Ken and Lori Stucky
Friends & Family
E-Mail Updates
Beat You!
JANUARY 1, 02
Dear Family & Friends,
It is 2002. We are a few hours ahead of most of you. The fire works have happened, warm Brazilian style hugs and kisses
have been issued and everybody is home in bed - except for me, I couldn't fall asleep. So here I go. Just a short update to let
you know that God blessed us with a rich Christmas Program last Sunday. We had many guests and lots of those were
parents of ALPHA kids! Praise God for this sample of big things to come. Please keep praying for God's blessings on the
struggling beginnings of this ministry. Ask Him for 2 more teachers, 30 more students and about $1000 of monthly support to
get the school through 2002. As ALPHA grows, each year brings us closer to a balanced budget.
Lori and I took two days off in the hills - just the two of us. The grandparents graciously cared for our three cherubs and we
didn't miss them even once. It is impossible to separate totally from ministry on these trips. Lori filled in for an absent pianist at
a Christmas program, we provided van service, researched locations for future couples retreats, gathered ideas for ALPHA
from a Christian School teacher and rented a video for the December 31st program at our church. Ok, so it wasn't a vacation,
but our phone didn't ring once - nor our door bell, come to think of it. May God richly bless you this new year and please
share
Jesus with someone even though you are nervous about doing it. Thanks for supporting the Stuckys and ALPHA with prayers
and finances. Make 2002 the year you come to Brazil on short missions trip.
See you - Ken & Lori Stucky
(top of list)
What do you Tink?
.
For pictures of ALPHA's closing program click on the link below:
http://harmonline.hispeed.com/stucky/alfa/closing.htm
JANUARY 13, 02 cloudy, calm, and 82 degrees (relief after 3 VERY hot months)
Friends & Family,
Hello everybody! We are home from field conference and glad to be in our own beds again. The rains have set in and
everything is green. (Yesterday it rained for almost 10 hours accumulating over 3 inches.)
This month we begin building the multi-purpose covered sports court for the school. Please pray for funds and safety as we
work 30+ feet in the air on scaffolds. Student registration has begun and interest is moderate. Quite a number of students still
need sponsorship for the matching fund tuition program we offer to poor families. Please lift us up in prayer during the
remaining two and a half weeks before classes begin. Pray for students, two more teachers, funds, wisdom for the
administration and safety in construction.
Yours for Jesus in Mossoro - Ken & Lori Stucky
"So that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and there is no other" I Kings 8:60
KID'S CORNER: (Alicia came to me and stated matter of factly) Daddy, I seed a *barata ouva dare. (Me) Is it dead or
alive? (Alicia) I tink it is alive bcuz first I seed it in duh kitchen and den I seed it in duh dining room. Now what do you tink,
daddy, how would it have gitted from one woom to anoder if it was dead? (My thoughts) Well, now we have a five year old
analyst in our midst, maybe I have asked her "what do you think" a few times too many.
* barata = cockroach
(top of list)
Am I twins?
Wana see pics of Alpha construction: e-mail to let me know - Ken
February 18, 02
FAMILY & FRIENDS,
Alpha has begun its 3rd year of classes; 35 students have enrolled and we expect a few more by the end of the month. (In
2001 we had 25 students.) God's provision of two new teachers is clearly an answer to your prayers.
Construction is still a big deal at Alpha; we are building a covered multi-purpose playing court 45 X 85 feet. Pray for the
installation of the trusses. Each of 7 trusses weighs over 700 pounds and will be hoisted about 35 feet into the air. Once in
place, several welds will be made to hold them upright until the full structure is installed. An additional obstacle to the project is
high voltage power lines about 6 feet from the metallic structures. Last I checked, steel remains on the "highly conductive" list
for electricity.
One more matter for prayer is the Alpha Scholarship program. We still have a dozen students needing a sponsor to offset 50%
of their tuition costs. (This costs $25 per month.) Do you know a Sunday School Class or a Bible Study Group which could
sponsor a needy Brazilian child for a year?
Please pray for Abreu (our architect) to whom we have been witnessing for some time. Also remember Reginaldo (our head
brick layer) who also needs Jesus. Praise the Lord for growth in members or our church and for a couple of men being trained
to teach Sunday School.
Yours for Jesus in Brazil - Ken & Lori Stucky
KID'S CORNER: "Daddy, what makes two people twins?" "Well, Alicia, it is when two babies are born at the same time."
Ohhh, so dat would mean dat dere birfdays are duh same day too, right?" "Yep." "Dey would be duh same age all duh time
too, right?" "Right." "Like maybe 5 yeeers old?" "Yes." "So are Bruno and me twins?" Ooops, I forgot to mention that these
two babies needed to be born from the same mother too. Alicia's classmate, Bruno, who lives across the street from our house
was born the very day Alicia was, but of course, "dey are definitely NOT twins."
(top of list)
Preach the Whole Council of God?
March 10, 02
Friends & Family,
Tomorrow is it! The hoist, extra welding equipment and an expert welder arrive around 8:00. We hope to install at least 3 of
the 7 trusses tomorrow and plan to finish with the rafters as well by Wednesday. Each truss weighs about 800 pounds and
each of the 24 rafters weighs about 250. Please pray for success and safety. Pictures forthcoming.
The ALPHA staff has been under the weather. Two teachers have been down for two weeks with heavy duty colds and the
flu. Prior to this, my secretary missed about 10 days. Another teacher has been out for two weeks with a sprained ankle.
Another teacher is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. I get a root canal or two on Tuesday. Our staff coordinator's whole
family is ill and we are getting tired of this whole merry-go-round. Please pray for a healthy team.
