BRAZILTURLEY - a picture dairy of life with the Turleys in Brazil

2008-11-24T13:45:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Some time back, a Brazilian friend commented that “Thanksgiving” was not a Brazilian holiday, “Because Brazilians do not have anything to be thankful for like the Americans.” He did not know that on August 17, 1949, Law number 781 was passed making the last Thursday of November an official Brazilian “Dia de Ação de Graças”, or Thanksgiving. In 1966 that law was amended to change the Brazilian Thanksgiving to the forth Thursday of November.

Brazil does not celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday, although the cities of Rio de Janeiro, and Cabos, in Pernambuco, declared “Thanksgiving” municipal events in 2000 and 2005 respectively. But, just because one does not celebrate, does not mean that we have nothing to be thankful for.

There are many myths and legends concerning the origins of modern Thanksgiving. Allow me to share a few thoughts, and quotes, that may help clear our minds about the true meaning. I trust we can learn that a true “Thanksgiving” does not come from the abundance, but rather from the realization that “all things” whether big or small, deserve our gratitude, and that that gratitude must be directed to a person, more specifically, the creator of heaven and earth. Cornelious Plantinga, Jr wrote, “It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular.”

First, we must remember that almost all civilizations celebrate a harvest time. Depending on the location of the country, harvest celebrations take place in just about every month of the year all somewhere all over the world. Almost all peoples seem thankful for the earth bringing forth its substance. Thanksgiving in America is tied to that same thought, as well.

Depending on your personal beliefs, you may feel that Thanksgiving is a time for personal gratification. The truest humanistic belief says I worked hard to get what I have. I did it my way, and now I will revel in my glory, albeit short-lived because death eventually comes to all.

I, personally, believe that Thanksgiving takes me to a place where I realize that all I have, including the health and strength to work, comes from a higher power. That power is the sustaining factor for all things. That power is God!

The ancient Hebrew people were the first true “Thanksgiving” revelers when they worshipped God with a Feast of Harvest, a Feast of Tabernacles, and a Feast of Weeks. They were grateful not just for the stuff, but realized there was a God who provided it for them. They celebrated the first true Thanksgiving.

The first European settlers to the new land, America, in 1619, knew what true thanksgiving was, even though they had just lost over half of their loved ones during the long hard three month journey. When they arrived in what is now called Virginia, those 38 English settlers set aside a day of Thanksgiving and prayer. That thanksgiving had nothing to do with a harvest, however. It would be another year before the next settlers would reach Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, and two years before what would eventually become known as the “First Thanksgiving Feast,” related to a harvest.

It certainly was not the lack of suffering, nor the “over” abundance of stuff that caused those first settlers to be thankful. It was not exemption from hardships, or death that caused them to want to celebrate a day of Thanksgiving. On the contrary, those first “Thanksgiving days” were full of reasons not to thank the creator.

H.U. Westermayer wrote, “ The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than those who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.” Over one-half of the first settlers died within the first year.

George Washington’s 1789 proclamation of a day for “public thanksgiving and prayer” came at a time of tremendous turmoil in American history. He realized the true meaning of thanksgiving when he wrote, “ It is the duty of ALL NATIONS (emphasis mine) to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Seventy-four years later, in 1863, as America lay divided, suffering, and impoverished by a civil war, Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of Thanksgiving to be observed the last Thursday the month of November. He wrote, “It has seemed to me fit and proper that they [gifts form God] should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people.” Lincoln also wrote, “We often forget the Source from which the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies come… No human wisdom hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God.”

Some believe that America has a Thanksgiving because it is the richest land on earth. While the richest part may be true, financially speaking, the real meaning of Thanksgiving goes much deeper than having money and things. After all, Brazil now produces more grains, more aluminum and copper, and exports more frozen chicken and meat than any other country. Brazil, now, has the tenth largest economy in the world. Would it not seem proper, then, that Brazil, too, should celebrate Thanksgiving Day?

Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, “You say, ‘If I had more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.”

The founders of the United States of America were visibly human in their errors. Imperfect men. But, they were just as visible in their recognition of the Most High God. May we learn to be as bold, and verbal, in giving thanks to our Great God. May we remember this THANKSGIVING DAY to give tribute, praise, and honor to Him who is the maker, and sustainer of all things.

Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

Thomas Ray Turley Nov 23. 2008
São José dos Camps, SP, Brasil

More THANKSGIVING DAY quotes:

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy

“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Harry A. Ironside

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Cicero

“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men, but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude.” E.P. Powell

“ It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast.” W.J. Cameron

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” W.T. Purkiser

“If we have enjoyed the hospitality if the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my dependence.” G.A. Johnston Ross

“Happiness is the realization of God in the heart. Happiness is the result of praise and thanksgiving, of faith, of acceptance; a quiet tranquil realization of the love of God.” White Eagle

2008-07-11T09:06:00.003-05:00

June was a blurr, and now, here we are in the middle of July, and I haven't posted for a month....where does the time go?

If you have never heard of John Gage, then you are either not a musician, or you just haven't paid attention to the names on the music. He is an accomplished musician, songwriter/
composer/arranger, that just happened to spend 10 days with our church here in São José dos Campos, in June, with the Global Missions Project orchestra.

I am waiting to get pictures from our church "photographer" to post. You can go to the orchestra website for highlights and details at www.globalmissionsproject.com

Diana, Charity and I accompanied the 25 peice orchestra translating in hospitals, factories, schools and at church. They played in five services on the Sunday they were with us, including The International Church. WOW! They also taught beginner, intermediate, and mater level workshops.

The highlight was the Tuesday night concert. Twenty-five musicians from the USA and Europe, accompanied by invited Brazilian musicians made up the 80 plus piece orchestra. What a night! Over one and a half hours of music to lift one's soul... and lift souls it did. As testimonies were shared between pieces, God did a work. At the end, an informal invitation to receive salvation through Jesus Christ was given. It was requested that those interested fill out a decision card, and turn it in at the reception desk. Twenty-six names were recorded in heaven that night. What a night! These names have already been contacted for follow-up.

I can't wait to get the photos, but will have too, as tomorrow, July 12, we will be receiving another group, this one from Rick Warren's church, Saddleback Church, to help us in one of the poorest areas of all South America, te Brazilian Sertão.

Sunday, July 13, Tom, Diana, Charity MAria, and five Americans will fly into the Sertão for two weeks of ministry. Lord willing, by te time we get back we will have pictures of both the orchestra and the Sertão. The Ôxente Project we will be working with has a site, too:
www.oxente.org.br and if you don't speak Portuguese, just click on galeria de fotos to see pictures of past events.

Never a dull moment. Thanks for praying for us. Check in in about a month for new updates.

2008-06-03T23:52:00.004-05:00

Mike Constantz mentioned in his letter about us knowing just about everyone at church, and being "family." Well, that is just what we are, family of God, doing God's work in the family.

These pictures are of friends...no, family that we have worked with, cried with, laughed with, labored with, played with...you know, family things...over the past 21 years. Yes, it has been 21 years since we arrived in Brazil. In that amount of time we should have made lots of friends...no ...family!

All of these pictures have been taken in Brazil within the past three months. They are weddings we have performed, retreats we have participated in, and places we have ministered in during this time. Let me assure you, there is no better place than to be in the family of God. All these people have touched our lives in one way or another. All of these people are very special to us. All of them are very special in God's eyes, too.

You see, not only do we have biological family in the USA, but we have family here in Brazil, too. These, and many others have earned a special place in our hearts. Yes, we miss family back in the States, but God fills the void with other people, too.

I will share this; sometimes I miss my family that I even cry. That happened a few weeks back at a funeral. I wept, not for the deceased, but because during the funeral the deceased's ten grandkids got up and shared stories about their grandfather, how he played with them, spoiled them..you know, Grandpa things. Well, after about the third one, I was a basket case. I was thinking, "I may never get to spoil my own grandkids, but God knows that . He knew that when He called me to Brazil. He will have to send an adopted "grandpa" to my grandkids, just like He sends us "adopted" grandkids here. God always fills the void when we let our satisfaction come from Him.

