September 14, 2006
“We started with no one, yet God has opened doors for four weekly cell groups,” said Len and Diane Warden, Alliance missionaries to Brazil. As they reflect on what the Lord has done during the past year, the Wardens are excited about what He will do next.
When a couple the Wardens knew was ready to separate, the husband accepted Christ and is learning to love his family. In addition, Zito, the Wardens’ next-door neighbor, regularly goes to one of their cell groups each week, where he continues to hear the gospel. Len hosts a men’s group that meets each Tuesday for breakfast, and Zito is the most faithful of those who attend. “We are praying for his salvation,” said Len and Diane.
“Most of our [cell group members] are new believers who need much discipleship,” the Wardens said. “We are still cultivating relationships in our gated condominium and have tried to be friendly and available to talk.” Len and Diane choose to stay home on Sunday evenings to walk around the condo and talk with neighbors who sit outside their homes. “This is a new strategy for us, since we have usually started ministry in a building and have worship services,” said Len and Diane. “We are ‘being’ Christ to our neighbors and waiting for opportunities to share what He means to us.”
The school where the Wardens rent a room has invited them to present student workshops on English culture and conversation each week. “This is a chance for us to get to know the students, their parents, teachers, and the [school] director’s family,” the Wardens said. “We also have been asked to give seminars for the parents on how to handle adolescents. What an opportunity!” Pray for hearts that are receptive to the gospel.