Document acquisition in Brazil is traumatic. After 18 months of red tape, we have had a break through in getting the deed to
ALPHA's property. We now seem to be lacking only the funds to pay for last two steps in this overwhelming process. Gifts
toward the needed $2000.00 can be made out to "Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission" and sent to:
Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission
P.O. Box 355
Springfield, IL 62705-0355
(Please enclose a note stating: "For the ALPHA School")
Serving Jesus in Brazil - Ken & Lori Stucky
FOR ADULTS SPOKEN BY A KID: Jessica did considerable whispering in church tonight so I quizzed her to see if she
had listened (Jessica & Deborah supposedly did "team work" note taking). She claimed. "I didn't understand some things in
the message, daddy, but it seems to me that lots of Israelite men had to have surgery. I don't know any men who have surgery;
everybody around here who gets an operation is a girl or lady." I preached Romans 2:17-3:8 and I'm sure you can figure out
what sort of medical treatment we are talking about. Which Bible College instructor told us, "Men, preach the whole council of
God"?
(top of list)
dawtoofowoo
HE IS RISEN!
MARCH 31, 02
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
Life in Mossoro continues with its joys and struggles. We are incredibly grateful for you who faithfully support us personally
and our ALPHA Ministry; thank you very much. If you haven't taken the opportunity to become involved with the ALPHA
School Project yet, please consider helping us with a very specific need - getting the deed to ALPHA's property. Two years
ago, 120 sponsors raised $44,000 to purchase these 11 acres. We have waited for the painfully slow legal process and now it
is time to wrap it up. So far we have $200 of the $2,000 that is needed. Since putting up the steel structure for the covered
sports court at ALPHA, we have welded additional bracing and done touch up painting and weather proofing. As soon as we
can, we will buy 4000 square feet of galvanized steel roofing and do the scary job of installing it. If you have not seen the web
page with pictures here it is:
http://harmonline.hispeed.com/stucky/build/index.htm
Thursday night as I walked down the street toward Milton's house for prayer meeting, I felt Bosco put his arm around my
shoulders and say, "Hi brother." His tone was different this time and in half a block's walk he detailed for me how conviction
had set in and brought him face to face w/ Jesus Christ. Cristina (my secretary and Bosco's sister) also shared her joy of
having Bosco as a double brother; she prayed for him for over 8 years. In fact, it was 8 years and 5 days since Cristina met
Jesus (Cristina was the first female teen to accept the Lord after we arrived in Mossoro).
Certain of His Victory - Ken & Lori Stucky
KID'S CORNER: Jessica, Alicia & I had a cheering section of one energetic young lady as we played UNO last night -
incidentally, UNO is my favorite table game (NOT!). I admit that UNO took on a more interesting dimension with the
appropriate cheering. Very early in the match, Anabel mastered the Oh NO which is supposed to be spoken firmly while
playing your 2nd to the last card. As the charisma and emotion of the occasion evolved, the "Oh No" was practically ripped
from her lips nearing a scream level. The frequency approached 30 beats per minute or approximately once for each card
played by any player, be them the likely winner or not. Anabel's additional major cheer was "dawtoofowoo" which is her
rendition for "Draw Two For Who?" Actually, when you have three people playing this preposterous game and you bring in
skips and reverses and their unique applications for 3 players it often leaves you wondering just who IS supposed to draw
two. Otherwise, Anabel threw in occasional shouts of Go Daddy, Go Eeesha or Go Eka. In the end, Alicia was the
overwhelming champion which is rather maddening as she still prefers to lay her cards flat on the table to "see dem betuh,
daddy". I tell you, UNO is the sort of game that takes so much skill that Anabel would beat us all if she know her colors and
numbers even at age 2! Please, please, don't ever invite me over to play UNO!
(top of list)
Green grass on the other side
APRIL 20, 02
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
We counted out R$4,755.00 in Brazilian currency (USA equivalent is $2,100) and brought home 900 special screws and a
receipt for 54 tiles which are each 42 inches wide by 25 feet 6 inches long. The next step is finding a truck with a bed 25 feet
7 inches long to bring the Galvanized Steel tiles home. Once here, we will begin installing them immediately, covering
ALPHA's sports court. Praise the Lord with us for progress in construction and for 3 new students for ALPHA.
Speaking of new students, I saw a lady in the open market today who stopped me and said, "My grandson is really upset
about not getting to study at ALPHA, can you help us?" It turns out that this prospective student's little brother is enrolled and
every day he begs to come too. My heart went out to this lady and, in faith, I offered them scholarship funds which will
hopefully bring the tuition costs just within reach for this family. Please pray for Mrs. Evangelina to trust in Jesus (we have been
sharing Christ with her for 5 or 6 years); pray also for more scholarship funds for her grandson and other students in similar
situations.
Spreading God's Truth - Ken & Lori Stucky
KID'S CORNER: Yep, even soup sounds good when you are hungry and watching somebody else eat it all by himself. Late
this afternoon, Lori and the girls were heading out to a birthday party of one of Alicia's classmates and I was munching my
own private soup supper. Birthday parties in this grand land are productions worthy of note; as the world does them, it is not
unusual for a 1st birthday party to go till midnight and to produce drunkenness and all sorts of agony many hours after the
guest of honor has retired. This particular party was being put on by a humble family and would for sure include pop, cake and
treats for a band of little kids and their mothers (men rarely go to these things). While she waited for party time, Alicia put on a
puppy dog sadness and contemplatively shared her thoughts: "Daddy, it suuuure must be nice eeeeating that good food (Alicia
would pick soup last in a list of 20 options). It must be loooots of fun having the meal all to yourself (Alicia would never
choose to eat alone). It's gota be kinda peaceful and nice and quiet for you, daddy (Alicia can't stand to eat a meal without
jabbering the whole way through). You are pretty luck, I think." "Well," said I, "Would like some of my soup?" Alicia perked
up a little and looked at me. "Come girls, time to go" Lori called. Alicia turned 7 shades of happy and ran out the door without
a backward glance at the banquet spread before me.
(top of list)
Bwoken van
May 7, 02
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
Last night, Abreu (my architect & document dispatcher) and I were headed to a neighboring town (Areia Branca) to get three
signatures for ALPHA's land registration. Shadows appeared to the right as we met a series of three oncoming vehicles and
were partially blinded by the head lights. I hugged the center line as much as I dared, but the very last "deer" lunged in front of
us. Most of you wouldn't be able to picture the happening if I had claimed it was a full grown donkey. We limped home but
the van is definitely out of service. All day I have been doing phone tag with parts dealers; the closest folks with one of the
items we need are about 1,700 miles away. The insurance we have has one catch, it doesn't cover Brazilian "deer". Please
pray for parts, wisdom, parts, provision and parts. In 10 days we are scheduled to begin a tour with the Hand Bell Ringers of
Appalachian Bible Collage; please pray for one more thing, van parts.