2008-06-03T23:11:00.003-05:00

I realize I have not posted for some time. It is not because we have not been busy. It is just the opposite. Sometimes I think we are too busy.

I also realize that this is called our "Foto Blog." Well, in this post I am not going to put photos, but rather let a friend "paint" a mind picture for you.

This letter was not solicited, nor did I have knowledge of this letter until it was snt to me just this week. I don't know that I deserve such praise, for I am just a servant of the "I AM" and without Him I am nothing.

Please read this letter with Spirit eyes, to see the images that God sees. I know He has a plan for our lives. It will be exciting to see what happens next.
Blessings to all.

05 May 2008

Dear Friends of Tom & Diana,

My name is Mike Constantz and I am a growing friend and fan of Tom & Diana Turley. My fondness for them began as soon as I met them almost four years ago when I became the Pastor of Missions at Saddleback Church in California, and it has grown every time I have been with them.

I have been in missions for 30 years, first as a medical missionary to the Philippines, then with the first team to show and plant churches with the JESUS Film outside of the U.S., then serving in Sri Lanka for 6 years during the start of their civil war and finally travelling to about 150 countries training national Christian workers. So I’ve met a few missionaries in my day. These two missionaries are special!!

THANKS

I just left the Turley’s. I am writing this letter on my flight home from Brazil. Tom & Diana have no idea that I am doing this. But sometimes you just have to sit down and say “thanks” to the people that are making a significant difference in the world for Jesus. I want to tell you thanks for being a part of Tom & Diana’s ministry through prayer and financial support. When you get to heaven you are not going to believe the number of Brazilians that are going to line up to give you one of their big hugs of gratitude for helping Tom & Diana serve the way they so effectively do throughout Brazil. Many will spend eternity with our Savior Jesus Christ because of YOU.

You’ve followed their story through the churches planted and lives changed in the Amazon. Then the move to Sao Jose dos Campos and growth of the First Baptist Church along with it’s nationwide influence in serving thousands of pastors. And then the marriage and family seminars throughout this vast land. Always raising up and leaving behind nations to lead on… all with a servant’s heart.

Honestly, have you ever met a couple with greater servant’s hearts than Tom & Diana? To serve Jesus through serving others is their pleasure. They do it quietly, expecting nothing in return and model for those around them what Jesus would be like. That is truly the highest form of missionary service.

GABRIEL

I was with Tom at First Baptist Church yesterday, Sunday. He was preaching in the English morning service. But before he went in to preach we wandered around the church campus so he could show me around and so he could greet some of the members. A church of thousands and it seemed he knew everyone. During our stroll we came across Gabriel. A young man of 16 who lost his dad a year ago. Tom gave him a smack on the back and said that he was going to be his dad. Gabriel flinched and gave out a yelp like he was hurt, but he LOVED it…. the idea of having a spiritual “dad” that could model just a bit of what our Heavenly Father is like. Gabriel followed us everywhere for the next 2 hours. Just a young believer with a working mother and a younger sister. The family of God being a family for each other.

“REALS”

“Reals” is the name of the Brazilian currency. If you haven’t heard of this before, you will. The Brazilian economy is really cooking. BRIC is the financial planners name for where Americans are being encouraged to invest internationally. (Brazil, Russia, India, China) This is great for the Brazilians, bad for the American missionary converting a weakening dollar into “Reals” every month. It’s like getting a 30% cut every payday. This is today’s reality for Tom & Diana.

CAN YOU HELP?

I raised support as a missionary for 25 years. It is an exciting adventure every month seeing God at work providing for every need through His wonderful people. (You trust God just as much for your jobs and salary, you just don’t need to make your needs known when support is being weakened by things like the currency exchange.)

So I wanted to ask on behalf of Tom & Diana. (They had no idea that I was going to do this and are probably horrified that I even did it.) Can you help in this time of need? Could you increase your monthly support? Can you help with a one-time gift? Do you have friends that might be interested in becoming financial partners in God’s work in Brazil?

I know how this works. Missionaries either trust God for more support through their current friends and partners or head home to add more partners. But I have seen how strategic Tom & Diana’s work is right now. I would hate to see them have to leave their assignment to find more ministry partners. They are so strategic to what God is doing there. Not only are they serving churches throughout the entire country, but Brazil has become a regional hub in South America and the work is about to expand into countries surrounding Brazil… Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru.

Would you prayerfully consider helping Tom & Diana?

On Behalf of the Turley’s I thank you,

--Mike Constantz-Misson’s Pastor-Saddleback Church

2008-02-09T22:29:00.001-05:00

I am so glad that we can travel together as a family. Diana is such a wonderful wife, mother, friend, and help-mate. She did her share of counseling, too.

There was another family with kids at this camp. Mathew was a good companion for Charity, too.

2008-02-09T22:16:00.000-05:00

Rancho Paumar, in Itatiba, SP
is a wnderful camp. It was a great time spiritually, and physically.

2008-02-09T22:02:00.001-05:00

More Carnival Camp pics Feb 1-5, 2008

2008-02-09T21:16:00.001-05:00

I'm having trouble getting pic to download....come back later for more 2008 Carnival Camp pics

2008-02-09T21:02:00.000-05:00

More pics of the 2008 Carvival Youth Camp.

FYI - Carnival should be classified as "carnal-val". That is why most churches try to offer a camp, or other activity during the 5 day event. Sure, the lights, colors, and sounds may appear enticing, beautiful, and harmless, but ask the police about violence, traffic deaths caused by alcohol, etc. during the week of, or the maternity wards 9 months after the fact, about unwanted, fatherless children.....and the list could go on.

We have been in Brazil going on 21 years, and I have yet to see anything good come out of carnival, except the fact that we have an opportunity to get to a group of youth AWAY from the world at a camp.

ALSO, last year, in the USA, one man at a church, after seeing one of our video clips, made the comment that it looked like we were on "perpetual vacation."
Well, what better place to do evangelism, discipleship, family seminars, and church seminars than at some of the most beautiful camps, beaches, hotels, and scenery in the world. Brazil is beautiful, and no, we do not work with Indians (only 1 percent of all missions in Brazil is indigenous), and yes, we do enjoy serving the Lord in a beautiful creation that HE created. I'm not sure what type of place we are supposed to live, or what type of place we are supposed to work in according to a comment like that.
ANYWAY, Brazil is beautiful, God is good, and He has called us to win the lost at any cost, to share the Good News to ALL peoples, and to baptize and disciple new believers, teaching them to obey the Lord, by our example.

2008-02-09T19:55:00.000-05:00

From Feb 1-5 we enjoyed a special time with 135 college and career youth from the Independent Presbyterian Church in Alpha-Ville, São Paulo. This is our second youth camp in two years with them. We have also preached for the youth, and the church, on different occassions.

This camp was different, as about 98 percent were followers of Jesus Christ, and very dedicated. Their pastoral and youth staff are very dedicated to the Word of God, and strong on discipleship.

I spoke 5 times on the book of Daniel, asking at different times if they were willing to take the challenge and, "DARE TO BE A DANIEL". - 1. To purify their lives, and remain pure for the sake of the gospel; 2. To seek out Godly friends that would pray with them, and help them in their Christian walk; 3. To not bow down to worldly pleasures, nor temptations; 4. To be bold witnesses for Jesus Christ, even when not politically correct; 5.To do right in God's eyes at all times, even though it may cost them their lives.

In the end I reminded them how God sent an angel to remind Daniel that he was loved by God, greatly (chapter10), and that Daniel was promised a reward for his faithfulness after his death (last verse of book of daniel.) Two college students gave their lives to Jesus Christ, and another 14 said, "WE WILL TAKE THE DARE!"

GLORY TO GOD FOR ALL DECISIONS!

