Ken and Lori Stucky
Friends & Family
E-Mail Updates
Who fixes your teeth?
JANUARY 8, 01
Friends & Family,
It is easy to get out of the habit of writing weekly updates. Thanks for praying in our silence. The Christmas program was well
attended; many unsaved friends came to hear the story of Jesus' Coming to earth. Pray for this Message to begin to soften
hearts.
Our Stucky/Dick family reunion was a blessing. The six cousins truly enjoyed an energetic December. They swam together,
went to the beach twice, spent two days in the mountains, built forts, climbed trees, played with the Go Big and Red, rode
bike and trike, watched Veggie Tales and ate about 3 dozen helpings of Grandpa's ice cream.
Have you been praying for Giselda? She came to know Jesus personally on December 31st. Pray for her two children and her
husband (Abreu) who is our architect. So far he is totally uninterested in the TRUTH.
To see new pictures, visit: http://harmonline.hispeed.com/stucky/
Yours for another year in Brazil,
Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel
KID'S CORNER: Our children don't eat much candy; I explained it to the girls this way. "When you get old enough to fix
your own teeth (pay for your own dental bills), you can eat whatever you please." Lori overheard Alicia telling a friend,
"Daddy is going to fix our teeth so that we can eat all the candy we want." Oh well, that isn't quite what I was saying, but she is
an optimist.
(top of list)
How many wheels have you?
February 11, 01
Family & Friends,
Twenty-six students is considerably fewer than we had hoped for, but it is over 100% growth from last year. Thanks for
praying for this new year of classes. Please pray regarding two financial matters:
- We are needing 12 more sponsors to support needy students either $25 a month or a one time contribution of $300 for the
year
- Alpha is needing a $10,000 low interest loan to help cover operating expenses for its first two years
Carnival holidays are approaching; our church will be holding 4 fellowship group retreats during this season of sin. Pray that
these four gatherings will be a blessing to each of us and a time to grow closer to our fellow Christians. The weekend will end
with a group gathering for soup and swimming.
For Jesus' Sake - Ken, Lori and girls
KID'S CORNER: My van companion of Sunday nights was jabbering about bicycles
tonight. Alicia got my attention when she said, "Daddy, do you knowa duh difference between Jessica's bicycle and my
bicycle?" Hey, you got me, what is it? "Wayuhl, its like dis, Jessica's bicycle has toowuh weeuhls and mine has tree!" That sort
of sounds like a tricycle to me, come to think of it, oh, never mind.
(top of list)
Do you feel good?
FEBRUARY 18, 01
FAMILY & FRIENDS,
Carnival camp starts this next weekend. Around 50 people will be attending camp to get away from the Season of Sin
celebrated during this holiday. Everybody gets a break from school and most businesses close, so it's a great time for families
to be together.
This week, we expect to pour the concrete slab on which my brother's house will be built. Pray for safety in the construction
process. Last week we had approximately 140 tons of materials delivered. I expect Ron's house to weigh about 400 tons
when complete. I guess no body better try to move this house like is done in America, right?
Yours for His Kingdom - The Stucky Family
KID'S CORNER: This week Jessica & Alicia were unusually polite at the dinner table. I complimented them saying, "The
way you are acting gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. I am so satisfied and pleased with your behavior!" Alicia piped up
and said, "Daddy, do you feel good?"
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Painful Church Business
March 4, 2001
DEAR FRIENDS & FAMILY,
Family camp was a blessing! Nearly 50 of us attended the wrap up of the retreat with a missions challenge - the video THE
WAIT OF THE WORLD. Everybody was wiped out on Wednesday, but by Thursday Alpha was into full swing; we also
started pouring concrete at my brother's house construction site. This week we expect to finish the concrete slab and begin
building the walls of Ron's house.
Next Monday Lori and I head to Maceio (10 hour drive from home) on mission business. I then proceed to Rio with my
buddy Patrick for a seminar on church planting while Lori stays with her good friend Rachel. Jessica & Alicia will spend 12
days with Grandma & Grandpa so they won't miss school.
Please lift us up in prayer as our church meets this Saturday. Several stagnate members have asked to be removed from the
church roll and a few more need to be removed freeing the church to move forward. Our prayer is that every church member
(beginning with us leaders as examples) will serve as a brave soldier of the King of Kings ministering God's grace to all. The
pruning process is painful and unpleasant. Pray that the elders will lead and guide the church with love, integrity and wisdom.
From Mossoro - Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel
PS Today is Jessica's 8th birthday. Jessica would be delighted by a brief e-message. Feel free to send her an e-mail even if it
is late.
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Bandits
MARCH 25, 01
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
It has been an action packed 3 weeks since I last wrote.
- The rains bless us with green but also challenge our building projects
- Alpha has weathered conflicts and lost a student in the process
- Lori spent a week with her friend Rachel in Maceio 10 hours from home
- I (Ken) spent a week w/ Patrick in Rio at a Church leader's Seminar
- A gentleman attempted suicide on Alpha's sidewalk; Ron & I washed the blood off the sidewalk before any students or even
teachers know of the happening
- Thirty core members of our church have signed a commitment pact and are eager to grow deeper as a body and individually
in our walk with Jesus
- Twenty people participated in the church work project on Saturday at 6 a.m!