THE ROOF! Last week we did finish getting roof tiles up on the ALPHA sports court. What a difficult and dangerous task!
Thanks for praying for us. Pictures are forthcoming; we took them, but they have not yet been sent to the web master for
posting.
Several factors have converged putting a tremendous strain on Lori & me these past days. If you have been looking for a good
time to make a call, now might be just the right time...
Home: 011-5584-312-1012
Ken direct: 011-5584-9411-2103 (if you don't get me, leave a message)
Trusting Him - Ken & Lori Stucky
KID'S CORNER: after spending 4 hours this morning, banging, unbolting, fitting and adjusting with our family mechanic, I
was able to get our van home (4 blocks) to pressure wash the "deer" evidence. The next step is to visit a few body shops.
Anabel came out of the house and tried a new one on for size. "Daddy, ooook! It's bwooooooken!" Indeed it is bwoken.
Alicia's major concern was whether or not there was anybody riding the "deer". Don't forget to pray for van parts.
(top of list)
Apple Team
JUNE 5, 02
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
I last wrote early in May telling of our van accident. Since then we have encountered every imaginable difficulty in finding the
right parts, selecting a body shop, playing phone tag with the shipping company who lost our parts 3 times in 14 days, dealing
with the mechanic and carrying on the ministry without wheels. We had hoped to get the van out of the shop in time for
Appalachian Bible College Hand Bell Tour, but it was not to be. God wanted us on a bus and the reason became apparent
when we had significant rain 12 days in a row in late May. Before tour, the rains had slacked off but they came back strong as
soon as we hit the road. Please pray for Mauricio, our bus driver who heard the Gospel nearly 20 times during tour. And to
think, it all started with a donkey.
Sunday June 2nd was a highlight for the Christ Is Life Church. That night we moved to the recently completed covered sports
court at ALPHA and inaugurated the facility dedicating it to Jesus Christ. Three Hundred people joined us for the special
Jubilate musical program; about 150 unsaved guests heard the Gospel. Please pray for fruit from these planted seeds; pray
also for a smooth transition as the church utilizes the ALPHA School facilities.
Maybe you can help our family through this unusual time of vehicle problems. We thank the Lord that the van is functioning
again but the bulk of the repairs still need to be paid for. Our work truck is also in the shop for complete renovation. Please
consider making a special contribution toward this need; these two vehicles are vital to our ministry.
God bless you and please don't forget to pray for our bus driver, Mauricio.
Abraços* - Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel STUCKY
KID'S CORNER: While on tour with the Appalachian Bell Choir, Jessica & Alicia stayed with Grandpa/ma so they wouldn't
need to miss school. One night when we called home, Alicia asked, "So how is tour going with the apple team? I can't wait to
see them." That was good for a laugh. Later on we discovered that one of the biggest reasons she was eager to see them was
because she thought they had brought some boxes of cereal from the USA. Indeed they had and the reunion we had with the
girls after two weeks on the road was joyous!
*Abraços are the warm embraces of friendship that Brazilians use to show they care.
PS Remember Abreu, my unsaved architect who was in the accident with us? He came to two special services last week;
keep praying for his soul.
(top of list)
What is a sweater?
SEE ALPHA SPORTS COURT PICS:
http://harmonline.hispeed.com/stucky/build/index.htm
JUNE 17, 02
FAMILY & FRIENDS,
Hi from Mossoro! Thanks for praying for the legal issues snagging the church & ALPHA School property. We are just days
away from solving the boundary dispute and though we are loosing some footage, we almost have the deed to the property in
hand. Friday we sent the dozer on its way after clearing all the boundaries; we are nearly ready to build fence. Please pray for
God's provision for transfer taxes, documents and (some day soon) the fence.
A few men who need Jesus weigh heavily on my mind. Please keep praying for Pessoa (our welder), Abreu (our architect),
Reginaldo (our head brick layer), Evaristo, Antonio, Leomar and Marcos (husbands of church ladies). Praise the Lord for
Bosco's continued growth and interest in serving his newfound Savior.
Next Monday my work men and I will take a brief men's retreat traveling to Pernambuco a 9 hours drive from here. Pray for
safety and great opportunities to fellowship with the Christian man and witness to the unsaved. While in Pernambuco, we will
check up on the Toyota Truck which is being prepared for painting, the last stage of the repair process.
Well, both the USA and Brazil have entered the quarter finals for the World Cup. These two countries mean more to us than
any others in the whole world. For you who live in the USA, thanks for making it possible for us to work this front line of
Brazilian missions. Please pray regularly for and thanks for supporting the work as God burdens you.
Ken for the Stuckys
KID'S CORNER: Some of our learning relates to culture and other to. to. well lets just call it the climate, ok? Jessica is
learning to crochet and declared that she would be embarking on the making of a sweater? "What is a sweater?" asked our
five year old Alicia. Now how many five year old American kids have you met who don't know what a sweater is?
SEE ALPHA SPORTS COURT PICS:
http://harmonline.hispeed.com/stucky/build/index.htm
(top of list)
Infected
JUNE 23, 02
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
Twelve of us leave at 3:30 a.m. on Monday June 24th on a two day trip. Please Pray for the salvation of Pessoa, Reginaldo &
Reinaldo who will accompany 9 of us Christian men on this brief tour.
One more week of classes takes us up to semester break. We then get four weeks off school. We are all looking forward to
this time to catch up on projects and other matters which bend to the ALPHA schedule.
Please keep praying for the land documents for ALPHA and the church to be finalized; this week we discovered that 6 years
of back tax hadn't been paid. We were forced to pay up for the negligent sellers of the land in order to not stall the process
once again.