2008-01-31T21:46:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned, people are the most important part of God's creation. He loves people; so much so that He sent Jesus Christ to die, for people, so that we people could have everlasting life. Now that is what I call a true friend. That is what the bible says, " No great love has any man than this, that he would lay down his life for a friend." God wants all of us to be His friends.

Speaking of friends, we have short friends, tall friends, silly friends, not so silly friends. They come is all shapes, sizes, and colors. We love our friends.

2008-01-31T21:31:00.001-05:00

Our ministry in Brazil is about people. Whether it be a counseling session, preaching a message, eating a meal, teaching a class, taking a trip, whatever it may be....God loves people, and we want to teach God's love to people.

Here are some pics of new, and "old" friends......

2008-01-31T21:18:00.001-05:00

Charity Maria is growing up so fast. She will be 7 in April, 08. Started first grade this week...wow! I'm fifty...never imagined that at 50 I'd have a 1st grader.... she is so fun.

Charity is going to be our dancer. She loves ballet, and is always going around doing choreography to every song that enters her mind. She makes up music, too. She is the top far right in the pic.

Funny, she is not afraid of animals, bugs, not even roaches nor spyders. She is attent to details and seems to have an animal attraction. Even butterflies and humming-birds will come very close to her.

2008-01-31T21:06:00.001-05:00

A few more pics of Diana's b-day gifts. Besides lots of good friends coming to visit, she received a lovely breakfast basket, and orchids.

Diana also enjoyed going out with our friend Yeda, to a country buffet for lunch. We are blessed to live in one of the most abundant, and most beautiful areas of Brazil.

It is not for those reasons we live here, however. I remind myself that I would be willing to return to the Amazon, or other poor areas, if God led that way. Comfort is blessing, but not a necessity. We are not called to a life of luxury and security, but to a life of obedience. As one pastor, Dr C. Sumner Wemp says, "God gives us our needs, and a lot of our greeds. Be careful what you ask for."

2008-01-30T21:08:00.001-05:00

You may recall that in October of 07, that I took a trip to Manaus with Yan, our jr-sr high pastor. Well, in 2008 we are teaming up again, except this time to work with the parents of these adolescent youth.

Many parents come to both Diana and me asking for help with their adols, as we call adolescent youth here. I counsel them right away, that it is a crime to kill your jr-higher. They laugh, as to keep from crying.

With God's help, we will begin a series of classes to parents of this age group the beginning of March. The series will run for five weeks. Then, in October, we will offer another series of classes, all designed at how to reach the heart of your teen child.

Pray for Yan, and the EXTREME youth ministry. Pray for the parents of these 125 plus teens, that they will be Godly examples to their kids.

Pray for Diana and me as we have a big task ahead of us, teaching the parents of these kids.

2008-01-30T20:17:00.001-05:00

AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD - written by Tim Sheppard.

After being married to this wonderful lady for 26 years, I still enjoy singing this classic song with her (it is the only song we sing together). I must say that at 50 years of age...not bad....lookin' good!

Thanks, Abasilio, for the great photographs.

2008-01-30T19:59:00.001-05:00

Christmas dinner was Italian style, this year. Carolina, a new Christian we are discipling, invited us to her mother's house for the special event. Her mother is an Italian immigrant. Needless to say, the pastas were out of this world good. We had baked chicken, too.

A few days after Christmas, friends from Manaus (Neto, Ivete, Pinha and Ligia) came for a few days to help celebrate Diana's 50th b-day. Other friends came by as well. Since her b-day just happens to be on Dec 31, we also went to some friends to celebrate the New Year, and Lady Di got thrown in the pool. HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY DIANA!

2008-01-30T18:44:00.001-05:00

Wow! 2007 went by in a flash! About the only way I knew it was the end of 2007 was because of Diana's half-century b-day on the 31st. Then, all of a sudden, it was 2008.

I think one of the reasons last year went by so fast is because we were busy. No time for time to stand still. Well, if the beginning of 2008 is any indication, that means we will be posting Christmas 2008 in just a few days, because we have been non-stop.

Tom has been "pastor on call" at the church one day a week. So?, you may ask? Well, that means counseling, helping out where needed, and just hangin' out sometimes. And, January is a good month to generally "hang out" as it is collective vacation for just about all of Brazil. Well, at least that is the way it is supposed to work.

One of my "on-call" days I had 04 counseling sessions. Most were walk-ins, but church members. I guess people had time ot stop and think about how their lives are being lived, and didn't like what they saw. Another reason is that we just opened the counseling center five days a week, with a pastor on call during the day, and by cell fone at night. Our other pastors have reported an increase in counseling as well. Having worked with married couples for the past few years, Diana and I get a lot of the marriage counseling.

Diana has been busy the first month of 2008 as well. She spoke to over 100 ladies at their first ever monthly meeting. She is such a good speaker, for she shares from her heart, but that has a price as she worries and frets over getting ready. Charity and I split the scene for a few afternoons, to give Mama some time to herself. It was a good father-daughter time, so Diana's speaking was good for all of us.

I also had the opportunity to share with about 100 men at their 3nd ever monthly meeting. God is doing some wonderful things among the folk at our church, and they keep looking to us as mentors, too. That is a blessing to us.

The pictures on this post are of the 1st ever monthly couples encounter. About 150 couples ate banana splits, and finger foods, as I used a blender, and the help of two other coulples, to make a very different milk-shake for the message. It was a beautiful evening. More pics to come, including shots of Diana and me singing, as well.

2007-12-14T15:10:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS
& HAPPY NEW YEAR
from the Brazil Turleys.

Our prayer is that you will find Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Brotherly love, and Self-control in JESUS CHRIST, and that in the New Year you will continue to abide in the Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Love, and Self-control, that only Jesus Christ can give.

Enjoy the picture of Hayden, 10 months, in the card sent by Joshua and Jessica.

2007-12-08T13:21:00.000-05:00

On November 20 and 30, 2007, I, Tom, had the time of my life. First, let me say that I grew up with Southern Gospel music. I cut my teeth on fine quartet harmonies, studied gospel music at the Stamps-Baxter School of Music, and sang back-up with JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet (Live at Murray State album, 1975). My Grandpa Case taught shape note music in the hills of West Virginia; around Duck, to be exact, using the old song books. I have been around quartets, chiors, and such, that one might think that I would not venture out of my "genre".

Well, on the mentioned dates, I not only "ventured" out, but I plunged right in the middle of a style that, I must confess, had little knowledge of - REGGAE. And was I in for a surprise.

The Reggae Band, CHRISTAFARI, did a one night special presentation for our church on Nov 20. Our pastor, Carlito Paes, later told me that the church has never had so many lost, un-churched people in attendance at one time. The jam packed, 3000 plus crowd (we turned away over 1000) was in for a treat as the award winning, CHRISTAFARI band did a three hour, 25 song program, that left us all singing and swaying reggae by the end of the night.

But the most spectacular thing was how the gospel presentation was weaved into the music thru personal testimonies, and the lyrics to the songs. I translated for lead vocalist Mark Mohr, also founder of the band. His testimony, and gospel presentation was so powerful; so "right-on", that I was deeply impressed. Not only was I impressed with the "word", but the influence of the word. At the end of the program 55 first time salvation decisions were made for Jesus Christ. WOW!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Mark invited me to accompany the band on their 3 week tour of Brazil, but I already had a family seminar scheduled, plus a few days planned with the family to celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary. I did spend one day with them at the beach.

Several of the 11 band members are avid surfers, and they wanted to surf Brazil. What blew me away was the fact that in every surf shop we looked in, trying to rent boards, the band was immediately identified. Even after the beach, I took Avion Blackman, Mark's wife , bass player, and vocalist, into a store. The clerk that waited on us knew the band.

Well, needless to say, I felt really out of touch with reality, as these were lost people, not church people, whom were recognizing one of the most successful reggae bands of all times, and they are Christian. And I don't mean in name, but in deed. This band truely wants to glorify God with their lives. Later, in a news paper interview I translated, mark was asked what is the most important thing to the band. His response, "KEEP JESUS FIRST!"

