the churches produced some very
talented musicians, some of whom have continued to come to the
seminary for piano lessons. A musical program at our church in
October involved the seminary choir and bell choir, as well as
piano soloists and special numbers performed by choirs who shared
their talents with us on that program. A large audience gathered
to enjoy the program.
A couple of months ago I was invited by one of my students to
spend the weekend at his church in his hometown and to present
special workshops about music. The three-hour drive through the
beautiful Brazilian countryside and the warm reception from the
people at the church made me aware of what a unique place this
is to live and work, and how nice it is to have special opportunities
for ministry. I have recently received an invitation from another
student to plan a weekend workshop about creative teaching methods,
and I always enjoy this type of teaching opportunity in the church.
Music is always an important part of the Christmas season, and
my church choir and bell choir were busy during Christmas with
special performances at our church. The bell choir also received
invitations to play in other churches and auditoriums in Londrina,
as well as two invitations to play in shopping centers in town.
People are always fascinated by the bells and by the skill level
at which the young people from our church have learned to play,
so these presentations are always greeted with much enthusiasm.
My trip in June to the Congo, where I was born and raised on
the Presbyterian mission field, was a wonderful experience, making
2006 a very special year indeed. I had left the Congo 36 years
before, and it was nice to be reminded of what a privilege it
is to have a small part in the long and fruitful history of missions
of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Thelma has now completed her third year as a student at the seminary
where I teach, and she is always at the top of her class. She
has kept very busy with projects, class presentations, and research
papers, but has enjoyed each activity very much. She hopes to
teach theology in the future. She has also kept busy with her
“Projeto Escolar” at our church, which is a project
that she organized to help underprivileged children who have learning
difficulties. It has not always been easy, but she and a group
of dedicated volunteers have done a great job with the children.
On the last day of the school year the children were taken to
the swimming pool at our seminary. It had been discovered that
none of them owned swimwear, so bathing suits were bought for
each of them, and a good time was had by all!
The seasons are reversed here in South America, and Michael and
Joel are enjoying their summer vacation. School ended at the end
of November and won’t start back until mid-February. Michael
completed eighth grade and Joel completed second grade. End-of-year
activities included Michael’s school-sponsored weekend at
a resort with his classmates and his graduation from eighth grade,
which was followed by a formal dinner that we all enjoyed.
We are grateful for God’s leading in our lives and for
rewarding opportunities for ministry here in Brazil. We thank
you for your interest in our ministry and always appreciate your
prayers. We wish, for each of you, much joy in 2007.
Sincerely, in Christ’s service,
Farris Goodrum
for the Goodrum family
The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study, p.41
|