Several first time guests were at church tonight. Pray for the seeds of Truth to sprout in these hearts.
Yours for Mossoro - Ken & Lori Stucky
KID'S CORNER: Anabel hollered, "I need juice!" Mommy replied, "Oh honey, you have to say please." To which the 2 yr.
old quickly said, "Please, I need juice!" "That's better," Lori said, "but you will need to say please the first time next time." A
few minutes later, Alicia sweetly asked, "Could I please have a cinnamon roll?" Of course she was served during which time
Anabel piped up with "Bebel please need cinum roll?" Alicia thoughtfully commented, "I tink Anabel is copying me like when I
said please the first time." Then THE DAD spoke up and said, "Very good, Alicia, what you say affects Anabel a lot. You
need to be very careful to be a good example all the time." Alicia countered, "Dats right daddy, duh tings I say infect lots of
people."
(top of list)
Getting M&M's
JULY 7, 02
FAMILY & FRIENDS,
I can hardly believe that I am finally writing this news! ALPHA has its deed to the 11 acres - it seemed like we would never
see the day. So how do you get documents in Brazil without bribing? Just buy a cow, that 's how. No kidding! We did a 3
levantamentos topographical, cleared the alinhamentos twice, registered 8 formais, did 14 averbações, paid for another 14
matrículas, had 10 certidões issued, paid 6 years of back tax for the family whose father died 23 years ago leaving them this
land, hit a donkey on the way to Areia Branca (neighboring town) to get a signature, paid a dispatcher to stand in line over 30
times, negotiated with the title house, amended the inheritance documents which had wrong measurements on them and in the
end bought a bull. It turned out that there was one document which could not be issued until Sr. José Maria's motorcycle was
duly licensed. He said, I would gladly pay the fees, but I have no cash. What have you got, said I. A critter, said he. How
much? R$350. Sold, I told him. So with the proceeds from the bull, he paid up and the deed to ALPHA's property is now in
hand. When I return from furlough in September, we plan to have a giant bar-b-q. Praise God with us for this blessing so long
in arriving. Please remember to pray for the fence which needs to be erected ASAP to secure the property. If you would like
to contribute a roll of barbed wire, they cost about $25 each and we need about 35 rolls. Fence posts are $1 each and we
need about 1800. Make a check payable to BGFM and send it to P.O. Box 355, Springfield, IL 62705-0355 Enclose a note
stating: This money is for ALPHA.
Celebrating the joy of a victory - Ken & Lori Stucky
KID'S CORNER: Anabel has embarked on the toilet training adventure. She is doing well, I would say. Last night she
rushed into the bathroom and said potty mommy and started removing the needed clothes to do the job properly. I said to her,
"Wow, Bebel is getting to be a big girl." She countered with a factual, "No daddy, Bebel is getting M&M's." Ooops, so now
you know some of our technique.
(top of list)
FURLOUGH
JULY 21, 02
FAMILY & FRIENDS,
One week from tomorrow, Jessica (9 years old) and I board the TAM flight for America. We will be in the USA just over 6
weeks and plan to visit most of our supporters. Later this week, I will e-mail you a copy of our itinerary. Please look through
this listing to discover our location closest to you; we will be showing a 10 minute video and sharing stories about the church
and school ministries. We plan to pack a suit case full of cashews to share at these informal meetings.
Ron & Ranelle have moved into their new home. We spent countless hours over the past 18 months building this house and
they are delighted to be first time home owners. A spacious dinning area and a huge front porch equip their home for ministry;
it is also ideal for hosting supporters, family and friends. Last night after church, the Stuckys all went over for fellowship.
Please start praying now for our mini-furlough. We purpose to:
1. Report to Stucky supporters, thanking them for faithful partnership
2. Report to ALPHA supporters about the first 2.5 yrs of Christian School Ministry
3. Recruit sponsors for needy ALPHA students
4. Raise funds to pay ALPHA's debts
5. Gather donations for fencing ALPHA's future campus
This week, our main job is video editing. It takes about 100 hours to squeeze 10 hours of footage into a 10 minute video
presentation. Please keep praying for Abreu, Evaristo, Marcos, Antonio, Leomar and Reginaldo to accept Jesus Christ as
Saviour.
For Jesus - Ken, Lori and girls
(top of list)
Can it be done?!?!?
August 04, 2002
Family & Friends,
Ken and Jessica have arrived in the US safely and have more than begun their "big loop" around the US. If you don't quite
understand what I mean, take a look at their itinerary for the next 38 days!
Anabel, Alicia and I are keeping up with a full schedule here at home. ALFA started back up on Monday of this past week.
We had a good month's vacation and are getting back into the swing of things. Between my teaching load at ALFA and the
music conservatory, there will be more than enough to prepare and study for.
Ken does have his own phone, which you can call him at any time. The number is (217) 553-0171. He would love to hear
from you. Also, I will be glad to forward on any e-mails to Ken and Jessica, so please, don't hesitate to write. Thanks for
praying for their safety on the road and our's here at home while they are gone.
Holding down the fort,
Lori (for Anabel and Alicia, too)
KEN'S FURLOUGH SCHEDULE
August 1
Springfield, IL Mission Headquarters
(217) 523-7176
August 2-4
Bonderant, IA
(515)967-0747
August 5
Minneapolis/St. Paul
(952)432-8331
August 06
Huron, SD Hutterthal
(605) 352-1149
August 07
Huron, SD Mt. Olivet
(605) 352-2293
August 08, 09
Pierre, SD Community Bible Church
(605) 224-6730
August 10-12
George, IA Lyon Co. First & Tabernacle Baptist
(712) 475-3641
August 13
Lincoln, NE
(402) 486-4419
August 14, 15
Kansas City, MO
August 16-18
Omaha, NE
(402) 597-0081
August 19
Central City
(308) 946-3549
August 20
Scottsbluff, NE
August 21
On the road to Washington state
August 22
Spokane, WA
August 23
Ephrata, WA
August 24 - September 1
Monroe, WA
(360) 794 - 5252
September 2
Travel to Fresno, CA
September 03, 04
Fresno, CA
(559) 834-9606
September 05
Alburquerque, NM
September 06
Las Cruces, NM
(505) 526-4563
September 07
Dallas, TX
September 08
Montgomery, AL
(334) 396-4850
September 09, 10
Madison, GA
(706) 342-0878
September 11
Leave for Brazil
(top of list)
How many pairs?