On Nov. 30th, I did assist by translating for the band on thier LIVE in BRAZIL dvd recording. It was a special night in São Paulo, again, over 3000 people packed into a church, and again over 3 hours of music and testimony. Again, many decisions for Jesus Christ. By the way, my part will be edited out. The producers didn't want me translating anything at all. They wanted pure English, but Mark would not hear of it. He asked, "How will people be able to hear the gospel and be saved?"

If you would like to learn more about CHRISTAFARI, go to www.christafari.com , or to www.gospelreggae.com . You can read a blog that Mark Mohr posted at http://www.gospelreggae.com/news/all/78da33344a0600015d00c7/detail.html

I don't have many good pics, as my camera went haywire, but here are a few to give you an idea. By the way, I am beginning to understand what they are saying on their CDs, and I like it a lot...... smiles =)

2007-12-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

The Brazil Turleys have had two very busy months in October & November, in part due to couples falling in love. Let me explain. You see, part of our local ministry at First Baptist in Sao Jose dos Campos is pre-maritial counseling, We began individual counseling with two couples in October, then added a third in November.

We married off one of the couples, Regina and Clementino. Tom had the honor to walk the bride, Regina, down the isle.

Charity Maria was bride's maid.

Counseling has always been an integral part of the discipleship of our ministry. Both Tom and Diana went thru a three day counseling seminar with Dr. Mike Wells, the last three days of October. It was an intense time, lots to think about -lots to learn. Tom translated a good part of the time. In some ways it makes it easier to learn, not only is the material being heard, but it is repeated at the same time.

We highly reccomend Mike's book Meandering in the Wilderness. It is serious reading for people serious about their faith. His web site is www.abidinglife.com. At the same time, look up www.abide.com.br. Tom and Diana teach some of this ministry's family material.

As part of a fact finding/gathering trip, Tom travelled to Manaus with the 1st Bapt. jr/sr high pastor, Yan. They attended an annual dating seminar put on by the Chapada Baptist Church. Tom also taught the second Sunday lesson for the Purpose Driven Life campaign at the same church. Here is the Sunday morning crowd.

2007-11-08T20:32:00.000-05:00

On May, 2006, I blogged about the sale of our bus to a ministry in Southern Brazil called "PROJECT LIFE". Many have asked if I regret that sale. My response is a big, "no way!" Let me tell you, God is using that bus in ways I never dreamed of, and each month the director of that group, Paulo, sends me a report of activities. WOW! God is soooo good!

Paulo, and the Project Life folks, are so grateful for the bus, and the work we had done to it. They could have never afforded a bus like that for the symbolic price we sold it to them for. And Diana and I have no regrets.

If you could read Portuguese you would be amazed at what this ministry does. They actually have two buses, for two groups of teen volunteers, that will travel up to six months at a time doing presentations in schools, churches, and parks all over Brazil. Their up-beat Christian message with music, drama, and clowns, is to avoid drugs, sex, and drinking, and allow Jesus Christ to make a difference in your life. They also will set up free medical and dental clinics in poor areas, and give free haircuts during the day.

Check out their site at www.pvps.org.br

I am including some fotos of "our" old bus from off of thier website. Enjoy!!!!

2007-11-01T19:07:00.001-05:00

The Brazil Turleys have had the opportunity to travel a good deal, sharing different topics along the way. for example, In Tabatinga, Amazonas we shared family seminars, both with Walk Thru the Bible and Diana's own How to Win Over Anger study.

In Manaus Tom went to share during a 40 Days of Purpose campaign, and learn from the youth ministries, there, about their Dating Workshop.

One of our favorite topics is still missions, however, and how missions is a lifestyle, not an organization nor campaign, nor event. Missions should be on the "Missions Statement" of every follower of Jesus Christ.

The River of Life Evangelical Church in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil, is a favorite of ours. We have preached there 03 times, and wow, what a church. This past Sunday I preached the closing of their first missions conference. Click on the poster they had made, and you will see that "Thomas Turkey" was the special speaker. That makes for a good laugh.

2007-11-01T18:19:00.000-05:00

It is such a wonderful thing to "rest" in the Lord Jesus Christ; to know that all things work to our good, even those "bad" things, things we don't understand like: sickness, pain, accidents, grief, job loss, among other things. To know we are loved by Him, and that we can love Him because He first loved us.

I wish all of you could have been at the Abide Ministry- Brazil retreat these past few days. WOW! Mike Wells was a fantastic speaker. He challenged us to always keep Jesus Christ focused right up front, because if we don't our problems begin to look bigger than Him.

Mike's ministry, Abide, takes him all over the world. This is the second time we have heard him. Tom has translated for him in two events as well.

The setting was perfect , too - in the mountains at the Abide Brazil Training Center located at the Ebenezer Campground, in Campos do Jordão, Brazil.

2007-10-24T11:37:00.001-05:00

The past two weeks have been very busy. Tom went to Manaus with Yan, youth minister in Sao Jose dos Campos, and Paulo, helicopter pilot- friend, to attend the OFICINA DO NAMORO (dating workshop) offered by the Chapada Baptist Church. WOW! What a time. Great music, dramas, interpretations, speaking... it was a a jam-packed Friday affair (holiday in Brazil) with over 1600 jr/sr highers. Sexual purity, commitment with Jesus Christ, and practical tips for a healthy friendship relationship were among the 9 hours of topics. Dr. David Hatcher, pastor of the church, says that youth are going to date no matter what you tell them. "I want to give them good solid advise that will help them remain pure during their dating," he adds.

Lord willing, Yan will bring some of these ideas to add to the 6 week study he is doing with the youth in Sao Jose dos Campos. Tom is also helping with research and practicle involvement, such as sharing with the parents of these teens.

Just this past weekend we spoke 3 times in Alfa Ville, Sao Paulo. Had a great time! Pedro and Marcela are great hosts, and we truely enjoy their freindship. This is one of 4 churches we are going to be working with as we help develpoe a sexual purity program, by Brazilians, to Brazilians. Pedro is also an elder in the church.

In the next days we will have had the opportunity to have preached, shared a testimony, and serve in many different ways, and places. Glad to hae this blog to try and share a few pics along the way.

2007-10-24T11:29:00.000-05:00

Now I think that everyone will have to agree, that this young man is about the best looking grandson in the whole wide world, and let me tell you, since I live in a different country I can speak with authority -Hayden Thomas Turley (8 months old) is the best looking grandson in the world!!!!

Thanks Jessica and Joshua for the updated pic.

2007-10-06T20:22:00.001-05:00

Many have asked about our son Joshua, and the new little Turley, Hayden Thomas. Well, here are some pics of Josh doing his thing at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, operating the sound board, and doing the tech services for "The Albert Mohler Show", every weekday. Joshua is literally ON THE AIR, Live, just about every day.
These are the last family pics we have of Hayden, just before we returned to Brazil in June. Was nice that both Great-Grandmas Murphy and Turley were in Louisville in May, 07, to see the little man.
Well, Josh tell us that he is growing, but to be honest, we haven't seen recent pics, so how about Josha nd Jessica. Can we have an up-date PLEASE!

2007-10-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

Since our return, 5 months ago, we have searched for a specific direction to our ministry. We have sensed a change coming, but no clear word form God, as to what.

We have shared with Walk Thru the Bible BRAZIL, that we will continue to do family seminars, but on a reduced schedule. The jr-high pastor has asked for help with Sexual Abstinance teaching. What he didn't know is that 2 other churches have asked for similar teaching. I think we are heading in the right direction. Pray that we will contine to be led the right way.

October, November, and December will be busy months, as usual, with family seminars, and special youth services. What does 2008 hold in store.... only God knows.

