Jeffery and Judy Traver

Brazil trip – Thanksgiving – Move

Dear praying Amigos,

We praise God for his protection and provision during our trip to Brazil in November! As you may recall, we asked for prayer as we returned to Brazil for three short weeks to pack up our house there. We were hoping to return to the ministry there, but over the past couple of years God has been re-directing our family (more about that later).

While in Brazil, God provided for us in so many amazing ways through His church. One such way was through The Santos family. Pastor Antonio and his family, who continue to work in our first church plant, came out to our house and helped us prepare for two garage sales. They did a tremendous job helping us separate, price and sell most of our smaller items and furniture! We can’t thank them enough!

Not only did we pack up our house and prepare for shipping of our goods back to the United States, but Jeff was able to preach three times. Also, we spent a day and a half celebrating Thanksgiving with our American colleagues from the greater São Paulo region. Our missionary numbers are dwindling and we are praying for young couples to answer God’s call and move to the region to help share the gospel message and plant more new churches there. With a population of around 25 million people, we have barely begun to reach São Paulo for Christ.

Before heading to Brazil, we got estimates of prices for shipping our belongings back to the United States. Unfortunately, the prices we found did not account for inflation and the new supply chain crisis that has drastically raised the price of Container transportation. Our original estimate was around $4,000 however, the final price is over $5,500. We did receive a couple of gifts for which we are so very grateful that covered nearly $3,000 of the bill. However, we trust the Lord to provide the additional need. We are able to receive gifts through Baptist Mid-Missions until December 31. Beginning on January 1, donations can be sent to us individually and if you would like to contact us, we can inform you how that is possible.

We are praying and actively seeking ministry among the Brazilians who are moving into the Upstate of South Carolina. Jeff was able to join a couple of Brazilian men with the translation of the messages of the church that one of our daughters attends for a podcast in Portuguese. It’s a small start and we look forward to greater outreach.

We praise the Lord for each of you! You have blessed our family richly with your prayers and support over the many years! Thank you for your faithfulness.

Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Jeff-n-Judy