August 11, 2002
Family & Friends,
Today is Father's Day here in Brazil. For we Americans down here who suffer from memory laps on the second Sunday in
June, we can redeem ourselves just two months later! The ALFA kids made special presents for their dads during the week
and at church we commemorated with skits and goodies after church.
Ken and Jessica have put approximately 1650 miles behind them. They have seen lots of friends and relatives and had a
chance to show the video presenting the work of the Christ is Life Church and the ALFA school. If you would like to see the
video and munch a couple handfuls of cashew nuts, get in touch with me (I will forward any e-mails and let you know where
they will be showing it) or give Ken a call any time at (217) 553-0171
Some may have tried calling Ken in the past week. If you have had trouble, keep trying. He had a little trouble with the lack of
reception in South Dakota.
Still holding down the fort,
Lori (for Anabel and Alicia, too)
Alicia was excited about talking to Daddy on the phone and especially wanted to tell him of the surprise that she had made in
school. She informed him that he had, waiting here at home, a special package with TWO PAIRS of socks in it. I told her that
there was only ONE PAIR of socks, to which she made sure I understood that there were TWO socks in the bag.to which I
said "that's right"...I am sure someday it will made sense.to one of us!
(top of list)
The Blame Chain
August 18, 2002
Family & Friends,
Alicia, Anabel and I continue with our schedule here at home while Ken and Jessica ramble across the US. Last week Jessica
got to see all of her stateside cousins and the rest of my family for the first time in 4 years. As I reminded Ken on the phone the
other night that he was almost half done with his time in the US, he commented that only ¼ of the miles had been traveled! The
next 3 weeks are going to be intense! If you would still like to get in touch with them you can write me (I will forward e-mails
and messages) or call him at (217) 553-0171.
Have you prayed for the unsaved husbands of the ladies who come to the Christ is Life church? Remember especially
Evaristo, who was diagnosed with cancer this past week. He will be starting treatment soon. He believes that since he has
rejected the Savior for so long, there is no way that he would be accepted. Pray that Evaristo begins to understand that God 's
love is limitless and HE wants him to confess HIM as Savior.
Thanks for being on the team. Your prayers are very precious to us.
Serving because of HIM,
Lori (for Anabel and Alicia, too)
You've heard of the food chain.well now we have the BLAME CHAIN. Normally, Jessica is the one to be sure to fill Mommy
in on all the bad things that her 2 younger sisters do. Now that Alicia is the "oldest" (for just another 3 weeks), she has taken
over the "big job" of letting me know when there is something amiss. Of course, SHE never does anything wrong, right?
Where does that leave Anabel? Nothing to be lost on her.she is faithfully letting Mommy know when the DOGS are being
naughty! She stands by the door and scolds, "No Bastian!" (her name for Sebastian), "No Go Big!" And then proceeds to tell
me what their "big" sin was. And from where did she learn that?
(top of list)
Straw-what?
August 25, 2002
Family & Friends,
Brazil is a country of extremes.
20 % of Brazilians buy half of everything sold in the country Brazil takes 82nd place in the world for yearly per capita earnings
but ranks 12th in the number of billionaires. Brazil's population is 170 million, but only 7% file taxes. 1 in every 5 people are
unemployed but Brazil ranks 9th in the world for the number of Ferraris sold (Taken from "VEJA" 10 July 2002, pg. 89)
The people we work with are not among the 7% who file taxes, in case you hadn't already guessed. The "real", Brazil's
currency, is weakening and prices are being driven higher and higher. The wage is staying the same, so that presents quite a
problem to these people who can already barely make ends meet.
Pray for Brazil's economy.we are facing presidential elections in October and November. Among the most popular candidates
is a man with the communist party who is promising these people the moon. He has run in the past 2 or 3 elections and lost.
The poorer people are easily drawn in by promises of "share the wealth" and "everyone will be equal". They don't realize that it
really means things will be worse for them than they are now. And that is hard to imagine.
Thanks for praying for us all as the family is split up for 6 weeks. I am amazed at HIS provision of peace and grace for every
day.
Only 2 ½ more weeks till they get back,
Lori (for Anabel and Alicia, too)
Berries of any kind here are quite a treat and July/August we are actually able to find some in the grocery store. Because the
girls don't have much opportunity to develope an appreciation for such delicacies (even though they are pretty sour sometimes)
we figure, why waste the good stuff on them if they are going to just leave it on their plate anyway, right? Well, Anabel is not
one to be left out (in case you hadn't noticed) and saw that the bowl with those red, juicy, sliced berries was not being passed
to her. She had been LISTENING to everyone else oooo and aaahhh over the strange new thing on the table and after a bit
decided to ask that she get some of those "straw-babies" put in her bowl, too!
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the A,B,C's
September 1, 2002
Family & Friends,
It was a pretty calm week around here. That is, unless you count all the spankings that Anabel got (I've lost track!). Just to
give you a sampling,
we made wood puzzles for all the 2 and under kids at church,
visited some friends,
taught music class,
attended music class,
gave piano lessons,
did homework,
taught English,
entertained friends,
read books,
played in the dirt (we got some new plants)
played in the water (Anabel got the soap stuck in the sink drain and almost overflowed the sink while I was on the phone.)
And you want to know what a hectic week is like? We'll probably have one next week!
Lori (for Anabel and Alicia, too)
I was busy cleaning out our office closet this past week when I came across some old mementos of Ken's: high school
pictures, awards, certificates, and, of all things, his salutatorian trophy. That trophy caught Alicia's eye right away and she
wanted to know what it was. I explained that it was a prize that Daddy got in school because he studied hard and had good
grades.
