Missionary John Leonard

September, 2007

2007-09-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Praying Friends,

II Corinthians 4:16 says "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." What a comfort this verse has been to us!! In the midst of trials, we know that the Lord will renew our spirits every day!!

CHALLENGES
We are writing a brief up-date from the "Lan House" (a place where you go to get on the internet for a short period of time and pay a small fee) which is about a 15 minute drive from our home. Yes, we have been in contact with the server that we have for internet in our home, called "Speedy" five times since it stopped working last Wednesday. Each time, they told us that within 24 hours we would be receiving a call from a technician to resolve the problem. No calls until now. Actually, John got on yesterday and told them the situation, and they now have promised that a technician will come to our home within 48 hours. I guess that is progress!?! At any rate we are thinking of recommending that they change their server name to anything other than "Speedy!!" But we know that we need to have patience and be thankful in ALL things, so that is what we are trying to do. Please pray that we would be the examples we should be in this situation, and that soon the internet service would be returned to our home. Also, on Friday, John's power wheelchair went on the blink. In the States, we would simply make our way out to West Des Moines, have them fix it, and go on with life. However, down here, things are not that easy. Without the internet, we were not able to ask our prayer team to pray, but we know that many of you prayed anyway, since John was able to use the guys that are doing the construction here at the church to make it so that he could at least use it. So we appreciate so much your prayers. But tomorrow(Wednesday, August 29, we are headed to Sao Paulo to see if we can find someone to fix it right. Please pray for safety, as one of the problems has been that when John is riding in the van, the chair will flip over on it's side. (VERY SCARY!!! to say the least) Fortunately, we do have his manual chair, and we will most likely use that for travelling tomorrow. But, we asked our son Jerrod to send us the tie-downs from our van in the States. We were getting along fine without them before (we had "rigged" something else that was working), but it seems that it now is somewhat "out of balance" -- possibly because of the "rough terrain" that John goes on down here!! One of the guys from our church recommended a person here in town that has a "forklift" company, that may be able help a little. We knew that there was one "Invacare" representative here in Brazil, but they are in Porto Alegre which is at least 10 hours by car from us. We called them and asked them for a name of someone near us that would fix it and their response was "just send the chair to us and we will fix it!" Very "simple" solution!! Continue to pray for this matter that the Lord's will be done. We are confident He is going to work everything out for His glory and that He has a good purpose for all of this!
BLESSINGS
OK...enough of that...lets move on to the Lord's blessings, which are always abundant!! Our Thursday night Bible study has been so exciting! Continue to pray for the six unsaved people who are attending on a regular basis. We are studying through the book of John, and at last week's study, we sensed that the Lord was really working in their lives. Pray that soon we will see decisions.

Claudio and Isabel came to the couples' meeting we had last Saturday evening, and we were so encouraged. They are slowly coming around. Adam and his family were all in church on Sunday evening, and they are also gradually becoming more faithful at the services. Both of Juvana's parents were in the service on Sunday evening (Jose and Dottie). They are not only unsaved, but also our neighbors, and we are trying earnestly to reach them for the Lord.

Wow!! Something VERY EXCITING we heard from our church in Coqueiro Seco (the church were the incident with John occurred)... One of the ladies of our church who is very dear to our family, Ana, accepted Christ as Savior!! We have prayed for her since the work began, and our hearts were just overjoyed when we heard this news. She and her husband, Nene, are the ones that are still living on the property there, and they are a great couple. Nene accepted Christ as Savior the Sunday after our inauguration service back in April of 2004. He has been a blessing in the work there. Continue to pray for Pastor Andre and Deborah as they labor faithfully there. They are also reporting five recent desicions for Christ in the adolescents' group they have on Saturday afternoons. Praise the Lord, He is still at work in Coqueiro Seco. We are also requesting prayer that a missionary would step in to help out there. When we started that work, we were planning to be there the rest of our lives. It is in a very needy village, and we knew it would probably take a long time to totally nationalize it, since the salaries that the people make there are small. Perhaps someone reading this letter would be burdened for this ministry!! We have a missionary family that has shown some interest, but the earliest they can take over would be in June of 2008. It would be great if someone could step in to help out right now!! If you feel the Lord calling you to be a part of this ministry in some way, please let us know!

The girls officially started home schooling this past Monday, the 27th of August. It is going fine, but please pray for patience as the year goes on for all of us. Also pray for Josh and Jerrod who have begun their semester at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA. We thank you for your prayers for Josh. He recently went back to the doctor for a check-up, and found out that there was already blood-flow through the part of the hip that was operated on. The doctor had said that it could take up to a year for this to happen, and it happened in about a month and a half!! Once again, your prayers at work!! We are also thankful that he is able to continue his studies at Faith, as we were not sure if he would be healed up in time. Pray for our guys that they would take their studies seriously and follow the Lord's leading in their lives.

We apologize to those of you who have written personal e-mails to us in recent days. Most of you know that we try hard to answer them within one week of receiving them, but it was not possible this time. As soon as our "Speedy" internet service returns, we will reply to you!

Being renewed day by day,
John and Bev Leonard and family

August 14, 2007

2007-08-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Praying Friends,

PEOPLE
Praise the Lord for His goodness!! Thank you for your prayers for the outreach ministry we had on Saturday, August 11th. Sixty people from a church in a neighboring town came for the day to help us canvass the entire area here with tracts and invitations to the film night that we had. The film "Left Behind" was shown, and although there were not as many results as we would have liked, we know that many tracts were left in the hands of those around us and we are just letting the Lord work. Many of you prayed for "Cristiane" who came to our Corn night. Actually, we need to correct the name, since we had mixed her up with another lady. Her actual name is JUVANA, and even though she has not visited the church, her mother, Dottie, was at the meeting on Sunday night!! We were so thrilled to see her! Continue to remember Juvana and Dottie and family in prayer. Pray also for Claudio. We also asked recently that you pray for Odair, who is participating in one of our Bible studies. He is growing by leaps and bounds in the Lord and actually brought his friend, Claudio, out here to the church to be saved during the week! It was neat! He was so ready to accept Christ, and he was also in the service on Sunday night, along with his wife, Isabel. Bev talked quite awhile with Isabel, and she is not a Christian--has a Catholic background, but we feel that she is close to making a decision. She is happy with Claudio's decision to become a Christian. Also, we were able to begin a brand new Bible study at Adriano and Renata's place of business this past Thursday evening. It was a real blessing, as there were six who were not saved and of those six, three of them had never participated in a Bible study of any kind. We are going through a study in John and they seemed to really enjoy it. Continue to pray that the Lord would use this as a tool to reach them with the Gospel.

CONSTRUCTION
The church roof is covered!! We are very excited! The plastering of the outside has been completed, and there is a large group of workers that is coming on Saturday to do the inside. Bev will be helping to make the "bean soup" with rice that they like to make to feed large groups. It is called "feijoada" and is made with black beans. Even though it is quite tasty, the "meat" that they throw in the pot to make it flavorful can be quite "unappetizing," to say the least. How can we say this nicely? Let's see...do you know what normally goes into a good old American hotdog? That is what they put into the beans without grinding it up!! John really gets into this kind of thing and can't wait to go buy the "meat" sometime this week. Bev is not quite so anxious. Enough of that subject!! Continue to pray for the construction of the church. It has been a true blessing to see it all come together and the best part has been to see the participation of the Brazilians!!

FAMILY
As far as we know, the boys are doing fine. Never in our lives have we been so excited to receive these occasional one to two line e-mails!! Perhaps it is just because they are boys and don't like to put anything "extra" in their letters--only the very basics. But we love them, just the same! Please continue to pray for Josh and Jerrod. It seems that Josh has healed up nicely from his surgery and that he will be able to begin classes at FBBC soon. We are so grateful for the Rotz family in Chariton, IA who have graciously taken Josh into their home at this time. Jerrod is at Bev's brother, Curt's house in Ankeny, IA and is doing fine. He told us he is ready and seems pretty excited about going to college. They both desire to be used of the Lord in His service, and please pray with us that this dream of theirs would someday become a reality!! Jonna and Jeanne are doing well. Jeanne had a good 14th birthday. We invited the youth group over (12 youth besides Jonna and Jeanne) and they were all so quiet at first! We were wondering how the whole thing was going to go. Since they were eating homemade pizza, though, we think they were all just hungry. After that, the Coke really "kicked in" and it was hard to get them to settle down! To top everything off, when it was time for them to leave, John asked who wanted to come in the bedroom and "watch the show" of us getting him from the chair into bed. There was a rather wild RUSH to the door, and they all lined up at the end of the bed to "see it happen!!" Kind of crazy, but it was lots of fun, and something they will always remember!! Not sure who is crazier, John or the youth! Your prayers for our family are always appreciated.

Thank you, dear ones, for praying for us! We will stay in touch! In His service, John and Bev Leonard

Brief up-date from the Leonards...

2007-07-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

PRAISE

-That Josh came through the hip surgery well, and is recuperating in Chariton, IA.

-That we had great attendance at our church services yesterday despite the low temperatures (53 degrees and no heat in the church building!)

-That the new believers are growing and excited about the things of the Lord

PRAYER

-For the 11th of August--a special day when we will host a group of 45 believers from another church who will come and spend the day with us evangelizing and canvassing our section of town. We are planning to show the first video of the "Left Behind" series that night as a means to reach out to the unbelievers.

-For continued growth in the lives of Adam and family and other new believers.

-For the unsaved believers and others who came to the Corn Fest--especially Cristiane who recently came close to accepting Christ as Savior.

-For the construction going on at the church--pray that the ceiling of the church gets finished quickly.

-For Josh that he will be able to begin classes at FBBC on August 21 and also for Jerrod as he begins classes at Faith as well.

July 24th Update

2007-07-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Just a note to thank you all for praying for our Corn Fest. It was a great success--the Lord stopped the rain!!! Please take a moment to thank Him for this wonderful answer to prayer. It was a picture perfect day...we were able to have a bonfire and everything went just as we had planned. We are giving the Lord the glory for the great crowd--between 150 and 200 people. (we will send more pictures of the crowd later...our camera stopped working during the service, and we are getting pictures from another person). MANY unsaved came to our church for the first time. One lady came extremely close to accepting Christ as Savior. She came to Bev and said she needed to talk to John after the service. After their conversation, John asked her if she wanted to get saved, but she just wouldn't give her heart to the Lord, even though she knew she should. Please continue to pray for Cristiane and others who heard the clear plan of salvation.

Our meeting was able to be held in our new auditorium. One half of the ceiling is on and one half is off. John has been kept busy with this project. It is looking nice!!

Bev and girls served on the decorations committee. It was fun, and the results were rewarding!

The men talking outside in front of the bonfire.

Roberta served in the kitchen.

Dear Prayer Team

2007-07-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Team,

Greetings from the rain forest of Brazil!! Well...we are not exactly in the rain forest, but it is raining, and where we live, there are lots of trees, wild birds such as parrots, toucans, small squirrels, and last week, we saw a wild monkey running in the middle of the divided highway! We have been here in Brazil for over a month now, and we are still trying to get adjusted to the differences between here and the States. But we love it!! People are getting saved, being discipled, and it is wonderful to see the results of changed lives.

PRAISE ITEM

WE HAVE INTERNET IN OUR HOME!!! Since it was quite the process to get it here, we are all very excited!!! The desire of our hearts is to stay in better touch now that we don't have to go somewhere else to write our letters. If you want to contact us by e-mail, we should be able to answer our letters more quickly now.

PEOPLE

Continue to pray for our new convert, Adam, and family. They are doing well, but have had some sickness and have missed church. This past Sunday they were not in the service. Pray also for Guilherme, a man who was saved as a result of the special couple's banquet we had recently. Not only did he receive Christ as Savior, he also made the decision to restore his marriage with Ivonete! We are all very excited for them! They decided to go on a "honeymoon" and guess where they went? Back to the city where we formerly worked--Maceio in the stat of Alagoas! We can understand their desire to go there, since it is truly a beautiful city. Pray also for the Bible study that we are participating in, which has been a blessing. There are four couples who are involved. One of the things we are all working at is setting aside a specific time to spend with the Lord each day. One of the couples admitted that they did the entire lesson Sunday afternoon right before the study. We were so thankful for their honesty and openness! Pray that God will honor Odair and Miquele, and that soon they will be having faithful daily devotions. Another part of our study is memorizing key passages of Scripture. This has been a challenge, not only for the new converts, but also for us "old converts!"

CONSTRUCTION

As you know, construction has always been something that John has enjoyed in the ministry here in Brazil. It seems that not much has changed, since last week, he had a total of three constructions going all at once...the roof being put on the church auditorium, an upstairs storage/classroom, and also a garage for our van. Between the three of them, John's wheels were running most of the day! In the U.S., we didn't have to charge up his battery all that often, but now, he is on "E" (empty) every other night!! He continues to do what he did before...buying construction materials in different places and giving out the Gospel as he goes from store to store. The people of the church were surprised when he wanted 60 invitations to the special event we have planned for this coming Saturday night--which is called "Corn Fest" (details below). Yesterday I noticed that there were very few invitations left in the glove compartment of the car. He has invited so many people!! But continue to remember to pray for the constructions that we have going on...especially the covering of the church auditorium. We are now meeting in the fellowship room beside the kitchen, and it is pretty full in our main weekly meetings on Sunday nights (attendance has been in the lower 60's).

SPECIAL EVENT

As we mentioned, we are planning a special evening this coming Saturday here on the church property. Harvest is over, and the celebrations throughout Brazil begin. There are typically three major festivals, St. Paul, St. Peter, and St. Anthony which are commemorated by having a bonfire, shooting off fireworks, and eating traditional foods made of corn (corn bread, corn pudding, roasted ears of corn, corn cake, popcorn...on and on the list goes). We have waited until the end of the public happenings to do ours and are calling ours not a Saint Day, but a Corn Fest. Since we have plenty of space, we are able to do this for the community and it has become a big annual event. Our goal has been to invite only unbelievers, since the purpose is to reach the unsaved with the Gospel. John has been asked to speak, and we are expecting at least 100 people to come. We are asking that you pray with us that the rain will stop, and that many will accept Christ as Savior through this ministry this coming Saturday evening.

HEALTH

Thank you for your prayers for John's health. He has done very well--minor difficulties only, and we are very grateful to the Lord for the way He has answered our petitions. Otherwise, we are doing fine...Jeanne had a 2-3 day flu last week, but is doing fine now. She is at the moment helping build a bench, since we are planning to have lots of extra people on Saturday night. Please pray for Josh who is having hip surgery in Iowa City today. After having gone to the doctor for a checkup/x-rays, it was discovered that there were several areas of his hip that were not getting proper blood flow, and for this reason, it did not heal correctly. Pray that this surgery will be successful, as the only other option after this would be total hip replacement. We are also requesting prayer for the church people. Many have had a harsh flu, and some have even had to go to the hospital, as did Adriano yesterday.

Where would we be without our prayer team? Probably not here in Brazil, and we are grateful to you for your support. THANK YOU!!!

Working together for Christ,

John and Bev Leonard

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE

2007-06-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE WITH US WHILE WE WAIT TO GET INTERNET IN OUR HOME. FOR RIGHT NOW, WE ARE PAYING A SMALL FEE TO GET ON THE INTERNET AT A VIDEO RENTAL BUSINESS ABOUT 4 MILES FROM WHERE WE LIVE. WE WROTE THIS ON MONDAY THINKING THAT WE WOULD GET IT SENT RIGHT AWAY, BUT IT WAS ONLY POSSIBLE RIGHT NOW. KEEP PRAYING!!

We praise the Lord for the way He has blessed our ministry here in Brazil. Saturday evening we were able to do a visit at the home of one of the families that has been attending our services and it was a blessing. Our “made in U.S.A.” aluminum ramp has come in very handy over and over again, and is being used for the Lord to do visits and get into the homes of the Brazilians. The time of communion with Lourdes and Orlando was enjoyable (she plays the guitar, and sang a special number for us!!), and on the way out the door, John was able speak with Lourdes’ brother, David, who is not a Christian. He asked him if he had ever accepted Christ as His personal Savior. His response was that he calls upon the Lord every day, and since the Bible says that “whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved” he felt he would go to heaven when he died. He doesn’t attend church regularly, but promised John that he would come to the meeting last night to hear him preach. We are thankful that not only David came to the service,
but also many other visitors! There were a total of 62 in attendance, and after John finished the message, one of the couples raised their hands and then went forward! John was able to deal with Adam, who came forward for salvation. When Adam was asked why he came, he said that his life was not good and that he was a terrible sinner, but yet he wanted to go to heaven.
He said, “This is my situation, Pastor, and I just wanted to know if there was any way that I would be able to go to heaven.” John was just soo happy to let him know that it didn’t matter how awful or terrible the situation was, God still loves him and wants him to have a home in heaven. Adam was just thrilled to find out that he actually had even a chance to be saved!!
How exciting to hear him pray and accept Christ as his personal Savior. His wife Alzira came forward for assurance of salvation, and we are grateful that the Lord is working in this couple’s lives. Continue to pray for Adam and Alzira to grow in their walk with the Lord and also for David, who attended the service, but needs to be saved.

Health-wise, John is doing very well. We were able to meet his doctor this past Wednesday, and Dr. Thomas seems to be very competent and not hesitant to refer John to other specialists should needs arise. Getting into his elevator to go to his office on the third floor was very tricky, since the elevator was the smallest we have ever been on. We found out that if we did it “catty-cornered” and at a certain point I crossed his feet, it would work! Whew!! There have been so many times down here that we have had to get “creative” to make things happen, but of course that comes quite naturally to John—he sees it as a challenge and it makes life quite
interesting!! Besides preaching, teaching, witnessing, and visitation, John has been able to help out with the construction of the church building right here on the property. He enjoys that immensely and the workers here have already gained a high respect for his knowledge and experience in this area. Praise the Lord together with us for the way the Lord has used John already here in Brazil, and continue to pray for good health and strength to carry on the work.