- Building permits stalled for 3 months have finally been approved by the city
- Several new sponsors have joined the Alpha team with their financial support
- Jessica & Alicia had a good time with Grandpa-ma Stucky for 11 days
- Anabel learned how to walk just in time for her first birthday last Monday
- A young Brazilian Missionary with New Tribes will speak in our church tonight; pray that God will burden His people to
support her as she heads onto the field. Over 100 tribes in Brazil have yet to hear the Gospel.
God bless you and thanks for reading of our adventures. Pray for stamina as well as wisdom to sort our priorities. Pray that
the IBCV would be among the churches which overflow with commitment to missions!
KEN for the Stuckys in Mossoro
PS The IBCV choir travels two hours into the interior on Saturday (31st) to minister in a sister church; pray for safety as
bandits have assaulted cars along our rout of travel.
** In a recent message series, we were challenged by this statement: "A church with strong missionary vision and financial
commitment will never lack finances for its own needs; a church without missionary vision will seldom have anything to spare."
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Eternity may be closer than you think
APRIL 1, 01
Friends & Family,
One of the most unpleasant tasks a man could ever be asked to do. I just got home from a grueling routine; first the accident
site, identification, going to tell the family, funeral home, police report, morgue, final identification, back to the family and now
home to bed. Carlos came into our lives about 7 years ago; he stumbled into our home all bruised and cut up from a fight the
night before. Lori cleaned his wounds with a nurse's touch - he left that day saying, "I really need Jesus." Carlos made a
profession of salvation soon after and subsequently made some right choices and many wrong ones. Since his father's death
two years ago, he has spent most weekends in neighborhood bars. Despite repeated council and the warnings of his friends,
Carlos bought a motorcycle - a lethal combination, which today took his life. I believe that he is with Jesus but I morn his early
death - age 26. I can't help but grope for answers as to what I could have done to better disciple this young man. How could
we have helped him through his struggles into a vibrant victorious Christian walk? Please pray for us tomorrow as we share
Christ with hundreds of spiritually dead people who will be at the funeral.
From a very serious, somber, thoughtful young missionary - KEN
KID'S CORNER: (Can we have fun after an update like that one?) Alicia came to Lori and said, "Mommy, dere is noting to
do awound heeuh, I'm Sooo Boring!"
NOTE: Carlos was part of our construction crew for the past 4 years.
Beanie
APRIL 15, 01
Family & Friends,
Nearly 50 visitors came to see the Easter Program including Choir numbers, a short play (written by Rosivania - one of
Alpha's teachers) and special music. Pray for tender hearts to sprout the truth planted tonight.
Thanks for remembering us during the grueling process of walking Carlos' family through the loss. I spent almost two full
weeks helping Mrs. Antonia acquire documents, fill out police reports, get the proper death certificates, negotiate with the
company who financed the motorcycle her son died on, find a lawyer, fill out insurance forms and much more. Many
unscrupulous men and women have shown up at her door requiring her to sign this, that and the other thing. Some claim that
her son has heirs, some say he owes them money, others say they can make the insurance company pay better; you name it,
we have heard about it. What an education! Please pray for the ALPHA ministry. We are preparing to close the financial
books for 2000 and the paperwork is nearly overwhelming. Pray that we will be able to secure contributions or a loan
adequate to see ALPHA through 2001. I guess it isn't too early to pray for students for 2002; Lord willing, we will balance the
operating budget next year.
Yours - Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel STUCKY
KID'S CORNER: Our newest family member is beanie. He got this name through one of our 4 year old's interpretations.
Lori was explaining to the girls that he is a guinea pig and Alicia understood beanie pip; hence he forevermore will be -
BEANIE!
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Were you wondering?
APRIL 29, 01
FRIENDS & FAMILY,
May 1st is a special holiday for our church. For the past 4 years we have taken the whole church on a short one day retreat
and this year we are heading to the beach which is a 1 hour drive from Mossoro. A bus will arrive bright and early to transport
all of us together. Everybody packs a lunch, shares their goodies and the trip to and from gives us a great opportunity to sing
our favorites. A gentleman has offered us the use of his beach house which has several bathrooms and places to rest and
change cloths.
Saturday is our monthly members rally. Pray for decisions we will be making about the layout at our future church site and the
construction we will begin there in June.
Tuesday I flew to Fortaleza to take care of business, be in several mission related meetings and pick up my folks who had
been there for two weeks. Dad is recovering from double hernia surgery and is not supposed to drive for 45 days!
Pray for God's provision for the financial needs of ALPHA, especially until our budget balances in another year or so.
Serving with you in Mossoro - Ken for the Stuckys
KID'S CORNER: A timid knock on the office door. "Come innn." As she peeps through the crack of the barely open door,
she give me a most faint look and says, "Daddy, dair is some cookies wif frosting stuck between dem. Were you wondering if
I should have some of dem for a snack?" Well, come to think of it, I really wasn't wondering dat at all, but maybe it could be
arranged.
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Work Team Coming
MAY 06, 01
DEAR E-PARTNERS,
Seven cubic yards of concrete ten feet up! Tuesday is the day for pouring my brother's concrete ceiling; pray for safety and
efficiency as we continue this house building venture. We are recovering from the death of our primary brick layer and aim at
having the house ready to live in sometime this Fall.
One Month from today! Very soon a team of 13 is arriving from South Dakota to help build the wall around our church
property. This securing of the property is the essential first step to any construction project in Brazil. Please pray for these last
weeks of preparations for the Work Team and for us.
May 1st was a lovely day at the beach. Everyone enjoyed it. Unfortunately I was laid up in a hammock with the flu, but the
view from 75 feet above the glimmering blue water was delicious.