"Wow" she said, "he must have really worked hard writing his A, B, C's when his teacher told him too. He must have been
really neat and did it right away when she asked him."
I smiled, thinking about Ken's handwriting and spelling (which is nothing to brag about). He had told his mom, who was his
teacher through the 8th grade, that he wouldn't need to worry about spelling and handwriting, because by the time he grew up
there would be computers to do that stuff for him. Do you think I told her that? NOT!
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When I'm growed up...
September 8, 2002
Family & Friends,
Alicia (5) and I (I won't say how old) have been having some pretty deep theological talks as of late. Here is the latest.
Alicia: I think it must be awful to be a slave (now how did we get on this subject?).if I were a slave I would run away.
Mommy: Well, the Bible says that we are supposed to serve faithfully, even if we are a slave.
Alicia: Oh, I only mean if the other person was mean to me, then I would run away.
Mommy: Well, we are supposed to be even more faithful if our master is mean to us.
Alicia: Well, Joseph was a slave and God didn't want him to be in Egypt any more because the Pharaoh was mean.
Mommy: Yes, that's right. In that case God didn't want his chosen people to be slaves to the Egyptians any more.
Alicia: And then Joseph didn't go into the promise land because he hit the rock and God didn't like that.
Mommy: That was Moses, not Joseph.
Alicia: Oh, yeah. He disobeyed God when he was told to just speak to the rock, but he hit it. He shoodah not did that.
Mommy: Your right. It is a pretty serious thing to disobey. Moses lost out on a very special thing when he disobeyed and did
what he wanted to do instead. Does that ever happen to you?
Alicia: Yeah, but he didn't get to go to the promise land, but God let him see it from the mountain (and here the was an "ever
so slight" pause in the conversation). I promise you that I won't ever disobey you any more. And you can believe me!
Mommy: Well, that is a very easy thing to say, but very hard to do.
Alicia: Oh, I don't mean now when I am a kid, but when I am growed up.
We all have a little "grow'in up" to do now, don't we? Working with people is a constant reminder that we are going to face
conflict whether it is in the church or the school that the Lord has called us to work in. Even when we think we have dealt with
a situation in the best manner possible, there will still be people who will misunderstand and even question our integrity.
We really appreciate your prayers. Please continue to lift up the Mossoró team.that we would keep our eyes on HIM for we
know that ".the God who started this great work in (us and all of you, too!) would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish
on the very day Christ Jesus appears." (Philippians 1:6 The Message)
In HIS hands,
Lori (for Anabel and Alicia, too)
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Extinction?
SEPTEMBER 16, 02
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
Jessica & I made it home after 6+ weeks of tour in America. Our travel date (9/11) turned out to be fantastic with only about
1/3 of the seats occupied on the Delta international flight out of Atlanta's Hartford airport. We never opened a single for
check-in, customs or security hand luggage inspections. Since I wore my uncomfortable Sunday shoes, we didn't even set off
the metal detectors!
Our schedule was to meet up with my folks (Joe & Jeanie) in Sao Paulo where our layover was to last 9 hours; Varig,
however, managed to get us on the 10:50 flight. About 45 seconds before we lifted off, we spied dad and mom's plane landing
on the very same runway that we would soon use. Jessica nearly cried about this as she wanted some catch up time with
Grandma. Indeed the good side to all this is that Lori & company were able to pick us up at Pinto Martins in Fortaleza 6 hours
earlier than planned for the 4 hour drive home which would have had to wait for the following day. I supposed all this is
wasted on most of our readers as getting things done early is in no place a more rare occurrence than in our Grand Brazil. Ok,
you would have to have been there to understand our elation.
Praise God with us for about a dozen new student sponsors for poor children who study at ALPHA. Quite a large number of
folks have viewed the reports and videos of this ministry and are becoming involved through support and other ways. Please
pray with us for God's full provision especially during these early years as ALPHA grows to maturity.
Thanks for praying for our safe travels.
Reunited - Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel Stucky
PS We are grateful for Ellie who has joined the ALPHA team for 2 months covering for Jeanie's English classes and helping in
the Christ Is Life Church ministry.
KID'S CORNER: On our drive home from the airport in Fortaleza, Ellie noticed a Brazil Wood tree which drops little red
seeds. Jessica piped up and said, "this is one of the world's most famous trees that has gone into extinction." I don't know how
you interpret that, but as an brilliant father, I figure it means we had better take really good care of it, don't
you think?!?
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Quite a day!
October 15, 02
DEAR FRIENDS & FAMILY,
How can a day that doesn't go so well still end up well? Oh, I think you know what kind of day I am talking about. Last
Tuesday stretched me to my limits but yet I was able to lie in bed and feel that warm fuzzy feeling all over; of course it was still
83 degrees at 11 p.m. Here is how it went. By 1 p.m. on Tuesday, I was ready to drop; the back hoe had been on the job site
for 5 days and finally wrapped up the 24.3 hours of digging required to extract 75 dump truck loads of dirt and haul them
away from our project. Three significant break downs of the rented equipment had definitely added to the stress and I was
pooped. For a fleeting moment I considered driving three blocks out of my way to pump some diesel into my truck, but
somehow I skipped the fuel stop and headed home. Two hundred feet from home plate (I was late for lunch) the Toyota
lurched to a stop - UNBELIEVABLE!
I grabbed the remote and hoofed it home. There I wolfed down some vitals and sneaked out in Lori's Van 20 minutes later to
drop off some drinking water to the work crew. A friend graciously loaned me a 5 gallon can for the trip to the station where I
discovered a large crack in the top of the container - so we filled it only half full to keep diesel from splashing all over Lori's
car. Next stop was to buy a hose for siphoning the smelly liquid. I found the right hose and headed to the van and discovered
that the nearly dead battery was now indeed dead. Aha! I was on a hill so I rolled backwards, popped the clutch and roared
to life. Not wanting to procrastinate any more, I pulled into my auto-electric shop only to discover that we would have to
order from the capital (260 km away) for the 90 amp low profile battery required for the van. This meant no more AC on the
90 degree afternoon to preserve battery life for mundane jobs like turning over the engine.
