Dear Friends and Family,
Summer is almost gone, and it seems that the Fall holds some positive changes to the lockdown restrictions here in Europe. Even though the per centage of people vaccinated is over 70%, the pandemic is still quite strong in Portugal and a number of other European nations. The decisions being made by the governments are like “stabbing in the dark” at this unseen enemy. There is a growing discontent with the restrictions by many and it is daily reported in the news of more and more aggressive demonstrations, especially in Germany, France, and Spain, against these government policies. If you want to travel, one really must keep up on the entry requirements as they change on a weekly basis.
We have had to cancel a couple of trips that were planned to Angola and Morocco, because of this lack of definition and stability. We are praying the doors will open soon. On the first of September, Helen and I will drive to Germany for a few weeks of ministry. Going by car seems to be less complicated than going by air. We are looking forward to being back in Germany and will take advantage of having our car to visit our granddaughter, Ruth, who is studying ballet in Stuttgart. The churches we ministry in are mainly in the South of the country. (In a separate attachment you can see our schedule)
Even though this Covid-19 pandemic has dominated the world’s attention, we have determined to not let it distract us from ministering. I know, one must be careful, but we cannot be fearful. We must live by faith no matter what the circumstances are that surround us. I have dedicated my “home” time to preparing video seminars that can be available on YouTube. The first one on Spiritual Warfare was followed in over 20 nations and soon another one on Prayer will be available. (I have prepared these lessons in Portuguese and English) If you are having a problem finding them you can contact me and I will send you the link. I have also been writing and have finished the 6th devotional book, (in Portuguese), and the 12th book of the Ecclesia series in Portuguese. Now we are working on the German publications of the Ecclesia booklets. Helen has finished her paintings for this year. She painted two smaller paintings of orchids which will join her other flower painting she did last year. She has decided to stick to portraits from now on, which is definitely her forte.
Over this last year, we have been dreaming of getting our “tribe” together here in Portugal. Next year we will celebrate our Golden 50th Anniversary and have determined to get everyone here for that event. The day we will celebrate is the 6th of August, 2022, in Lisbon. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!! We will give more details as we get closer to the date. Just guard the date for now. Our children and grandchildren will come a week earlier and stay the week after. We have been able to secure places to stay for all 35 of us during these two weeks. Praise the Lord! That was a miracle in itself and soon we will begin the process of purchasing all the tickets. Miracles begin as dreams and dreams are the language of the Holy Spirit. We have been challenged to dream big and pray BIG prayers. In this way we honor God, because God is BIG. We sense His pleasure as we take literally His Word when He says: “ask anything in my name”. This gathering of the Reimer clan will be a first since the kids all left home some 20 years ago. Now the family has grown and although we are scattered around 5 different time zones, we have maintained our closeness.
God has been so good to us and, even though, we have had our “bumps in the road”, (health wise), we are strong and looking forward to many more fruitful years in serving the Lord’s purposes. As Helen and I have dedicated more hours of prayer each day praying for the people and areas of the world we are involved in and we are comforted knowing that you all are praying for us. OBRIGADO! When we were in America in May and June, we saw so many of you, and what a joy that was. We look forward to many more such reunions.
Blessings,
Jim and Helen