Please pray with us for a few more financial givers to help the ALPHA Ministry make it through this second struggling year.
The growing student body has been a boost, however, the school lacks about $750 per month to meet its expenses. Please
pray with us that next year's budget will balance.
Thanks for holding us up - Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel Jewel
KID'S CORNER: Alicia and I were running errands yesterday afternoon when she began to share some of her philosophy
and life perspectives. "I been tinking about tings, daddy, and you know what?" Indeed I did not know what and so she want
on. "At Alpha we studeed bout letters and how duh letter should go together. You know, like duh word date and duh word
day; they are both duh same letter so I tink we should haf a date during duh day! Night time is for mommy's to read stories to
duh kids, but daytime is for daddys to go on dates wif little girls." Oh my, Alicia, what do you think a dates is? "Not much, jus
an icecweem bar or even a pop cicle would be pwetty good for a date."
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Old wino's belt
May 20, 01
Family & Friends,
Sixteen cubic yards of concrete have been poured since I last wrote. The ceilings are done for the first floor and the three
upstairs bedrooms are now being built. Praise the Lord for safety as this week marks 3 months of construction; I think Ranelle
is planning to serve Thanksgiving dinner in her new home.
On June 7th, the wall project will begin at the church property; 13 from South Dakota will arrive the day before that. Please
pray for the remaining funds needed and safe travels for the team. Alex, an architectural student decided to design a campus
for ALPHA as his final project to get his degree. The preliminary plant is complete and he will take it to the examining board
within a month. This project has refreshed our vision and is helping shape our plans for beginning construction of the permanent
campus by the end of 2002. Do you ever get tired of hearing about construction?
For Jesus - KLJA&A Stucky
KID'S CORNER: For the life of me I couldn't figure her out. "Daddy, I'm tawken bout the owuhd wino's belt." "Alicia, I just
don't know what the old wino's belt is. Where did you see it?" "Out heeere, daddy." Alicia then took me outside and showed
me three bright stars lined up nearly strait above in the night sky. "Oh, THAT is ORION'S BELT, sweetheart." In her
condescending way she laughed and said, "Daddy, sometimes I tink you jus say tings wong." Well, I suppose I do, I just
suppose I do.
PS Remember the ice cream daddy date from a month ago? I did take Alicia out for one but only after stopping off at home to
pick up a hungry 8 year old girl to join us.
PPS Please pray for the salvation of Josivan & Cleiania; this couple has been coming around often - Josivan is on our work
crew.
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759 pounds of ice!
JUNE 17, 01
Dear Family & Friends,
The South Dakota Team is back home by now but their servant hearts have touched all of at the Christ Is Life Church!
Beginning last Thursday we launched into 8 days of intense manual labor, building from scratch two bathrooms, a huge
storeroom and an independent septic system. Though we have some finish work to complete, the entire structure is in place
giving us a foot hold out at the Church's future home. Each day, we got up by 5:30 and headed to the job site at 6. Friday
culminated in manually mixing, bucket brigading ten feet up and pouring over 3 cubic yards of concrete to complete the ceiling
of our structure! There were sore muscles for almost everybody, but also a huge dose of satisfaction in a project completed.
The Team also ate meals in Brazilian homes, handed out invitations to our church door to door, sang at church in English & in
Portuguese, played in a praise band, gave testimonies and did a puppet skit for the kids. We are grateful for a very profitable
time of work and ministry; nobody was seriously injured and no major illness to report. Thanks for praying for us all during this
week!
Yours for Mossoro - KEN for the Stuckys
KID'S CORNER: Some special gifts appeared from the Team's luggage. The following were some of the Girls' favorites:
- Jessica liked the Marshmallow Maybees (otherwise known as Marshmallow Mateys)
- Alicia got a new pair of Awe-vaw-walls (traditionally called overalls)
- Alicia thinks that Anabel's favorite is the miniature Wash-mallows
Oh yes, I thought you would want to know how much ice we used to keep our water cold this week. It was 115 bags at 3k
per bag making a total of 345 kilos or 759 pounds of ice for those of you who don't understand kilos. We took two afternoon
trips to the beach, 5 shopping trips total and washed nearly 50 loads of laundry! After the team loaded up in the van, I
discovered about a dozen pairs of worn out tennis shoes which didn't fit in the luggage; maybe this had to do with the 57.2
pounds of cashew nuts that sneaked into the Team's bags.
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Ready for Eternity?
JUNE 29, 01
Friends & Family,
Tragedy struck again; we buried Jose Wilson as the sun was going down this evening. Wilson has welded for me pretty much
weekly over these past years. He has been a trusted friend, a faithful employee, a fellow mechanic, a problem solver/trouble
shooter and a general boost to our construction projects since we arrived in Mossoro 8.5 years ago.
I shared the Gospel with Jose so many times I think he grew weary of it. His theory was that you die and that's the end. I wish
he could have been at the funeral and told two hundred friends and relatives the truth this afternoon. Pray that we will faithfully
carry on the work of spreading light in this hopeless darkness. Pray for God's peace to rule in my heart as I am discouraged.
Ken
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Is there anyplace safe?