Jonna and Jeanne have amazed us. We were quite concerned about feeling the loss of Jerrod’s help with John and also around the house. However, the girls have really done a great job at trying to help out more with John. Jerrod always did his “range of motion” therapy on his legs each night before bedtime, and had a time of “training” with the girls before he left Brazil. What was decided is that each girl would do one leg every night. It has worked out well, although we do miss Jerrod a lot. The getting in and out of the van has been a challenge, since we have a ramp that needs to be manually taken out of the van and unfolded every time we get in and out.
The “tie-downs” are ones that we have “rigged,” so they take awhile to figure out. But the girls have done really well at helping John get in and out. So far only one near “mishap” as John’s chair went off the edge of the ramp, but it was right near the bottom, so between the three of us, we were able to get John and the chair “unstuck.” Brazil is sooo different from the U.S., but of course the girls were expecting it, and we think they have surprised themselves as to how easy it has been. They are also helping out a lot around the house, and things are going pretty well so far. Pray for Jonna and Jeanne and their walk with the Lord, and also for their continued
adjustment to life here in Brazil.

Our home is very simple, but nice. Things are pretty well organized now, and we are feeling like we are settling in. There are still some items that we have not found, but each day we take a little time to slowly go through our barrels. When we finally discover something we have been looking for in awhile, we get all excited!! Party time!!! When my 13 year old Kitchen Aid
mixer (it is still in great shape) was found, I suddenly became a new person. Who cares if I have to balance it on a small wooden stool and plug it into a transformer each time I use it!!!! Hey, it works and it is a “wife-saver” down here in Brazil! The girls also found their aquarium and
now bugging us to buy some fish. What makes John happiest is the finding of his tools. Even though he can’t actually use them now, God has provided a couple of workers to be his “hands” and it is great to see his face light up when he sees progress in the construction going on here at the church.

Thank you again for your prayers for our family and ministry. Our adjustment time has gone extremely smoothly, and we are confident that it is because the prayers of our support team!!

May the Lord continue to bless each one of you!

Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard

Back in Brazil

2007-06-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Just a brief note to let you know that we made it to Brazil!!! Things went
so much more smoothly than what we expected. We were able to hand some
tracts out on our journey, for which we are thankful. John made the trip
very well, and is absolutely delighted to be back on the field. It is hard
to say how many times we have thanked the Lord for His goodness.

John was able to speak for the first time this past Sunday evening, and it
was so great to see the way the Lord worked. After he preached, the
Brazilian Pastor (Celso) went up afterwards to give the invitation and could
hardly speak. Through his tears, he did give the invitation, and although no
salvation decisions were made, there were approximately 15 Christians who
went forward to dedicate their lives completely to the Lord. Continue to
pray that God would use us in this new ministry.

We are getting settled into our home, and things are going well. Guess
what we have in our front yard? A beautiful poinsettia plant!! Some other
good news, our boys are back in the States safe and sound...even though we
miss them TERRIBLY, we are thankful that they are "on solid ground."
Continue to pray for them and also for the girls who are adjusting quite
well to life in Brazil.

Thank you again for your prayers. We appreciate each one so much! We will
send more details in the future.

Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard

UP, UP AND AWAY

2007-05-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Up on the Forklift!

Recently, we were in Eastern Iowa picking up some used medical equipment. While there, we were asked to speak to a group of young people in “The Loft,” not knowing any of the details. Upon arrival, the details became VERY clear. It was a literal barn loft. Because John’s wheelchair weighs 378 pounds, and John is 6’4, 207 pounds, it was not feasible to take the stair route, as everyone else did. John’s way up was a fork lift! We praise the Lord for the opportunity, the many who attended, the prepared hearts, and the decisions that were made. Thank you, Pastor Sauser, Mr. Jones, Mr. Kinzenbaw, and Harvest Baptist Church, Williamsburg, IA, for the thrill, the ride, and the blessing!

Up-“Sprout”

Our son, Joshua (5’ll”), who has finished his first semester at Faith Baptist Bible College, is taller than Bev. Our son, Jerrod (6’5”), who just yesterday graduated from Ankeny High School, is taller than John! They are both looking forward to next year at FBBC. Please pray for the many changes and decisions as they remain here in the United States.

Up With Support

When John resigned from his job in 1988, we had to put our faith and trust totally in God’s hands to take care of us no matter what. Looking back on that moment, and being truthful about it, we can say that it was not easy. But we are glad He gave us the strength to go forward. Two wonderful years of deputation followed and on August 14, 1990, we were up in the air headed towards the mission field of Brazil. At that time, there were 28 supporting churches that we represented as missionary church planters. Over the years, five churches have been established in Brazil, but seven of the supporting churches have sadly closed their doors. While going through this time of medical treatment and waiting, Baptist Mid-Missions advised us to go back on the deputation trail. As before, it was a marvelous time of travel and sharing our hearts. We are overjoyed to announce that three new churches and nine individuals are now a part of our support team. Yes, our Lord has NEVER let us down, and He assures us that He NEVER will. “I will NEVER leave thee nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Up With the Building

Many aspects of the work we have done as church planters are still possible, but some, because of John’s tetraplegia, are not. Baptist Mid-Missions and many of the individuals and churches that we represent counseled and advised us that teaming with another missionary would be the path to take. After many months of letter-writing, searching, and praying, we praise the Lord that Terry and Wendy Broyles invited us to work with them. Even though we are many miles away, Terry and John have been able to put up the walls of a building, and as we write, the roof is going on. We are looking forward to ministering in that neighborhood and worshipping God in that building.

Up in the Skies

On May 30^th, at 9:30 p.m., we will be taking off from O’Hare airport in Chicago. After 10 ½ hours of being UP in the skies, we will arrive in Brazil. Bev recently spoke with a lady that has been a stewardess for many years. She told Bev that in all her years of experience she has only seen two tetraplegics flying, and neither one was a good experience. Our family has been praying. We are not looking forward to the trip, but we are looking forward to arriving. We know God will be with us and that you will be praying.

Lift Up

Your prayers have not only been lifted up, but answered. What man and medicine stated as impossible, has become possible. God has answered your prayers. We have scheduled to send you our next letter from the mission field!! Our family cannot place into words the joy, gratitude and thanksgiving that we have for you at this memorable moment. We invite you to return with us to the throne of Grace, not to ask, but to praise and honor our Lord, as the healed leper did in Luke 17:15&16.

KEEP LOOKING UP!

John and Bev Leonard

Official Medical Clearance

2007-03-31T21:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Team,

Thank you so much for your prayers!! Just this past Wednesday, March 28th, John received official medical clearance from the staff (pictured above) at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado!! When John asked the question, "Can I go back to Brazil in May?" at our final conference Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Maureen Preston (see above--blue jacket) responded, "I would say, have at it!!!" We were overjoyed to hear those words, to say the least!! They did a thorough check-up on John--tried everything to find something that wasn't right, but once again, the Lord was good and they gave him a "clean bill of health." Please thank the Lord together with us for this wonderful answer to prayer.

Continue to pray as Jerrod and Bev will make quick journeys to Brazil to take care of visa documentation, and also make sure that all is in place for our move to Brazil in May. They will travel separately since we both help out a lot with caring for John.

We greatly appreciate your prayers on our behalf for safety on the roads and also for strength for our speaking engagements. All of our meetings have been such a blessing--it would be hard to pinpoint a "highlight" since each one was unique and God continues to use John for His glory. Our schedule is slacking off now somewhat and we will be able to concentrate more on packing/preparing for our trip. Although it will be different, we are confident that the Lord will see us through and give us wisdom as we go forward with this endeavor. Our plans are for the entire family to go down to Brazil together, and then the boys will be coming back after a week's stay. They will help us get moved and all settled in.

Here is what our up-coming schedule looks like:

April 10—Bible study at Employer’s Mutual, Des Moines, IA

April 11-13—Conference—Tabernacle Baptist, Coralville, IA

April 15—Floris Baptist Church, Floris, IA

April 16—IARBC conference, First Baptist Church, Creston, IA

April 22—First Baptist Church, Creston, IA

April 29--Senior night for Jerrod--Saylorville Baptist Church, Des Moines, IA

You are a vital part of our ministry!! Thank you!

Sincerely in Christ,

John and Bev Leonard

March Update & Schedule

2007-03-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

March 2, 2007

Just a brief note to let you know what is going on with the Leonards. As we write this letter, we are looking outside at the snowstorm/blizzard the Lord has sent our way. It is beautiful!! It has made us slow down a little and get lots of things done here at home.

OPPORTUNITIES

Let us tell you of a few of the chances the Lord has given to us to reach out to others. A month ago, we were in Kansas City, KS where John spoke at Olivet Baptist and one person went forward for salvation along with nine others who made various other decisions. The weekend following that, we spoke at a sweetheart banquet at Jeffers Baptist in Jeffers, MN. The people of the church used this as an opportunity to reach out into the community, and many unsaved came and heard John's story and also the clear plan of salvation. Afterwards, both John and Bev had opportunities to answer more questions and further explain the Gospel to several. In Harlan, IA at Grace Baptist, a man came up and talked to John afterwards about salvation, and we are not sure whether he has accepted Christ as Savior or not. We also saw the Lord work in the lives of many at Grace Baptist in Chariton, IA last week in the morning service and then again at Sweet Springs Baptist in Huntsville, MO in the evening. On Wednesday night, the Lord gave us the opportunity to speak to a JOY club at Faith Baptist in Cambridge, IA. What a thrill it was to see three adolescents stay afterwards and talk to their leaders about receiving Christ as Savior! Besides this, we are asking prayer for two individuals who have been attending the Bible study we have at the D.O.T. in Ames every other Wednesday. They are Stan and Yvonne--we feel they are very close to coming to know Christ.

The Lord has also been using our kids in His work. Jerrod was on-line recently talking to one of his friends (Chaz) from work when he began to ask questions about "spiritual matters." He was able to lead him to the Lord, and is now discipling him. Also our neighbor girl, Laura, has been attending youth group and we feel she is very close to being saved. Please continue to remember our family as we seek to continue spreading the truth of God's Word to those around us.

TRAVELS

Continue to pray for our travels. This is a brief summary of our up-coming schedule.

March 4--Harvest Baptist, Williamsburg, IA

March 11--Faith Baptist, Prairie City, IA (A.M.)

March 11--Rapids Street Baptist, Adel, IA (P.M.)

March 18-21--Holmes Baptist, Clarion, IA (missionary conference)

March 23--State RBC Association meeting, South Holly Baptist, Centennial, CO

March 25--Rustic Hills Baptist, Colorado Springs, CO (a.m.)

March 25--Calvary Community Baptist, Northglenn, CO (p.m.)

March 26-30--Craig Hospital, Englewood, CO (medical evaluation)

As you can see, we have a full month, and are asking that you will partner with us and pray not only that the Lord would continue to use us, but also for safety as we travel. Pray also regarding John's check-up at Craig Hospital, which will be the final medical clearance for us to return to the field of Brazil on May 30th as we desire.

FAMILY

Josh is studying now at Faith Baptist Bible College and seems to be adjusting quite well. Since he had been "out of the education loop" for awhile, he had a bit of a hard time academically at first. As far as we can tell, things are going better now, and we are thankful that the Lord has given this opportunity for him to grow both spiritually and emotionally. He will be home for spring break this coming week. Jerrod has been growing spiritually since he has begun to disciple his friend, Chaz. We find him coming to us to ask Biblical questions, which makes us very happy!! Jonna and Jeanne are also being more faithful with their daily devotions and are growing in their walks with the Lord. Please pray for the following requests for our children.

-Josh--for continued spiritual and emotional growth...also for physical strength.

-Jerrod--for continued spiritual growth and that the details of his studying at FBBC in the fall would be worked out.

-Jonna and Jeanne--for continued spiritual growth and that they would be able to adjust as we go back to the mission field of Brazil in May.

THANKYOU!

Thank you to our team for your prayers for us!! They mean so much.

Sincerely in Christ,

John and Bev Leonard and family

2006 Review, 2007 Preview

2007-01-04T15:12:00.000-08:00

Ministry
The year 2006 is now history!! We praise the Lord for the many blessings He has given to us. The most exciting part of 2006 was all of the speaking opportunities we had. There were engagements at missionary conferences, camps, churches, Bible studies, AWANA clubs, VBS's, state and regional meetings, radio and TV stations, banquets, Bible colleges, missionary headquarters, weddings...the list goes on!! Praise the Lord for each opportunity He gave to us to proclaim the greatness of our Lord to others. As we mentioned in our last up-date, many have come to know Christ as Savior, and others have dedicated their lives to the Lord. Still others have made major changes in their Christian lives, and nearly all have been challenged by John's example. What a joy it is to see the Lord changing hearts and lives!

One other item of praise is that the Lord allowed us to meet ALL of our commitments last year. Bad weather came, but the Lord seemed to clear the roads when it was time for our meetings. Our van broke down, but not once when we were out on the road going to or from a service. John had a few "down moments" when it came to health, but never when it was time for him to preach God's Word. (At our most recent medical appointment, the doctor called John's health "remarkable.) Words can't describe how thankful we are to our Lord for His care for us, and also to you, our prayer team for your prayers on our behalf. Let's praise the Lord together now for His goodness.

Brazil
Recent contacts with Brazil have let us know that our church in Graciliano Ramos has been going through a difficult time. A prayer request would be that the Lord would undertake in a miraculous way and that the work would continue to go forward for His glory. We have heard good reports from the other churches in Juazeiro, Barro Duro, Rio Largo, and Coqueiro Seco. Continue to remember the work at the fishing village (Coqueiro Seco). Our plan was to spend the rest of our lives there at that work, so there are some great needs there. However, Pastor Andre and Deborah are doing a good job and the work is growing. Believe it or not, just now as we were writing this up-date, a young girl from Coqueiro Seco sent this picture through to us. The ladies did a special number at the New Year's Eve service which was a true blessing. It was especially thrilling to see the newest convert, Jackeline, (at the far left in white) singing and participating. Thank you for remembering all of our works in prayer.

Future
The year 2007 is one that we are really looking forward to. Our plans are to head back to Brazil in May. Although the Lord has changed our location, we are still very anxious to be able to be used of Him to reach Brazilians with the Gospel of Christ. Our schedule between now and May here in the States is very full--especially on the weekends. We also have a trip to Craig Hospital in Colorado planned near the end of March. Pray with us that John will get a good report and that nothing would hold back our goal of getting back on the mission field soon.

Family
The family is doing well. Our Christmas was great. We were honored to receive many visitors from both sides of the family and also lots of friends. Josh finished up at the School of the Blind and came home with a beautiful cedar chest he had made blindfolded! What a great Christmas present!! He has his suitcases packed and will be heading over to Faith Baptist Bible College tomorrow. Orientation starts Monday and classes on Wednesday. Jerrod will be finishing up his last semester in May, working at Hy-Vee grocery store, and also attending FBBC in August, the Lord willing. Jonna is a sophmore at Ankeny High, and continues working at McDonalds. Jeanne is an 8th grader at Northview Middle School. Thank you for your continued prayers for God's work and also for our family.

Pictures

2006-09-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Did you notice that John wrote the August 28th up-date using the new voice-activated software that the Lord gave to us? He is also now feeding himself and is making great progress in his therapy.

We thought we would share with you some of the pictures that were taken of the youth camp in Clear Lake, IA that John spoke at recently. Over 500 kids participated. To “break the ice” each day before the missions hour, he had the teens volunteer to eat “interesting foods” so that they would better be prepared if the Lord called them to the mission field some day!

Here is a picture of all the young people that went forward the last day to say that they felt the Lord calling them into missions. There were approximately 35 girls and 15 guys. We had the privilege of talking to them and praying together as a group. Below is a closer picture of John praying with the guys.

Greetings!

2006-08-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

We praise the Lord for the opportunities that He is giving us to serve him. We had various prayer requests and God answered them all. We prayed for the young people who would be at the camp during high school week that their hearts would be ready and receptive.We also prayed that we would have strength to fulfill all our speaking obligations. Fifteen salvation and 50 missions ministries decisions were made.

Participating in the Baptist Mid-missions North American field conference was also a wonderful experience. We shared with them how that our Lord has given us strength and allowed us to be fruitful in times of great trials. The main verse we used is found in Second Timothy chapter 1 verse seven "For God hath not given us spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind."

During family camp, for the missions hour we used the life story of Brazilian believers to help us illustrate the message and theme for the week "turning the world upside down." We also had a Bible study with the young people every morning. Bev and I greatly enjoyed sharing with 51 young men and ladies.

Between now and when we will be medically released for our return to the mission field of Brazil (April, 2007) God has given us many opportunities to speak, share and minister.

We spend much time communicating with our churches in Brazil. Through your prayers God is giving them strength to face every challenge.

This is the first letter I have personally written since I was injured and am thrilled that I'm once again able communicate with you.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Be certain that our God will bless you for your time spent with Him.

Until next time:
Missionaries John and Beverly Leonard

Your prayers continue to be answered!