DID I MENTION THAT I TURNED 50 on AUGUST 2. Thats right, the big five-O. It was a wonderful surprise sit-down supper party. Diana did a GREAT job surprizing me with a special slide presentation, and a recored word from my Mom and Joshua. Don't worry, we have a few pics, just in case you missed it.

2007-10-06T18:55:00.000-05:00

Well, The Brazil Turleys have had an exciting 5 months back in Brazil. We just hi-lited the Amazon trip, but the previous months were just as exciting.

In June we looked for a place to call home, and God opened the doors to a 9th floor apartment. First time for us to experiment this life style. Takes some getting used to.

We also received a seminarian, John, from Alabama. He helped us move into the apartment THANKS JOHN! He also traveled with the 2 different groups we hosted. The pictures ar eof John in our new apartment.

The end of June we co-hosted an evangelistic outreach team from International Bibnle Baptist Church, Miami, FL. for a week of evangelism in a beach town called Praia Grande (Big Beach) WOW! what a time. By the way, you can check out their pictures at www.timeinternational.org click on pictures, then Sao Jose. There you will find pics of both teams from 2006 and 2007.

Right after the TIME Team, a small group from Saddleback Church, in California arrived for 2 weeks of intensive discipleship, with jr/sr-highers in 2 different churches.
We also traveled to Paraty, a quaint town in Rio, and visited a Brazilian missionary tha t has an interesting work. Check out the Saddleback team eport, and pics, at
www.osgd.net

Well, John was here with us with the 2 teams, and he even preached in the International English Church service. Charity treated him like a big brother.
Enjoy these pic, John.

2007-10-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

The last week of our Amazon Adventure was a surprise, as a friend invited us to her ranch, in the interior of the jungle, for the September 7th holiday. We flew into Manaus from Tabatinga, spent the first night in our friend's home, then the rest happened....We really didn't know what to expect. I'll let the pics explain the rest.

First was the helicopter ride to the ranch...WOW!!!! I told you that travel in the Amazon is best either by river or by air.....

The ranch is like a 5 star hotel. The pool is huge, the fishing, either in the river, or the lake is fantastic....WOW!

The husband is not a follower of Jesus Christ, the wife is a dedicated Christian. Her desire was for us to accompany her for the long extended holiday weekend to witness to her husband. God opened many opportunities to share our faith. Please pray for "Mr Snow" (name withheld ) to repent of his sins and receive Jesus Christ.

2007-10-06T18:21:00.000-05:00

In the previous post I mentioned that transportation in the Amazon is mostly by air or on the water. The Brazil Turleys flew 4 hours from Sao Paulo to Manaus (half way to Miami) {BRAZIL IS HUGE}, then another 2 hours to Tabatinga. Did I mention Brazil is huge?

We then traveled down the Amazon River to Benjamin Constant, and then back. We drove The Hall family mini-van into Colombia, all five minutes of the drive. We enjoyed some of he finer things in Colombia. Will not go into the politics of why Colombia is much nicer, and cheaper. We were never in danger of being kidnapped, as far as we know. We never were fearful, nor sensed danger. We had a blast, to tell the truth.

Check out some more modes of transport pics:

2007-10-06T18:05:00.001-05:00

In the Amazon, most transportation is either by water or air. Motorcycles are beginning to be used a great deal great in the towns, and now even to more remote places. The problem with land transportation is how to get of the millions of creeks, rivers, and wet places. Well, the home-made bridges didn't stop us from heading out to Santa Rita, where we preached to over 100 people in that little village. One member told me that he rows his canoe 2 1/2 hours one way to church every Sunday, and the same back.... woe is me for complaining of Sao Paulo traffic.

By the way, the 3 and 1/2 hour boat ride from Tabatinga to Benjamin Constant was great. The Hall family, cut with a chainsaw, rough wooden canoe churned the waters of the mighty Amazon just fine.

2007-10-06T17:47:00.000-05:00

Many ask if Charity Maria travels with us to such far off places. Well, she just loved learning new things, being in new places, and making new friends. The Hall kids were great companions. Even the monkey liked her....who wouldn't.

Charity is 6, going on 16. She has such a tender heart. She enjoys hearing her daddy preach, or least she says so.

2007-10-06T17:30:00.000-05:00

Teaching, preaching, sharing....

Three weeks was such a short time. The harvest is ready.... just plain ole hard work to get it done.

2007-10-06T17:19:00.001-05:00

New Friends - old friends: We have known the Hall family for over 20 years. Diana and I sang in their wedding. The newest family members quickly became aquainted with us, and we fit right in. We also enjoyed getting to know pastors from both Tabatinga and Benjamin Constant.

Charity Maria and Amy also became good friends.

Thanks Barry and Vania for taking such good care of us, and for making us a part of your family.

2007-10-06T17:06:00.000-05:00

More pics from Tabatinga, Amazonas

Diana does such a wonderful job teaching, and making friends.

The local pastor's association sponsored the final weekend in the largest church in the city, The Assemblies of God church auditorium. Over 100 youth attended the special session for youth. we are talking about small interior towns in the Amazon.

2007-10-06T16:30:00.001-05:00

From August 14 -Sept 10, 2007
Diana, Charity and I (Tom) traveled to various parts of the Amazon. First was a quick stop in Manaus, to visit friends, then on to Tabatinga, on the Colombian/ Peruvian border. There we were hosted by Barry and Vania Hall and their family.

The Halls organized several family seminars for us in various churches. It was aprofittable time of sharing, counseling, and evangelizing. Diana shared her "How To Overcome Anger and Bitterness" to two different ladies groups. We preached in different churches, to different age groups, including churches in Benjamin Constant, and a small village called Santa Rita. I loved every minute of it.

All total we shared to over 600 people, in 9 different seminars and/or sermons, in 3 different cities, over a 3 week period of time. Did I mention we were inthe Amazon.

The next several blogs will be pictures of the entire trip. A special thanks to each one who prayed for us during that special time.

2007-06-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. The Brazil Turleys are back on Brazilian soil, but not connected to the net full-time.

We arrived on-time, Thursday, May 31, after a non-eventful flight. Our bags, which were overweight but did not cost a fortune, made it fine, and we cleared customs with no difficulties at all. Had nothing to declare anyway.

Currently we are in a friend's apartment until her return June 23rd. Made a proposal to rent a duplex today. For the past 2 weeks we have been in apartments and houses all over the city of São José dos Campos, but only today did we find something that pleased us. Not that we are demanding, but for our ministry we need space to handle other people as well. The duplex is small, only 3 bedrooms, but has a few niceties about it that make up for the space. We will probably have to sell some of our furniture.

Today, the dollar fell in relation to the Brazilian Real. Never, in our 20 years of living in Brazil, have we felt such financial pressure. Reason to pray even more.

We are excited about contacts for new ministry opportunities. This Sunday Tom will lead worship in the International Service. We have already returned to our counseling ministry.

Hope to update with fotos in the next few days. Love to all.

2007-05-23T00:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I wept. I watched the funeral for Jerry Falwell (Doc to me) over the internet, and as the recording of the late Doug Oldham played, and pictures of Doc were shown, I could not hold back the tears. The words to the song, coupled with the pictures caused a flood of memories to sweep over my soul. The chorus said "Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed. Thank you, for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave..." You see, I too, am a life that was changed, NOT by Jerry Falwell, but BECAUSE of Jerry Falwell. God did the changing, Doc did the rest.

I first visited Liberty Baptist College in Dec, 1975. I was a young, ambitious, only caring about making a name for myself, 18 year old I was the saved, seated, and satisfied in my salvation type. Well, that didn't last long. Doc's "Keep the pulpit hot" attitude cooled my attitude off , but lit a passion for God in my soul; a hunger to be a champion for Christ, as he put it.

I spent a total of 8 years in Lynchburg, both as student, and staff member. I recall on one occasion Doc called me, "one of my boys." I really can't recall the complete context, but being one of "his" made an impact on me. I never really traveled with, nor, had a private audience with him, but somehow he learned my name. It may have been after I graduated, worked in Charlottesville for a while, and then returned to TRBC to work as SMITE director for a year. I really don't know, but one thing I do know is, that he always remembered my name after that. On one occasion he said I was one of "his" boys.

