Mark's Side of the Story (2nd Letter)

Mark & Ali Kaiser

Preparing to Serve in Brazil

Dear friends,

Recently Ali and I offered an introduction to the life changing move that we are preparing for. We want you to know why we are moving to Brazil (short answer: we have been captivated by what the Lord is doing!), so what follows is the story of how my (Mark) life has come to this point. Ali will write next and share her story, and then we will delve into explaining the work that we are being called on to do.

I remember my first experience of working in a ministry setting. It was at a summer camp - I was more there for fun than for the ministry. But the experience I had in that camp changed me to the core. As a camp counselor one of my duties was to lead nightly devotionals with my kids. I had never done this, so I prayed about it and tried to find the best way to share the Faith with my kids. But here is what I didn’t expect:

~When I stepped out in faith to share the good news of Jesus, God used me! ~

Powerful statement! Let me explain: I often didn’t know quite what to share, but God spoke through me and drew my campers to Him! Interacting in such an intimate way with the Almighty blew me away! Now let me add, I am not unique. He wants to use us all to bring those around us back to Him. But be aware, this interaction with God is addictive.

From this point forward all other ventures paled in comparison to the wonder of being used by God to help others reconnect with Him. As I have served in various ministries since then I have found myself in this dependency; I cannot find fulfillment any other way. When serving God, I love life! When I hold back, I am empty.

My relationship with the church in Itu, Brazil (pictured) has been developed through visits made to see Ali’s family while we were in college and since. Last summer, along with our youth group, Ali and I served with the Itu church by directing evangelistic camp in Brazil. I have seen the amazing work of the Lord there as families who have never had a personal faith have responded to His Word and became active members in that faith community! Out of this response to the gospel, the church has cultivated leaders and sent them out to establish five church plants in the region while the ministry in Itu continues to grow. Antenor has launched a national TV and radio ministry and is heavily involved in teaching and discipling in gatherings throughout the country.

With all of their growth, they have found themselves in this blessed position: the growth of the body has surpassed what the leadership can cultivate. Ali and I are presented with two blessings here. First, we get to jump into a life of ministry in a setting that has God’s finger prints all over it. We are going to be joining Him in the work He is already doing! And second, we will be under the mentorship of Antenor and Phyllis, who have been faithful servants of God’s work in Itu for many years. In time we may raise up leaders in Itu to take our place of leadership as we move on to plant another church or ministry, but I am convinced that the wisdom and experience we will gain in Itu will serve us forever.

We hope and pray that those of you who identify with our calling will desire to team with us and help bring this mission about. Raising our support team is a big process, and we cannot live out our calling independent from help of the Body.

Below is a list of some small group gatherings being scheduled on our calendar referenced by the hosts. We want to share our mission with you personally and we pray that through this process, God might snag your heart as he did ours and our mission will become your mission. Thanks to those of you who have already volunteered to host one of these gatherings! If you would like to host a group with your friends, send an email or give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you further; please feel free to contact us with any thoughts.

God Bless,

Mark & Ali Kaiser

(614) 589-0709

mk.kaiser@gmail.com

9006 Lake Ridge Dr

Lewis Center, OH 43035

Upcoming Gatherings

Bill & Janine Ganger (614) 402-5751 Dublin, OH May 21 Jim & Kim Haring (614) 538-8201 Columbus, OH May 23rd Mike & Marcie Gauch Columbus, OH Mid June

David & Mitzi Adams Abilene, TX TBA Shane & Karen Smith Belton, TX TBA Dave & Sue Rule (614) 764-2709 Dublin, OH TBA