2006-07-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Your prayers continue to be answered! Just this passed week we were honored to receive an invitation from the Terry Broyles family to team up with them and continue our church planting ministry in Brazil. They are located approximately one hour from one of the best hospitals in South America. Once again, we ask that you praise the Lord together with us for this answer to our prayers. The ministry they have is going well, and their desire is to eventually reach out into other nearby areas. In our next few up-dates, we will be giving you more details of the work there.

John has a great desire to continue to be used of the Lord here in the States while we wait for medical clearance which will be at the earliest April, 2007. How grateful we are for continued opportunities of ministry! Next week, July 24-28, we will be the missionary speakers for senior highers at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp in Clear Lake, IA. Pray with us that God would use us to reach into the hearts of these teens for salvation, dedication, or full time Christian service. We will then be participating in a Baptist Mid-missions conference at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA July 31-August 3rd. Next we will be the missons/teen speakers for a week of Family camp at IRBC August 5-11. After that, we will be speaking at various churches on the weekends, be involved in missionary conferences and also teaching Bible studies during the week. Continue to pray for safety as we travel and most importantly, that the Lord would use us mightily.

The family is fine--Josh is continuing with his course at the Department for the Blind here in Des Moines, IA. Many times he comes home on Sunday to spend the day with us. He seems happy, but that is not unusual!! Pray that he will finish his course in time to attend Faith Baptist Bible College in January of 2007. Jerrod's Hy-Vee garden center job is through--it was seasonal, but now he is working at the Hy-Vee grocery store. Soon he will be beginning his final year of high school at Ankeny High. He (along with Jonna and Jeanne) plan to attend the senior high week at IRBC with us as well. Jonna is still working at McDonalds and is doing fine. She is a sophmore and will be at Ankeny High this year. One of the birthday presents that she asked for back in March was a day at Adventureland Amusement Park here in Des Moines. She will be headed there this coming Monday and is very excited. Jeanne just got done mowing the lawn. She volunteered to do it since she wanted to "get some sun." She got it all right!! It is nearly 90 degrees out there and it is 11:00 a.m! We told her she needed to get up earlier--maybe she will learn next time!! She can't wait for school to start, and will be in 8th grade at Northview Middle School.

We have been in contact with our churches in Brazil and enjoy hearing what the Lord is doing. The youth group has been a special blessing and many of the children or adolescents have grown up and are now a vital part of the work there. We are including a picture and a brief history of a young man and young lady.

This is Rodrigo who comes from a family of political activists. His aunt is the president of the C.U.T. which is the far left of the communist movement in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. When he was in high school, a friend of his named Washington invited him to some special meetings at our work in Graciliano Ramos. The message he heard there opened many questions about religion, salvation and eternity. He sat down with John, who sought to answer all his questions from the Word of God. He did not get saved, but continued to go to church and ask more questions and get the answers from the same place--God's Word. One night as the invitation was being given, he finally surrendered his life to God and accepted Christ as his personal Savior. Since then, he has finished high school, gone to college, and is now practicing dentistry. Thank you for your prayers which enabled us to reach this young man for Christ.

This is Andrea who met Rodrigo while attending university. Before he invited her to go to church to hear about the Living and True God, and accept Jesus Christ as her Savior, she knew little about salvation and eternity. Her focus and direction was to participate in activist marches and sit-ins. They would block off main highways and disrupt traffic for hours. She praises God for those who were sent to her part of the world to tell her about salvation, hope, and eternity.

Back on Iowa Soil

2006-06-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your prayers for our trip. We are now back on Iowa soil and happy to be here! But what a wonderful trip the Lord gave to us. First Baptist in Edinboro, PA, was where we began our speaking engagements, and we were blessed by being there with those folks on Sunday, May 28. On Tuesday, John spoke at the staff prayer time at Baptist Mid-Missions in Cleveland, OH. We also met with our president, Dr. Anderson, our field representative, Mr. Peters, and our financial advisor, Mr. Beckman, to begin to talk through some of the details of our possible return to the field of Brazil sometime early next year. On Wednesday evening we spoke at First Baptist Church in Bluff City, TN. This is John's sister, Naomi's church, and it was a joy to share with them all that the Lord has done. Thursday was an exciting day since John spoke three times at the jail in Blountville, TN where Naomi's husband, Kent is a chaplain. We praise the Lord that five inmates were saved that day!! Kent has a wonderful discipleship program going there, and he has already begun Bible studies with these men. Saturday took us to John's nephew, Jonathan's wedding in Greensboro, NC. John was asked by the bride and groom to participate by giving the clear plan of salvation to all who attended, and he did a great job. The ceremony was beautiful and God-glorifying. On Sunday we spoke there at the church in Greensboro (South Elm St. Baptist), both in the morning and in the evening and once again were blessed and honored to be used of the Lord. The following Wednesday (June 7th) we arrived in Moberly, MO to participate in a VBS. What a joy it was to be able to share not only with the children during the week, but also with the parents at the closing program on Friday evening. One child accepted Christ as Savior and one lady who claims to be an atheist was at the program on Friday evening. John said that she listened intently when we presented the Gospel, and we continue to pray that the Lord would soften her heart. We topped off our trip by speaking at Bev's "home" church, and also the church where we were married, Victory Baptist in Marysville, KS. Bev is wondering what she liked best...seeing all her family members/friends, the worship/singing time before John spoke, or the DELICIOUS pot luck after the service! (The "home cooking" there just can't be beat!! Of course, she is just a little prejudiced!!) Again, remember to thank the Lord together with us for the safety and health He gave to us on the road and also the blessings of the Lord's work. He is so good!!

John's mother and sister and nephew, Jason are here now. Naomi will have to leave on Friday, but John's mother will be staying awhile. She has already enjoyed attending Jonathan’s wedding (Naomi’s son) and Rebecca’s wedding (Elizabeth’s daughter). Next week she will be having tests nearly every day. This is part of her treatment for thyroid cancer. She plans to be here for at least a month, and we are happy to have her here.

John received many cards and letters for his birthday from Brazil. It was so nice to hear from many of them and also to get up-dates on the work down there. One of the most important pieces of information we found out is that many of the children/young people that were reached while we were there are now dating (many of them seriously) and are being an godly example to many. We are thankful for the Source of Light Bible course on Love, Dating and Marriage that we were able to do with many of them when they were adolescents. Continue to pray that they would stay strong for the Lord and some day be the leaders in our churches. We just received and plan to pass on to you in the near future the pictures of these couples with a short history of each one. We amazed to hear that the Lord has brought together couples there in Maceio! What a blessing!

The kids are fine—Joshua is adjusting and progressing well at the School of the Blind. He has filled out forms for college and continues to make preparations for this next phase of his life. Jerrod is still working at the garden center and Jonna is at McDonalds. They were such good kids while we were gone (what we don't know won't hurt us--right?). They did manage keep the garden watered, lawn mowed, house "half-way" cleaned...etc. so we were glad. Jeanne is VERY glad to be home. She is not going to miss traveling at all--especially loading and un-loading the car!! Of course, we enjoyed having her--it made our lives easier.

Your prayers are being answered--John's continues to get stronger and is being used greatly of the Lord.

Some Pictures from Brazil

2006-05-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

We are gearing up for another trip beginning May 25 and going through June 12th! Our travels this time will take us as far east as Pennsylvania, and as far south as North Carolina. The Lord willing, we will be speaking in the churches, participating in a VBS, attending the wedding of John's nephew, Jonathan, and visiting supporting friends and families. This time, Jeanne plans to go along with us, since the kids will be done with school. Jerrod and Jonna will be staying here in Ankeny so that they can work. Both of us are glad to have Jeanne along since she can help out loading and unloading the car, helping John with needs as we go down the road...etc. It will be a long trip, but we are anxious to see what God will do not only in the lives of those to whom we minister, but also in our own lives. As we travel from church to church, it is amazing the way that the Lord has used His people to change us. In other words, instead of us encouraging others, they are encouraging us!! But we do thank the Lord so much that He has allowed us to continue the work that He began many years ago. A pastor recently shared something with us that he had learned..."Illness does not stop our ministry...it just re-directs it." That stuck with us, and while we realize that our ministry probably will never be exactly the same as it was before, God is still using John greatly, and for this we are grateful. We ask our prayer team once again that you will pray earnestly as we travel--especially that the Lord would bless our ministry, and also for safety and protection on the roads.

We are excited to be able to share some pictures from Brazil with you!!

Pastor Lelo, the man who is directing the work in Graciliano Ramos, Maceio.

Pastor Andre and his wife, Deborah working at the church in Coqueiro Seco where the incident with John occurred. Both Andre and Deborah were saved under the ministry we had in Maceio at Graciliano Ramos years ago!

Baptism on May 7th, 2006 at the church in Coqueiro Seco.

25th wedding anniversary of Lourdes and her husband, Jose. Jose is a man that we have prayed for for years. He still is not a believer, but consented to have their anniversary celebration in the church. Please pray with us for his salvation!

God continues to work in lives in Brazil, and we are thankful for your prayers.

Our Bible studies at the Ames Department of Transportation have been a true blessing. Some who attend have never received Christ as Savior, but are eager to learn truths from the Bible. Recently, one of the regular attendees who is a believer asked us to stay afterwards for counsel. We praise the Lord for these opportunities to be used of the Lord. Continue to pray for this study.

We are looking into the possibility of John doing some continuing out-patient rehabilitation here at Iowa Methodist. He just didn't feel like he was quite ready for this before, but now seems to want it, so we are thankful. His arms have gotten stronger, and he is gradually able to do more than before. He is now able to back onto the lift of the van, activate the lift lever to lift himself up, back on into the van, and shut the door! We are still waiting for his voice activated software to arrive along with the special mouse that he will need, which will allow him to use the computer on his own. Pray with us that soon this equipment will be provided for him.

Our biggest prayer request continues to be that the Lord would clearly reveal to us exactly where he wants us to be in the future. We still feel strongly that He is leading us back to Brazil, but we need to know the location. Pray with us that soon we will know the direction that we are headed.

Where would we be without your prayers?! Thank you again for your faithfulness!

John and Bev Leonard

We're Back!!

2006-04-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

WE'RE BACK!! We are thankful to the Lord that He enabled us to make the trip from Iowa out to a supporting church in Wilson, KS, on to Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO, on out to two of our supporting churches in Arizona, and back again to Iowa!!! When we pulled into the driveway here in Ankeny, IA at 8:00 p.m. last (Wednesday) evening, the first thing we did was to bow our heads and thank the Lord for His goodness to us, and now we are thanking YOU (our prayer team) for your prayers.

One of the first things that we noticed when we arrived was that our house was still "in tact" even after 13 days of three teenagers living inside of it with only "daily phone call" parental authority. Of course, we are GRATEFUL to Megan O'Leary, the daughter of John's cousin, who graciously consented to stay with them and try to keep things somewhat "under control" while we were gone! Actually, things went along very smoothly (at least they SEEM that way!), and it truly was great to see our kids again. Josh has spring break coming up and plans to be here this weekend for Easter. Thank you again for your prayers for our family.

Many have been wondering about our stay at Craig Hospital, and what we found out from them. We were really impressed with their competent staff, and they certainly gave us lots of helpful information concerning John's rehabilitation time that he is going through right now. The staff conference at the end of the week let us know that they felt we received excellent training and care here at Iowa Methodist Hospital (Younker Rehabilitation), and that the progress John has made is quite commendable. The tests that were ran showed that he is in very good health--no signs of any specific problem areas, which is great. We asked them if there was any type of surgery or procedure that could be done to help John get more movement at this time, and they said that there was not at the moment. They went on to say, however, that there are lots of research projects going on right now, and if anything came up they would let us know. We are so grateful that the Lord lead us to Craig, since they are on the cutting edge of all of the latest SCI (spinal cord injury) information, and just by being a patient there automatically qualifies John for further treatment, if something should come up. Another very positive thing that happened was that we also got medical approval to head back to the mission field of Brazil around next year at this time. Their only recommendation was that John come back to have a check-up before we go to the field just to make sure all is well, and also wanted him to come back to Craig for periodic check-ups after that.

The work in Brazil continues to go forward. Pastor Lelo and Andre have informed us of five salvation decisions in recent days. These people are being disciple and prepared for baptism. Some of the children that we lead to the Lord many years ago are dating and one of the couples recently got engaged to be married this up-coming October. The congregation in the town of Igaci is struggling. Pastor Cicero (the Brazilian pastor who came out of retirement) has decided he can no longer lead this small flock because of persecution. It is a great sacrifice on the part of our churches, but they have told us that they are not ready to give up, but will continue the work. Please pray with us as we seek direction from the Lord in who should take over the ministry in Igaci.

We are grateful for your prayers!!

John and Bev Leonard

We made it to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado

2006-04-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Praying Friends,

Just wanted to write a quick up-date to let you know that we made it to Craig Hospital in Englewood, (near Denver) Colorado on Sunday night. Yesterday was a very busy day, as was today. They have kept us hopping with lots of different appointments, and all of them are proving to be very helpful to us. Please continue to pray for us during these days. Our final session will be Thursday afternoon when the entire "team" gets together with us and lets us know what suggestions they have for us for the future. We are also asking that you remember to pray for us on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as we will be making our way out to Mesa, Arizona where we have a meeting at Calvary Baptist Church on Sunday morning and then on to Prescott Valley to Open Door Baptist Church for the evening service. The Lord willing, we are planning to be back home on Thursday or Friday. Our three youngest, Jerrod, Jonna, and Jeanne, stayed at home in Ankeny so that they could go to school. John's cousin's daughter (Megan O'Leary) is staying with the kids. Joshua is at ISB (Iowa School of the Blind) and seems to be adjusting well to his life there. The course he is taking is for six months and he then plans to go on to FBBC--most likely in January, 2007. Thank you for your prayers regarding our time here at Craig, our travels, our meetings in the churches, and also for our kids.

Our churches in Brazil have continued to keep in touch with us. We are highly encouraged at all of the reports of decisions for salvation, baptisms, and special planned events. Our next up-date will include a more detailed up-date along with some pictures of the work. Thank you again for your faithful prayers. God is hearing and answering!!

We truly believe that the Lord is hearing and answering your prayers

2006-03-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since we have up-dated everyone on how things are going here at the Leonard home. It seems that we are still "recovering" from our bouts of sickness that we have had--fortunately, John did not get what the rest of us had, and we truly believe that the Lord is hearing and answering your prayers for his health. The doctor also insisted that he take his flu shot, and now we are so glad that he did that! Bev, Josh and Jeanne had light cases of the "creepy crud," but Jerrod and Jonna were down for almost a week!! It was not good--especially since we depend on them a lot for helping out with John. Jeanne ended up getting some "new training" since she usually does other things while Jerrod and Jonna get the "bulk" of helping with transfers, turning...etc. She really surprised us all with how strong she was!! I think she surprised herself! We even needed to go to a meeting in Rochester, MN with just the three of us (John, Bev, and Jeanne) since the others were "out of commission," and we "prayed our way through" the overnight stay...getting John dressed in the morning, getting him into the chair, etc., but God was our strength and once again He helped us through it! Like always, all "difficult situations" turn into "good," since we found out that our little twelve year old could do more that we thought! We are not sure SHE is so happy we found that out, since she gets called on now more than she did before!! But we praise the Lord for His goodness.

Yes, we have had some blessed meetings since we last wrote including the one at First Baptist Church in Grundy Center, IA, another at Calvary Baptist in Rochester, MN, and this past weekend at Volga, IA. The Lord willing, this coming weekend (March 5), we will be at Calvary Baptist in Adrian, MO, so we are really looking forward to that. We will make out our schedule and put it at the end of our letter so that you can see where we will be in up-coming days. Isn't the Lord awesome? We were able to be out each weekend in February and March is full, and April doesn't lag much behind. Your prayers have sustained us, and we so much appreciate your remembering us. Don't forget to thank the Lord for what He has done, and also please remember to pray especially for safety as we travel. John's "back seat driving" was kind of a bother to Bev at first, but now she is kind of glad for him since he is sure to keep her alert and awake as we go down the highway! She has kind of gotten used to his little "Watch out for that curb!" and "Crazy woman driver!" comments (most of them for a good reason!) But she is gradually improving--the van is larger than what she is used to, so things can get a little "out of control" at times!! Continue to pray not only for our safety, but also for our patience with one another.

This week has been really busy...Monday night we had the privilege of having Heyder and Katia in our home again. They are the Brazilian couple who have been attending at Saylorville. Heyder came to John recently and had some questions about the Bible. John told him to bring his portuguese Bible and come over for a time of study at 7:30 Monday evening. They have been such a blessing to us--they were saved in Brazil, but are "young Christians" who are anxious to grow and learn more about the Lord. Continue to pray especially for Katia, who is homesick for Brazil. Thank you also for your prayers for Annette, Bev's friend whose husband was shot and killed some years back here in Des Moines. Our first visit went well--both Annette and Bev "traded stories" of what happened to their husbands...they cried together and there is certainly a special "bond" that between themselves. She is definitely Buddhist--she showed Bev her "room" where she goes to pray every day--has a picture of her husband on the wall with candles, colored lights and statues all around. She is so sincere, and it will take a lot to reach her, but we know our God is able. Since the first visit was close to Valentine's Day, Bev gave Annette a special "chocolate valentine" with a tract inside, and was also able to tell her that God had been my strength through these difficult days. She then asked if she could meet John, and Bev gave her directions to their home thinking that perhaps they wouldn't hear from her again. But she called Monday night, and asked if she could come for a visit on Tuesday night!! We were so thrilled!! And the perfect opportunity opened up when she asked John what he did for a living. He told her he was a missionary and she said she didn't really know what that was, so John explained it to her, and of course, got around to telling her that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and died for us so that we could have eternal life if we would only accept Him and have a PERSONAL relationship with him. She listened carefully and politely, but kind of changed the subject after. But how we praise the Lord for this opportunity. If that wasn't enough, we were also able to go to Ames to the Department of Transportation for a time of "Bible study" yesterday (Wednesday). One of our friends from Saylorville asked us to do this since the missionary that started it (Russ Matthews) has gone to the field, and we would just take over where he left off. Yesterday was more of an "introductory day" when John gave his testimony and we showed our DVD which talks a little about our work and also what happened to JOhn. It was a great day--the study is only for a half an hour since the workers there at the DOT are doing it over their lunch hour, but they were such a blessing to us! They asked us to come back, so we are thinking of doing it perhaps every other Wednesday. Today (Thursday) we are playing "catch up" on letters, e-mails, laundry...etc., since tomorrow (Friday) we will head out to Iowa City to see how Josh's hip is doing. He is REALLY hoping and praying that he can get rid of his walker--it has been three long months. We ask that you pray with us that this time his hip healed well and that he can now get on with life a little. Then on Saturday we will head to Adrian, MO and Sunday we will speak there, so that pretty much lets you know what this week was like.