In 1995 Diana and I were the first couple to receive, as a couple, the prestigious EAGLE Award, as alumni of the year. I was asked to speak on a Wednesday night at TRBC. What an honor. Before the service I met with him in his back office,to pray. Edie was there, too. She always made sure Doc looked good before going out on stage. She told me, "be sure to zip up before going out there." I guess even Doc had to be reminded of some of life's basic rules from time to time. That evening he announced me as "one of our very own." Well, as I said, I'm not from Lynchburg, but spending 8 years there must have made me one of his own.

I saw him, again, in 2004, at the Purpose Driven Church conference at LU. He told me he was proud that I was "our PD man down in Brazil." I remembered that, later, as I helped develop the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign in Portuguese. I was glad that he approved of Rick Warren, and Purpose Driven. I suppose you could say Doc always was driven by purpose. Only thing is, he didn't write the book.

When Charity Maria was born, Doc held her in his arms during a picture taking session. We were visiting for homecoming. Doc whispered to her, "don't be like your scoundrel brother - come to Liberty." He repeated it several times, with Macel replying, "Oh Jerry" while tapping him on the back. You see, he prayed the baby dedication prayer for Joshua, way back in 1983. Joshua decided to attend Boyce College, in Louisville, KY.

Now I couldn't be prouder of Josh than I am now. As a matter of fact, in 2004 I presented Joshua to Doc, and he said he remembered Josh. When Joshua mentioned that he was working at Southern Seminary with Dr Albert Mohler, Doc replied, "Tell that Mohler to send me some money." That was Doc.

Just a few weeks before his death Diana, Charity and I were in Lynchburg, helping with the Missions Department's Next Steps program. That Sunday night after church, I asked him if I ever had given him a prayer card/magnet. Upon replying the negative, I handed him one of our latest. He graciously received that card, and assured me that he prayed for all the missionaries of TRBC, but that our card would go on his fridge to remind him to pray for us. He then responded, "But you're still as ugly as ever." Only one of HIS boys could take that and realize it was a compliment.

Well, I am so glad to have had the privilege to call Jerry Falwell my pastor. While others may have known him better, none can say that they admired him any more than me. I will never come close to the stature of a man that he was, but I know this, he helped me find God's purpose for my life, and I want to use my life to fulfill those purposes. That is what Doc would want - for each of "his" boys and girls - to fulfill God's purposes in their own life; to be exactly what God wants each of us to be.

You see, one thing that I am still learning is that God's vision for my life is much greater than Jerry Falwell's vision for me. God's desires for me are greater than Doc's desires. God has a plan for my life....and I didn't really need Jerry Falwell to get those purposes. BUT, I probably would never have known God's plan for me, if it were not for Jerry Falwell's vision for me as a champion. Yes, God used Doc to teach me some very important lessons in life.

So, this is my way of saying, THANK YOU Jerry Falwell, for giving your all to the Lord. My life was changed as a result of your life. Now, hang up your bow, your sword and shield, and take up your reward. Enjoy your rest of your soul, and look down upon, and keep praying for me. I admit, I still need it. And, thanks for calling me one of your boys. I shall always be.

Tom Turley LU 81' Missionary to Brazil for 20 years.

2007-02-14T23:15:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. I encourage you to take a look at this by clicking on the "link" symbol in the bottom left corner:

http://wordoutreach.homestead.com/BrazilJune06.html

Word Outreach International is a ministry that has assistd us in Brazil, and here in the USA. Thanks Rudy and Shelly.

2007-02-14T14:23:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody. This has to be the best looking baby in the world!!!!! I'm not conceited. Just a proud grandpa.

2007-02-12T22:40:00.000-05:00

Pre-school kids are so fun! They love seeing our artifacts from when we lived in the Amazon. Something about that 11 ft long boa skin. Hard to imagine that today we live in one of the world's most advanced cities, where technology abounds. But, still, kids are kids not matter where you go.

2007-02-12T21:59:00.000-05:00

The Brazil Turleys have been busy teaching some very special classes at Christian Academy, Louisville, KY. First, we spoke in two elementary chapels, then two mission classes. Then we had an opportunity to speak in five senior bible classes about one of our very "fav" topics, SEX.

That's right, we encourage all young people to abstain from sex until that special day called marriage. Without preaching a sermon we share how soooooo many have come to us here in the US and Brazil, some wanting to commit suicide, because of the guilt, shame, and depression that is caused by "going all the way" before they were ready to go even a little.

How is it that modern day man/woman thinks that just because we have the pill, or the day after, or abortion, or other technological and medical advances that we have the right to break "God given" codes of conduct. Are we so naive to believe that depression, anger, guilt, shame, and other emotional, physical, and even physiological problems are NOT caused because we broke God's codes. We may have an antidote, or a vaccine, or a cure for a number of things, but my research shows that depression and suicide among teens is on the rise, and that there is not any medical, nor social cure for that. We are convinced that one of the only ways to turn the depression/anger/guilt/shame/and yes, even suicide tides running rampant in this society is to guard what has been reserved for a marriage commitment, that is, SEX ONLY AFTER MARRIAGE. P.S. That includes all shapes/forms/and fashions of sex as well.

2007-02-12T21:51:00.000-05:00

If you are new to our blog, or just checking in after a lull, you will see that we have had some recent excitement in our lives, mainly the birth of our first grandson, Hayden Thomas Turley. That's the proud mama, Jessica, with the little Turley, just 4 days old at church. He did great, and so did Jessica. Josh and Jessica are great parents, and will do a wonderful job raising our grandson. Hey Josh, when can we expect grandchild number two??? That's all of us on Feb 11 , 2007

2007-02-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

The Brazil Turleys are always willing to share what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do in our lives. Doesn't matter the size, or age of the group. It never ceases to amaze us just how God can, and does use us when we share.

One thing we have prayed for our own lives and ministry is that God would use us as His instruments of praise and glory. If we can encourage a small child to one day be a missionary; a teen to keep his life pure in order to serve God; a parent to be the example for his child; a mother to pray that God would use her child; and for all to consider just how great our God is, and that He is worthy of all we have, all we are, and all we could ever give, then we have done all that we can for the Glory of God!

2007-02-08T22:53:00.000-05:00

Family is very important to us, and since we don't get around family as often as we like, about every 4 years or so, we try to be together as much as possible when we are in the USA.

My Grandma, Audrey Rice Turley, has been a heroine of mine since I was small. She has been a widow since 1963. I remember well the Sunday morning my "Pawpaw" died. Grandma has been a pillar of faith, fun, and family all these years.

This past January she celebrated her 98th birthday. We wanted to do something for her, so a number of family members took her to a local restaurant, near Cross Lanes, WV, where she resides. I told her I wanted to pay. She said, "Tommy, I'm not very hungry." Well, I'm glad it was a buffet type place, because she ate 4 plates full. Glad she wasn't hungry!!!!. Charity forgets to call her "Great" Grandma. One time she just called her "Old" grandma. With Hayden Thomas she becomes "Great Great" Grandma. HOPE TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE 100 GRANDMA.

During our travels we have also spent some time with others...Uncle David, Uncle Ron and Aunt Sarah, Uncle Jim and Aunt Talma, Uncle Jess and Aunt Donna. Diana was able to spend some good quality time with her family.

2007-02-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

These past few weeks the Brazil Turleys have had wonderful opportunities to share about our love for Brazil, and about God's love for us. Not only have we shared in some of our supporting churches, but in schools and church ministries as well. It is amazing how much attention that 11 feet long boa-constrictor skin draws; not to mention Diana's little tarantula spider, cockroach, and other little things from the Amazon (all preserved of course).

God has been faithful with fruit for our labors. Seven decisions for Christ Jesus have been recorded since we began our home assignment in Oct. Pray for more fruit that will remain.

