Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Ponder this!
“If within us we find nothing over us, we succumb to what is around us.”
What, or better, Who do you have within you? What makes you tick? What is your purpose in life? I’m glad I have found out—you can too!
Why do we see those around us with no strong morals or values? Well, the quote explains it all…
Open the Bible! Read the book of John! It’s amazing!
Ben.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Trial of Saddam
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Becky and the Beach Ball
Friday, November 25, 2005
Defending our Faith!
Know the Word and study it!
Ben.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Thanksgiving is upon us!
Our baby boy is still growing strong, Becky’s carrying a bowling ball, well, actually, a basketball, around. She’s anxious to have this baby soon…I mean, wouldn’t you be uncomfortable carrying a basketball around and your belly for this long too? I know that some people are actually used to that though… (
Classes are going well for me, Ben, I’m really enjoying them and feeling refreshed by what I’m learning. Our God is an amazing God, I will tell you that. This year I am thankful that His Word is like a hidden treasure, always finding new things we can cherish and learn from.
Keep in touch people! Email us sometime, a link is on the right side of this screen. Much love,
Ben & Becky.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
We Made It!
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Never never want to grow up!
Haven't you ever done it? It's even more fun when it's a hot day, like the day we had! What's one of the things you've done that's fun that "keeps you young"? Let us know! Post a comment at the bottom right of this paragraph.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Wise Proverb
Ever seen that one? That comes from Proverbs 23:4. Pretty useful advice, I'll tell ya! Listen to what comes after that: "...for riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird!"
God chooses to bless us in different ways at different times, why not depend on him instead of wearing ourselves out?!? Wow.
Monday, August 29, 2005
True Bacheller Tradition
Yep, both of us have jobs, and we're excited classes are starting up this Wednesday. I'll be taking Systematic Theology I, Gospels, & Foundations of Spiritual Development. Anxious to get started!
If you're passing through the area, in Columbia, SC, don't hesitate to give us a call or stop in for a quick visit! We'd love to see you!
Keep in touch,
Ben & Becky.
Monday, August 22, 2005
In Columbia--@CIU
For myself, I'll be taking three classes (Principles of Spiritual Development, Gospels, and Systematic Theology I) and working part-time. Not sure WHERE that work's going to come from yet, but it'll come...
If you want to get ahold of us, our number is (803)233-3608, and you are more than welcome to give us a buzz. We'll even call you right back so WE can pay the phone bill, not you. :-)
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
In Transition`
During our time back to the States, we've been to Chicago, then western New York state, then Chicago again, and then Florida now, and soon in SC. As we leave on Thursday, please pray for safe travels. God has protected us up to now, and we're thankful for that. We just found out that our licences had been suspended, b/c of no insurance on the car while overseas, which meant I couldn't drive, and we also couldn't get insurance on our car for only a few days in FL...etc, beaurocracy, I'll tell ya! Anyhow, the Lord worked all that out and we're legal now to drive. Whew! Thought I'd have to drive that rental truck illegally! (just joking).
And for those of you wondering, Becky's now four and a half months along in the pregnancy, and everything seems to be going well, thank the Lord!
Anyhow, keep in touch! We hope to see many of you in the near future!
In Christ, Ben & Becky Bacheller.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Salt & Light
On one of the domestic flights we were on within Brazil, en route to São Paulo, we met an American lady that had been to Brazil to visit this certain "religious" man who was performing healings. Now, as many American people will understand, when you fly, usually you want to keep to yourself and take a quick nap, read a book, etc. Nevertheless, this lady we met, whose name I can't remember now, wanted to chat. And if you're reading this maam (sorry I forgot your name), please forgive me for my attitude at first, but read on. So you see, this lady kept asking questions, as well as sharing her views on life, etc. She's looking for the Truth, for answers...and what got me thinking throughout today was that so many times we are selfish, we want to keep to ourselves, live our individualistic lives, and just be left alone. But is that what we are supposed to do as Christians? As Christ followers?? No!! Christ told us to be salt and light, did He not? What was salt for? Before the invention of refrigeration, salt was used to prevent the decay of meat, so if we're supposed to be meat, then we should be fighting to prevent the decay of our society! Our culture! And if we're light, we should be shining Jesus wherever we go! I felt so stupid for my attitude when this lady first started talking to me...I just wanted to rest. But what more important thing could one be doing then to try to help lead someone closer to the Truth! That is what we are supposed to do folks, as followers of Christ! Regardless of your job, career, family situation, or financial situation. To lead others to the joy we have in Him and the salvation from eternal death that He provides! So although this lady and I had a few differences in opinion on even the most basic theology (Heaven vs. Hell, a good God with evil in the world), I hope and pray that she's closer to finding the Lord in her life. We need to challenge others to seek the Truth. Christ said that He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." There is no other way. It's difficult for the average American to understand that he/she needs God, and that there's only ONE way. In a pluralistic society, that's a difficult argument to maintain. But, thankfully, it is true...and only by the grace of God.
