Middle Eastern Missionaries

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

Can we talk now? When I read this kind of message I have a chilling feeling in my spine, specially in the Great City. Every time I received this type of message something important had happened. But I never taught on that Saturday afternoon on Easter weekend, while we waited outside the country for our visa to be renewed that this message would change everything.

What first seemed to be an isolated security situation that obligated one of our worker friend to leave the country became a larger situation, and soon I would know that my name was also included. The authorities that were doing the investigation on our friend’s murder informed us that due to new information they acquired and evidences that we should not stay in the Great City any longer. We had multiple conversations with our leadership and crisis department in our organization trying to understand the situation. But unfortunately the situation only kept getting worst as the days past and more complicated regarding our security living in the country.

Mid while we were receiving new information, our visa got approved. In talks with the security  and crisis department in our org, we saw that it was possible for us to return for just a few days so we could get some personal things and say good bye to dear friends and employees. Some recommendations included that we couldn't leave our apartment and avoid telling anyone before hand our plans of arrival and departure. It was tough being there, but we were able to share the Good News in city for one last time. We spoke clearly about His love and gave a Bible to each of our employees (one had received earlier) they received the gifts crying.

We dreamt that another worker could take our place in the project, they could stay with our apartment, the furniture and all the many things that were still there. But the situation in the city got worst to such a degree that all the other workers had to leave the city definitely or leave for a long period. Including our team member Savannah. We are praying some will return, but in our case we can’t. Our presence endangers the local believers and other workers around us.

While we were there God gave me a word in Acts 17, while Paul was in Athens. Paul didn’t want to be there, but he was there because he was persecuted in Thessalonica and Berea. In November 2022, after the death of our friend, God told us to stay in the Great City. But this time He told us it was time to leave and with great grief we obeyed.  

We know that our ministry isn’t over and that in the right time God will give us a new direction in the following months. Unfortunately our work in the great City is over, but the Word of the living God will not return empty. The impact, the sharing, the testimony and the Bibles we gave, all of this was not in vain. It was worth it!

Our heart for the Great City has not changed and we are doing everything we can so others may arrive there. We know He still wants to save many there.
 
Immediate Plans

• We returned to Brazil for a period to 6-8 month, taking care of our physical and mental health. After that period we plan to visit the US to continue our care and also visit partners.
• Thomas and Carol have multiple surgeries schedule for the next month. Carol's full recovery will take about two months.
• On the mental health side, we have received a great support from our organization. We have been doing therapy with a Christian psychologist. We can’t deny that we are hurt and have some traumas from this period. But we know that Jesus can heal us completely and in His time we know He will bring the cure.
• Because of leaving in a rush we had multiple loose ends left in the city that we just couldn’t solve. By His glory by September everything will be solved.  
• We rented a furnished apartment in Brazil and attending our sending church after 5 years since we have been here.
• For multiple reasons we decided to start homeschooling Thomas. We felt from God that this season in Brazil is short so is better to keep him learning to read and write in English.
• Regarding our future, we are seeing some options and opportunities. We know the Lord will open the right door in the perfect moment. We understand that right now we need to take care of our mental, physical and spiritual health.

Thanksgiving

• For God’s deliverance, for telling us to leave the Great City at the right time.
• That even with all the risks, we were able to return to the Great City one last time.
• We are doing our health checkup and dental treatment after 5 years.
• The furnished apartment we rented in Brazil has a flexible contract with the cost of a long term rent.
• For the opportunity to homeschool Thomas and the ability for us to join a co-op community here.
• For the churches and supporters who have continued to support us during this current crisis and future transition.
• For our local friends and teammate who solved all the last unresolved issues we had in the Great City during these last weeks. It was a blessing to be taken care of by our local friends this way.

Prayer Requests

• For Carol and Thomas surgeries. And for Rafael’s medical exams.
• For our emotional and spiritual health. The last months haven’t been easy, but it is amazing feeling God’s care for us during this period.
• For God’s direction in regards of our future.
• For the necessary financial resources during this period of transition.  
• For the seeds planted in the Great City may blossom. And for more workers to go there.

Oliveira Family