July 21, 01
Family of Friends,
Summer Vacation is here! Because of the 200 required days of class and many required holidays throughout the year, we get
just 3 weeks of vacation - classes starts up again on August 6th. Day after tomorrow, our family travels to Natal (a 4 hour
drive south east) to spend a day at the beach and drop off friends at the airport to catch their flight to Northern Ireland. We
will take Cristina, Leila & Ivonete (three single Alpha staffers) with us so they can get out of town and catch a fresh
perspective.
Last Saturday we poured 15 cubic meters of concrete completing the porch roof at my brother's house. This was the first time
ever for us to utilize a concrete pump; equipment is gradually making its way even to Mossoro.
Tuesday we had a shocking experience as a heavily loaded delivery truck plowed into Ron's wall ruining a 40 foot section of 8
foot high wall. Had the driver advanced one more inch the wall would have toppled over completely. Only later did we
discover that Reinaldo (from our construction crew) was outside the property clearing brush 2 feet from where the truck
impacted the wall. He would have been crushed to death! By now I wonder if you think I am deliberately trying to replace my
entire work force. Please do pray for Reinaldo's salvation. Remember his father as well (Reginaldo) and one other unsaved
brick layer named Josivan.
How about some feed back. Do you enjoy reading about our adventures and trials? Do you want off of our mailings? Let us
know either way. Please pray for effective ministry, consistent testimony and loving family life for us Stuckys.
Yours - Ken for the Family
KID'S CORNER: English is a tough one even for us big people, but for a four year old. Alicia & I were playing catch with a
splash ball this afternoon when she said, "daddy, I trowed it to you." I corrected her saying, "It is 'threw' sweetheart, I threw it
to you." After a couple more tosses, she improved her accuracy and I made the statement, "Nice throw, Alicia." To which she
said, "Don't be silly daddy, it is not trow, it is trew, 'nice trew'. You jus told me how to say it daddy, now don't mix me up."
Ok, how could I argue with her on dat one.
Our next order was to learn how to catch. Finally she actually succeeded at which time she said, "Daddy, I catched it!" "Alicia,
it is 'caught,' you should say 'I caught it'." After a few more attempts she made another amazing catch to which I commented,
"Nice catch, Alicia!" And can you believe it, she catched me again. "Daddy, you are trying to mix me all up. Ok, so was it a
nice catch, a nice caught or have a nice week - you decide!
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Watch your language!
July 29, 01
Family of Friends,
The milestones of life bring us to contemplate our goals reached & also our failures. Two weeks ago today was such a marker
in my life as I turned 33 years old. The date also coincides with the 10 year anniversary of our arrival in Brazil. I remember so
clearly that day (July 15, 1991) as I nearly collapsed in a blob of sweat and body odor in the hot airport of Manaus along with
17 U-Haul packing boxes and a letter from the Brazilian Consulate in Chicago authorizing us to make our move unimpeded by
customs officials. I was suffering intensely from the affects of Lymes disease from which I was later cured; I could hardly turn
my head, my joints were stiff and I was ordered to bed for two weeks upon arrival in Fortaleza. Sixteen of our U-Haul
classics were soaked from a rain storm in Miami but the one dry box held our computer; guess Who orchestrated that detail?
Now, after 8.5 years of ministry in Mossoro, God still graciously proves Himself to us each day.
Tomorrow, Jessica & I leave at 4 a.m. to Fortaleza to pick up Elwyn & Lisa Doorenbos and family who fly in from Iowa for
three weeks of work, fellowship, encouragement and fun. Another blessing scheduled for tomorrow is the release of our 6000
watt diesel generator which has been back ordered for over 8 weeks. Electricity rationing in Brazil has been severe because of
the lack of water to run the hydro-electric plants. The ALPHA School is allowed only 35% of its normal consumption!
Despite drastic measures to cut back, we exceeded our quota and were fined 400% for the excess kilowatts. Accompanying
our bill was a notice that we will be cut off completely if we fail to meet the quota one more month. Praise the Lord for
vacation in July, reducing our use of electricity at ALPHA. Praise The Lord Doubly for the generator which will allow us to get
back to work; we have welding scheduled for this week as we begin assembling a steel structure to cover a small sports court
at ALPHA. The local government requires covered recreation areas at all schools because of the intense sunshine & tropical
Mossoro heat.
So there you have it in two paragraphs. God is good, bringing us friends and equipment just when we needed them most.
Oh yes, Praise God with us for a VBS group from California which raised almost $400.00 toward the new generator.
Till Next week - Ken for the Alpha Kids
KID'S CORNER: Jessica was reading a magazine and found an advertisement offering a multitude of taped language
learning courses to be had for a modest fee. Each language offered had the corresponding country's flag printed around the
border of the page making an impressive array of color. She excitedly came to me and said, "Look daddy, now we can learn
all kinds of forbidden languages!"
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Two for the price of one
August 14, 01
Family of Friends,
Gracious friends from Iowa paid for a ticket for Lori and we bought one for me. Our flight to Rio leaves at 4:20 this afternoon
following a 3 hour drive to Fortaleza. The girls will stay with Grandpa & Grandma Stucky. This is our first significant trip
without them since Anabel was born 17 months ago! We completed 12 years of marriage last Sunday and this is a fun way to
celebrate.
Our church's adult group had a barbecue on Saturday. It went really well with over 60 people showing up (about 15 of them
were invited guests). Pray for ongoing efforts to win these folks to Jesus.
ALPHA is back in full swing. The first & second grade classes moved upstairs into their newly finish rooms. Now each class
room has a door on it and everybody is settling into his niche. We also took delivery of a mock up (model) built to show what
ALPHA's future campus might look like. Please pray as we invite members of the City Planning Commission to become aware
of our goals for ALPHA and the impact this can have on our section of town.
