A letter from Farris Goodrum serving in Brazil
August 2015 - Puppets … and a funeral
Dear Friends,
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me—Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV).
-1_medium250.jpeg)
The bridge from Vila Velha, at the right, to the island city of Vitoria
-2_medium250.jpeg)
The puppet troupe at the Albergue
-3_medium250.jpeg)
Picnic at the park
-4_medium250.jpeg)
Playing games at the park
-5_medium250.jpeg)
Farris with twin brothers, Pedro and Andre
-6_medium250.jpeg)
Playing bingo!
Every morning my exercise routine includes a walk along the beach, which is only a few short blocks from our apartment building. I never get tired of the beautiful and interesting scene at the beach…long stretches of sand and ocean, lined with coconut palm trees. In the lane for walkers there are always many people going in both directions, and there is also a lane for those interested in skateboarding and rollerblading, as well as a lane for bicyclists. In the distance I can see one of the two ports of Vitoria, as well as the bridge that connects Vitoria to the mainland city of Vila Velha. In the same direction a convent that has been in use for 500 years can be seen on one of the highest mountains, and is a must-see for anyone coming to Vitoria because the view from that mountaintop is spectacular.
Of course the beauty of this island city is only a fringe benefit to ministry with the Presbytery of Vitoria of the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil. I was assigned to contribute in the churches of this presbytery in the areas of Christian education and music, and Thelma, who was ordained by the United Presbyterian Church in 2011, has many pastoral duties, which include visitation in homes, hospital visitation, preaching, counseling, and teaching.
There have been several activities recently in which we have enjoyed being involved, and which have made us realize, as always, the privilege of being called to use our gifts and talents during the time that has been given to us in this community. Last month I was invited to take my puppet troupe to the “Albergue,” which is an ecumenical project that provides a place to sleep and meals at no cost to people from out of town who need to come to Vitoria for medical care but who cannot easily afford the cost of staying in a hotel. A family member or friend can also stay with them at the Albergue. On the first Tuesday night of each month there is a worship service just after dinner, and a different church is in charge of this service each month. Thelma was one of those responsible for leading the liturgy when my puppet troupe was asked to present the message. Our son Joel participated in the service by playing guitar for the congregational singing, and he was also one of the puppeteers. I wrote a play for the puppet presentation about an elderly couple trying to find the Albergue and being well received when they finally arrive. The play ended with one of the puppets quoting the verse above from Matthew 25. There were comic moments in the play, and it was good to hear the laughter of the audience, many of whom were very sick. “We need to have this type of presentation more often,” one lady commented, “as laughter is so important!”
Another special activity recently was a picnic, planned by members of our church, at a lovely, shady park in Vitoria. This picnic was especially for the children of the church, but people of all ages were invited, and all age groups were represented as quilts were spread out on the grass, where everyone placed their contribution to the picnic. As always in these gatherings there is plenty to eat and drink, and the singing and the games and activities were enjoyed by all.
Still another enjoyable event was the wedding of a couple who are active in one of the churches of the presbytery, in the neighboring town of Vila Velha. Delicious food was served at the reception after the ceremony, and there was much good fellowship Brazilian style. The next day I was invited to return to that church to preach in the worship service, and three of my piano students participated in the service by playing the prelude, offertory, and postlude. Each of them played beautifully, and it was a good experience for all.
A sad event happened a few days later. Thelma and I participated in the memorial service of a beloved pastor and theologian, Rev. Joaquim Beato, who died at age 90 after a fruitful life of dedication to the church as a pastor, seminary professor, and one of the founders of the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil. It was a privilege to participate, with the community, in the celebration of his remarkable life even as we mourned his passing. He had always been very supportive of Thelma’s and my presence as PC(USA) missionaries serving in the Presbytery of Vitoria, and we will treasure the Brazilian hymnbook that he gave us as a gift a few years ago, in which he wrote these words to us: “I offer this hymnbook, with friendship and admiration for your spontaneous, competent and fruitful ministry which has enriched our church.”
Our lives have been enriched by this community also, and we appreciate the fact that the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil, in partnership with Presbyterian World Mission, opened this ministry opportunity for us at the beginning of 2010. We were strangers, and they invited us in! We aren’t strangers any more, and enjoy being members of the community. We look forward to the remaining months that are left to us before our work here ends at the end of this year.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your interest in our work in service to God’s mission. Thank you for your faithful financial support, which has made our ministry possible. We are also thankful for your prayers. Please continue to support Presbyterian mission workers even as our time of service comes to an end.
As the future unfolds, we will continue to keep in touch about our activities. Thelma joins me in sending special greetings.
Sincerely, in Christ’s service,
Farris Goodrum
The 2015 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 49
Read more about Farris and Thelma Goodrum's ministry
Write to Farris Goodrum
Write to Thelma Goodrum
Individuals: Give to E200349 for Farris and Thelma Goodrum's sending and support
Congregations: Give to D506380 for Farris and Thelma Goodrum's sending and support
Churches are asked to send donations through your congregation’s normal receiving site (this is usually your presbytery).