Back to the stalled Toyota; I pulled the gas can from the van only to discover that it had a corresponding perforation at the
bottom of the container and I had succeeded in smelling up Lori's car despite my caution. So much for borrowing gas cans.
The first draw on the siphon hose rewarded me with a mouthful of diesel (which I burped for the rest of the afternoon and
evening) but I finally got it transferred to the pickup's tank. Given the half can I has started with and the spilled fuel and the
minor quantity that I drank, the Toyota refused to start claiming that the level had not risen enough in the tank for it to even
bother with.
Procedure repeated; this time with another gas can and more siphon savvy. It still wouldn't start; something about air in the
lines. So, I vanned it back to the job site (without AC) to discover that they were out of cement; I guess you would have to
have a pickup truck to remedy that one. I wasn't ready to loose all van privileges by hauling cement in Lori's rig. I opted to
rent a donkey cart which worked out very well, thank you.
After dark, armed with a few real tools and (most importantly) a full size vice grips (AND a 9 year old daughter to run the
flashlight), I went back to the Toyota to learn about bleeding air from the fuel lines of diesel. To my distress, I learned only a
fraction as much about fuel lines as I learned about 9 year old flashlight etiquette! We did manage to drive home together
without any further arguments (I guess it was only 200 feet); indeed it was quite an accomplishment to have dispatched the
digger back to its home base (after an average of 4.9 hours of dig time per day over a 5 day period) and to actually have both
vehicles safely parked at home. I slept like a baby!
Older and wiser - Ken for the Stuckys
KID'S CORNER: After an exhausting and difficult day, I dropped by the girls' room and called out "good night girls." As I
turned to leave, a chorus of little voices called me back for a "proper" good night. I started with Alicia by asking, "would it
make you a better person if I hug and kiss you?" Her answer was, "probably not." "Then why?" said I. "Well, maybe I should
give you some hugs and kisses, Daddy, because I tink it would help you to have a better day tomorrow."
Next was Anabel who nearly flipped out of her hammock in anticipation of fatherly affection. I asked her the same question to
which she answered "Yep" even before I was done asking. "And" she said, "I would like a new mash mallow tomorrow cuz
old one all gone. "
Jessica's answer was, "No, daddy, that's not what a kiss is for; but it would show me that you love me." So, believing this to
be true, I carefully kissed and hugged the three of them several times and left them to their dreams.
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Secrud Rocket
OCTOBER 29, 02
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
There have been some pretty big gaps between our updates; that's just because we have been pressing forward at an alarming
pace. Here is some of what has happened in the 6 weeks since I got home.
- I crossed paths with my folks (Joe & Jeanie) as I returned from the USA and they departed for furlough. This means we are
one couple short for these two months. - I immediately set out to find a teacher to fill the 2nd grade gap which opened up
while I was away. God provided Milka, a university student, to fill this position.
- Our mission has been negotiating the sale of our headquarters in order to relocate to new installations. I have been heading
up this commission for 15 months and just now turned it over to a missionary colleague. - We took delivery of our Toyota
work truck which was shipped to us from 2 states south of here where it underwent major body surgery. Once in Mossoro,
new tires were mounted, a complete wiring harness was installed, the springs are being replaced and a utility box will soon be
built for tools and construction equipment.
- A dozer was contracted to clear the church and ALPHA property. Our neighborhood is taking on a whole new look. Fifteen
acres of land neighboring ALPHA have been divided into lots; electric and water lines are being installed. About 30 of these
lots have already been sold; these are ALPHA's future neighbors. It's thrilling to see an infrastructure taking shape around this
site which not long ago seemed to be way out in the boonies.
- A new effort has been organized to get the Word out to our neighbors. Pray for those who will go door to door on
Saturdays at 9 a.m. inviting people to kids club, Sunday School and Church. This ministry was thought up, organized and is
being coordinated totally by Brazilians!
- A racquetball court is being constructed for the ALPHA sports program, staff exercise needs and outreach opportunities.
This project is nearly half finished; praise the Lord for safety on the job site.
- Several new Student Sponsors have joined the ALPHA team. Praise the Lord for this support. Please pray fervently for one
time gifts to retire the school's $15,000 debt.
Immeasurably Blessed - Ken for the Stuckys in Mossoro
KID'S CORNER: "What is dis rocket ting daddy?" asked Alicia, "I always hear you talkin bout rocket dis and rocket dat.
What is it all about?" She had me there, I wasn't up on any rocket programs and really didn't have a clue what Alicia was
talking about. On our family day last week, we went out to the work site to see how things were going. Our structure actually
looks smaller and simpler than it really is since nearly half of it is underground. Brazilians have speculated as to what kind of a
bathroom would need that size septic. Others thought it to be a water storage cistern and still other folks were certain it was a
swimming pool. Anyway, as I was holding the girls' hands to keep them from toppling off the observation gallery of the
racquetball court, Alicia piped up and said something like, "So now we know you secrud, dis is the rocket thingy." It seems to
me that some MKs are as warped as the natives.
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Queen of What?
T-Day - 92 degrees - scorching sun
NOVEMBER 28, 02
FAMILY & FRIENDS,
A Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. In Mossoro, nobody knows about this one so classes are held, life goes on and work
presses forward right through Turkey Day. However, the locals make up time on Carnival, Evil Friday, Easter, May 1st, St.
Pete, St. John, Lady of the Appearing, September 7th (Brazil's 4th of July), September 30 (local abolition), November 15
(Day of the republic), St. Luzia, Teachers day, and Brazilian renditions of children's day, Memorial day, Labor day, Father's,
Mother's, Sweethearts, etc. You get the idea. We do have plenty of holidays around here, it's just that they are different from
the ones we celebrate in the other America.
