The Motas Return to Sao Paulo

We have just heard from Paulo and Ireni and they are safely back in Sao Paulo.  They arrived yesterday, August 8 in Sao Paulo with 14 pieces of 70 lb luggage plus a lot of carry-on luggage.  They were able to take all of the luggage with a total excess baggage charge of only $400.  When they arrived in Dulles they were bumped to first class for a delightful return to Sao Paulo. They had no problem with customs when entering Brazil.   God is really be watching out for them.

As several of us wished them farewell at San Francisco International airport Paulo told us that he was really looking forward to returning to Brazil.

The Motas are going to stay two nights in their house greeting the team members and reestablishing direct connection with the ministry.  They then will move to a temporary apartment while they look for an apartment to lease.  They will be living between the ministry center and Daniel and Sofia's school rather than live in their house which is located close to the Day Center and Vila Rosa.  This will give them relief from the 24x7 ministry that results when they live close to the ministry centers.

Paulo and Ireni have had a very intense schedule over the past two months as they made many visits to churches and supporters.  Their travels included churches and ministries in and near New York City, Portland, the SF Bay Area, Littleton, and a number of visits in the Sacramento area.  We realize that it has been some time since the last newsletter.  Paulo had a newsletter near completion and then had a computer problem that took two weeks to resolve.  Fortunately, a technician at WorldVenture was able to recover their data.

Paulo will prepare a newsletter shortly from Brazil.  In the mean time we wanted you to be aware of their safe return.

Plans for 2007-2008

A number of you have asked about Paulo and Ireni's ministry plans for the coming year.  Ireni will focus on ministry operations in the day centers, camp, and churches.  She will mentor leaders and assist in ministry planning.  Paulo will focus on special projects, additional fund raising, and establishing a new training center for future leaders from their ministry centers and other ministries in Sao Paulo.  This emerges from a growing passion to reach over 2,000 children each week.  Paulo realized that to reach an increasing number of people from the slums of Sao Paulo it will be necessary to train ministry leaders who have a heart for inner-city ministry. Staffing and plans for month-long intense training programs are emerging for February, May, and October of 2008.  Paulo is excited about the new training center.

Paulo is planning to return to the United States in October, 2007 and April, 2008 to continue relationship development with individuals and churches.

Thank you your support during the past year

Paulo and Ireni are very grateful for your support, your friendship, and assistance in making this a wonderful year of refreshment, support development, and encouragement.  Thank you for your continued support and partnership in Restoration Ministries.  Paulo and Ireni will be sharing a personal note with you as soon as they are able to become settled in Sao Paulo.

While excellent progress has been made on raising additional personal support and support for the ministry the value of the US Dollar has been working against them.  We will provide a full financial report in the next newsletter.  Restoration Ministries still needs $2,000 in additional monthly support allowing full ministry operations to continue..

This has been a great year of ministry in Sao Paulo while they were away.  They have been coaching the ministry team by phone and e-mail.  They will soon share some of the exciting ministry details and how lives continue to be touched for Christ.

Thank you for the excellent response to our request for accepting newsletters by e-mail.  Over 60 people have responded by providing their email addresses.  This will save the ministry over $400 per year. 

Bill Smith
Advisory Board Chairman

Prayer Requests

• Praise God for giving Paulo and Ireni safety and endurance over the past ten weeks during their intense travels, church visits, and time with individual supporters.
• Praise God for the excellent improvement in Paulo's health. Pray for the health of each of the family members as they return to Sao Paulo. 
• Ministry team in Sao Paulo including safety, spiritual unity, and focus on ministry
• Additional $2,000 per month in additional support for ministry
• Short-term ministry teams

To contribute to Restoration Ministries specify account 6250-901. 
To contribute to the Mota's support fund specify account 4200-447.
You may make on-line donations through www.themotas.org or www.worldventure.com  (search for Paulo and Ireni Mota or Restoration Ministries in South America/Brazil)