God bless you and your interest in our Church and Christian School ministries. Please pray for His gracious provision for
student sponsors and donors to help us develop ALPHA for His Glory.
Yours for Mossoro - Ken & Lori and girls
KID'S CORNER: Jessica & Alicia were repeatedly urged to pick up their room and Lori had come to her limit. She walked in
and asked, "Do you know what is going to happen if you don't clean up your room right away?" Alicia replied, "Yes, Mommy,
it means dat if we don't get dees toys awl picked up weel soon dat we will get a trashing."
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Kids, their moms and shoot-outs in Rio
August 26, 01
Family of Friends,
One week ago at our Sunday Worship Service, I noticed something unusual. The row of seats directly in front of us was filled
by ALPHA children and their mothers! Christian Schools have a variety of purposes, but one of the most rewarding benefits
coming from our daily toil at ALPHA has been the reaching of lost people for Christ. The Brazilian school system is bankrupt
financially, morally and academically. Nearly every Brazilian parent desires desperately to enroll his child in a private school.
Here is where ALPHA comes into the picture. Praise God for the tremendous opportunity to impact our community for
JESUS! We offer a special thanks to you who have been a part of ALPHA's support during these wobbly first years; if you
would like to know more about ALPHA's needs, please inquire.
Lori & I enjoyed our trip to Rio with the Doorenbos family. Maybe you have heard of the dangers in that metropolis of over
10 million people. We were scheduled to leave Copacabana at 5 p.m. to take our guests to catch their plane. I sensed that we
should step that up so I requested Anderson (our van driver) to come 15 minutes early. At exactly 4:48 p.m. we were loaded
up and threading our way through the busy streets of Rio. We noted the beginnings of some congested traffic as we arrived at
the air port and we were glad to have been early as their flight schedule had changed significantly from what their tickets
showed. Once they were safely checked in, Lori & I caught a cab back to the apartment only to discover that an overturned
truck had backed up the interstate for 16 kilometers on the airport bound lanes. Not only that, but the dwellers from some
shanty towns bordering the highway had begun target practice at the stranded motorists. If we had left even 10 minutes later,
the Doorenboses might. Oh, never mind, just think - GRACE!
For the cause of Christ - Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel
(top of list)
Lori's Furlough
Pre Script: Lori will furlough w/ Anabel Jewel for 3 weeks beginning September 18th. Unfortunately, they will only be in
Eastern Nebraska and Northwest Iowa and won't see most of you. If you know of a reliable car in the Omaha area that Lori
could borrow from September 19th till October 1st, please e-mail us very soon. Thanks. K
SEPTEMBER 2, 01
Family of Friends,
What a disgusting saga; I would rather forget about it completely. However, Monday was a milestone for us as we poured 14
cubic meters of concrete forming the ceiling on the second story of my brother's house! The concrete pump was scheduled to
be in place at 2 p.m. At 3 a Polimix employee stopped by informing that it would be there any minute. By 4:10 I was beside
myself and placed a cell call to confirm. Finally at 4:30 I went down to their headquarters by the river to share fragmented
pieces of wisdom I could ill afford to part with. Phone contact at 4:45 and then again around 5:15. My 10 workers were
supposed to be gone by 5 p.m. and I was getting nervous. Promises on their part, threats from me, lies from them and biblical
confrontation from me.
Well, finally the sun went down at a quarter to six and we settled down to watch the stars pop out and the fresh evening
breeze wrap around us as we stretched out and laid on top of the steel mesh 6 meters in the air awaiting - no longer holding
our breath. We started pouring concrete at about 7:15 and were cleaning up tools by 9:45. I drove the men home as the dark
streets are getting dangerous by then and had nuked spaghetti around 10:30. And to think, we used to not have these
problems before concrete pumps arrived in Mossoro in early 2001.
Yours for a needy land - Ken and family
KID'S CORNER: Alicia awoke from her afternoon nap and there was a heavy duty sander roaring in the shop, a saw wining
through chunks of hard wood, the lawn mower humming and fans shoving around the 93 degree air. The perceptive 4 year old
sat up and piped, "mommy, why is it so quiet around here? I don't even here any cars going by." Remember when you could
sleep through a storm?
PS If we had NOT accepted the LATE concrete delivery, the only other option would have been to bucket brigade the
73,920 pounds of concrete up 21 feet of wobbly ladder. This would have taken about 3 or 4 days (w/ 15 to 20 men)
compared to the 3 hours we spent out under the stars on Monday night. Doesn't this make you want to sign up for a work
project in Mossoro?
(top of list)
Independence Day
SEPTEMBER 10, 01
Family & Friends,
We praise the Lord for His provision of transportation for Lori's travels from Omaha - NE to Lincoln, Fairbury, George - IA
and back to Omaha. Here schedule is almost set; we will e-mail the details as soon as all is confirmed.
The big event of our week was the all church outing over the Independence Day (September 7th) holiday. A number of
unsaved friends came along and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A rented bus picked us up in front of the church and took us
45 minutes out into the country. The place we rented was right next to a river from which a pump drew water for sprinklers to
keep the kids cool. Mango trees and palms provided shade and a place to string up our hammocks. Everybody packed a
lunch and we ended with a sing and share time. We were all home, exhausted but refreshed, shortly before dark (5 pm).