We have been in touch with a group of four people who went down to stay in our home in Brazil for a couple of weeks. They seem to have been enjoying their time there. Of course, they got "invaded" a little since our churches in Maceio had a "Carnaval (like 'Marti gra') retreat" out at our place beginning last weekend and going through this WEdnesday. This is something the believers do down there as a "substitute" for all that is going on at that time--about five straight days of worldly, riotous living. We take advantage of the time to have Bible teaching, social events, fellowship...etc, and in the past, we have seen many lives changed (including some who have been saved) as a result of this ministry. We are anxious to talk to Pastor Lelo to find out how it went. He tried calling us yesterday when we were out, and we tried calling him this morning, but were not able to reach him either. But how thankful we are for this opportunity. The group that went down was planning to have a few projects there as well including painting, and just helping out however they could while being there. I believe they come back this coming week. Thank you for praying for them.

The Lord has been working in our hearts regarding our future. There are lots of opportunities to minister here in the States, of course, but we have not done away with the possibility of heading back to Brazil. This is actually the most important prayer request that we are asking our prayer team to join us in. If we did go back, it would most likely not be before the year 2007 sometime. We want to be sure that John is doing very well physically and that he is as far as he can be in regards to his therapy. We are placing our desire to return to the field before the Lord, and asking Him to either shut the doors completely or open them wide. We are seeking His face regarding this decision, and ask that you do the same. Of course, the re-evaluation that we have at Craig Hospital in Denver will help us out with this decision as well. This is coming up on April 2-7th, and we are much in prayer regarding this time.

Thank you once again for your prayers on our behalf.

Here is our schedule for the up-coming two months:

March 5--Calvary Baptist, Adrian, MO
12-Pioneer Baptist, Louisburg, KS (a.m.)
12-Calvary Baptist, Ottawa, KS (p.m.)
17-26--SPRING BREAK FOR OUR KIDS
18--Bev speaking at Regional ladies' meeting
19--Liberty Baptist, Bentonville, AR
20--JOSH TO ISB (IOWA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND)
25-26 Berean Baptist, Marysville, KS (a.m. of 26th)
26-Victory Baptist, Ossawatomie, KS (p.m)
April 2--First Baptist, Wilson, KS (a.m.)
2-7 CRAIG HOSPITAL- ENGLEWOOD, CO
5--Hilltop Baptist, Colorado Springs, CO
9--Calvary Baptist, Mesa, AZ (a.m.)
9--Open Door Baptist, Prescott Valley, AZ (p.m.)
16--EASTER SUNDAY
30--Faith Baptist, Iowa City, IA

What a great day the Lord gave to us...

2006-02-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Praying Friends,
What a great day the Lord gave to us on Sunday! We had the privilege of being at Grace Baptist Church in Chariton, IA the entire day, and it truly was a blessing. This was the first time since John's injury that he was able to speak in both the morning and evening, and we were so thankful that it went well...just needed one "water break" in the morning, but other than that, things went very smoothly. We thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue to remember us in prayer as we minister in our churches. The Lord willing, this coming Sunday morning (February 12th) we will be speaking at First Baptist in Grundy Center, IA and the following (the 19th) at Calvary Baptist in Rochester, MN.

We were so excited to hear back from Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado yesterday!! The first opening that they had for us was the week of April 2-6. The plan is to have a one-week "out-patient evaluation" there. Pray with us that the doctors will discover something that can help John even more than he has been helped already. The Lord willing, after the evaluation, we will head on out to our two churches in Arizona (Mesa and Prescott Valley) to speak there on Sunday, the 9th of April. Please begin to pray with us regarding this entire endeavor including safety as we travel and also for the Lord to use us as we speak in the churches.

Continue to remember our churches in Brazil in prayer. Things seem to be going well at the work in the fishing village as Andre and Deborah have done a great job at making a few changes that needed to be made. VBS is coming up next week, so they are very excited. We will let you know how things go there. Also remember to pray for Pastors Lelo, Paulo, and Lenilson as they continue to work in the other churches. The Lord has provided a retired missionary to work at the new congregation in Igaci, which has been a blessing. Those believers are meeting in a very small rented building, and we have told them that if they are able to get funds together to buy property, we will help them out with the church building. Continue to remember the believers in Brazil. Just today, one of the ladies from the work in Graciliano called us to talk for awhile. Even though my portuguese was a little weak, it was still super to hear from her!

Thank you for your prayers for Heyder and Katia, the Brazilian couple who has been attending Saylorville Baptist. We have been able to minister to them some--not as much as we would like, but we had them in our home and went to theirs as well. We also try to keep in contact with them via telephone. Katia is missing Brazil, so we are trying to encourage her...we know what it is like to be in a "foreign land," far away from family...etc. She is also participating in the ladies' Bible study that is starting this evening at Saylorville Baptist. Bev is planning to sit beside her and try to "translate" anything that she doesn't understand. Continue to pray for spiritual growth in the lives of Heyder and Katia.

We praise the Lord for the contact we have had with a lady called "Annette Banh." One of our friends wrote to us to see if we could get in touch with her since her husband was the victim of a shooting here in Des Moines in recent years. The Lord has burdened our friend for her and several have tried to witness Annette in the past. From what we understand, she is a Buddhist, and we will be going to her house tomorrow (Thursday) evening to get to know her and try to talk to her about the Lord. We would appreciate your prayers for us as we talk to her, and are excited about this opportunity.

We are thankful that our family has continued to enjoy good health. John has been doing well, and the kids have, too, with the exception of a few "bothersome" colds that the girls have had. The Lord has been so good, and once again, thank you for your faithful prayers.

With grateful hearts,
John, Bev and family

Missionary Injured In Brazil Talks Of Recovery

2006-01-22T06:43:00.000-08:00

Kcci.com

Leonard Wants To Return To Mission Work

Click photo for original story including video.

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A missionary from Ankeny was gunned down last July as he greeted people at his church in Brazil.

John Leonard defied predictions that he wouldn't survive. Though his life has changed forever, he hasn't stopped spreading the word of his faith.

Leonard listened to the latest news from Brazil, a place he has called home.
"(I) never had a reason to feel unsafe," John Leonard said.

Leonard grew up in Brazil, living there with his missionary parents. As an adult, he and his wife, Bev, have also served as missionaries, starting five churches and working to change the lives of the people there.

"We saw many people come to meet God and change that way in their life, also," Leonard said.

Last July at one of his churches, two men came looking for him and opened fire.

"The reason why or who did it has not been discovered yet," he said.

Now, he's paralyzed and must use a wheelchair. His family and his faith sustain him.

"We all know that God has a purpose," Leonard said.

His son, Josh, was there when his father was shot. At the time, the Leonards had just returned to Brazil after a trip to Iowa to bring him home. Josh has a brain tumor and had an accident.

"I had a seizure and fell down some steps, broke my heel, wrist and hip," Josh Leonard said.
The family's ordeal has definitely tested them.

"You think, 'I could never take this.' The Lord always gives you exactly what you need," Bev Leonard said.

"He's the only one who brings anyone through anything," Josh Leonard said.

Mission work can be dangerous as a new movie called "End of the Spear" shows. It tells the story of five missionaries who are murdered in Ecuador.

Leonard said even with all he knows, he doesn't regret anything.

"If God makes us fit to go back to Brazil, we'd be back in a heartbeat," he said.

Leonard and his family will soon be going to various churches to talk about his ministry in Brazil.
Leonard's churches are continuing to operate. He has family members in Brazil as well.

Our lives continue to be busy

2006-01-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

Just a note to up-date our faithful prayer team and to thank you for lifting us up before the throne of God. John has been enjoying some good days health-wise, and we praise the Lord for this. No more infections, and he has been feeling well. He also has been trying "new things" such as getting his hand up to his face to scratch (he can do this best while lying on his back in bed), going off by himself in his chair while shopping (he has disappeared on me a couple of times and sent me into "mini-panic mode"), and once again, speeding around even faster than before. One of our Brazilian missionaries suggested to me that we use some "lombadas," (portuguese for "speed bumps"), to help slow him down a little! For awhile, John didn't even want to hear the word "hospital," so we have not pushed too hard the idea of more intense rehab. However, we have felt more and more in recent days that the time has come to make contact with Craig Hospital in Colorado where we are planning to go for a one-week evaluation. This will most likely happen sometime in March, and we are praying that the Lord will give us wisdom to find the right doctors and the right time to do this. Please pray with us regarding this matter. It will basically be a "second opinion" on John's condition at one of (if not THE) best SCI (spinal chord injury) hospitals in the nation. We would only go back out there if they feel they could help John significantly more than what he could be helped here at Iowa Methodist.

Our lives continue to be busy. John has some dear "Aunts" and one of them, Aunt Janet McClanahan (missionary to Brazil) came to spend a few days with us this past week. It was a real treat for all of us! Then yesterday, John's Aunt Marabel Kersey came over for the evening meal and brought with her a very interesting guest--"Dr. Kim" (her name is more complicated than this) from South Korea, who is currently training parish nurses in South Korea, among other things. John had a big day yesterday, since he had an interview with channel 8 yesterday morning, and then in the afternoon, a lady came from ISU vocational rehab. We were so pleased, since she is getting him all set up with computer software and adaptations which will enable him to do absolutely anything he desires on the computer. He was pretty excited to see how the computer could "understand" his voice and type as he talked! He also was able to control things with his right hand by using an oversized "mouse." They were just testing it out yesterday, but hopefully within one month, he will be all set up. Who knows, John may be the one to write the next up-date!!! Won't that be neat? Please remember to thank the Lord with us for this wonderful gift.

John talked to Pastor Lelo and Pastor Andre yesterday. It was great to hear the kids making noise in the background at the church. This is VBS week (that's right--it's summer in Brazil!) there at Graciliano Ramos, so it was exciting to hear about it--LOTS of kids, it sounds like, and things were going very well. The church in the fishing village will wait until the second week in February to have theirs, since Pastor Andre is just getting "on board" and trying to organize everything. Your prayers for the churches in Brazil are appreciated.

Josh received his "orientation papers" from Iowa School of the Blind last week and his official first day will be March 20th. He is excited...Bev tested him yesterday on his Braille, since he claimed that he had been studying. It does seem that he is doing pretty well and knows about half of the alphabet. His teacher should be here again next week to teach him the rest. His hip is healing nicely, for which we are thankful.

Jerrod has applied for a job and is driving quite a lot. We talk seriously to him every time he goes out of the door about being careful, but it still makes us nervous. Continue to pray for protection as he takes the girls to and from school, and sometimes to church as well. Jonna had her first soccer team meeting, and that sent her on an "exercising kick." Since Bev doesn't like her running by herself, she goes with her, which slows Jonna down quite a bit!! But we have enjoyed it nevertheless. Jeanne started going crazy doing things she never did before--cleaning mirrors, going out of her way to do things for her brothers and sister, helping out with meals without being asked... We were all very pleased, of course, and then we realized where she was going with all of it. Last week sometime, she had asked if she could go to a church slumber party that she was REALLY wanting to go to this evening. Her dad had then proceeded to talk to her about how she was not being very responsible these days and how she needed to make some improvements in her behavior. Oh well...even though she had obvious "ulterior motives," at least she was trying to get better, and I think she somehow gotten through to her dad's heart--at least the last I checked, she was going tonight. Of course, we were quick to tell her that her little "strategy" will NOT work every time!

God is hearing and answering your prayers--THANK YOU!

With grateful hearts,
John and Bev Leonard and family

2006 Continues to Fill Up

2006-01-08T10:01:00.000-08:00

Just a quick up-date... Thank you so much for your prayers... John continues to do well health-wise, and we are so thankful. He has been asked to do a Bible study at the D.O.T. in Ames, and he is excited. We are not sure of the starting date, but are thankful to the Lord for this opportunity--especially since some who study may not be believers--a great chance to reach out to the unsaved. Our schedule for 2006 continues to fill up, and we praise God that our furlough plans will be able to continue. We are anxious to visit many of our supporting churches in the up-coming days. This Friday evening, we have invited "Heyder," a Brazilian young man who has been attending our church (Saylorville Baptist), and his family over for dessert. They are believers, but we want to try to have fellowship with them to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. We heard that his wife is missing Brazil, so we will do our best to speak Portuguese the entire evening, plus serve them Brazilian coffee (we have a good supply!...etc.) We remember how it is to be in a "foreign" country and be missing our homeland. Please pray with us that we will be a blessing and encouragement to them.

Josh is doing well--got a good report from the doctor for both his hip and also his tumor. We were especially encouraged by the MRI for his tumor, since we have been doing the tests every 4 months and now they are saying we can wait until June (six months). The doctor said that there is a good chance that the tumor will not grow back at all. We were thrilled to hear this, since no one had ever said that to us before. Because of his hip surgery, Josh was not able to stay at the school of the Blind the beginning of this month as planned, but is busy learning braille here at home, which will "hurry up" his course there. A lady comes out from the school once a week to teach him. It looks as if he will only be able to attend FBBC in January, 2007 rather than August of this year, though. Continue to remember Josh in prayer.

Jerrod, Jonna, and Jeanne are back "in the grind" at school. Jerrod will begin to take the kids to school tomorrow since he now has his official license. He is very happy, and John and I are pretty nervous about the whole thing. It will help us out having him drive, since he can run errands for us...etc., but we have stressed to him the importance of driving carefully. He is saying that he is going out tomorrow to look for a job, so please pray with us for Jerrod and especially for his and the girls' safety. Josiah, our nephew, just left to go back to FBBC tonight since his classes begin tomorrow morning. We have enjoyed having him here during his Christmas break.

Thank you for lifting us up before the Lord!

With grateful hearts,
John and Bev Leonard

Yes...2005 is Winding Down

2005-12-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings to our prayer team! We are amazed at the number of people who have written to us letting us know that they regularly check this site for up-dates. Thank you to all of you for your continued concern for John and us and most of all for your faithful prayers. It is no wonder that many times John and I go to bed at night thinking, "How can we be feeling such peace and contentment in light of all that has happened this past year?" Then we remember our prayer warriors who have continued to lift us up before the throne of grace, and we are not (or shouldn't be!) surprised. We simply cannot thank you enough for bringing our praises and prayers before the Lord.

Wednesday of last week (21st) was very special. We had to be on the road by 7:30 a.m. so that we could leisurely make our way up to First Baptist Church in Grundy Center, IA for speaking engagements...John with the men and Bev with the ladies Bible studies. The blessings of the day were numerous, but one of the greatest ones was the BREATHTAKING drive up there. It had snowed a lot and the trees were also totally coated with ice crystals. In the sunshine, it was just a "winter wonderland" and a great way for us to prepare our hearts and speak of our awesome Creator!! Had we not been asked to speak there, we would not have enjoyed that drive so much, since we rarely get out in the country, and there also was not nearly as much snow down our way. We are still thanking our Lord for giving us that added blessing. It was also awesome to see the way that the Lord is working there in Grundy Center. Mrs. Nemmers (Pastor Mike Nemmers' wife) had her living room all "decked out" with Christmas ornaments...lights...etc., and best of all, "packed out" with probably 20 or more ladies (some of whom were not saved)! What a wonderful time we had there with them, and thank you so much for remembering to pray. John also thoroughly enjoyed the time he had with Pastor Nemmers and some of the men of the church. Bev was the official "photographer" upon her arrival to pick John up at the church after the study. John, Pastor and guys all posed for a picture in front of the Christmas tree in the foyer. A blessed time was had by everyone, and we are once again thanking our Heavenly Father for this opportunity to be used of Him for His glory.

John's sister, Naomi, was here for almost a week and her visit really gave us a good "boost." She didn't come to relax, but to help us out and encourage us, and that she did!! It was a blessing for her to be here and hard to see her go. She says she will be back in March when they have their spring break. She is a teacher at a Christian Day school in Tennessee.

Our Christmas was great--so meaningful to all of us--just the fact that we could all be together as a family meant a lot and we continue to thank the Lord for this. We also felt very blessed by the number of cards and wonderful notes we received...as well as the generous gifts--many that we will not mention here, but the Lord knows how deeply we were touched by them. One special blessing that we cannot neglect to mention was that one of our supporting churches, "Calvary Baptist" in Rochester, MN, "adopted us" and delivered right to our doorstep gifts for each member of the family. How honored we felt, and God used them to make our Christmas one of the most memorable and meaningful ever!! Thank you especially to Calvary Baptist, and also to each of you for the wonderful gifts which made us remember the true meaning of this marvelous time of the year.

