H1N1 delays classes

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Worries about the Swine Flu pandemic caused Brazilian health authorities to recommend that schools delay their opening after the vacation month of July. It seems the concern was that students who traveled during the break may have been exposed to the H1N1 virus., and could subsequently pass it on to their classmates. Classes were delayed two weeks at the Pan American Christian Academy, and we delayed one week before opening at the Baptist Seminary in São Paulo. The church we attend has called for 30 days of prayer for our city because of the threat of the flu. A couple of large churches in the south of the country actually had to suspend their services because of outbreaks of the disease. Join with us in praying that the spread of the virus would be stopped and that the Gospel would continue to go forth effectively.

Sarah is here for the next five weeks!

This morning we drove to the international airport just outside of our city to pick up Sarah. Its great to have the family together for the next five weeks. She'll be doing an internship at our publishing house and we'll be enjoying having her here with us. July is my semester break from teaching responsibilities so we'll have time for some family activities while she is here. We appreciate your prayers that the visit go well and that the internship be a profitable experience.
Steve

June Prayer Letter now online!

Our June prayer letter is now online, sorry for the delay! You can click on the "further information" link to the right, and then click on "prayer letters" or cut and paste the address below into your browser...
http://www.worldventure.com/Missionaries/Missionary-Directory/Missionary/Nash_Steven_Mary_Ann/Links/Downloads/Nash_Steven_PL_06_09.pdf

Did you hear a sigh of relief?

That was me after handing in all of my grades last night to officially end my semester at the Baptist seminary! With 90 students and four courses there was a lot of grading to get done, but by God's grace "it is finished." It was encouraging to see the effort the students put in with their busy work, ministry, and study schedules. Pray that their time of study will not just result in academic achievement, but that it would especially lead to spiritual transformation and effective ministry for the Lord.
On another subject we are enjoying a few weeks of having the niece of a mission colleague stay with us. She is doing an internship at our mission publishing house. When she leaves at the beginning of July, our daughter Sarah will be arriving for a five week visit, also doing an internship at the publishing house. We appreciate your prayers for her safe travel and a good time of learning and growth when she comes.
your missionary in Brazil,
Steve

End of semester crunch time!

Mid to late June always presents some challenges with semester ending exams, grading, and meetings. This year my unscheduled absence from some classes due to pneumonia (and the accompanying lower "energy levels"!) has me even more behind the usual. I appreciate your prayers as I continue to play "catch-up" on my last classes and grading. Now, back to work!

Back to classes, thanks for praying!

Well, I resumed my classes this week after getting the ok from my doctor. I still am a bit weak, with some residual coughing from time to time, but no fever and "clear" lungs--thanks for praying! We are looking forward to July and an anticipated visit from our daughter Sarah. She will be here for about five weeks, doing a short "internship" with our publishing house. We appreciate your partnership with us as we serve the Lord together.
Steve

Thanks for praying!

I know Mary Ann has sent out e-mails to many of you, but a few may not know that I am home from classes this week recuperating from bronchial pneumonia. The antibiotics seem to be working and I am feeling better. The timing of this unplanned "week off" hasn't been the best, in that I am nearing the end of the semester (about two weeks of classes left, before exams etc.). I appreciate your prayers that I'll be able to get back to the class room next week and present the students with the material they need to finish well the courses they taking with me.
your co-worker in Christ,
Steve