Pray for the following men and women who visit our church frequently:
- Cristiano and his wife Wilgna and her mother Ivonte
- Bosco and his brother Paulo
- Cleiania and her husband Josivan
- Milton's aunt (can't remember her name but it might be Marta).
YOURS - Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel STUCKY
KID'S CORNER: The other day Alicia got up with a scratchy sounding voice. She leaned her head against my chest and
croaked, "Daddy, my choke is hurting".
(top of list)
Everywhere, not somewhere!
SEE NEW PICTURES: http://harmonline.hispeed.com/stucky/kidsfun.htm
ATTENTION OMAHA AREA RESSIDENTS:
Lori & Anabel Stucky will have lunch w/ whomever cares to join on Thursday & Saturday
WHERE? Thursday noon - Summer Garden Café in LaVista
WHERE? Saturday noon - Garden Café on West Center close to the freeway loop.
Call Lori at Larry Sayles' residence for more info: (402) 592-8395
Lori will also be at the Sayles' residence showing pictures and telling about Brazil on Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Stop in
for a few minutes and sample some cashew nuts.
Primetimers are hosting a get together with Lori on Friday. Please call Leo Thomas for info.
Remember that Lori won't be able to visit all of you; she is traveling with a one year old who is getting teeth. Give her a call,
look her up, join her for lunch or just jot us an e-mail. Thanks for helping make Lori's furlough profitable for everyone - KEN
SEPTEMBER 30, 01
Dear Family & Friends,
One hundred and eighteen years ago today Mossoro freed its slaves. We were one of the first counties of Brazil to set behind
that evil practice. Today we are still in the business of setting free the captives. Praise the Lord for interested people attending
worship services. Pray for salvation for Ivonete, Wilgna, Carmelita, Gisele, Tiago and Marta. These have attended for some
time and need to take the step of faith, trusting in Jesus for Salvation.
For two weeks Jessica, Alicia and I have been learning to appreciate our dear wife and mother during her absence. Lori &
Anabel have reported in two churches and seen loads of friends, relatives and supporters. Down here, construction goes
forward in full swing; then there are youth activities, church events, music, teaching and discipleship. We have been invited to 4
homes for lunch and have eaten out only once. Jessica insisted that we three go to a "nice" place for dinner Friday night.
Then, she wanted to order a hamburger; we settled for one big order of filet parmesan which the three of us failed to finish.
Thanks for praying during these 3 weeks; safety in Lori's travels has been on our minds. There are also those sad feelings of
missing each other mixed with the delightful thoughts of being together again in one more week.
Yours for Brazil - The STUCKY FAMILY
KID'S CORNER: (Alicia) Daddy, dat is a nice big moon up der. Did you know dat God lives on the moon?
(Me) Really?
(Alicia) Yep, God lives EVERYWHERE, but not in our house He doesn't.
(Jessica) Yes He does, God lives in our house; He lives EVERYWHERE.
(Alicia) Dat's what I said, He lives EVERYWHERE, like in our hearts, but NOT in our HOUSE.
(Jessica) Oh yes He does.
(Alicia) But our house is SOMEWHERE, it is not a person and it can't talk or move or anyting. It is SOMEWHERE not
EVERYWHERE; God doesn't live SOMEWHERE, He lives EVERYWHERE.
(Me) So let me get this strait, does God live in our house or not, Alicia?
(Alicia) Ok, He can live here too.
Well folks, now your theology has been enriched.
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A Child's prayer
October 7, 01
Dear Family of Friends,
Lori is in Miami tonight and preparing to board VARIG for Fortaleza tomorrow at 11 a.m. What do you get when you take
one daddy + two daughters x 3 weeks of furlough for the mommy and baby sister? One family eager and ready for a reunion!
Lori had a full and enjoyable schedule visiting friends, relatives & supporters and reporting in three churches during these past
three weekends. Jessica, Alicia and I hit the road tomorrow afternoon to intercept the travelers in Fortaleza (3+ hours from
here). Since they are supposed to arrive at 10:30 p.m. (plus emigration & customs) we plan to spend the night and make our
way home on Tuesday.
Please pray for my search for two new teachers for 2002. Pray also for families in financial crises; our community is full of
unemployed folks who are surviving only because of relatives who help as they can. These struggles put tremendous stress on
fragile marriages and fragmented families. Pray for us to wisely advise and help church members and neighbors through these
times. Our benevolence budget only goes so far and we are torn as to how to assist the needy. In the midst of it all, we have
many opportunities to introduce folks to Jesus Christ. Pay that these seeds planted will take root.
Ministering in Mossoro - Ken and family
KID's CORNER: At our bedtime ritual the other night we read about Elijah, the profits of Baal and their drama as played
atop Mt. Carmel. It was then Alicia's turn to pray: "Dear Jesus, please help dose men wif der sowuhds and knives to not cut
up any mowuh animals and demselves because of duh wicked Baal. Help dem to go to duh sky to be wif Jesus and not dat
uder guy, I know who it is, duh snake who was wif Adam and Eve wif out cloths and got dem to do bad tings and his real
name is Satan and help us to sleep weel good - AMEN.
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HOME!
October 9, 01 - 9 p.m. calm 80 degrees
Hello everybody.
Lori & Anabel are safely home. Their 50 hour trip turned out as good as can be expected and the overweight baggage charges
were only $75. Lori brought ministry tools, musical instruments, office supplies and treats for Jessica & Alica from several
adoptive grandmas from across America. Oh yes, my treat was a new pair of Red Wing Work boots.
