Coming Home

Hello Everybody!

In just a few short weeks, I will be back on US soil! I am so excited to come home again and visit with all of you and see my family. It has been a year and a half since my last visit, and it was in the middle of winter. I think this visit will be just a little more enjoyable since I will be able to go outside!
When I think about going home, other than friends and family, there are a few things I look forward to: Hound Dog's Pizza, Grater's Ice Cream, Jeni's Ice Cream, Thai food, Indian Food, fast internet, bathtubs with hot water......mostly, it just revolves around food! All these earthly comforts will be a warm welcome to me.
I will also be attending the International Vineyard Conference at Vineyard Columbus in the beginning of July. I am really excited about this conference as many missionaries will be attending, as well as other members of the Vineyard from all over the world. It will be such a privilege to meet them and learn about the work that God is doing through the Vineyard Movement around the world.
Also while I am home, I have a few needs that I am hoping you can help with. One, I will need a car while I am there. If you know anyone who would be willing to let me borrow a car for the month of July, I would greatly appreciate it. Please, send me a message if you can help. Having a car will allow me to meet and connect with all of you, so I can tell you more about my experiences here in Brazil. The second goal of my trip will be to raise my support. I need to raise my support by about $600 every month. I ask that you please prayerfully consider supporting me monthly for any amount that you feel comfortable. Consistent, monthly giving is the best to help me prepare for the future. I will put information below of how you can give.

*You can allocate the funds at church for me by check or cash for: Xingu Mission-Allison Rupert.

*You can mail your support directly to the mission:
Xingu Mission-Allison Rupert
PO Box 340785
Columbus, Ohio 43234
USA

*You can also donate online at:
https://xingu.org/opportunities/giving/rupert-ministries/

 

Over the past few weeks, I have been wrapping up things with the English school. We just had our final class for the semester and had the opportunity to invite some American visitors to our party. A team from Vineyard Church of Delaware County came down on a short-term trip. The students loved the chance to practice their English with some native speakers! I think the team had a good time, too!

 

Our students with a few members of the team

 I also traveled back to Altamira to take Manoela home and also complete my permanent visa process. It was sad to see Manoela go as she has been so much help to me here in Portel. However, I am looking forward to introducing her to many of you when we go the States. While I was visiting Altamira, I also got to spend a lot of time with Ronã. We had a lot of fun together as you can imagine!

Ronã and I at the March For Jesus

If you want to see more pictures from my trip and from our English classes, check out the link below.

 

June 2015 Pictures 

 

See you soon! Love you!

Allison

 

Very Exciting News!

Hello to all my Gracious Friends and Supporters!

I have some news for you all that I have wanted to tell you for a long time. But first, I want to give you all the back story.
As you already know, when I first moved to Brazil, I quickly started teaching English at CDR. I decided to offer my students an extra class if any of them would be interested in more help. A few of my students came, but not many, expect for one. His name was Ronã Moura (pronounced in english Ronan), and he already spoke English very well. Twice a week for almost a year, we met together as I gave him stuff to read in English and then we would discuss it.
Over that time, we developed a friendship that continued as he went on to finish the 4-year program with other teachers. He has since gone on to continue to be apart of CDR in Altamira as a class assistant and teacher.
A little before I came here to Portel, we decided that we would like to know if there was a possibility for our relationship to grow farther than just friendship. Ronã and I discussed this possibility with our leaders and friends, and they suggested that we start a specific process that goes as such. Ronã was a member of a different church at the time, and my leaders didn't know personally where he was at spiritually. They suggested that he agree to start coming to the Vineyard in Altamira, and start building relationships with the people there. They wanted to discover if he would fit well in the church and in our community. They asked that we would not date during this time to give Ronã a chance to grow.
Over that time, they saw Ronã grow substantially as he involved himself with a home group and practiced with the worship team. They began to see in him what I had seen. That he was kind, vulnerable, and had a very open heart to know and follow God.
Ronã is very unique to me. He reveals a tenderness that I find rare. He is funny and smart. As I said before, his English is very good and he is a teacher at CDR. He recently graduated from the Federal University with a bachelors in Science Education. He has a hunger for learning and excels at whatever he puts his mind to. I have so much respect for him and his attitude toward life. And of course, I think he is cute!
After having completed this process of allowing Ronã to become familair with our church, I sat down and had a conversation with Richie who is the Base Leader here in Portel. Richie said that he was pleased with how Ronã had progressed and with his connection to our community. Richie agreed that he and I could finally start dating. As you can imagine, Ronã and I are very excited about this as we have waited for this opportunity for a long time.
At this time, we don't know what the future will look like, but I will gladly let you know more as things change.
I ask that you would pray for us that God would continue to direct our relationship and our future. Thank you again for all your support and love and concern for me.
I also want to personally thank all those who played an intricate part in this process. Their support and advice have been a true blessing: Christopher and Denise Meyer, Danny and Penny Meyer, Steve and Elba Dolan, Richie and Christie Bouthillier, John and Cathy Lieb, and Cleide Oliveira. I love you all and I thank you!


