July-August Prayer Letter

The past few months have been bustling but extremely blessed by the Lord. With every obstacle and challenge, He shows Himself greater and all-knowing. I have been challenged the past two months by Psalm 61:2-4: "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." It is reassuring to know that wherever I am, the Lord knows my needs.

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July Medical-Connect Trip

The end of July found me back in the Amazon basin of Brazil and Colombia for my second and last planned medical-connect trip of the year. It was a true blessing to be back in the villages I love so dearly! Through a series of unplanned events, God allowed us to minister to several Peruvian villages in addition to the Brazilian communities. This unexpected opportunity stretched our flexibility but allowed us to meet families that were truly ready and waiting to hear the Gospel. 25 team members came together for this trip--some returning but many new to partner with 3 local missionary families and national pastors. We were privileged to be invited into 4 remote villages: Santa Rita, Fujimoro, Puerto Alegria, Rondina as well as two public schools (elementary/high school). In total, we saw an estimated 224 families with 40 personal 1-1 salvation decisions with our interpreters. The tool of medicine and water purification demonstrates the love of Christ on the most basic level and allows for valuable follow-up opportunities for national pastors and missionaries.

These opportunities continue long after our short-term teams leave and provide support for families with heavy burdens. In addition, we were also able to meet a group from a local deaf community just up the river from one of the villages in which we were serving that day. This group heard of our clinic by word-of-mouth and came for medical care. They also had many questions regarding Christ. Although we never anticipated the opportunity, God allowed two skilled sign language interpreters within our group to speak with these sweet men and women one-on-one. All of them received medical care and several trusted Christ. The for-knowledge of God is amazing!

This trip also served as a valuable survey trip as I continue to learn more about the culture and begin planning for my eventual transition into this amazing country. I enjoyed getting to know the local missionary families better and received the opportunity to discuss the more practical side of missions--housing, transportation, language school, cultural adaptation, etc. Being able to attend Pastor John Hernandez's church, Emanuel Baptist Church, was a definite highlight! It was difficult to say goodbye, but this final trip of the year encouraged my spirit and renewed my love for this country and the mission for which God is calling and preparing me.

August Preparation

As the summer came to a close, God allowed me the opportunity to visit BIMI headquarters in Harrison, TN, to complete my deputation video. It was a daunting task, but God blessed the plan and execution, and I am thankful to have a production that I believe fully captures my love for this unique burden. I have been able to include this video with my missionary packet as I contact new churches and the Lord has blessed the response! I have several missionary conferences scheduled and many other pastors requesting more information. I am thrilled for the opportunity to share what the Lord is doing in the Amazon River Basin and I am praying for more to surrender their lives to this incredibly needy mission field.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support!

Best,

Sarah Goodman

Psalm 67:2

July-August Prayer Letter.pdf

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