Pastor Ben reports he’s been blessed with a lot of “firsts” in his “first” year of ministry after language school. “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost” was said in Portuguese as Alessandra was plunged beneath the water. Eu te amo! The first time he ever said the words “I love you” in Portuguese was, I suspect, for Daniele, his fiancé! For his first communion, he prayed that God would bless the grapes instead of the juice. (Hey, God knew what Ben wanted to say!). His first discipleship was with two girls. One quit because she got embarrassed about the idea of praying in front of people and the other girl quit too but the first girl just prayed out loud for the first time in his Sunday School class. The response of “Yes, Pastor Ben, I believe I would like to accept Christ as my personal Savior” was of course his favorite “firsts”. Many fumbled and often time funny words have rolled off his lips at many of his “firsts”: giving his first Sunday school lesson, first discipleship, first sermon, and many more. Sometimes it was very difficult, discouraging, humiliating, and very frustrating, but always, ALWAYS, very rewarding. He said he appreciates those who have allowed him to reach this goal of completing his “firsts”, and thankful for those who have pledged with their prayers and support to allow him to go back for “seconds”. www.bdjbrazil.cjb.net