Love, Allison

Ronã with his mother

True Growth

Hello!

I just got back yesterday from a week long visit to Altamira. I was there to take care of some things with my permanent visa. I was last there in December, but this time around felt very different for me. I realized how much my life has changed in just a few short months here in Portel. My first 2 years in Altamira were all about preparation. Now, I am finally in the trenches.
This is both exciting and challenging. There are days when it seems like getting even simplest thing accomplished required all the resources you can muster. Just a few weeks ago, I went to the electric company only to find that they were without electricity so their system was down. It is the rainy season which makes it a little cooler, but I am also constantly fighting mud as I ride my bike through the city. My clothes often take a few days to dry. Taking care of my house is a full time job in itself with the leaking roof and toilet. I live with a can of bug spray in my hands to attack the mosquitoes. Even taking out the trash is a bit of an art form. It's difficult to describe to you my daily life, but it is a life of few conveniences compared to what I was used to in Altamira. Having a week away was something I really needed.
Now that I am back, I feel refreshed and ready to take on these challenges again. Because despite all these difficulties, I know I am in the right place. I have been waiting a long time in my journey through ministry to finally start building something, and I truly sense that that is happening here in Portel.
It is not only the English school, but the church. I told you that I started discipling a few women in our church, and I am seeing them grow. I also recently started a home group in my house, and I am already seeing the people in the group growing closer to knowing Jesus.
We meet on Saturdays for lunch. Lunch is the big meal for everyone here, so I thought it would a great opportunity for people to relax and spend some time getting to know each other. A little after lunch, we start our group. Manoela takes the children in the kitchen to do a craft, and I go with the adults to do a Bible study in the living room. I am introducing them to the Bible as a story, and each week, they open up more with questions and thoughts. I feel a sincere hunger among to learn about God and understand how they can have a genuine relationship with him. After the group, sometimes we hang out more or we go swimming at the beach. It sounds simple enough, but it's something I've wanted for a long time. I've wanted to see God's work in progress, and I've wanted to be apart of that work.
What has also been a blessing is having a new couple living in my house. They are Jim and Joann McCann from VCDC. They arrive about 3 weeks ago and will be staying until mid-June. They came for the main purpose of wanting to serve, and they have been doing that since they arrived. Everyday, they head over to Richie and Christie's house to help with homeschool. They have also been helping with our home group by hanging out with the kids and praying for people. Another thing that has been a true blessing to us is, once a week, we have a small kinship for the missionaries. It is not often that we get a chance to receive ministry, and I believe it has been a great help to all of us. Jim and Joann have great attitudes about all the differences here, but they have been suffering from the heat. Please, pray that God protects their health and allows this to be a great experience for them.
I few weeks ago, I had the privilege of following my friend, Jennifer, around to take some pictures of the work she is doing in Portel. We spent the morning in Portelinha, which is the poorest part of our city and also where our church is located. I have added a link below of the images so you can get a better idea of those who live in our neighborhood.
For Easter, Manoela, Jim, Joann, and I spent the morning helping the kids from Portelinha color Easter eggs. The kids had a blast making their eggs, and then we served them cake. I included some pictures of that as well.
 Of course, I always need your prayers. I am sure that you have noticed in your own lives that the needs are always greater than the resources. We are constantly asking God for provision in so many areas of our lives. God is so faithful to us and always willing to help us. Please pray that he continues to give me the energy and resources I need to do the work I am doing. Please pray that he puts the right people in my way to help me. And please pray that those who are hungry to know God would find us. Thank you so much for your loving kindness. Thank you so much for your sacrifice and faithfulness.