Praise the Lord with us for a fruitful time Lori had reporting in three supporting churches. Everywhere they went in Nebraska,
Iowa and South Dakota, Anabel was a charmer; we have some unspoiling to do now that she is back on the ground.
Today 5 of Alpha's staffers went in for interviews with the official registered Doctor; the remaining 5 go on Thursday. Within
two weeks Alpha should have completed all requirments placed on us as an employer. Each phase in getting current with our
documents is a mile stone to us; Please keep praying for His provision in the Church & Christian School Ministries.
Ken & Lori from Mossoro - Brazil
Jessica threw up twice on our way to Fortaleza yesterday. She described to Lori the sensation and funny feelings in her
stomach - "I think they were contractions" she said...
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Fresh Water
OCTOBER 30, 01
FAMILY & FRIENDS,
We have had three intense weeks of well digging, house building, youth group traveling plus the regular duties of church, family
and ALPHA. Thanks for praying for us in these various ministries.
* The rig pulled off our property on Saturday after two noisy weeks of drilling. The well is 50 meters deep and should produce
about 2000 gallons an hour. Those 3 diesels without mufflers are being missed - NOT!
* I have been building a house for my assistant director at ALPHA. Besides being a partner in ministry, he is my close friend
and brother. Ron & Ranelle's house is nearing completion and should be inhabitable within 3 weeks. This project began on
February 22nd which is 36 weeks ago; sounds like a similar gestation to that of a human baby. To build a house in 9 months in
Brazil is average to boarder-line speedy.
* 17 of us piled in the van and took a brief retreat to Olho Dagua Do Milho; a warm water spring which has a legendary
reputation of healing skin infirmities. We had a safe trip and the youth group enjoyed the outing.
Please pray for our teacher search at ALPHA. We need two more team members for 2002. After praying for teachers, please
pray for students. We are trusting the Lord for about 50 kids next year.
Yours for Mossoro - Ken, Lori and girls
You know you are too busy when you don't have time to write down a few lines of your children's interesting comments,
however, you will have to stay tuned for KID'S CORNER comments coming next time.
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Cops and wobbers
NOVEMBER 12, 01
FAMILY & FRIENDS,
The ALPHA Christian School is finishing its second year in one more month. As we lay plans for year number three, we are
making top priority the forming of a library. Since ALPHA is the only school in Mossoro which offers English to ALL of its
students, it seems just right to begin our library in English - what do YOU think? Here is how you can help. Search your home
for children's books, videos, CDs and tapes; we are not asking you to give away your kid's favorites, but consider your stash
for items which are not being used and could help ALPHA get a library started. If you don't have items to donate but want to
get involved, your cash gift would be used to purchase Portuguese books here in Brazil.
ALPHA continues to have tremendous financial needs. In the long term, the solution will be a growing student body providing
support through tuition. Please pray for God to bring us another two dozen families to enroll their children for the 2002 school
year beginning on January 30th. In the short term, we rely on donations toward operating expenses and student scholarship
sponsors. Please inquire how you can help provide a Christian education for needy children and also reach Mossoro's families
for Christ.
Your Friends from Mossoro - Ken, Lori, Jessica, Alicia & Anabel
KID'S CORNER: Mr. Augusto parked his ¾ ton truck in our yard for a couple of nights while he worked on getting a safe
parking place over at his home. Alicia was analyzing the reasons why when she came up with this one. "Daddy, I tink duh
weezen why Mr. Augusto bwings his twuck to our howus is so dat duh wobs don't get it. Duh ones you have to watch out for,
daddy, are duh wobs and duh police man." I am sure you figured out that "wobs" are the people that rob you but I must
explain that we are often stopped by the cops at check points which dot the highways in Brazil; this makes Alicia nervous - she
thinks they will keep our car one of these times.
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Visitors, Invited & UN...
NOVEMBER 25, 01
Dear Family & Friends,
Things have been happening! This noon we discovered that my brother's construction site had been robbed. The sinking
feeling is hard to describe, but it's kind of like a cold grip on your heart; it makes you glance over your shoulder and wonder if
you are being stalked. Included among the missing were power tools, water pump and about a mile of wire (1500 meters of
wire intended for the electrical installation of the house). Ron & I spent a couple of hours doing our favorite Sunday afternoon
activity (NOT) welding and repairing the steel doors securing?? the shop and pump house.
Last Thursday we had INVITED visitors. ONE HUNDRED THIRTY people came to celebrate the National Holiday at our
house! I installed several dozen hammock hooks on our porch and of course the pool was a high light. We played volley ball,
soccer, table games, ping pong and had a praise service with a devotional wrap up. Twenty-five of our guests were from the
Limoeiro church 2 hours drive away.
T-Day? Yep! And, we probably beat you to it. This past Wednesday was a regional holiday . Businesses and schools were
required to be closed in an attempt to meet our quota in the midst of a severe electricity shortage. Three Stucky families
bought the opportunity and got together on Wednesday for turkey and dressing. To beat the heat, we took a family swim in
the 88 degree weather.
Have you been thinking about ALPHA's library? If so, here is the rest of the information you might need. Please gather
together books, tapes, CDs and video's in good condition (for ages 2 to adult) and mail them to the address below. Bible
stories, Dr. Seuss, board books for beginners, classics etc. If you would like to help us buy Portuguese books, money can be
sent to our mission headquarters for this project. Dale Flickinger and family will be leaving Seattle in early January 2002 and
will hand carry your donations to Brazil. Please send them to the Flickingers ASAP.