It is good to have the full team pulling together again. Joe & Jeanie Stucky arrived back from furlough about 3 weeks ago and
the end of the year activities are pressing in on all sides - Again! It seems this year just began? Not? The normal challenges
keep us busy. Preaching, Teaching, Leadership Training, Music, ALFA Administration, ALFA Teaching, Youth Ministry,
Special Church Events, dental work, car repairs, legal paperwork, mission board business. Thanks for praying us through one
more year of ministry. Please pray with us for a good enrollment of 70 to 80 students by February 1st for the 2003 school
year. Pray also for 2 additional teachers for ALFA. Praise the Lord for growth in our youth group which meets from 8-10
p.m. on Sundays. Thanks for your helping us through your support, encouragement, gifts for ALFA and friendship.
Incredibly blessed - Ken for the Stucky Family
KID'S CORNER: My dad & I took a rush business trip yesterday leaving home at 5 a.m. arriving back about bed time. Lori
borrowed Mom's peppy little car and took the girls to the hair care lady. Being used to our sluggish van, Jessica was
impressed with the rip snort coming from under the hood of this agile vehicle. She commented something like this, "Wow,
mommy, it seems like you are really pressing on that exhilarater!"
Upon arrival at home, Alicia had to share with me some of the highlights of the day. At one meal, they had consumed some
fantastic dish; it was a variety of cereal called "Queen of Wheat."
Anabel's main accomplishment these days is her swimming. She has not yet learned to come up for a breath, but that doesn't
keep her from vigorously getting back and forth across the pool. She can literally swim over 20 feet on one breath!
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Christmas Program
December 22, 02
Dear Prayer Team,
About 175 people came tonight to our Christmas Program! We are grateful for the opportunities to share Jesus Christ tonight.
The Choir (children and youth) did quite a few numbers mixed in with a 5 part skit that depicted a family of shepherds who
witnessed Jesus' first night on earth. Pray for the seeds of God's Word to sprout.
Tomorrow morning we are off to the mountains. The three Stucky families are heading uphill to enjoy some weather in 75 to
85 range instead of highs in the mid 90's that we have been having down here in the valley. We will also scout out some spots
for youth and couples camps for 2003.
Take note of our new e-address kenstucky@mikrocenter.com.br
This new wireless service has been working flawlessly so far; what a blessing to get notes of encouragement from many of you.
Please take time to pray for ALPHA registration which begins on the 26th. Pray for 70 students for the new school year (this
would represent 100% growth from the 35 students of 2002).
Ken for the Stuckys
PS A special note of praise is in order for Maxwell & Mary Jo who were minding their own business in their home early this
week when two armed robbers entered their home demanding to be given the keys to their motorcycle. They were scared to
death but managed to find the keys and turn over their hard earned motorbike to the thugs. God protected them from harm
and their vehicle was recovered a few days later in good condition. The whole story would take about 4 pages to write but this
paragraph is adequate to remind us to lift each other up in prayer for God's protection daily. Praise Him for the many times we
have escaped harm without even knowing it! (the couple lives 1 mile from our house with their three little boys)
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Rocket Court
DECEMBER 29, 2002 - Calm and 85 degrees
Pics of ALPHA year's closing:
http://harmonline.hispeed.com/stucky/alfa/02graduation
Our web site for general Stucky info:
http://harmonline.hispeed.com/stucky/index.html
DEAR PRAYER TEAM,
ENROLLMENT HAS BEGUN: On Thursday (26th) we began showing parents the ALPHA facility; so far they are
trickling in but we are optimistic about reaching our goal of 70 student for 2003. This week we are drilling the teaching staff on
the enrollment procedures so that we can each take our shift keeping the school open all the way through our break.
FOURTH GRADE TEACHER CONTRACTED: Simone has joined the team; she will start on January 15th. She is a
high energy 22 ½ year old who is working on her teaching degree at the Regional University. She looks forward to taking our
oldest class and challenging them one step farther. The 4th graders are the very students who started in 1st grade when we
opened ALPHA in 2000. Each year we add another grade just to keep up with these kids. Our oldest daughter (Jessica) is
one of the three original students in this class; she is desperate for some new students to join them.
MOUNTAIN GET- AWAY: Monday we departed for Martins, a 2100 foot hill located 2 hours from home. The Stuckys
enjoyed the cooler weather for three days before coming back to work. On this short trip, we scouted out locations for youth
and couples retreats. We played Pass the Pig, 5 Crowns, Hands & Feet and Mother May I. We swam, hiked, sang, laughed,
planned, quoted Luke 2, looked at Christmas Lights in the Town Square and had guests over to the Hotel for Christmas
Dinner. We drank fresh fruit juice for each meal and shared memories of years past. There is nothing like stepping back to get
a fresh perspective!
FANTASTIC NEW SERVER: One week ago yesterday, Mikrocenter installed a new radio antenna along with the needed
mess of wires, cables, boxes and disks. We are thrilled with the 24 hours connection to the internet. Your mail is now waiting
for us when we come to the computer. We used to have to manhandle, pray, threaten and nearly despair before making
connection, especially on weekends. Then those miserable attachments would jam us up for days on end so we couldn't even
read our regular messages. This sure is a blessing.
FIELD CONFERENCE: On January 4th, we depart for field conference in Fortaleza. Pray for the ALPHA teaching staff as
they hold down the fort for these days while we are gone. We look forward to a refreshing time with fellow missionaries.
RACQUETBALL COURT: Three more weeks should do it for our latest construction venture. Our two youngest daughters
insist that it is The Rocket Court. We dug a hole 12 feet deep so that the building wouldn't stick up so high. When visitors step
into the gallery which is approximately ground level, they are amazed at the size of the court. Some locals insist that it is an
oversize septic tank and others are still convinced that it is a bomb shelter. As far as we know, it is the first Racquetball court
in our state. Watch out; Kenny is going to get Skinny which all that exercise.
SKIN HEAD: What happened to Ken? As an act of friendship, Ken shaved his head this week to show Sr. Evaristo (a
neighboring gentleman who is fighting cancer) that someone cares. Chemo is getting the best of him and he needs your prayers.
His wife, daughter and several grandchildren attend our church but he has not come to Christ yet. Pray for his salvation and for
successful treatment of his lung cancer.
YOURS FOR JESUS IN MOSSORO - The STUCKY Family
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