Love, Allison

Pictures!

Manoela is Here!

Hello All my Wonderful Friends!

Always a pleasure to be writing to all of you about the exciting things happening here in Portel. I understand that the Spring is finally starting to show its face again, and I am sure that this is pure refreshment to all of you!
This month, I have been enjoying the company of my new roommate, Manoela! She arrived about 2 weeks ago, accompanied by Christopher and Denise Meyer. It was so great to see them and spend some time with them. Manoela has already started teaching the Kid's class, and we are adjusting to each other at home. So far, she is a great roommate who has relieved me of the terrible burden of dishes! It's great to have someone to talk to and eat meals with. She is a true blessing to me.
As you can imagine, along with my classes and getting Manoela settled in, I have been pretty busy. It can be quite the challenge to be teacher, administer, and accountant. But of course, these are just the normal challenges that go along with, essentially, starting a small business. They are challenges that I know are worth it, and I am glad to have them.
I recently finished with my Vineyard Institute class, "Ministry to the Poor". It was a great class in part for its relevance to my current situation. The effects of poverty are multifaceted, and what better way to explore those effects than being in the mist of it. The class highlighted for me how the Bible speaks time and time again about God's concern and compassion for the poor. It also pointed out the many different ways that the people of God can be proactive in confronting these issues in everyday life. It helped me to often reconsider what and how I do things so that my ministry choices might provide the maximum benefit for those around me. The English school, I believe, is just one of the many ways that can help lead our community out of the claws of poverty.
This class also marks the end of my classes required to complete the VI Program. I am very excited about that, of course, because now it is behind me. But I also must say, the learning experience I gained through the program was extremely valuable to me. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in furthering their understanding of the Bible, as well as how to put its message into practice.
Over the past few months, I have also had the privilege to disciple a few women in our church. The women had expressed an interest in going deeper in their relationship with God and also having a deeper understanding of the Bible. As the time has past, it has been wonderful to see the ladies growing in their understanding of who God is, as well as personally grow closer to them. What I have tried to do with the women has been two-fold. I am taking them on a journey through the Bible as a story. I believe that if they can see the big picture of the Biblical story, the smaller parts will make sense in relationship to the whole. If they can see God's overall plan for history, then they will be able to understand how each part fits into the ultimate plan. They will also be able to see how their individual lives have a part to play in the story. The other side that I am teaching them is how to hear the voice of God for themselves, and how to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom in their daily lives.
Please pray for these women. Pray that the power of God comes over them, and that they would experience the love of Christ in the deep reaches of their hearts.
Last week, my students took their first test. I was very proud of how they did. The day after the test, I taught them a song in English called, "Set a Fire" by Will Reagan and United Pursuit. I will post the video below of them singing it.
Please, pray for them as well. Many of the people in this region are not accustomed to studying so a course like this one can feel overwhelming to them. Many of the schools in this part of Brazil do not really teach the students how to learn. They need courage, strength, and perseverance to continue. Please pray that God gives this to them supernaturally. 
Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement. Though I have said it many times before, I want to remind you that we are doing this together. You are just as much a part of this as I am. Your prayers, your thoughts, and your financial sacrifices all make this possible. God bless you and your family!

Love, Allison

Back to School!

Hello Everybody!

I hope you are all doing well, even though it is the middle of February, and I know how miserable it can be in Ohio this time of year. But I give you this reminder from the Song of Solomon.