Yes...2005 is winding down, and we want to take this opportunity to thank someone very special whom the Lord has placed in our lives. His name is DOUG PORTER, and he is the man behind this entire "prayforjohn.com" site. How could we ever possibly thank him enough for all that he has done for us?!...and all so unselfishly. If you talk to him, he acts as if he has done nothing, and yet, we know that our Heavenly Father has seen everything that He has done. Thank you, Doug, for all your help with this, and also your dear wife, Brooke, for standing behind you, and the blessing that both of you have been to us.

We now look forward to a new year--2006!! We haven't decided if we will be going anywhere on New Year's Eve...many of you know that John and I were married on December 31, 1983. On July 3rd of this year, the words that we said at the altar 22 years ago, "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health," once again came to our minds, and suddenly took on new meaning. How thankful we are that John's father, Jerry Leonard (now at home with the Lord), wisely insisted that we memorize our vows and repeat them occasionally over the years. God has truly been faithful, and to Him be the glory--great things He hath done!

With grateful hearts,
John and Bev Leonard and family

Will you pray with us?

2005-12-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

We are asking that our prayer team pray for John who has a "hard to get rid of" bladder infection which has been hanging on. The oral antibiotics which he took for 10 days did not totally fight off the bug, and he is now taking IV antibiotics (gentamicin) once a day to see if it will knock it. The doctors warned us while we were in the hospital that John would be at risk for these infections, since he had one during his stay there, so we were not real surprised when it happened, although we were disappointed. Please pray that these antibiotics will take care of the problem, and also pray that the infections would not come back again.

We continue to stay in close contact with our churches in Brazil. This past Saturday morning, about 15 people from the work in Coqueiro Seco went to Pastor Lelo's house so that they could talk to John and our family for some brief moments via SKYPE. This was a real blessing--although difficult. It was the first time since the incident that we had talked to them, so there were quite a few tears. It was hard for all of us--especially when John talked to Nene, a young man who John had lead to the Lord way at the beginning of the ministry there-- a real leader in the church (also the caretaker of the church property). He said a few words of greeting to John, and then there was a long pause. We all had a little "cry session," and then both of them gained their composure and continued the conversation. Nene said, "Don't worry, Pastor John, we are continuing on with the work and the Lord is blessing." He then went on to tell us of the mother of one of the AWANA children who accept Christ as Savior the Wednesday night before. We learned later that a young couple came to know Christ also on Sunday evening. Praise the Lord for His goodness! Continue to pray that that village would be reached with the Gospel. Also remember to pray for Andre and Deborah who have accepted the call to be the pastor of this work. Andre was involved in the work there even as a seminary student. He asked if he could help us out during his vacation times and he had a real burden for the people there. We are praying that the Lord would really bless the work under his ministry. Will you pray with us?

We praise the Lord that we were able to visit our supporting church in Chariton, IA, (Grace Baptist) the Sunday before last. John was able to give a short word of testimony and thanks to them for all they have done for us. The service was excellent, and it was great to see many dear friends whom we had not seen in awhile. Thank the Lord together with us for this opportunity to minister.

Bev is asking prayer as she will be speaking to a group of ladies in Grundy Center, IA on Wednesday, December 14th. It sounds as if the Bible study they have going there is very exciting, and Bev is anxious to be a part of it--even if it is only for a day. Pray for her as she prepares and presents what the Lord is laying on her heart.

Josh came through his hip surgery well last Thursday. He will most likely be coming home sometime this week. It sounds as if he will need three months of using a "wheeled walker" which he is not thrilled about, but hopefully this time the surgery will work and he can get on with life. He may not be able to go to the School of the Blind right away in January, but pray with us that he will be able to go at least in March and still attend FBBC in the fall. Thank you for praying for him! God heard and answered!

The kids are in the Christmas spirit. Our tree is up and they even put some outside lights up as well. The only thing is that I have not seen any "want lists" yet. I am not sure if I did a rotten job of Christmas shopping last year, or if they are just plain out-growing the "present idea." Jerrod was heard saying, "I think Mom could just give us the money and let us do our own shopping." Josh is saying, "I don't need anything." Jonna and Jeanne are kind of silent on the subject, so it seems like there is still hope that they will come up with some sort of a list. It is amazing how quickly the kids grow up! I am ashamed that I didn't enjoy them like I should have when they were younger. But it is great to have them old enough to help out a lot around the house. We are trying to enjoy them and appreciate them. That is pretty easy--most days, at least!

Your faithful prayers mean so much!
With grateful hearts,
John, Bev, and family

Thank you, Lord...

2005-11-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Lord...

--that John was able to speak at Stony Point Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS this past Sunday. It was a "first" for us as a family since we did our first "overnighter" on Saturday night. Praise the Lord together with us that He made this possible. The service at Stony Point was a real blessing as well.

--that John's motorized chair is here now. He has NOT forgotten how to drive, since today when we were headed to a doctor's appointment, Bev accidently put it in second gear and he took off ahead like lightning!! She had to run to catch him and put it back in first. Of course, he was having the time of his life and thought it was just great. Now, he only wants to go in second gear, but Bev still thinks it is a little early...it won't be long...

--that the investigation of the crime in Brazil continues. The latest we have heard is that a suspect (prisoner) was found in a nearby town, and they are bringing him back to Maceio for questioning. Please continue to pray regarding this. As we have said before, we do not care so much about "punishing" the wrong-doers, but we ARE wanting to know the motive so that the ministry there in Coqueiro Seco can go forward without fear.

--that John's mother, Frances, made it to Brazil safely. We miss her, but we know that she is very happy down on the field serving the Lord. We are so grateful for her willingness to step in and help us for the past three months. She seems to be doing OK health-wise, and is able to continue with her medication/follow-up appointments with the doctors down there in Juazeiro. Continue to remember her in prayer.

--that many continue to be saved in Brazil. For the past three Sundays, souls have been saved at the Graciliano work, and this past Sunday, a young couple was saved!! Continue to remember Pastor Lelo and the other works in prayer.

--that Josh was able to discover why his hip was still bothering him. The doctors say it has not healed properly and that he will need another surgery to correct it. His Aunt Marabel was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule and take him to Iowa City for a doctor's appointment last week. Surgery is tentatively set for December 1 in Iowa City. Pray that all will go well and that soon Josh will be back on his feet. The plan continues to be for him to attend Iowa School of the Blind in January, and FBBC in August.

--that Bev's side of the family will be together for Thanksgiving Day. We will be meeting (and EATING!!!) at Grandview Park Baptist School in one of the classrooms there. Our family has grown, so this makes for a nice place for us to have our gathering. It is also handicapped accessible, which is super for John getting in and out.

--that God has brought us to where we find ourselves today. On July 3rd, (almost five months ago already!), the future did not look good at all. But God has been gracious and merciful, and we praise and thank Him SO MUCH for all He has done for us. We are thankful that we have learned to be more thankful--even for the "little things."

...for YOU, our friend, who have so faithfully and earnestly prayed for our family. Our support team is extremely important to us and we don't want to think about where we would be without our Heavenly Father and YOU.

With grateful hearts,
John and Bev Leonard and family

More good news from Brazil!

2005-11-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Prayer Team,
More good news from Brazil! We just heard last night of one more young lady that made a profession of faith this past week. We rejoice that the ministry is going forward for God's glory in our absence. While we are on the field, we sometimes wonder how it will ever go on without us since we are so involved and busy while there. However, each time we have left Brazil, we find out that the work DOES continue on without us, and sometimes even seems to go more smoothly!! Thank you for your prayers that God would continue working in the hearts of the people in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. There are lots who still need the Lord!

This past week kept us running to dental/medical appointments. Most of them were check-ups and it seems all of them happened at once! But it was good for us, since every time we go out, we learn something new that makes it easier. It is all a learning process, and takes time. But we have really enjoyed becoming more "mobile." John's new "better fitting" manual chair came, and we are so thankful. We are still waiting on his power chair, and it should be here for sure this coming week. The movement in his left arm has been increasing, although it is still not what he would like. One of our considerations is whether or not we should have some continuing rehabilitation at another institution...please pray with us regarding this.

This coming week will be busy since we have the Baptist Mid-Missions tri-annual conference at Altoona, IA. We are not sure how much we will be able to participate in the meetings, but the Lord has given the opportunity for us to share at the "Field Focus" hour on Saturday evening. Please be in prayer for us as we continue to minister to others for the Lord's glory. We were also scheduled to speak at Victory Baptist at Marysville, KS, this weekend, but are sending a short video to them.

Josh has his "built-up" shoe now, and is learning to walk without limping. He is busy studying for his ACT which will be on December 10. The course at the School of the Blind will be approximately six months and then it will be on to Bible college, the Lord willing. Continue to pray that his dream to become a missionary in Brazil will become reality.

Jerrod is in his "running out the door and jumping into the driver's seat" mode now whenever it is time to go somewhere. He has had his permit now for 4 months--2 more to go to get his license. Things have gone fairly smoothly--only a few "gasps" out of mother and also a few louder than usual "watch it Jerrod's!!" The lectures about what "could have happened if..." seem to have faded out to some extent. In January, I think I will be losing my "taking the kids to and from school" responsibility, which will be fine with me, and Jerrod also plans to begin working, the Lord willing. Continue to pray for Jerrod.

The kids had Friday off this past weekend which they enjoyed to the fullest. They were "flying high" until we mentioned raking leaves and cleaning gutters on Saturday...but they lived through it and were happy when they looked up at the trees in our yard and see that they are almost "leafless." YEAH!!

Thank you again for your faithful prayers for John, our ministry, and our family. The Lord bless each one!
Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard and family

Our First Official "Furlough Meeting"

2005-11-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

We are praising the Lord for the way that He continues to use John in His service. This past Sunday morning, he "spoke" via telephone to our friends at Faith Baptist Church in Perry, OH. The Lord also gave us the opportunity today to do our first official "furlough meeting" since John's incident in Brazil on July 3rd. Yes, we got up a little early (good thing we had an extra hour of sleep last night!!) and headed over to Omaha, NE where we had a wonderful time with Pastor and Mrs. Knudson and friends at Park Lane Baptist Church. It made a pretty big day for John, but he did amazingly well, and we are thankful that we are back at home in Ankeny safe and sound. Thank you, dear ones for your prayers for us. Never did we imagine that John would be able to continue on with this ministry so soon...once again...a DIRECT answer to your prayers.

We are thankful that the Lord has enabled us to be connected via SKYPE to Pastor Lelo in Brazil. He is the pastor that is "heading up" the work down there, and we praise God that John has been able to speak with him regarding the work and various situations that have come up. It is pretty weird to hear them talking about "gearing up" for summer activities which include camps, VBS's...etc. With the temperatures dropping here in Iowa, it is hard for us to even think about this season coming on (although it is nice to at least "dream!"), but we are praying that many would be reached with the Gospel of Christ during this time.

John's mother is doing well. She went to the doctor this past week and found out that her medicine needed to be increased, and that her calcium count was a little low. However, that has not stopped her activities...this weekend, her sister and she headed up to Wisconsin to visit some family members that they had not seen for a long time. The Lord willing, she will be back with us tomorrow sometime. Continue to pray for "Mom's" health situation and also thank the Lord for allowing her to be with us during this time.

It will also be our pleasure to receive the Dan Anderson family here in our home tomorrow evening. Many of you remember that it was Dan who spent long hours with John in the hospital in Brazil after the shooting, and we are forever grateful to him for all that he did for John and also for our family.

It looks as if Josh will be able to begin studying at the Iowa School for the Blind at least in January. The Lord willing, he will spend six months there training and then will be able to start his college education in the fall of next year. Tomorrow, he should be getting his pair of shoes that have the right shoe "built up" 7/8 inch. Because of the hip surgery he had, one leg is now shorter than the other (this is not all that uncommon, really), so it will be necessary for him to always have these. We are thankful that he is now walking without a cane, too! Continue to remember Josh in prayer.

Parent-Teacher conferences were held this past week, so it was great to be able to meet most of the kids' teachers. For the most part, we got good reports, and we truly thank the Lord that Jerrod, Jonna, and Jeanne are adapting pretty well to life in the Ankeny Public School system. It was our pleasure to meet several teachers who were Christians, and seemed to have a real personal interest in the kids. Thank you for your prayers, and once again, we ask that you pray for our "teenagers."

We appreciate you, Prayer Team. Where would we be without you?!!

Love,
John and Bev Leonard

John's First "Official" Message

2005-10-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your prayers for John!! Wednesday night was very special as it was the final night of the missionary conference at Saylorville Baptist Church, and as many of you remember, the night that John would preach his first "official" message. Praise the Lord, things went well (even when two strong men lifted him wheelchair and all up onto the stage and down off again!!) and John was able to proclaim what God had placed in his heart to the over 500 people in attendance. Once again, we appreciate your prayers for him. What a thrill it is for us to see God continue to use John's life for His glory.

Many have asked about our e-mail address, and since we knew that it would soon be changing, we delayed sending it to you. We now have one that is up and running which is prayforjohn@msn.com. We will do our best to answer our mail now, and we appreciate your patience with us during this time. Please do not write to our old "aol" address since we plan to use only our new one as of today.

John will be speaking once again this coming Sunday, but it will be via telephone connection to Faith Baptist Church in Perry, OH. He was supposed to be the "key-note speaker" at their missionary conference this week, and it is unfortunate that it will not be possible for him to be there. However, we are thankful more than ever for our "telecommunications network" which has enabled John to keep in touch with our churches and loved ones throughout this time of hospitalization/recuperation. Once again, please pray that God will use him for His glory this coming Sunday.

Speaking of "telecommunication," in recent days, the Lord has allowed us to speak with a member of one of our churches in Brazil via "Skype." We are excited about this since the opportunities that John will have to keep in touch with the work down there will be nearly "limitless." We have already considered "connecting him" so that he can preach Sunday messages live, teach Sunday School, disciple new believers, counsel pastors, participate in decision-making church board meetings...etc. This is at exciting for us, and we ask that you once again join with us in praying that the Lord would make all of this a possibility.

We can't thank you enough for your prayers for us. We could go on to speak of more blessings that God has bestowed upon us, but time will not allow. Until next week...

Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard

Recovery of Missionary Shot in Brazil

2005-10-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

WHO TV 13
www.whotv13.com

Des Moines, October 20th, 2005 - Back in June, WHO-TV 13 told you about John Leonard. The local missionary was clinging to life at Methodist Medical Center after assassins tried to kill him in Brazil. Leonard is still virtually paralyzed from the neck down, but Wednesday night he was able to attend his church's missions conference.

"I was supposed to be in the hospital for six months. I got out in less than three," said Leonard. It was a shorter than expected hospital stay, which is just one of hundreds of miracles John Leonard has witnessed in the past few months. He wasn't supposed to be here with his family and his church family Wednesday night. If the assassins who shot him had accomplished what they set out to do, John wouldn't be alive.

"God closed one door. He opens another," said Leonard. Leonard built five churches in Brazil and carried the message of salvation to the masses. He took two bullets and is too humble to retire. "I didn't wanna just lay around the rest of my life. I wanted somethin' to do," Leonard says.

John inspires people and he has some advice for anyone who's ever risked their life for a career they felt called to do. "Put it on the scale and weigh it, but if your heart is into it, follow your heart," he says.

Things are "winding up" now instead of down!!

2005-10-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Things are "winding up" now instead of down!! Today we are going to show our presentation at Sunday School at Saylorville Baptist where their missionary conference is being held. Jerrod is busy right at this moment setting everything up and making sure it is in working order since our last meeting was at Winifred Baptist in Winifred, Kansas in June. Looks like it is still fine, although a lot has happened in our lives since then. It almost brings tears to our eyes as we see John standing at the front of our church telling about all that the Lord has done, and also to see shots of him preaching, teaching, working with the children...etc. It is a little hard to watch, but once again, we can do nothing but bow our heads in prayer and thank God for His goodness. John's life has been spared, and tonight he will have yet another opportunity to minister to people. Thank you, prayer team, for your faithful prayers for John. As we have said so many times before, He has answered and continues to hear and answer your petitions. Please pray for us as we minister for His glory especially in the upcoming few days. Tomorrow is a busy day for John. He starts out the day with an interview on one of our local Christian radio stations (KWKY) at 8:00 a.m. At noon, he has a doctor's appointment down at the hospital, (regular check-up) and at night we head to one of our local restaurants where a special room is reserved for other missionaries along with John to give their testimonies. It is a time of outreach to the unsaved and also a time of getting to know the missionaries better. Wednesday night is the night that we would especially like you to pray, since John will be speaking "officially" for the first time at closing meeting of the conference. We are asking that souls will be saved and that lives would be surrendered to the call of missions. Please pray with us.

We heard from Pastor Lindoan that there will soon be a baptismal at the fishing village church of 13 people! We are so thankful for this, and please continue to pray for this work. He is also in the process of making up a web-site so that we can refer you to it and even though you won't understand the portuguese language, you can look at the pictures and probably figure out a little of what is going on.

The family is doing fine. Josh went this past week to visit the Iowa School of the Blind. Many of you know that most of his eyesight was lost because of his surgeries in 2002, and we were recently informed by a sister in Christ that they would be able to aid Josh in learning a "trade," get a job, and will also help out with his college education. He is excited about this, and it looks as if this is the way the Lord is leading Him. The desire of his heart is still to be a missionary to Brazil, and we are praying that this "dream" of his will eventually become a reality. We ask that you continue to pray for Josh. His appetite seems a little better, and his spirits are also "higher" than before.