Ben.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Lost pictures!!!
All in all, it was a pretty close call for leaving in two days! Unfortunately, it's not much time to print pictures off to give away or make gifts with. We're just thankful we could get all those pictures back--memories are SO important, aren't they?
Although we're leaving in two days, it doesn't feel like it at all. Have you ever been in a situation like that? It just doesn't hit until you finally settle down, sometimes, weeks or months later when you finally get back into your "old" or "normal" routine. Well, that's us too. We'll miss all the people here, the kids at the orphanage, the memories made...but we'll cherish the memories that remain, that's for sure. Maybe someday you can ask us...be glad to chat. Anyhow...better go now.
Keep in touch folks,
In Christ, Ben & Becky.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Where we'll be in the next couple of weeks:
On Friday, July 22nd, we'll be flying out of Brazil to Chicago. We'll be in Chicago from the 23rd through the 26th, flying out to New York State on that Tuesday, the 26th. We'll be seeing supporters and family while in NY, then fly back to Chicago for debriefing. We'll be in Chicago again from the 2nd to the 6th of August, when we'll be flying down to Miami (still need a ride though) on our way to Fort Myers on the Gulf side of Florida (hoping there'll be no hurricanes in store for when we're there though). We'll stay in Fort Myers for a few days, from the 6th through the 11th, when we pack up a rental truck and move to Columbia, SC. The best way to reach us will be by email (bbbacheller@yahoo.com), since we don't have cell phones currently. In NY you can reach us at (716) 557-2153. Once we are moved in to SC, we'll email our phone number out to you. We'll be sharing stories and pictures with those who are interested while we're in western NY and Chicago, as well as by email if you're interested. Just let us know.
As our time winds down here, pray for me, Ben, I've got an earache that's bothering me, and that everything will go smoothly. Can't wait to see you all wherever you are! Thanks for your prayers,
Ben & Becky.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Friday, July 08, 2005
Nordeste (northeast)
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Heading north
Friday, June 17, 2005
Teaching
Oh, I stayed there for lunch today. Guess what we ate? Well, rice, beans, chicken (necks), potato/carrot salad, and some kind of greens with vinegar/lemon. Yes, you read that correctly, chicken NECKS! Wow...I skipped since I was getting protein in the beans! :-) What would you do? I'd try it first, which I HAVE done I'll let you know, and I didn't like the vertebrae that you have to pick out and spit out as you're eating that with a mouthfull of rice & beans! Fun, fun!!
This afternoon I (Ben) taught English (more like helped with homework) at an after-school program for kids from the public state school here. No pictures yet, but maybe in the future. Anyhow, I'll get going. Keep in touch!
Ben (& Becky).
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Back from Rio!
Dear Friends and Family,
We arrived safely back in Anápolis after an exciting
week in Rio. Thank you for all your prayers regarding
our trip. During our time in Rio (actually Seropédica,
a small college town 45 minutes out of the city) Ben
and I were able to visit the Federal University of
Rural Rio de Janeiro which focuses on agriculture and
environmental science. We also participated in
Seropédicas environmental emphasis week which
included tours of neighboring national forests and
mini-courses in caring for the environment. All these
were for the community. Ben also had the opportunity
to teach an Ecology class at the university about the
environment and geography of the United States. We
were privileged to stay with Dr. Carlos Domingos
(director of the Environmental Science department at
the university) and his wife Mara. They were very
hospitable towards us and did all they could to make
our stay comfortable (they even gave us their
roomvery Brazilian). They spoke Portuguese with a
different accent however, which was hard for me and
made for some frustrating moments not being able to
understand what was going on. I think God was trying
to teach me flexibility this past week as well as
patience with myself and my learning level (note from
Ben: She did VERY WELL!). Learning a new language is a
daily struggle, some days I feel good about all I
know, other days I feel like I know so little. Ben
also had the opportunity to help Carlos teach a basic
agriculture course to missions students at a nearby
seminary. Overall, the week gave Ben a wonderful
opportunity to see ways to apply his knowledge of
biology as well as missions.