See! The winter is past,

the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth, 

the season of singing has come.

2:11-12

I know it feels like it will last forever--but it won't. Hang in there! Of course, you probably have little pity for me being that I live in a year-round summer....Sorry. One of the perks of Brazilian missionary life.

Two of my favorite little girls, Sophia and Samille

Anyways, on to business. I have some great news! I will be visiting the States for the month of July! I am so excited to go back and see all of you again. For the first week, I will be attending the Vineyard International Conference. After that, I will be free to meet with all of you and caught up. When my time gets closer, I will try to start scheduling lunches and dinners so that I can hopefully get a chance to see everybody. Unfortunately, my trip back will be a short one because the English classes will be starting again in August. Also, I would like to know if anyone has a car they would be willing to let me borrow while I am there. If so, please send me an email. Thanks

Well, I am now 2 weeks into our first semester for CDR Marajó, and things are going great. The students are doing well and really seem to be enjoying the classes. It has been wonderful to be teaching again and to feel more connected with the community. Already, I have made some new friends. 

Fabrício, a Brazilian English teacher who lives and works in Portel, has been my right hand and a huge part of the success of the school so far. It is clear how much favor God has given to this project. I feel a great sense that God will use our church and the projects we are doing to have a profound impact on the people of Portel. I feel humbled and grateful that God is using me to do his work here on the Earth. I find it amazing how my gifts and abilities can be used to do so much good for the people around me, even despite myself!  

Fabrício helping a student

I have also had the privilege of making a new American friend here. It is quite the coincidence actually because she is a doctorate student doing research here from OSU! She has been working here on and off since 2009. It has been great spending time with her and having another Westerner to talk to. This weekend was her birthday, so we went to the river to celebrate. 

Donna Julia and Jennifer

Starting this school has been a mile marker for me. When I started as a missionary, I really had no idea what I was going to be doing. I only knew that God had called me here. As I have walked, God has revealed more and more about how I can serve him and the people here. I thank each and everyone of you for walking along side of me into the unknown. In a way, we have all been called here together. We all have a part to play, no matter how small. I bless you all as God walks you into the unknown of your journey with him. Though our paths look very different, we are all going to the same place. We are all walking towards the light of our friend, Jesus. 

Please, pray for my students, that they will persevere in their studies. Pray that God will give them a special anointing to learn and comprehend.  Pray that God gives me fruitfulness among them. Thank you and love you!

Below is a link of my photos. I included some photos of my neighborhood so you can get an idea of what it looks like where I live.

My Neighborhood Photos

Love, Allison

Welcome 2015!

Hello to my Gracious Friends and Family!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and were able to rest up a bit before heading back to work (and driving in the snow). Here is Brazil, the rainy season just started, which is the closest thing we will ever see to winter. The temperature goes down about 5 or 10 degrees, which I know, doesn't seem like much, but believe me, it makes a huge difference! The only down side to the rain is that the humidity goes up about 200%, so your clothes take days to dry.
Since I got back from my time in Altamira, I have been working again on preparing for the semester to start in February. I have been holding a time for sign-ups, which has been going very well. There are many people in the city ready to start learning English! It's going to be great to start teaching again on a regular basis, as well starting to build some relationships with my students.
While I was in Altamira, I got the opportunity to spend some time with Art and Cyndi Rae leading the group called, the Journey. The Journey is a introductory class for the Living Waters program. It helps the participants develop a better understanding of the process of healing and what the program has to offer. My hope is that one day in the future, we can bring the program to Portel.
I want to explain a little to you about the family relationships that are common in northern Brazil. It has been my experience that to meet a family that has a mother and a father who are married to each other and all their kids are from the same family is rare. I know that maybe you are thinking that this is becoming the trend in the States, too, but here, the depth of it is even more profound. In general, I meet a lot of women who have children from more than one man. Sometimes, one of those men are in the picture, but often not. Those women tend to be very young, having had their first child when they were still in their teens. Often when I ask those women where their parents are, they describe a similar story, except many of them were raised by their grandparents. Their parents basically gave them up to the care of their grandparents or an aunt or uncle. They have several half-brothers and sisters, some of which they have never met.
When I hear these stories, I feel heartbroken for these people. They have been abandoned and rejected and neglected. They have been handed off from one family member to another as if they were used clothing. They have not been celebrated by the people they needed the most. They have not been protected or valued. Few have received the loving kindness of someone guiding them and looking out for their future. They have been lost and orphaned. The women, in particular, I see as vulnerable. They did not have a father present to protect and honor their beauty and fragility. They run after any attention they receive, and in the end, are left alone with more responsibility than they can handle. And for their children, the cycle continues.
The problem can feel overwhelming, but I know that God wants to use us to bring healing to these broken people. Please, pray for them and pray for us as we tackle these great challenges. Pray that we will have a deep compassion and understanding for them. Pray that the Holy Spirit brings great waves of restoration and spiritual breakthrough in their lives. Pray that God keeps our hearts and yours heavy from them.
And please pray for me as well. Coming here to Portel by myself has been very difficult. I miss my friends in Altamira, and it takes a long time to make new friends in a new place in a new culture. Please, pray that God gives me strength and speaks to me clearly. Thank you all for your love and encouragement and support. I am truly grateful to have you on my side.