MAIL ITEMS TO:
Dale Flickinger
15502 182nd Avenue SE
Monroe, WA 98272-1209
SEND GIFTS TO:
BGFM
P.O. Box 355
Springfield, IL 62705-0355
Make checks payable to: BGFM and enclose a note saying, "For ALPHA"
Ken & Lori serving Jesus in Mossoro
KID's CORNER: Yesterday 12 of us went to some Indian digs to check out the paintings and crawl through some caves. At
the visitor's center, there were a number of fossils and some very interesting explanations as to just how many many years this
all took. Jessica now reads in two languages and excitedly called me to "come quick, daddy, come see the instructions on how
to make a fossil."
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How much do you need to wear to school?
DECEMBER 9, 01
Family & Friends,
The rush of preparing for graduation at ALPHA and the Christmas program at Church have us running hard as 2001 comes to
an end. Kindergarten (here called Alphabetization) graduation in Brazil requires a celebration. Guess who signs the diplomas?
Some books donated to the ALPHA library have begun to arrive at Dale Flickinger's house. Don't forget to check your stash
for used books, CD's, videos & tapes which could be put to use at ALPHA. We are not limiting the library to children. Your
donation can be items appropriate for any age. Please indicate on the outside of the package that it is for ALPHA; this puts
Dale and family more at ease when opening the packages in preparation for shipping - Thanks. NOTE: Dale travels to
Mossoro in just over three weeks.
MAIL LIBRARY ITEMS TO:
Dale Flickinger
15502 182nd Avenue SE
Monroe, WA 98272-1209
(Please write "ALPHA" on the outside of the Package)
Please make an extra effort to pray that God to protect us from discouragement. Lori & I have faced some severe trials during
the past couple of months. Though it isn't appropriate to share all the details, our difficulties include false accusations against us,
failed relationships, repeated theft in our home, parenting struggles, ALPHA's financial stresses, semi committed staffers, health
concerns, broken equipment, lack of sleep, very hot weather, extremely dusty conditions. With the above you have enough
info to lift us up before our gracious God. Our human nature prompts us to respond to some of these problems in the flesh and
that only complicates things. How about jotting us a note or giving us a call of support.
- Home Phone: 011-5584-312-1012
- Ken's Phone: 011-5584-9411-2103 (can call this number anytime day or night)
Thanks for your interest in our lives & ministry.
God bless - Ken & Lori Stucky
KID'S CORNER: Jessica & Alicia are learning about modesty in and out of our home. This includes explanations about
keeping the bathroom door shut when we have guests and wrapping up carefully in their towels while walking to their bedroom
etc. I figure that we are making progress; Alicia came to me with this comment - "Daddy, I got a pwoblem. I was lookin for
some mower cloths and can't find any showruts and shirts, just a buncha mower socks. Dat is not good enuf for going to
ALPHA because it is a school and not a house." I thought to myself, "Nope, wearing just socks to school wouldn't be enough,
now would it?"
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What does "Maison" mean?
December 16, 01
Hello Everybody,
Many of you wrote or called us this week; what a boost! Thanks for praying too. The second your of The ALPHA
Educational Center has come to a close. Wednesday was our ending program with a great turn out. One little girl refused to
sing her songs and do her part until her mother showed up half way through the event. The kids presented a musical with
Friendship as the theme. Lori translated some songs, wrote some skits and sequenced the accompaniment creating music
tracks on her computer. She did a great job!
People are coming around every day asking for information about enrolling their children for next year. Pray for the staff as we
meet Monday & Tuesday to get everything in order for registration. We are finalizing the curriculum selection, working out
schedules, looking for teachers and attempting to draw the teaching team closer together. Please pray for every aspect of
preparation for the new school year.
Lori's highlight? On Tuesday I made an airport run to Fortaleza (3 hours drive) and bought Lori a Maison*** model stove.
Lori loves to bake and to entertain friends - her patience was rewarded. She has never before owned an oven with a
thermostat (it actually holds the temperature you dial in) and the timed baking feature so she can make lunch while she teaches
late morning classes at ALPHA. We are enjoying the goodies as we have been without a working oven in our home for 11
months!
This week is full and heavy but next week is vacation for the Stuckys. Pray as we tool up for the Christmas program a week
from today; we will be inviting friends, neighbors and folks we meet on the streets all week long. Ask the Lord to use this
special program to touch a few hearts with the Good News.
Yours - Ken & Lori Stucky for His Work in Brazil
*** I think "Maison" must mean something like "really good cook" in French. Either that or it means, "your husband must love
you a bunch to be spending this much on a stove".
KID'S CORNER: Since we haven't seen a real 4th of July celebration in the past few years, Alicia wasn't prepared for the
fireworks that went off last week at a local celebration for Saint Luzia. Oh the amazing colors and bright configurations. Alicia
didn't realize how far away the flying flames were and was a little spooked at first. She confessed to Lori, "Mommy, I tink I
got one of dose sparks in my eye."
December 18, 01
Hi everybody.
Please pray for Ivonete, Alicia's teacher at Alpha who is having surgery today. She must submit to this procedure even though
others have told her horror stories about the dangers. Pray that she will have peace before and quick rcovery folling this
opperation.
God bless - KEN STUCKY
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