2007-02-08T21:36:00.000-05:00

WOW!!!! WE ARE GRANDPARENTS...

Hayden Thomas Turley was born Feb 7, 2007, at 12:59PM (that's afternoon) weighing 8lbs 6 oz, and 20 1/2 inches in length. The proud parents, Joshua and Jessica, will have more pics on their site www.turleysonline.com

2007-02-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

Joshua and Jessica moved into a new home in November, 2006. We are in the missions house of Cedar Creek Baptist Church, Louisville, KY. Josh and Tom helped finish the basement of his new house. Our home is beside the church, and just 5 minutes form Josh and Jessica.

2007-02-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

We kicked off the Christmas Season in Lynchburg, VA with Debra, Diana's sister. Tom's brother-in-law, Ron Grimes sings with the Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet, and they had a special part in "The Living Christmas Tree" at Thomas Rd. Baptist Church. What a spectacular event it was. WOW! Good job Ron, and the rest of the cast.

2007-02-02T16:03:00.000-05:00

Without Keegan and Cindy I don't know how the celebration, baby shower, and even our lives would have made it. Cindy was making plans, buying guaraná, among other things, and running all over the place for us, even before we arrived back in he USA. Keegan, thanks for the wonderful pictures. Thanks to the both of you we have many wonderful memories, not just of our celebration, but of the past 25 years. Thanks for being Godly examples for us.

2007-02-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

Joshua and Jessica will soon be giving Tom and Diana their first grandson. That's right....we are going to be "Grandma" and "Grandpa". Nothing like a baby shower to get things started out right.

2007-02-02T15:08:00.000-05:00

Without the help of family and friends our silver celebration would not have been a success. These two families, the Tanners and the Collis', were most helpful with decorations, props, and their overall "is there anything we can do" attitudes. Thanks so very much!

2007-01-29T21:14:00.000-05:00

WOW! Our silver wedding anniversary was so fun. Can't wait till our golden...in 2031.
Hope each one of you will make plans to be there. It will be great!

If you don't think you can make it in 2031, then we have one other request; to know that you will join the festivities in heaven one day. Both Diana and I know we will be there, without a doubt. Make your plans to be there, too. If you don't know for sure how to make those plans, then, please, get in touch with us. We would be glad to take time to show you how we made our decisions to receive Jesus Christ, and to know the promise of eternal life in heaven with God.

" 'The word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart',.. that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:8-9 NKJV

2007-01-29T20:55:00.000-05:00

2007-01-29T20:44:00.000-05:00

2007-01-29T20:38:00.000-05:00

2007-01-29T20:21:00.000-05:00

2007-01-29T20:12:00.000-05:00

2007-01-29T17:57:00.000-05:00

Well, after a lull in blog action, the Brazil Turleys are back.

Nov 25th was a super time with over 150 friends sharing in our 25th wedding celebration. What a blast! Plenty of great Brazilian food; video clips from the past; funny times; happy times; pass the tissues times; we had it all.

Pr. Mark Johnson did such a great job in explaining why we do what we do- making commitments to God, to each other. Being married 25 years just doesn't happen. It is only by God's grace and mercy that our love and compassion can continue one for another. Marriage is work, but it is worth knowing that we are pleasing God, and setting examples for future generations. We renewed our vows without hesitation.

These pics show FIRST DATE; WEDDING PARTY; and HONEYMOON IN SWITZERLAND (yes, and it only cost us about $300) God is soooooooo good! More pics on the way!

2006-08-11T20:41:00.000-05:00

Just another reminder, that our 25th wedding celebration is coming up in a few months. We hope you already have plans to be present on Nov 25th, at 3PM, in Martinsburg, WV. The activities will take place at the Independent Bible Church, on Hedgesville Road. Hotel accomodations can be made at the Comfort Inn Aikens Center. They have a special rate. Call and tell them you are with the Turley group from Independent Bible Church.

Let me share just how blessed I am to have a wife like Diana. Even after 24 years, going on 25, we keep on kissing.

2006-08-11T20:15:00.000-05:00

One of the greatest lessons I am continually learning is about the importance of relationships. It is investing my life in the life of another person. I beleive it is what Jesus taught when he told his disciples, "If you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be a servant to all." To be a servant, to be interested not in my own gain, but in the gain of others....their emotional, physical, and spiritual gain. To invest my life in the life of another....

If you have not noticed, our pics don't show lot of places. Yeh, we loved the mountains back in June, but most of our pics are about people; relationships; ministry to individuals and groups of individuals.

Diana has a wonderful relationship with the women of her small groups (she has 2) and is sought after for her wise counsel. We try to invest in families with other kids, but also enjoy the college/career age groups as well. we are beginning to believe that it is better to reach out to un-marrieds, first, in order to prevent so many marriage problems.

We continue to teach family seminars, and continue to invest in the lives of those that God puts onthe path we, too, walk. It is our duty to serve others.

Luke 17:10 "And when you have done all that is commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants, we have only done our duty."

2006-08-11T19:59:00.000-05:00

Don't know if I mentioned it inthe last blog, or not, but we really ate, and ate, and.....well, you get the picture. Here are some more pics to prove we ate...
Rosevaldo makes some of the greatest pizza in the world.. I mean it is a mean pizza.
The grilled Tambaqui fish is a favorite. Makes my mouth water just to write about it.

Brazil is so blessed with a bounty of food. While beans and rice are the main staple, there is a variety of fresh foods, fruits, veggies, and the likes that you have never seen. God is good. WHy are there so many poor people in Brazil, you may ask? Well, let's say that personal political interest keep people in bondage and poverty. Brazil is not a poor country. It is a rich country with a lot of poor people is all.

2006-08-11T19:36:00.000-05:00

Hey, everybody! The BrazilTurleys are back, with more pics of the month of July, even though the post is in August. Even though we don't have pictures to prove it, we were actually a part of a team from Miami called T.I.M.E. International for about th efirst 2 weeks of July. The 14 teens were from Fl and MA, and did 70 gospel drama presentations before 6,000 people in3 different cities. God gave fruit for the labors, and opened some incredible doors of opportunity. Our family spent the week at the beach with them (hey, somebody has to suffer). Hopefully we can get soem pics from them. I will get their web address for you to check out.

The last two weeks of July were with friends from MAnaus. Ivete and Deborah came to visit, and we had a great time with them in Campos do Jordão, Brazil's highest city in the mountains. Had a great time with them. Ivete was Joshua's 1st grade teacher that taught him to read. She was sooooo impresses with Charity Maria. Said she could see Josh all over again.

After the girls left Rosevaldo, Maria Ivete, Erika, and Hartur came to visit. We ate, and we ate, and we ate till we could eat no more. We ate pizza and tambaqui (a wonderful Amazon fish cooked on the grill...see pics) till we could eat no more. Oh!, by the way, did I tell you we ate while they were here???????

Rosevaldo and I go waaaaaay back, when I first went to Manaus in 1984 with SMITE Singers. His wife Maria Ivete was one of Joshua's fav teachers at CEBAM. She, and Ivete, Josh's 1st grade teacher, are now teacher supervisors, and may I say, very competent ones at that. Way to go girls.

2006-06-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

The Brazil Turleys want to remind you that we will be in the USA for several months beginning the first of October, 2006. We are inviting everyone to our 25th wedding celebration to be held November 25th, 2006, at the Independent Bible Church, Martinsburg, WV, at 3PM. The party will be on us. All we ask is that you get there and enjoy. It will be like a huge family reunion plus a wedding anniversary and ministry display, all in one.

Hotel accomodations can be made at the Comfort Inn Aikens Center, in Martinsburg. Special prices have been arranged to help you out. Call (304) 263-6200, or 1 800 276-7415, and say you are with the Turley group.

Directions to the church can be found at www.ibcwv.org. For more info you can contact us by email at brazilturley@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing each and every one.