Love, Allison

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Happy Thanksgiving from Allison Rupert

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I hope you all are enjoying time with your families. Now that I am living in Portel, and the only other missionaries are from Canada, it was easy to forget about Thanksgiving in November! But don't worry, I'm not one of those people who get really sentimental about the holidays. Of course, I miss my family, but not just during the holidays.

As you know, I have been working on all the details to get the English classes started in February of 2015. There have been some great developments in the past month. We are still working on the building to house the school, but unfortunately, the funds to complete it are coming in slowly. I had been a little worried about how we were going to move forward without a building. Then Richie told me about a small university located in the city where he had rented out space for a missions meeting. He explained that there were rooms there available for rent. I went there and talked to the cooridinator of the school. It turned out that not only did the university have the rooms and times available for rent at a reasonable price, but that they were also looking for an English teacher. The English classes that they offer are only held on the weekends, so they wouldn't interfere with any of the CDR classes. Also, the classes they offer are really only introductions to the English language, so it is a great opportunity to recruit students for CDR. Lastly, the money that I receive from the teaching position will be used to pay the rent for our own English classes! All this totally felt like something God had prepared for us! I can see that He is setting us up for success.

This past week has started our application process for the classes, and I have been walking around the city giving out flyers with information. As I have been speaking to those at the local businesses, many have expressed interest in joining the classes, especially interest in enrolling their children. Being that I am a native English speaker, it gives our project a lot of credibility in the city, as well as all the connections Richie has been able to make in his short time here. We are on our way. We are starting small, but I do believe we will start well.

Now that we are not under pressure to finish the building, we can work on it slowly as the funds become available. Of course, if you are interested in helping us finish, please contact me.

As I said before, I feel that God is moving things along in the right direction. Being a missionary, you find out quickly how little control you have over everything. We are so dependent on God and his provision. That can be very scary and very exciting at the same time! But of course, when you experience God coming through for you, you feel humbled and loved. Thank you, God, for your faithfulness!

As always, I want to thank and bless all of you. I know your prayers are a large part of my success here. There is no distance in the spiritual realm. I ask that you would continue to pray for the success of the CDR English school and for the funds to finish our building. I ask that you would pray for me to continue to build meaningful relationships in my new city. I want to bless you as well, that you would experience success in the projects that God has put in front of you to do. That he would show you his provision. I also pray for the health of your relationships, that God would touch those relationships in your life that are lost or broken. I pray that he would bring restoration and healing.

In early December, I will be returning to Altamira to spend the month visiting with my friends there. Being here alone in Portel can be difficult, and it is important that I go back to get some much needed relational time. I will talk to you all soon!

Love you and God bless!

Allison

Kids playing Volleyball at the Mission