The other kids are doing well. Yesterday (Saturday) we took the time to try to organize some of our "stuff." Yes, that is right--it has already built up in these short six months that we have been here in the States. We are thankful that we have gotten some of the things in place and we once again praise our Heavenly Father for His goodness in providing this wonderful home. We also had our first "family outing" the other night. We all went to Walmart together!! John seemed to enjoy himself, and of course we did as well.

Must close for now...the Lord bless each one.
Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard

WE ARE HOME!!

2005-10-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Team,

WE ARE HOME!! Yes, we arrived here at our home at 1201 SW Kenworthy here in Ankeny a week ago today, and things have been really busy since then. Thank you so much for your prayers on our behalf during this time. We are trying to get adjusted as a family to our new life, and it has really gone quite smoothly. Of course, we are very happy to be together once again, and the kids have really pitched in to help out with everything. Jerrod helps Bev out with almost everything, but she especially appreciates his helping her with the transfers from bed to wheelchair...etc. He seems to not mind doing it at all, and we are grateful. We all went to church together for the first time in awhile yesterday morning. John did real well, and seemed to enjoy getting out. Since we plan to be involved in the missionary conference next week (beginning Sunday), we decided that we wanted to do a "trial run" before doing trying everything all at once, and we are thankful that it went fine for the first time. One of the personal goals that we had was to be able to speak at this conference, and we thank the Lord so much that He did answer this prayer. Please pray for John as he will be speaking (for very short periods of time) three different times. Pray that the Lord would be preparing the hearts of those who will be listening...especially Monday night when everything will be centered around the Gospel and reaching out to the unsaved.

John is having some dental work done. They are saying it may take up to six months to have everything taken care of that needs it. He also has quite a few other appointments coming up this month yet. Some of his therapies are going to be done in the home, which will be nice. Please pray concerning the power chair that is on order, but has not arrived as of yet. The one that he was learning to use in the hospital did not fit him, so another one was ordered and they have told us that it can take up to 3 weeks to receive it. So we are using the manual one for now, which is OK, but... John is anxious to get his other one.

We received pictures from the young man who has taken over the work in the fishing village. It was great to see many familiar faces (some of the children had grown!) but was also exciting to see some new faces, and especially a young couple who have recently begun to attend. Please continue to pray for Pastor Lindoan and his dear wife, Priscilla, who are doing a great job taking care of that new work there in Coqueiro Seco.

The grades for the kids came this week, and it looks as if they are doing fine--much better than I had expected. There are a few areas of improvement, of course, but they are doing well, and we are thankful. We will close for this week, but will write again soon.

Your prayers are greatly appreciated!!

Sincerely, John and Bev Leonard

Update from Bev Leonard

2005-10-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to thank our prayer team once again for your prayers. This week was quite exciting. God provided the funds to purchase a large used van with a lift that was just what we were looking for. Please thank the Lord together with us for this wonderful gift!! We used it to go to our home for our "overnight pass" on Thursday night (stayed through Friday noon). We thoroughly enjoyed our time with our family. Eating together at suppertime...having devotions together...listening to the kids talk about school and "normal" things...etc. I realized that I have a few "organizational issues" in our bedroom to work out, but other than that, things went pretty well. John's mother is doing so well with the kids--all of the housework tasks are divided up amongst them, so things are running pretty smoothly there (at least so far!!). We also truly praise the Lord for our wonderful home. It is just perfect for our family, and it was really great to be able to enjoy it even if it was for less than 24 hours.

The BIG news, of course is that it has been confirmed by the doctors that John will be dismissed from the hospital, the Lord willing, on Monday around noon. Many of you have prayed and prayed for this day, and once again, don't forget to thank and praise the Lord that it has finally arrived. John is doing very well. His bladder infection cleared up nicely, and he is currently just taking some vitamins, and also one-half of a pill to keep his blood pressure from lowering when he sits up. He is doing well driving his wheel-chair. His left arm (the one that was broken) has been getting stronger, and just yesterday, the doctor told us that he no longer needed to wear his brace anymore. Since he is left-handed, he has said that he is going to work really hard at getting movement back in that arm. We are SO thankful for what the Lord has done.

Unfortunately, we are out of time, and will have to write more next week. Please remember to pray for us as we head home Monday. There are lots of adjustments that will have to be made not only on our part, but also on the part of the family. We continue to thank our Lord for you dear folks, who have been with us all the way throughout this process. May He bless each one abundantly!

Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard

Update From Bev Leonard

2005-09-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

Just another short up-date...we were able to go to our house on a "day pass" this past WEdnesday with our therapists for them to help us out with how things will work best when we get home for good. It went Ok except that John continues to not be able to sit upright for very long at all. His blood pressure drops and he feels like he is going to black out. This is caused by the fact that he spent so much time lying down, and now it is really hard for his body to adjust to sitting upright. Please pray with us regarding this matter, that it may improve soon. Thank you for your prayers regarding the bladder infection. It looks like it is totally cleared up, and he will have his last dose of antibiotics tonight.

The Lord willing, we will get to go out on an "overnight pass" this coming Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. We are glad the hospital does this...we will do a "trial run" to see how things go at home before actually being dismissed. If all goes as planned, we will be released on October 3rd, which is coming up quickly. Pray with us that this will be possible.

Thank you for your prayers for Frances, John's mother. She had her radiation treatment this past week, and needed to "keep her distance" from our kids for awhile because she was highly radioactive. I am sure she didn't mind the "break" away from them!! I haven't been gone long enough to forget how "complicated" four teenagers in the house can be at times! Please remember to thank the Lord for Frances and all that she has done for us in spite of her own physical battles, during these past few months. Also continue to remember her in prayer, as we believe that she will be having a "body scan" soon to be sure that the cancer has not spread.

We got great news from Brazil this past week! Three souls were saved at the Coqueiro Seco church. Despite what happened on the doorstep of this new ministry, God continues to work mightily in the lives of the people of that village, and we know that this is a direct answer of your faithful prayers. Please continue to remember to lift up Pastor Lelo, who is coordinating all of the works there in Maceio and surrounding areas. So far, we have truly seen God using him, and we ask that your prayers for him and the believers continue.

Will sign off until next week. YOUR PRAYERS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard

Short Update from Bev

2005-09-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Just a word of praise...We found out that one more nurse named Ruth accepted Christ as Savior just two nights ago. We had witnessed to her and given her a Gospel tract on Tuesday night explaining everything and she took it home,read it, and made her decision by herself. However, John asked if he could pray with her confirming her decision, and she had a desire to do just that. How we praise the Lord that He is truly working in many hearts and lives here in the hospital! We still do not fully understand all of the reasons why God decided to change our "mission field" from Coqueiro Seco, Alagoas, Brazil to Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines, IA, U.S.A., but He is making it more clear all of the time that this is exactly where He wants us to be. Of course, with our entire prayer support team praying for God to continue to use John's life right now, the unsaved "don't stand a chance" to reject God's Word and ways! We KNOW that God is using YOU dear ones and your prayers to help us to have the courage and strength to witness as we should. It actually has seemed that we have the easy part, since the ones we have spoken to seem to be already prepared to hear what we have to say. We know that is God working through the faithful, sincere, earnest prayers of God's people. Thank you so much for the part you have had in reaching the lost for Christ! Keep up the good work!

John is battling a bladder infection right now. This is the second one he has had, and this particular bacteria seemed to be a little more resistant than the other one he had before. They have changed the antibiotics three times now in the past four days. It looks like the two they have him on now are taking affect, and we are thankful. His appetite has increased, which is a real answer to prayer. He still has a little bit of a hard time with his power chair--not quite enough control in his arm to be able to run it like he wants. There is a chance that we may go to head controls for the time being until his right arm gets a little stronger. John gets frustrated at times, but he is very determined, so that helps him a lot in his therapies.

The kids are VERY happy in our "new" home. They enjoy so much having a place of their own that is comfortable, modern, and close to their school. The Lord keeps supplying for all of our needs...a used computer showed up last night which can be used especially for research on the internet and other school assignments. They seem to be enjoying school. The only thing we have received from the teachers so far was a "Way to Go" slip of paper which told us that "Jeanne is interacting well with all of the students and teachers" and is "very friendly." Of course, knowing Jeanne, this "friendliness" could later easily turn into borderline "irritation" at times (just ask her brothers and sister!!), but we are still thankful that it seems as if all the kids are doing pretty well at adjusting to their new life in the public schools. Once again...another answered prayer on your part and we thank you. Please continue to lift our kids (Jerrod-16, Jonna-14, Jeanne-12) up before the throne of grace. The school year has only begun...

Must end this for now. Time to get back and see how physical therapy is going for John.

Sincerely in Christ,
John, Bev and family

Update From Bev Leonard

2005-09-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Just a brief up-date on the latest here at the hospital and otherwise...We had an awesome weekend as Saylorville Baptist Church had an official "turning over of the keys to our home party" Sunday afternoon at 3:00! The entire time was very special, since there was a large crowd and lots of excitement in the air upon our arrival there in Ankeny. But the best part of all was the fact that John was able to attend!! This was a surprise to most, including our own children, so that was special to everyone. It was John's first time out since July 9th (the day he arrived here in the hospital from Brazil), so it seemed quite "strange" to him, but he did very well and enjoyed seeing our beautiful "new" home!! It looks, "feels" (and even smells!) brand new because of all of the work that the crew from Saylorville did to it, and we are so honored to be able to live in a such a lovely place. We would like to thank each one who participated in any way to make this house our home. We have already dedicated it totally to our Lord and have a sincere desire to use it for His glory.

John is making progress each day. Yesterday they came to take his "feeding tube" out. He was only on tube feedings at night, and now has gotten his caloric intake up enough to do away with that. His motorized wheelchair is in and he has been "driving it" around. Some days he gets a little frustrated, but he is able to us his right arm to help control it. The hardest part is the fact that he doesn't have hand control yet, but they are working with him to help him learn the best ways to steer it. He made both a right and left turn yesterday without much trouble, so we are thanking the Lord for the progress we have seen. The therapy team has given us the tentative "dismissal from the hospital date" of October 3rd. This was lots sooner than we had expected, so, prayer team...one more answer to your prayers!!! Thankyou!!

Josh changed seizure medicines and we are seeing if this will help out his appetite some. He had a doctor's appointment yesterday which told him he could be weaning himself away from his walker and using only a cane for a short period of time and then he should be fine walking on his own. Praise the Lord together with us for yet another answered prayer.

Frances (John's mother), went back to the doctor also this past week, and they seem to think she is doing OK. They do not feel that her cancer has spread to any other parts of her body, but rather, was totally contained in the surgically removed thyroid. She has periods of weakness, but is gradually building her strength up. Please continue to remember her in prayer.

Yesterday, we moved the final items from Pastor and Mrs. Norman Hoag's house up to our home in Ankeny, so she and all the kids are truly thankful to not be "living out of a suitcase" now! Once again, we would like to thank the Hoags so much for allowing us to live at their place while they were gone for one month.

We spoke with Adjane (Mauricio's wife) this past week, and she told us that souls are being saved in all of the works in Maceio and the Lord is truly working in hearts and lives. Since Pastor Lelo has arrived, many who had left the church previously have returned and are attending on a regular basis. Christians are being edified and are busy serving once again. Please remember in prayer not only Pastor Lelo and Mauricio (head deacon), but also Pastors Paulo and Lindoan, who are heading up the other works there. We are really excited to see what the Lord is doing and is going to continue to do in our absence.

Thank you again, prayer team, for your faithful prayers on our behalf! We love you!

Sincerely in Christ,
John, Bev, Josh, Jerrod, Jonna, and Jeanne Leonard

Welcome Home

2005-09-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Sept. 11 2005
Article From WHO TV 13

He was shot multiple times while on a mission trip to Brazil earlier this year, this weekend, a true homecoming for Pastor John Leonard.

On Sunday, John Leonard got a first look at the new home he and his family will share when John gets out of the hospital next month. Dozens of people from John's church spent the past few weeks renovating this Ankeny home. They installed wider doorways, wheelchair ramps, they even did all the landscaping.

John says looking forward to sharing the new home with his family will make the final weeks of rehabilitation in the hospital go just that much faster.

Update from Bev

2005-09-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Guess what John was doing last evening (Thursday, Sept. 1)? He was busy preparing a sermon to be preached this coming Sunday! Actually, the sermon will not be preached "live," but rather video-taped by one of his cousins who will be attending the large family reunion at his aunt's home near Adel, IA. Earlier in the week, he was not feeling so well, and he had told me that he didn't think he was going to be able to do it. But then suddenly late Monday night, the outline of the message "came" to him, and he asked me to get up and write it down in a notebook. From that, he has been able to gather his thoughts, and hopefully, with the help of a few "cue cards," he will be "preaching" for the first time since July 3rd. Please thank the Lord with us that John still has his voice and a clear mind so that he can continue proclaiming God's Word, and most importantly the salvation message to the lost.

John has made quite a lot of progress lately...the greatest being the removing of his "trach" from his throat. He is now able to cough up his own secretions, which has made life much easier. Talking is not so difficult now, and swallowing his food and drink is also a "breeze" compared to before. We are thinking that he may be able to get off of the feeding tube perhaps this weekend if he can keep his calorie count up. This morning was his first "self-feeding" therapy. They are working with him to see if this will be possible. Without the use of his hands, it is "tricky," but they have a brace that makes things easier. His motorized wheel-chair is on order and they are saying he should have it sometime next week. Continue thanking the Lord for the progress that has been made.

Another huge highlight of John's week was that on Monday evening, he received a very special phone call from a very special person...guess who?...Joni Eareckson Tada!!! She had somehow gotten word about what had happened to John earlier and had made contact with us to let us know that when John felt up to it, she would give him a personal phone call. Well...she kept her word, and what a blessing it was for him to hear her voice! Their up-lifting, positive, and hopeful conversation was ended by her singing the hymn "God Will Take Care of You." We both were able to hear it, since we had her on the "speaker phone," and naturally, neither one of us could contain the tears as she began to softly and gently sing the words, "Be not dismayed, what'er betide..." What a testimony she has been to many (literally all over the world!), and what an encouragement she was to us! We wanted to be sure and let you folks, our prayer warriors, know about this wonderful blessing that God placed in our path. He is so good to us!

John's mother, Frances, had surgery, and unfortunately, the tumor was malignant. However, the doctors seem quite confident that all of the cancer was contained in the thyroid, which was completely removed. She has good and bad moments, since they cannot give her any medication for the first couple of weeks, but seems to be recovering slowly. She is still managing to stay with our children and I think they are all kind of taking care of each other! She has had some extra help from her sisters, and others. We praise the Lord for God's timing, since she was able to do this surgery here in the U.S. rather than in Brazil. We know His ways are perfect. Continue to pray, since she does have one more test coming up in about a week which will let us know for sure if the cancer has spread or not.

Jerrod (11th grade) Jonna, (9th) and Jeanne (7th) are into full swing with their schooling. They are at three separate schools in Ankeny, but that doesn't seem to bother them too much. Other than Jeanne still not being able to get her locker open, things are going Ok, I guess. At least Grandma hasn't received any "bad notes" from teachers or anything as of yet. Josh continues to recover at home and is looking into schooling opportunities. Please don't forget to pray for each of our children. They are being real "troopers," to say the least!!

We must close for now. My goal is to write weekly up-dates from now on. Pray also that the Lord will make this possible.

We love you, and appreciate so much your prayers on our behalf!!!!! THANK YOU, PRAYER TEAM--WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT YOU!?!

Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard and family

Praise and Prayer by Bev Leonard

2005-08-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

We have many things to be thankful for, and let me share some of them with you briefly. John's infection seems to be very much in control now--fevers have definitely subsided and all is on the "up and up" now...so much that we were moved back to "rehab" yesterday, and John is right at this moment having his "PT-(physical therapy)session. He is very happy to be back down here and is really working hard at doing what his therapists ask, even though it is very difficult for him. They are working especially with his right arm and have hopes that he will some day be able to get enough motion in it to feed himself..e.tc. He is also on the "tilt table" trying to get him used to sitting up so that soon he will be able to stay for long periods of time in his wheelchair. He continues to surprise the therapists with his progress and determination.

John's mother, Frances, arrived here in the U.S. last week and has plans to help out with our children--just basically "looking after" them for this period of time while we are here in Rehab. We are asking that you pray, however, as surgery has been scheduled for tomorrow to removed a growth that she has on her thyroid. We are praying that the operation will go well and that no further treatment will be required. Others have graciously offered to help out with the kids for the days that she will be in the hospital and at home recovering. Please pray specifically for the health needs that Frances has at this time. She is a very up-beat person, as many of you know, and is handling this situation extremely well.

Josh was released from the hospital on Monday, for which we are thankful. The doctors are keeping a close eye on him, but he seems to be doing well. He is staying with "Grandma Frances" and the rest of the family in the home of Pastor and Mrs. Norman Hoag that has wonderfully been supplied for us to stay in for one month while they are gone. We are thankful to the Lord for His provision and to the Hoags for this act of kindness for our family. Continue to pray for JOsh's health needs--specifically, his need to eat right so that his strength can be regained.