2006-06-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

Psalm 90:2 "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

Montequeira mountain range, São Paulo, Brazil

2006-06-23T08:48:00.000-05:00

Rudy Vaughan has been a friend for a long time. His dad, Tim, had a tremendous impact on my life many years ago when I was a student at Liberty University. Rudy travels world wide preaching, teaching, and sharing his passion, the Word of God. He is a gifted communicator, and God used him on several occassions while in Brazil. Follow the fotos from the International English service at the First Baptist Church in São José dos Campos, and from the First Regular Baptist Church in Caçapava, SP.

You can check out Rudy's web site at www.wordoutreach.org for more info on his ministry.

2006-06-23T08:28:00.000-05:00

The Vaughan girls, Shelly and Sabrina, along with the Brazil Turley girls, Diana and Charity Maria, were involved in several ministry opportunities; Shelly, in Diana's small group, and all the girls in the International English Service with puppets.

The girls have taken pictures together over the past 3 years. Here is the 2006 version.

2006-06-23T08:10:00.000-05:00

Now while the others were just cooling their feet (freezing their feet is more like it) I decided to take the polar bear plunge. BRRRRRR!!!

2006-06-22T23:19:00.000-05:00

Aguas da Marambaia is a small family run mountain inn, with 7 chalets built right on the Marambaia river. June is winter here, so the Vaughan family, along with ourselves, enjoyed the fire at night. Charity and Sabrina, age 6, loved the marshmellow roast, too.

The river comes from the mountain, so the water was super cold. There is trout fishinh in the area, too. Check out the site www.aguasdamarambaia.com.br

2006-06-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

A special treat in June was the arrival of friends Rudy, Shelly, and Sabrina Vaughan from Louisville, KY. They came to minister not only to Brazilians, but to us as well. We took 2 days for some R&R to a place in the mountains called Aquas da Marambaia. See for yourself some of God's magestic sights. Let me just say, we really do love that place. More fotos about Marambaia in our next blog. Enjoy the sights.

2006-06-22T22:53:00.000-05:00

During our May travels we had the priveledge of spending one night with Brother John and Sister Alta Hatcher. Unfortunately we do not have a picture. We stayed in their home in 1999 while they were ni the US for several months. He is 82, she is 81, and they are still planting new churches in the state of Paraná. What an encouragement they are to us.

Along the same trip we visited Lucas and Josie Liachi, and family. They were our youth ministers when we left Paraná in 1999. They did a fantastic job with the youth, and added to their own family. Just one year ago he accepted the pastorate of a church, and is doing a fantastic job. Pray for Lucas, Josie and the kids.

2006-06-22T22:42:00.000-05:00

In May the Brazil Turleys travelled some 3000 miles, to eight (08) different cities, sharing God's Word to families. Had several salvation decisions along the way, plus numerous testimonies how God used us to heal wounded family relationships. PRAISE THE LORD! Here are just a couple of fotos of us doing our thing.

2006-05-07T23:14:00.000-05:00

Brazil is an amazing country, with an amazing imigration population as diverse as any in the world. In our International English Church service yesterday morning we had people from Brazil, USA, Paraguay, Great Britan, Germany, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan. Here is one of my "little" Taiwanese/Brazilian friends named after me. Thomas X 2= Trouble

2006-05-07T23:05:00.000-05:00

How could I not include Charity Maria in with our pics. She is just too pretty. I love her princess outfit, and with her friends, they all are little princesses. And thanks to "Grandma Pam McCord" she now has a big pink teddybear to hold , hug and sleep with.

2006-05-07T22:44:00.000-05:00

The first four months of 2006 we taught seminars and/or preached in 24 different locations, including churches, schools, and special events. Many decisions were made for salvation; marriages and other family relationships restored; commitments to serve Jesus Christ were made. Pastors have decided to use Walk Thru the Bible material for their marriage discipleship training, too. To God be the Glory!!!!

Diana's How To Win Over Bitterness seminar has had a tremendous impact on the lives of those she has taught. PTL!!!

2006-05-06T20:41:00.000-05:00

If anyone had told me way back in 1976 that I would be living in Brazil, working with one of my former Liberty University professors, I would have said they were crazy...but, crazy is as crazy goes, and here I am, working with my dear friend - former SMITE team director, and college prof, Bud McCord. When I was SMITE director in 1984 I brought the team to Sao Jose dos Campos and we did a program for him. He later returned to West Hollywood, FL, where he pastored for 18 years, the time we were in Manaus. Now, as God would have it, we are together, again. He is one of the pastors of our Brazilian church, and he and I preach in the International English Church. Here we are with Diana, his dear sweet wife Pam, Tony Guerrero, Justin Adams,and Charity Maria , in the English service.

2006-05-06T20:09:00.000-05:00

This is our good friend Justin Adams, from CA. He has been to Brazil a couple of times, and we had the priviledge of sporting him around. He has an awesome ministry, is a great singer, and his lovely wife Mary Beth is the best. When he was here this past September Diana and I had the chance to do some back-up vocals for his 1 hour outdoor program in Sao Jose dos Campos. See if you can spot us in the background. Two years ago Mary Beth, Diana and I did back-vocals for him,too. What a hoot! Check out his Rockalot blog at www.rockalot.typepad.com/my_weblog/

2006-05-06T19:07:00.000-05:00

These are the last fotos of the Turleys with our bus. If you recall we sold it to an exciting ministry in Curitiba, Brazil called PROJETO VIDA (The Life Project). WOW!!! They added a stage on top, with built-in sound, a spiral staircase with a roof hatch, some neat decals, and other internal upgrades. You can check out their site at www.pvps.org.br. It is in Portuguese, but the fotos are great. Pr. Paulo and his brother Pr. David are doing a fantastic job, and we are glad that our bus is a part of such a ministry. Some one asked if we were sad about our dream dying. In all reality, our dream is more alive now than ever. The bus, now named LOGOS is fulfilling the dream we always had for it. Praise The Lord!

2006-02-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

Charity Maria is such a joy. She will be five in April. Seems like yesterday she was just a dream, then holdng her in our arms we knew she was real. Now she is growing up so fast. In no time at all she will be trading this white party dress for a wedding gown. Time goes by so quickly. Cherish the moments. Ask God to live each day to its fullest with your kids. Take time not just to smell the roses, but to pick them with your kids, to throw the petals in the air together, then dance, laugh, play, cry, and live together. Do not let the lust and desires of this age steal from you the valuable asset you possess, your family. Ask God to give wisdom, grace, and love.

I remember one time sharing with Joshua and reminding him that I will not always be here for him on this earth. One day I will pass from this life, BUT, I have full assurance that I will be in heaven. Then I looked at him and said, "BE THERE."

The book of Third John, verse 4, " I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth." (translated from the Portuguese NIV by me)

2006-02-09T20:42:00.000-05:00

Pray for Diana and Tom as our schedule is just about full for 2006. We are humbled by the fact that God would use us to reach out to so many in so many different places. We are grateful to be a part of a ministry that has a family cirriculum that is so adaptable to just about every need. And boy do families have big needs. May God give us wisdom to continue with strenght and stamina throughout the rest of the year.
These are shots from different family seminars in 2005.

2006-02-09T20:35:00.000-05:00

Charity is growing up sooooo fast. She is in her second year of pre-school, 1/2 a day. She really enjoys being with her best friends Mariana, and Julia. We made the dining room into a play room for her to enjoy friends over at the house, too.

Note that there are only the three girls in her class.

2006-02-09T20:27:00.000-05:00

2006-02-09T20:19:00.000-05:00

The next two fotos are with very good friends Donna Faircloth, and her adopted daughter Rebecca. We spent a little time with them in Recife at the beach....Chicken Port...fun place.

2006-02-09T17:49:00.000-05:00

Diana is not in the picture (someone had to take the picture) but she really enjoys her small group.

2006-02-08T13:16:00.000-05:00

2006-02-07T16:33:00.000-05:00

2006-01-09T13:05:00.000-05:00