Next week we leave with the entire Bacheller clan (all
six kids and wives) for the city of João Pessoa in
northeastern Brazil for a family reunion on the beach.
Ben and I were originally planning to stay up north
for the month of July and visit a small village in the
semi-arid region of Brazil. However, since morning
sickness is still an issue for me we have decided that
I will return with the rest of the family and Ben will
stay for about a week and a half. We have been in
contact with a pastor in this village and he informed
Ben that the officials in the town want Ben to teach
classes in agriculture and soil management while he is
there. Ben is very excited to put some of his training
into use.
Here are some specific prayer requests to keep in
mind:
-Safe travels up north and back with our family;
-Wisdom for Ben to know what to teach to the community
members of the town in northeastern Brazil;
-Rest in the midst of so much going on;
-Safety & health for all three of us;
-Endurance to finish strong;
-That God will use us despite us;
We pray for you as well, please keep in touch, and
thanks for all your support & encouragement!
Becky & Ben Bacheller.
Attached you'll find a picture of us with the couple
that housed us in Rio as well as the children at a
daycare center planting lettuce during the Emphasis on
the Environment Week.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Leaving for Rio
Hey folks. Just wanted to ask you to pray for us as we
head off to Rio today. We'll take a bus to BrasÃlia
from here (2 1/2 hours), then get on a plane to fly
down & over there for a week. We're excited to meet
some new people and see the work they're doing down
there.
Until later!
Ben & Becky.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Ultrasound!
With joy,
Ben & Becky.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Going to Rio!
Well hello there again folks! Once again, Becky and I
felt like we should email to keep in touch. We want to
share our excitement with you all! For some of you
this paragraph will be "old news", so just skip ahead
to the next paragraph. As of last week, Becky and I
found out that for sure, 100% definite, no joking,
totally seriously, that we are pregnant! She's 6 weeks
now, and the baby's due January 21st, 2006! Please
pray with us and for us for a safe, healthy pregnancy,
and delivery when the time comes.
Also, coming up in June, from the 6th to the 13th,
Becky and I will be going to Rio de Janeiro. We were
invited by a Christian professor at one of the top
agricultural/ecological schools in Brazil. During the
one week we spend there, we will be making contacts
for the future and trying to serve however possible. I
have been asked, believe it or not, to "preach" (more
like speak) that Sunday, as a layperson. I'm asking
God for the courage and wisdom to know what to say.
The church has about 200 to 300 members. This
professor has also asked me to possibly teach his
ecology course for the day that I'm there with him at
the university. I feel humbled and honored, wondering
if I'll know what to do! :-) However, what I am really
looking forward to is helping him (Dr. Carlos Eduardo)
teach an agriculture training course to missionaries
on Wednesday and Saturday. This is all exciting for
me, but also a little nerve wracking as well! Pray
that all goes fine, and that both Becky and I will
have the strength to step up to the challenges before
us. Thankfully my vertigo is almost completely gone
and I'm feeling more like myself.
However, Becky has been feeling "morning sickness"
lately, so we ask that you pray for this to pass ASAP.
It's amazing to think that during this 6th week, the
baby's facial features and hands & feet are already
forming. Psalm 139 says that he knows us even before
we were conceived! So He's watching out for this
little one already, wouldn't you say? Just as He
watches over us and has a plan in our lives and in
your life.
We're also in the process of figuring out our last
month here in Brazil (July). A pregnancy can change a
few things... Pray for us that we'll be able to decide
where to go while in the northeast of Brazil and how
long to stay in that region. It is likely that Becky
will not spend much time there due to the rough living
conditions, while I might spend a week or so visiting.