I cannot close without sharing something very special that happened EARLY this morning...a direct answer to many of your prayers. I will just simply record what I wrote in my journal, and please excuse the mistakes since it was early when it was written:

August 24, 2005--It is 2:10 a.m. and neither John or I are able to sleep. Why? We are excited!!! John just finished asking our nurse, "Jean," if she was born again...if she remembered a time when she had accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, and she began to tell us that there were several experiences that she had had in life that were very "good." Then John explained how Jesus had told Nicodemus that he HAD to be born again--not go back into her mother's womb, but be spiritually born again. He told her he had done it when he wasw six years old and asked if she ever had. She said she couldn't say that she had. He said, "Would you like to be sure that you have eternal life in heaven with God?" She said, "Sure!!" He said, would you want to pray and accept Jesus right now? And once again, she said, "Sure!" After her prayer, John said, "Now you KNOW that you have been saved--you have been born again!" We rejoiced together for a minute, and then John said to her, "Do you know that if I wouldn't have been hurt, I would've never been here in this hospital, and we would've never even met, and you may have been lost forever!" Then she said, as tears came to her eyes, "John, you'r gonna make me cry!" Then the tears came to all of us and John told her that the angels in heaven were rejoicing over her salvation. She then promised us that she would go with us to church at Saylorville Baptist as soon as she could.

Prayer warriors, THANK YOU for your prayers!! God is just beginning to do great and mighty things through this difficult time in our lives. We love each one of you and would like to individually give our personal word of thanks to each one if it was possible. God has given us this web-site for which we are grateful, and we will be keeping in touch with you through this for now, letting you know of more wonderful things that He is going to do.

Sincerely in Christ,
John and Bev Leonard

John Still Battles Infection

2005-08-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

John has not been able to continue rehabilitation, because of a persistent
fever caused by infection in his body. Last night the doctors think they
have located the source of the infection. This has been the first apparent
set-back after more than one month of constant advances in John's recovery.
But we rest assured that God is still in control.
Jim Leonard

A Word from Bev

2005-08-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

I wish I could write to each of you who have sent notes, phoned, and prayed
for us. Because I've been caring for John 24 hours a day I just have not
been able to do so. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

I would like to thank each of you for all that you have done to encourage
our family. Your PRAYERS have meant so much! Be assured that God is
answering. Let me share just a few of those answers in this small "log of
miracles" that have happened since July 3rd.

July 3rd - I was told that John was OK, but if he was tranferred from the
public hospital to another better hospital there in Macei� he may not live.
He made the transfer, and he lived.

July 8th - I was told that John was "still stable", but that there was a
good chance he may not be ab le to make the long trip from Brazil to Des
Moines, IA. HE MADE IT from Brazil to Des Moines (3 stops and three
transfers, one from ambulance to plane, one between planes, and another from
plane to ambulance), and he lived.

July 9th - The doctors at Iowa Methodist analyzed John's condition and told
us that they were not sure if he would live through the night. HE MADE IT
through the night.

July 10th - A doctor told me that John's ventilator was very likely
permanent, as he would never be able to get off of it. Seven days later he
was off of the ventilator for good, and breathing on his own.

July 12th - We were told John was paralyzed from the neck down. A few days
later John moved his right arm some, and has involuntary movements in his
legs.

All of the nurses and doctors have been "amazed" over and over again with
the quick progress John has made. We are "amazed" as well, but not at John
-- just at our Amazing God, Who has placed His hand on John's life in a very
special way during this time. Why has this happened. We know that God can
do what He wants to when He wants to, but we believe that many times He
waits to bless His people until they ask. And that is exactly what you all
have done. You have stormed heaven on John's behalf. You have asked and we
have received. Thank you so much.

Please don't quit praying yet. God is still not through with working in
John's life.

Beverly Leonard

John back in Hospital Room

2005-08-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

We just got word that John had to return out of Rehab to the "North 5" wing
of Iowa Methodist Hospital because of a reocurring fever caused by infection
in his body. This may seem like a set back in his progress, but it is all
in God's time table. Remember the words of our Lord in Luke 18:1, "Men
should always pray and not give up."

Jim

Update on John & Joshua Leonard

2005-08-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

It is Friday evening, August 12, and we have some updates for our faithful
praying friends out there. It has been 40 days since John was shot, and we
rejoice with all God has done during this time. Julie and I were able to
house sit for some friends from Saylorville Baptist for the week, which
allowed us to look after Jerrod, Jonna, and Jeanie. We also had Jonathas,
Josuah's friend who accompanied him from Brazil, for a couple of days.

Joshua did arrive on Tuesday afternoon and was admitted to the Iowa
Methodist Hospital for an evaluation of his medical condition. His ankle
and wrist have healed quite well, but his hip still has a ways to go. At
this time the doctors and case manager have thought it best to keep him
close to the hospital for rehabilitation. Joshua's goal is to begin Bible
College, so please pray that God would direct his steps to make this
possible. Joshua is in Powell Wing, Room 375.

Since John was moved to rehabilitation he has been exhausted from the
exercises and movement; but this is good. Their current goal is to get him
to where he can stay sitting up in a wheel chair, then get him to where he
can participate in a transfer from bed to chair. Since his left upper arm
is still broken, this does limit his rehabilitation. Also, this week he has
had to deal with a urinary infection and some painful ports that were
inserted under his right arm, which have slowed down his rehabilitation.
Please continue to pray for John's full recovery.

John is in Powell, Room 472. He & Bev are able to receive some company, but
it would be best if you called before coming, since they have a rather full
schedule with rehab. His room telephone is (515) 241-6741. The nurse
station's number is (515) 241-6741. They can still receive notes and cards
through the www.iowahealth.org under "Patients and Visitors" then "Send a
Patient Greeting". Because Doug Porter is in Brazil, any notes sent through
the www.prayforjohn.com page will not be delivered until they return.

Please continue to pray for the churches in Maceio; especially for the young
work in Coqueiro Seco, where John was when he was shot. We are still
seeking the Lord's provision for a pastor to lead that young church.

Thanks for joining this great army of prayer warriors on behalf of God's
servants, John & Bev Leonard.

Update on John Leonard

2005-08-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

We apologize for allowing a few days to go by with no updates on John Leonard's progress. Doug and Brooke Porter are preparing for a short term Missions trip to Brazil, and we (Jim & Julie Leonard) are visiting supporting churches. But this should not in any way effect your prayers on behalf of John Leonard. Thank you for your faithfulness.

Yesterday John was moved to the rehabilitation wing of the Iowa Methodist Hospital where they will help him with exercise and occupational therapy to help him live as independently as possible in his condition. John still has some infection in his lungs, his jaws wired shut, and a tracheotomy in his throat. Other than a little movement in both upper arms, he is paralyzed from the neck down. We do praise the Lord that he is able to breath on his own and is able to speak. Please continue to pray that God would heal John's body and restore the use of his hands and legs.

John has been able to receive a limited number of friends who have encouraged him in the Lord. Yesterday he was blessed by a visit from Pastor Roger Williams and his wife from Phoenix, AZ. We would encourage any who would like to visit John to please call before coming by, as he is not always able to receive guests

Joshua, John's son who has been hospitalized in Brazil, should arrive this morning in Des Moines. He will be admitted to the same hospital where his father is for a medical evaluation of his present condition. Please pray for Joshua's healing and for God's leading in his life. For current updates on John and Joshua Leonard, please visit www.prayforjohn.com.

The church family from Saylorville Baptist has helped John and Bev find a home in Ankeny, IA, and are completely remodeling this home to fit their needs. A big thanks to Saylorville and Grandview Park Baptist Churches for lovingly providing meals for the family during this entire month.

More later. Please keep praying!

Update on John

2005-08-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

We apologize for allowing a few days to go by with no updates on John
Leonard's progress. Doug and Brooke Porter are preparing for a short term
Missions trip to Brazil, and we (Jim & Julie Leonard) are visiting
supporting churches. But this should not in any way effect your prayers on
behalf of John Leonard. Thank you for your faithfulness.

Yesterday John was moved to the rehabilitation wing of the Iowa Methodist
Hospital where they will help him with exercise and occupational therapy to
help him live as independently as possible in his condition. John still has
some infection in his lungs, his jaws wired shut, and a tracheotomy in his
throat. Other than a little movement in both upper arms, he is paralyzed
from the neck down. We do praise the Lord that he is able to breath on his
own and is able to speak. Please continue to pray that God would heal
John's body and restore the use of his hands and legs.

John has been able to receive a limited number of friends who have
encouraged him in the Lord. Yesterday he was blessed by a visit from Pastor
Roger Williams and his wife from Phoenix, AZ. We would encourage any who
would like to visit John to please call before coming by, as he is not
always able to receive guests

Joshua, John's son who has been hospitalized in Brazil, should arrive this
morning in Des Moines. He will be admitted to the same hospital where his
father is for a medical evaluation of his present condition. Please pray
for Joshua's healing and for God's leading in his life. For current updates
on John and Joshua Leonard, please visit www.prayforjohn.com.

The church family from Saylorville Baptist has helped John and Bev find a
home in Ankeny, IA, and are completely remodeling this home to fit their
needs. A big thanks to Saylorville and Grandview Park Baptist Churches for
lovingly providing meals for the family during this entire month.

More later. Please keep praying!

Video - Joshua's Birthday Party

2005-08-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Video of friends singing to Joshua at a surprise 20th birthday party:

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Pictures of Joshua's Birthday

2005-08-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Joshua's friend, Jonathas, with whom he is staying in Brazil, just send me this video and pictures of friends giving him a surprise birthday party.

Joshua's Brazilian mom, Marlécia, tells me that Joshua was brought back to their home last week, and has been in much better spirits, especially after speaking with his mom and dad on the phone this weekend. Wednesday the doctors will take his body cast off and re-evaluate his medical condition.

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Letter from Bev

2005-07-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Praying Friends,

We are taking advantage of our "computer man's" (Doug Porter) visit here at the hospital & having him take a brief update home with him to put on our website. I am right at John's side, so in a moment I am going to ask him what he wants to say.

All I have to say is that I feel badly that there has been a lot of "one-way communication" these days. I love to write emails, but because of the situation, it just has not been possible to answer everything. Please be assured that ALL of the emails that we received, I read aloud to John. Many of them made us cry together and touched our hearts deeply. The Scriptures shared were truly up-lifting and all of you have been used by God to encourage us during this time.

Also, we want to thank each person for the cards, letters, & gifts that you gave to us. We read each word as well and once again, they were a great blessing to us. As for the gifts... We tried hard to keep up with thank you notes, but there may have been a few that have "slipped by." We appreciate each one so much.

John asked me to up date you on the following:

John came through his surgery well. His fourth & fifth vertebrae were fused together to stabilize his condition, and it looks as if it did just that. Today John sat up in a chair for one hour! That was huge progress & we are so thankful!

Please pray for Josh. Today is his 20th birthday, as most of you know & we called him today. He is doing well, and we are thankful. Lord willing he will be coming back to the US on Saturday, August 6th.

Pray for John's mother, Frances, as well. She has plans to come back to the US to help out with our family needs at this time.

Jerrod, Jonna, & Jeanne are doing well. They keep trading off helping out at the hospital. They are being troopers, and continue to pray for them.

Here is John's message:

I Cor. 15:34 is the verse our family has chosen for our life verse. "Awake to righteousness & sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God, I speak this to your shame." Your prayers & God's hands have been keeping us together. Keep praying!

Sincerely in Christ
John, Bev & family

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Out of ICU

2005-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

I talked to Pastor Pat tonight. He said John is back out of ICU but still requests for no visitors. John still has the same abilities as before so there was no loss of feeling or control which is a answer to prayer. Pastor said John had a very tiring day today. I will be bringing up the messages from the guestbook tomorrow and should have another update and will have all the new address added to the mailing list.

- Doug

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Surgery Successful

2005-07-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

I was informed yesterday afternoon that John's surgery was successful. They attached a plastic spinal column to allow stabilization and to keep the area from deteriorating. He was put back in ICU for at least 24 hours. Praise God for a successful surgery and pray for it to cause more healing.

- Doug Porter

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Video & News - Iowa Missionary Recovering (from Channel 13 News)

2005-07-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

News Article and Video from WHO TV 13 in Des Moines, Iowa:

Iowa Missionary Recovering

Des Moines, July 28th, 2005 -An Iowa missionary continues to recover after being shot multiple times in Brazil. John Leonard just got out of intensive care this week. He nearly died after being shot in the arm and the mouth back on July 3. The closest hospital was an hour away, and then it took six days before he could get on a plane and fly home to Iowa.

"After the service I went out and the guy said whose Pastor John I said 'That's me, how you doing?' He shot me, I can't put a face to him - I've tried to." It only took a second for John Leonard's life to change. He was shot at least two times. One bullet fractured his arm. The other went into his mouth and injured his spinal cord. "I praise the lord for the prayers that everyone's been sending out for us, for our family, for the men who did this to me because I've forgiven them" Leonard told Channel 13.

John has been a missionary in Brazil for 20 years. He and his wife worked in a small fishing village. They started churches and government housing projects, doing whatever they could to make life better for the people who live there. "It's a real dark place, about an hour away on a dirt road to the nearest hospital. A lot of prostitution. A lot of drugs," says Leonard. He and his wife were making big changes in the small village and that, he believes is what led to the shooting. "I don't have any enemies. I would say the only person that would have done this is one of the drug lords."

Dr. Gary Anderson is the president of Baptist Mid-Missions in Ohio. He says there are 1,000 missionaries in 55 countries, and few ever experience this kind of danger. "In my 18 years I've taken four calls of missionaries being shot, but none like this we really. We have no indication that John was doing anything except what he was called to do. We know of no fault with what John was doing."

After six days John was flown from Brazil and rushed to Methodist hospital, where he's been for the last month. His friend Pat Members keeps daily tabs on John's condition as well as the whole Leonard family. "He's very tender hes very grateful to be alive to be able to give glory to God for what has happened to him," Members said. His family waits around the clock for any good news that their dad will pull through what happened.

John is making progress. He's now breathing on his own and has feeling in his upper body. He has a long road ahead and even with everything he's faced, John says he'd still consider going back to that little village in Brazil. "If the Lord gives me strength if he wants me to go down there I'll go."

The Saylorville Baptist Church is the supporting church for the Leonard family. They are offering meals and supporting family and they are also looking for a place for the family to live. John has surgery tomorrow to try to stabilize his spine.

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News - From the USA, John send a message to the faithful

2005-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

News article from the Gazeta de Alagoas:
Original Portuguese (English Translation Below)

Dos EUA, John envia mensagem aos fiéis

Pastor John, da UTI: "Perdôo quem fez isso comigo"

Da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, o pastor John enviou, com exclusividade à Gazeta, a seguinte mensagem: "Não tenho a menor idéia de por que alguém quis tirar a minha vida! Seja quem for, perdôo de todo o meu coração! Faço isso porque aprendi na Palavra de Deus em Mateus 5:44 Eu, porém, vos digo: amai a vossos inimigos, bendizei os que vos maldizem, fazei bem aos que vos odeiam e orai pelos que vos maltratam e vos perseguem.

Essa capacidade que tenho para perdoar, não vem de mim, mas daquele que morreu na cruz para pagar o preço do nosso pecado. Romanos 3:23 Porque o salário do pecado é a morte, mas o dom gratuito de Deus é a vida eterna, por Cristo Jesus, nosso Senhor. Entrega a tua vida a Cristo! Pede que Ele pague o preço do teu pecado! Estou no Brasil desde criança, não para fazer mal às pessoas, mas para pregar o Evangelho daquele que me salvou, pagando o preço do meu pecado". ###

Missionário já consegue falar e no futuro vai poder dirigir

O estado de saúde do pastor John David Leonard, 45 anos, continua melhorando. Em contato direto com o pastor Aureliano Colaço, em Alagoas, o irmão da vítima, também pastor, Jim Leonard, falou das esperanças que a família nutre na América do Norte, enquanto acompanha a recuperação do missionário que já consegue articular algumas palavras. "Os médicos aqui dos Estados Unidos já nos falaram que John poderá, no futuro, andar de cadeira de rodas e dirigir um carro adaptado para quem tem o seu problema", comemora.

O pastor John foi atingido por quatro tiros de pistola 380, no dia 3 de julho, por volta das 20h, em frente à Igreja Batista que construiu há cerca de 3 anos, no município de Coqueiro Seco. Uma das balas ficou alojada em seu maxilar e só na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva dos Estados Unidos foi retirada. "John mexe voluntariamente o braço direito, porém o esquerdo foi fraturado por uma bala e ainda não pode ser movimentado", afirmou o pastor Jim Leonard.

De Maceió, o pastor John seguiu em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Aérea, no último dia 8, para os Estados Unidos, num vôo que durou cerca de 18 horas.Infecção nos pulmões

Uma infecção nos pulmões do pastor John David é a maior preocupação dos médicos. Só depois que ela for tratada e seu braço esquerdo for recuperado, uma cirurgia na quarta vértebra de sua coluna poderá ser feita. Apesar do problema, o pastor Jim Leonard garante: "John continua respirando sem ajuda de aparelhos". O pastor também começou a articular algumas palavras, segundo o pastor Aureliano Colaço que responde ainda pela Igreja Batista do loteamento Canaã, no Tabuleiro do Martins.

Os fiéis, no Brasil e nos Estados Unidos, fazem correntes de oração, pedindo pela saúde do pastor. Um site na Internet (http://www.prayforjohn.com/ - reze por John) traz informações, em inglês, sobre a sua recuperação. A delegada Jeovânia Falcão, que comanda as investigações sobre o atentado, acredita que em breve o pastor John vai poder colaborar com a polícia. CS

From the USA, John send a message to the faithful

Pastor John, from the ICU: "I forgive who did this to me"

From the Intensive Care Unit
Pastor John sent, exclusively to the Gazeta, the following message: "I don't have the slightest idea of why somebody wanted to take my life! Whoever it is, I forgive them with all my heart! I do this because I learned in God's Word in Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

This ability to forgive does not come from me, but from He who died on the cross to pay the price for our sin. Romans 3:23 says For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Give your life to Christ! Ask and He will pay the price for your sin! I have been in Brazil since a child, not to harm people, but to preach the Gospel of the One who saved me, paying the price for my sin.". ###

Missionry is able to speak and in the future may be able to drive

The condition of pastor John David Leonard, 45 years old, continues to improve. In direct contact with pastor Aureliano Colaço, in Alagoas, the victims brother, also a pastor, Jim Leonard, spoke of the hope that the family nutures in the United States, as they accompany the recovery of the missionary who is now speaking some words. "The doctors in the United States have said that John could, in the future, ride in a wheel chair, and drive a car adapted for one who has his limitations."

