"Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you heard, the H1N1 flu virus hit our area and many people have been sick...one very important one to me--Mike! He was in bed for a week and although has recovered from his symptoms, is still feeling weak. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement during this time...I now have a brief glimpse at what it feels like to be a "single mom!" Due to the flu scare, all schools in our state closed down for over 2 weeks and have now implemented Saturday classes. The kids didn't mind the break but they are not too happy about getting up on Saturday mornings at 6am to get ready for school! Please continue to pray for all of our students as we enter the last quarter.

We've had a flurry of visitors over the past two months. The Smith family from Columbus came and began our painting project. My teacher friends, Chris and Cindy were here for three weeks and returned to the states on the same day that Carrie from Tremont, Illinois arrived to help out in Turvo. Then, another group from Columbus (Sonya, Colleen, Sue, Teresa, and Lauren) arrived with the Stuber family to continue painting and playing with the kids. The Stuber family left this past Saturday with their new daughter, Nina and will spend the remaining of their time in Curitiba and Sao Paulo before returning to the states. Denis and Daniele, a brother and sister from Sao Paulo are with us now and have been helping out wherever needed. On Thursday, a group of seven (John and Corinne Gerhardt, Annette, Ivanka, and Melaney Niemiec, and Mark and Kristin Keiper) will arrive from Ohio and Arizona. They plan to continue painting and begin our barn renovation. We praise God for sending so many wonderful people who have shared the love of Christ with our kids. Their servant's hearts and generosity has overwhelmed us. Book your tickets now for a visit to CLM! :)

Some very exciting news for us is Jake and Amanda Teeter's return to CLM! They have finished their language studies in Guarapuava and will move into their new home here at Entre Rios this Friday. They are coming at a perfect time because our director, Mary Gibson, will be travelling to the states during the month of October and we are blessed that they will be here to help fill the void of her absence. Jake is very gifted with computers and Amanda is an occupational therapist. They are going to make a great addition to our team. I also just received an email from Talissa who had visited us several months ago...she has already bought her tickets to return in January for 6 months! God is so faithful! Please continue to pray for all of our short-term and full-time missionaries.

Mike has recently taken on the responsibility of Staff Coordinator. His pastor's heart has always felt a call to minister to the other missionaries and this position has opened up this opportunity. Over the past several weeks, he has met individually with each one and discussed future goals and dreams for ministry. He has offered encouragement, organized schedules, helped to resolve conflicts, and most importantly, covered each in prayer. We have implemented several things to help with better communication among the staff and feel that it has made a positive impact on our team dynamics. Thank you for continuing to pray for each person that allows CLM to reach out to our kids!

I have to be honest and share that I'm struggling with my responsibility as Education Coordinator. With 27 students at three different schools, it has been more than challenging to make sure that each one has their homework done, let alone do any other enrichment activities with them. Preparing meals, sorting laundry, overseeing chores, helping with baths, resolving conflicts between the kids, and taking care of the baby always takes priority. My goal to read and practice math facts throughout the week has proven impossible and it has been rather discouraging. You can imagine how grateful I am that Amanda and Jake will soon be here! :) Please pray for me as I continue to give my schedule to the Lord! 

Lastly, we had a special presentation at church on Sunday night and a young couple asked Jesus to be their Savior! Five of our girls also went up front to re-commit their lives to the Lord: Janete, Lucilene, Patricia, Caroline and Luana. We are excited to see the Holy Spirit working in our church and in the hearts of our kids! Please pray especially for each of these young girls as they continue to seek direction for their future.

WE LOVE YOU!

PS Remember to check out our blog for our latest photos!

In His Service,
Mike and Mary
www.clmbrazil.blogspot.com

Field Address:
Fazenda Canaa
c/o Mike and Mary Cochran
CP 2061 Guarapuava, PR
85139-400 Brazil

Contributions:
First Friends Church
5455 Market Ave. North
Canton, OH 44714

Reaching the World...One Child at a Time"