We also want to thank each of you who continues to
support us in the ways you have--our needs here in
Brazil have been more than met--Thank you so much for
encouraging us and praying for us! For more regular
updates, you can look us up on our website:
http://bachellerfamily.blogspot.com
Let us know of any specific prayer requests you might
have as well so we might better know how to pray for
you. We hope you have a great week!
Love and Prayers, Ben and Becky
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Pregnant!
The due date is January 21st, of course, give or take a bit.
Please pray with us for a healthy, safe pregnancy all the way to the end.
We are glad that we can make Becky's parents and Ben's parents grandparents for the first time, and we think they are too! :-)
Please keep us in your prayers. Thanks!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
August
On another note, I'm feeling a bit better today from the vertigo I caught (makes you dizzy and lose your balance, along with nausea feelings). I'm going to go check on the garden, see how it's coming. It'll be the most walking I've done in almost two weeks! Write more later!
Ben.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
There's always a Cultural Lesson
Happy Belated Mother's Day, we pray you had a joyful day
celebrating the special moms in your life. This Mother's
Day brought for us another cultural lesson and a reminder
that we are constantly learning more about Brazil (even
with Ben having grown up here!). At around one o-clock in
the morning on Mother's Day we were awakened by people
blaring music outside our window. Ben went outside to
complain and told the group to quiet down so people could
sleep. However, Ben soon found out that the group was made
up of seminary students simply trying to honor all the
mothers by serenading them on Mother's Day. From our
perspective the students were being rude, yet that was not
how they or the Brazilian mothers saw it. We were
reminded again the need to be culturally sensitive and not
judge others based on our own perspective. Ben and I are
thankful that our time in Brazil not only includes serving
but learning as well.
Things are going well at the orphanage. The garden is coming
along and thanks to the fence some of the boys built with
Ben the sheep are being kept at bay. I am having a wonderful
time teaching crotchet to the oldest girls and have even
found some patterns in Portuguese. It's encouraging to see
their excitement and the beautiful things they are making.
My Portuguese is coming along and each day it seems like I
can understand a little bit more. I love reading Bible
stories in Portuguese to the kids (and the kids seems to love
it too because there is always a rush to see who gets to sit
on my lap).
Here are a few specific prayer requests:
-Ben is starting to feel dizzy like when he had vertigo
several months ago (after the hurricanes).
Pray that I will know how to help him and that we can find
the right doctor here.
-Kathy (Ben's mom) is in the States for a few days. Pray that
we will be able to help Joy(Ben's little sister)not be so
"mom-sick" while Kathy is away.
-Please also pray that our relationships with the kids at
the orphanage will allow for opportunities to share about
the Lord.
We are very grateful for your thoughts and prayers.
Love, Becky (& Ben)
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Teens from orphanage at Judo
Please pray that God will work in these kids' lives, bringing them to Him, and that we'll be sensitive in knowing how we can help.
Ben & Becky.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Tire gardens with 5th grade
Saturday, April 23, 2005
More babies at the orphanage
It was interesting for me (Ben) to find that out of the 17 teenage boys I've started a short Bible commentary/study for (in Proverbs), that only 4 or so called themselves "Christians". Wow. Here we are at a "Christian orphanage", and only 4 out of 17 teen boys are Christians. Makes you realize what an impact you can have on these kids. On the other hand, it makes you realize that you can't do this on your own. God's the one Who blesses the work, not men.
Becky's been helping more regularly now with the newborns and infants, as well as staying busy with Portuguese. The teen girls at the orphanage are really getting into crochêting and it has been a great way for Becky to feel like she can make a difference even without knowing the language very well. One girl in particular, Jaqueline (she is 14 years old and has a 2 year old son by her step-father) crochêts all the time now and when she finishes with her yarn (enough to make 2 small carpets) she takes her carpets apart and starts all over again just to have something to pass the time. Becky has found some crochêt patterns in Portuguese and the girls are making some beautiful things.
I've been (Ben) weeding in the garden, spending time with the boys, hangin' out and playing with them, as well as doing a Wednesday night Bible Study with them. There is not a single person doing any kind of spiritual formation with these kids on a regular basis. The lady that used to be here (for 9 years or so) just left in January. There's a lot of help that's needed in "manpower", if you know what I mean. They need more people willing to teach Scripture to these kids, not necessarily $$$.
