A Fruitful Visit to the Church in Recife

*Mike and Peggy Palk visit Lar Mana, in Recife.*

Here is a report from former Recife mission team members Mike and Peggy Palk on their visit last week. For the past 31 years, Mike has been serving as a shepherd of the Collegeside Church of Christ in Cookeville, TN.

*The Palks with Denise and Regis Melo, minister at the downtown Recife congregation.*

My wife, Peggy, and I were blessed to visit Mike and Aureni Pruitt for a week in March. We were there as part of the original six-family team from 1980 to 1985. Since then, we have returned seven times to visit the ongoing mission work. Our son, Daniel, and his wife, Jana, also served ten years with the Boa Viagem congregation, on Recife’s south side.

*Mike Palk with leadership from local congregations.*

Mike and Aureni filled our schedule with fruitful meetings. We met with a group of about ten church leaders from various congregations to discuss the state of the church (good), unity, and leadership. It was a great meeting with good discussion. I knew about half the group from decades ago. I was encouraged to see how this group enjoyed their time together.

*The Palks visit the eldership at the São Lourenço congregation.*

We were blessed to have dinner with three leaders and their families of the Boa Vista (downtown) church. Another night we had dinner with the three elders and their wives from the São Lourenço (westside) church. Great fellowship.

*Mike Palk teaching men at the Boa Vista Church of Christ.*

Peggy and I met one evening with various deacons and other men in training, along with their wives. Peggy talked with the women, and I spoke with the men about God’s plan for leadership in the church. There were about two dozen in each group. I was, as was Peggy, impressed by the discussion, questions, and the Boa Vista church’s efforts to train and appoint more shepherds.

*Peggy Palk teaching the wives of the Boa Vista Church of Christ men.*

On Sunday, I taught a couples’ class of about fifty and discussed leadership in marriage and the Lord’s church. We enjoyed discussing how husbands and wives work together to lead their families. During worship, I had opportunity to speak about Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and how we all lead others with our lives. We look at Jesus and how he led by example.

*Mike Palk leading Bible class for couples.*

Peggy and I were thankful for our recall of Portuguese, the love of this church family, the energy, and a love for their Lord. This is a vibrant congregation. The School of the Bible continues to mature believers and share the good news of those who have not surrendered to Jesus. We were so grateful to Mike and Aureni for their time with us. It was easy to see how their church family loves one another, as they reflect our Lord’s life. Be Blessed!