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

Over due update!

I must apologize that it has been so long since we've updated you all via this blog. The semester is well underway here at the Baptist seminary in São Paulo. I have a total of approximately 90 students in the four classes I am teaching. Since I am teaching one class that is totally new to me (Systematic Theology 1)there is a significant amount of reading (and learning!) for me as I prepare. Its been fun! This week, Sarah has her Spring break from PBU, and was able to fly down on frequent flier miles. It is a blessing to have our family together again, at least for these few days. On another matter, I appreciate your prayers with respect to the administration of my dad's estate. Since his death in July things have moved at a snail's pace, and the situation in TN is still a mess. We are thankful for your prayers and support. We can carry on this ministry only because God has made it possible through his people. We appreciate the notes and e-mails we receive, and your comments are always welcome in this forum!
your brother and co-worker,
Steve

Unpacking out bags, saying hello...

Saying goodbye to family and friends in the US was tough, but we are enjoying seeing friends and co-workers here in Brazil after a year and half away. Today I (Steve) had a faculty meeting at the seminary downtown, talking about the final steps to completing our accreditation process. Things at home are pretty much in order: our bags and boxes are unpacked, and we are pretty well settled in. We were able to buy a good, late model car for our use this term, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. One automotive prayer request: our car in the US is still for sale (a 2005 Toyota Corolla). Its a good car, but the weather and general economic malaise in the Northeast is not helping with the sale. If you know of someone who is interested, Mary Ann's brother John is handling the sale for us, his number is: 732-698-7576. We appreciate your prayers also as we are "empty nesters", with Sarah back in the US continuing her studies at PBU. A lot of emotions!
Steve