It's been neat to see how relationships are developing between us and the kids as time goes by. I have a feeling we're gonna miss all these kids when we leave here!
Well, we'll stop here for now. Keep in touch with us!
Ben & Becky.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
April 12th
This week hopefully we'll have something figured out regarding how to spend some more time with the older kids: the teenagers. The boys especially at the orphanage have few if any male role models they can look up to. I wonder if I might have a part in helping fill that emptiness in their lives. Only time will tell.
An unexpected blessing has surprised us since we got to Brazil! A new Brazilian missionary sending agency has been founded recently on the outskirts of the city we live in, and they have just recently bought some land with a large house, pool, and fruit tree orchard. This has been called the "Oasis Center". It is going to serve as a place for missionary couples and their families to come to for some R&R, along with some counseling and debriefing if needed. I'm excited about this because for the last couple of weeks I have been able to take charge of cleaning the orchard up along with a Brazilian pastor (Eliezér is his name). Furthermore, because of extra funds you've sent for our trip here to Brazil, we have been able to buy the necessary tools for the maintenance and care of the land, which we have donated to the Brazilian mission agency.
It brings great joy in knowing that we are really helping those in need here in Brazil, but even more joy in knowing that you all are the backbone of our work here. Because of you, lives are being touched, and we thank you for that! When you think of us, here are some prayer requests we send to you:
-How to reach out to the teens at the orphanage,
-Ben as a role model/friend to the guys;
-Becky's Portuguese to continue improving;
-Praise that we can help this Brazilian mission agency getting started;
-Pray that we'll continue to develop friendships with Brazilians here;
-Pray for continued guidance in discerning long-term possibilities here in Brazil for us;
We look forward to hearing from all or any of you at some point or another. Also, if you'd prefer not receive this regular email update from us, you can email us back and let us know, we won't mind at all taking you off our list. Our phone # (an in-country call for those in the U.S., is 630.614.4554 Give us a buzz sometime! We're one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Serving the Poor in Brazil, Ben & Becky Bacheller.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
March 14th
Hi from
Ben has already started preparing a garden with the kids and has reconnected with AnÃbol, the boys’ dorm supervisor who grew up in the orphanage himself. Sometimes Ben and I are overwhelmed with the many things we could do to help, but we are only two people. The director of the orphanage has specifically asked us to start a Bible study since the children are lacking spiritual leadership and guidance. Please pray that we can think of a fun way to teach God’s word, yet in a way I can help with my limited Portuguese (which is slowly getting better).
The second cultural lesson came after the service when some of the women came up to greet me (Becky), touching cheeks and blowing kisses in the air—the traditional Brazilian greeting among women. The only problem was my very sensitive “chipmunk cheeks”—a painful way to learn how to say hi.
Each day Ben and I are reminded how blessed we are to be in Brazil, to hold babies like Marcos, plant gardens, make friends and learn cultural and spiritual lessons. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.
Love and God Bless,
Becky and Ben
Friday, March 04, 2005
March 4th in Brazil
Hello folks! Just wanted to send an update to you all and let you know that we’ve arrived safely in
We left
Becky and I have been trying to catch up on our sleep and “de-stress” a bit from the weeks leading up to our trip here to
Beginning Monday we’ll already be getting involved in the orphanage across the street from us. A group of college students from the
Today has been an exciting day for me, Ben. Why? Because I talked with Rev. Esli, a retired professor here at the seminary who in his free time has grown many fruit trees and other plants that do well in this area of
Becky is tackling Portuguese head-on, spending time every day studying it, as well as trying to speak it with Brazilians that come to visit. We haven’t set up actual classes with a private tutor/teacher yet, but that will come. First, she will be taking out all four of her wisdom teeth on Wednesday next week. Pray for her as she goes “under the knife” Wednesday morning and that she heals up quickly. She’s very excited to get started helping at the orphanage, where last week 1 month-old triplets were just dropped off. Pray for these babies’ health as well.
We thank you for your encouragement, support, and prayers. We’re excited to be here, and can’t wait to send more news! Pass this along to others if you wish.
We have a
We hope all is well with you and your family,
Serving the poor in
Ben & Becky Bacheller.