Pastor John was hit by four bullets from a 380 pistol on July 3, around 8:00 p.m. in front of the church he built about 3 hears ago, in the town of Coqueiro Seco. One of the bullets was lodged in his jaw and was removed in the Intensive Care Unit. "John voluntarily moves his right arm, but the left arm was fractured by a bullet, so it cannot be moved yet," said pastor Jim Leonard.
From Maceió, Pastor John was lifted in a flying ambulance on July 8 to the United States, in a flight which lasted aproximately 18 hours."
Lung Infection

An infection in Pastor John's lungs is the greatest concern of the doctors. Only after this is cared for will they care for the left arm and have surgery on the fourth vertebrae. Despite the problem, pastor Jim Leonard assures us: "John continues to breath without the aid of equipment." The pastor also began to articulate some words, according to pastor Aureliano Colaço who pastors the Baptist Church in the Canaã Development of the Tabuleiro do Martins.

The faithful, in Brazil and in the United States, are making prayer chains, asking for the recovery of the pastor. An internet site (http://www.prayforjohn.com/) brings English updates about his recovery. The chief of police Jeovânia Falcão, who heads up the investigation for this attempt, believes that very soon pastor John will be able to collaborate with the police. CS

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New Prayer Requests

2005-07-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

I went to the hospital tonight to bring the newest messages to John and found was moved to a regular room right before we all got there. He said it made him very tired. Although, not so tired that he couldn't witness to a nurse that just walked in. Between John and Pastor Pat she left the room with some things to think about, a track and a future chat with John. It was awesome to see him set himself aside to tell of Christ.

I also was informed of a surgery John will be having Thursday called cervical reconstruction. Basically this is a surgery not to cause more use of the limbs but to sustain what is there now. It is to stop the deterioration of the spine.

Here are some new prayer requests gathered from tonight:

1. John's surgery Thursday. Pray for no further damage and pray for quick recovery and healing.

2. Pray for the Pastors, realtors, home owners, John & Bev, and many others involved in choosing a new home for them. Wisdom, connections, both simple and large decisions, financing and everything that comes with moving, starting school, and all of it added to the current situation.

3. John's recovery from moving rooms.

4. No new info on Josh, continue previous requests.

5. "The work" in Brasil.

6. Opportunities for John and others to witness to hospital staff.

One last bit of information. PLEASE, NO VISITORS OR CALLS AT THIS TIME. This comes from John's own mouth. He is not ready and they are overwhelmed with other things right now. The best way to communicate is by using the "leave a message for John" link on the PrayforJohn.com website. All messages get straight to John and Bev and I am assured all are read.

- Douglas Porter

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Video - John Leonard Speaking to Saylorville Baptist Church

2005-07-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here is the video from Saturday night at about 10:00pm CST:

There are no specific updates that I know of from today from John or family but there is an update about his church in Brasil. I had a friend from church read it to me due to it was written in Portuguese. She said that it was from a pastor, I am assuming from a church John planted. He talked about going out on visitation to about 13 people or families and that about 8 rededicate themselves to God. He also talked about "the work" is continuing and will never stop. I will try to get it translated better later, you can read it in Portuguese in the "leave a message for John" section.

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New Trach

2005-07-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

Jim is gone for about 10 days so Bev and I (Doug) will be keeping you updated. We (my wife and I) stopped by the hospital to bring a stack of messages down for John. Bev happened to come out quick and we gave her the messages and told her about the e-Cards for Josh. She said John was feeling very tired the past few days and that they were just waiting for his fever to come down and then he could be moved to a normal room. She said when he is ready she would have me come down to video a message to everyone.

Later I found my phone had some missed calls and after listening to voicemails, found out that Bev and Pastor Pat had tried to call. I guess John was ready to make the video now. When we got there a family member took us back to John's room. My wife and I had been preparing ourselves for what John may look like as we hadn't seen him since VBS a few weeks before. I was amazed to see how well he looked. He has to talk with his mouth wired shut but he does a great job. He looks very young because, if you know John and his brothers, they all look young for their age, but John now looks like he has braces due to his mouth wired shut. A lot that he said was very personal but I will share two things with you. One is he told us that he still doesn't remember anything. Pastor was talking to him about when they got him here to Des Moines and he was in a coma and the doctors didn't know if he was going to live. John said he doesn't remember anything. He also said that he knew he had two options, either go crazy, or turn to God for strength. You can tell it is God that is in control. John says he has been very humbled through all of this and that he prays hard to be able to preach again. The video will be available tomorrow after the church sees it due to it is directed towards the people of Saylorville Baptist Church.

Now to the actual update. John received a new Trach today which has helped his ability to talk. He said he feels much better now. In his own words he called the old Trach, 1800's style from Brazil. He told me the story of it all but I felt bad keeping him up so late. As soon as he is able, I know I will be up a lot visiting him. He had Bev play one of his favorite songs tonight and he kept telling me stories. He even prayed for me and my wife before we left. We finally left but told him we would come again soon with more of everyone's messages.

Prayer requests I feel are important:
1. Continue prayers involving healing of John in all ways but specifically for the fever to go away.
2. Pray for John. He is praying that he won't become a burden to his wife and family. God is really teaching him he needs others and to allow them to serve him.
3. Josh's healing and plans for coming to the US.
4. Future plans for the family as in schooling, home, and general plans for their life.
5. That John will preach again.
6. For his churchs still in Brazil and "the work"
7. Bev, that God continues to strengthen her and guide her.

- Douglas Porter

P.S. I want to thank the very first donator to the site. I used it to remove the ads from the "Leave a message for John" section also know as the guestbook. Thank You.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

Birthday Card For Joshua

2005-07-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

Online eCards are now available via the website PrayforJohn.com or you can click on the image or link below. His Birthday is July 31st and he will be turning 20! I will also pass on this information about Josh from Jim:

Joshua has a laptop with him, though it is not connected to the internet. His friend Jonathas, whose parents are caring for Joshua, has a desk top with internet access. He has agreed to copy cards, letters, website, whatever onto a CD and take it for Joshua's viewing on his laptop.

Sending snail mail cards to Brazil might not be effective at this point. Mail can take from 10 - 20 days to arrive. By that time Joshua will probably be up here. If somebody really wants to send Joshua a greeting in this way perhaps they could send it to an address here (Saylorville?), and it would be waiting for Josh on the day of his arrival.

If you would like to send an actual physical card via snail mail (post office) you can send them to the Leonard's home church:

Joshua Leonard

c/o Saylorville Baptist Church

6429 NW 6th Dr

Des Moines, IA 50313

Send an e-Birthday Card to Josh

- Douglas Porter

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

Picture - Josh (John's Son) in body cast

2005-07-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Jim sent me these pictures today to add to the site:

Josh in body cast

Josh with friend Eder

Josh with Marlécia, his Brazilian "Mom" who is responsible for his care.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

Leonard Prayer Note

2005-07-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Partners,

It is Thursday evening, July 21, and we continue to ask you to uphold John Leonard in your prayers as he recovers from the attempt on his life two and a half weeks ago. I am sitting by John's bedside, chatting with him as I write this note.

John is still in the Intensive Care Unit because of a persistent fever from an unidentified source. Yesterday the doctors gave us the first indication that the anti-biotics are working to combat the dangerous infections he has, and that the pneumonia was clearing up. As soon as this fever is under control John will be moved to the rehabilitation wing of the hospital.

Since Tuesday John has been able to speak with his own voice, which is a huge blessing, yet he tires quickly and only gets a few words out now and then. But the prospects of him being able to preach God's Word again excites us all. Even in the hospital room he and the family have had
numerous opportunities to share the Gospel. Today we were able to witness to a Muslim immigrant from Bosnia who came in to clean the room.

Yesterday I called the Chief Investigator who is working on the investigation for the shooting in Brazil. We were assured that they are working night and day, have made good headway in the case, and that perhaps by next week they would have something solid to tell us. John is beginning to recollect a few details from the early moments immediately following the
shooting, but has no idea who the gunmen were, nor why somebody would have ordered this.

John and Beverly are beginning to consider the options for the family's housing needs for the upcoming semester, as well as the schooling needs for Jerrod, Jonna, and Jeanie. We know that God will provide these needs as He has proven Himself faithful time and again.

This weekend Naomi will be returning to her home in Tennessee and we will be leaving for a ten day trip to Minnesota and Wisconsin. Beverly's parents and sister will be coming up from Kansas to spend some time with the family in Des Moines. We praise the Lord for family and friends who have surrounded this family during this special time.

Please pray:
- For healing from the fever, and that John would regain full use of his arms and legs
- For our witness even while in the hospital
- For the repentance and salvation of the gunmen and those who ordered this shooting.
- For God's provision of housing and schooling for the Leonard family
- For Joshua, as he continues to recover in Brazil

Thank you for being a part of this great army of prayer warriors who are glorifying God with what He is doing in and through John Leonard.

Jim & Julie Leonard

John and Bev's home church has created a web page where current news and updates are being posted. It is www.prayforjohn.com You can write John a greeting at www.iowahealth.org. Click on the "Patient and Visitors" link and you will find an option to "Send a Patient Greeting." John is at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

Video - Updates from Saylorville Baptist Church, July 17th, 2005

2005-07-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the video from this past Sunday service, July 17, 2005, from John's home church, Saylorville Baptist, in Des Moines, Iowa:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

Leonard Prayer Note

2005-07-19T22:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Prayer Partners,

Tonight God brought to John's mind the verse in Psalm 56:8 which reads: "put thou my tears into thy bottle..." He said "that's me, and my bottle is filled with tears of happiness." When I asked him what it was that made him most happy, he answered: "Everything!" Indeed, we can only rejoice in everything God has done and is doing through this trial of our faith.

"Everything" certainly includes all of you who are joined in prayer before God in behalf of John, his family, and their churches in Brazil. "Everything" also includes each of you who have sent notes of encouragement to John and Bev. We read them all out loud and praise God for you all.

After consulting with Joshua's doctors in Brazil, the family which has been carring for him, and with Joshua himself, we have decided it best for Joshua to remain in Brazil for a couple more weeks to gain more strength and recuperate from his most recent hip surgery. Joshua is surrounded by the church family and youth group who love him and are seeing that he is properly cared for. This means that he will be celebrating his 20th birthday in Brazil, just before joining his family in Des Moines. I wish we could figure out a way to blast him with hundreds of birthday greetings from all around the world. Maybe Doug Porter can come up with an idea?

Today for the first time John's doctors gave us an indication that he is winning the battle against the infections. They said that soon he will be ready to move from the ICU to the trauma wing of the hospital.

God is faithful. May all the glory be to Him.

Jim Leonard

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

Happy Anniversary

2005-07-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Doug,

I know this is not your intention for this blog, but our family did want you to know how much we appreciate what you and Brooke did for us tonight: You shared your second wedding anniversary with us by bringing that special supper to our family in the ICU waiting room. Brooke, you have become an awesome cook; and Doug, your work on this prayforjohn web page is just incredible. May God bless you both with many happy years together, as you serve Him. We love you guys.

Jim & Julie, for all of us Leonards

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

My Personal Visit to the Hospital

2005-07-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today my wife and I went to the hospital to bring dinner to the Leonard Family. My wife brought beef enchiladas which went over very well. There were about 10 people there eating, mostly children, John's brother Jim, Jim's wife and their oldest sister. On the way to the hospital I called Pastor Pat Nemmers to get instructions on where to bring the food. While on the phone he informed me that John started talking today. I guess John had some strong meds yesterday and it wore him out so he was very tired and sleeping most of today. He is now moving all of his limbs but it is still limited. Unfortunately the doctors never expected John to be able to move, so when he was shot in the arm they didn't work at getting it to heal; as in it was never set into place correctly. Judging by how Jim described it, there is about a 1" to 2" section shattered in the arm. It is only being held into place with a plastic brace at this time.

Jim can now post directly to this site and if you are on the mailing list it will come straight to you automatically without me having to touch anything. This way you will get faster and more accurate up to date information.

I contemplated as to if I should write tonight as Jim will probably tell you all of this but I wanted you to hear from an outside source (outside the family) just how everyone is doing. Jim's wife said all the kids were doing great and getting along and just having great fun together. There is an area for them to play in the children's hospital attached to the hospital. They have crafts and things for them to do. Jim and Julie seem to be doing well and continue to visit their supporting churches here in the Midwest on the weekends. Bev came out of the CCU (critial care unit) right before we left and said hi and also seemed to be doing well. You can really tell Christian families apart from the other families in the room in a crisis situation. Of course I was only there for about an hour but I could tell God's hand is surely on this family. I'm sure it is a great testimony to the staff and other visitor and patients.

Josh will be waiting a while to come home due to his situation. The only way to get him home was to take off the full body cast, fly him here (at least a 9 hour flight) and then put it back on. The doctors said it could be a cause for more surgery so they have decided to let him heal more in Brazil. Jim said he is surrounded by youth and church members and is safe. It would probably be very difficult for them both to be here now and there still isn't a place for him here yet. We all agreed God's timing is perfect and He knows best.

Jim also confirmed that John is talking. I think to myself that no matter what, now John will have his voice to preach again. If John is up to it we may have a message from him soon. From what I understand, The bullet entered in his right cheek area but Jim says it is appears totally healed from the outside.

John also was able to see the website today and we brought him all the updated messages from everyone. Jim assured me every one is read. I told Jim about the offering taken up for John and I could tell his heart was blessed. He said that John is already talking about a powered wheel chair and lift van. Jim told him it might be a little too soon for that. If you know John, you know he's ready to be out of there and getting back to "the work".

Besides other prayer requests I would mention to pray for John's ability to talk and for him to be able to witness to the staff at the hospital. I'm sure there's a lot he's had to say since he's been there and soon he will have that chance. Oh, I asked Jim if John has any memory of the shooting, so far he does not. In some ways that could be a good thing. There are a few things I will keep for Jim to say as I don't want to invade family privacy.

I still have video from service this past Sunday I am waiting to upload. Also look forward to a calendar that will not only show upcoming events like Josh's arrival date, but past events and time lines of John's story and progression.

All information is just from memory from visiting today so I appolgize if any info is wrong and Jim please correct me.

-Doug

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

Leonard Prayer Note

2005-07-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Partners,

It is Monday, July 18th in the evening, and we do want to update you on John Leonard's condition so that you can continue upholding him and his family in prayer.

On Saturday at noon the respirator was turned off until late in the night and John did quite well breathing on his own. On Sunday morning the respirator was turned off again, and they have not had to turn it back on since. John is still battling the serious infection in his lungs, which keeps his hospital room in isolation. He has shown some slight movements in all four of his limbs.

As you continue to pray for John, we would now ask you to pray more specifically for Joshua, John's 19 year old son who is in Brazil. You may recall that John had returned to Brazil from furlough just a few days before the shooting incident to arrange the details for Joshua's return to the United States for medical care. Last week Joshua had to undergo a second surgery to replace the pins in his hip which had come loose. Following the surgery the doctors put him in a plaster of paris body cast from his chest down to his toes forcing him to remain totally stretched out in bed. We have plans to have Joshua flown from Brazil to Des Moines this Friday on a commercial airline but with his present condition we are facing some logistical difficulties. We are waiting on God to show us how to proceed, and hope to have an answer by tomorrow. The family is also seeking the Lord's provision for the best accommodations for Joshua near the medical facility where he and his father will be cared for.

Last week we mentioned some concern about the safe keeping of the property in Coqueiro Sêco where the church is located as well as John and Bev's home. The caretaker of the property, Nenê, is a new believer and he was justifiably fearful for his life. He had witnessed the shooting and had gone to the police to testify of what he had seen. His wife, who is not yet a believer, was insisting that they leave immediately. Last week, after the initial panic had passed, Nenê agreed to stay on safeguarding the property. He stated: "Pr. John has done so much for us, we just couldn't let him down at this time when he most needs us." By the way, his stepfather is among those who received Jesus as Savior last Wednesday night.

This week we are asking the Lord to direct us to somebody who can move into Coqueiro Sêco to lead the congregation there. We feel this is important for the progress of this work and the spiritual growth of the new believers.

Please continue to pray:
- For victory over the MRSA staff and pseudomonas infections
- That John would regain full use of his arms and legs
- For Joshua's trip to Des Moines
- For Joshua's housing needs
- For the safety of "Nenê", the caretaker, and for his wife's salvation
- For God to give us somebody who could lead the congregation in Coqueiro Sêco.

Thank you so much for joining us before God's throne,

Jim & Julie Leonard

John and Bev's home church has created a web page where current news and updates are being posted and where you can find a link to send him a card. It is www.PrayforJohn.com

A Picture of John "Talking"

2005-07-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Bev thought people would like to see how John talks through the alphabet board.

Jim

July 18 update on John Leonard

2005-07-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

News Article from Baptist Mid-Missions:

John Leonard arrived in Des Moines, Iowa, at approximately noon EST, on Saturday, July 9

Encouraging improvement amidst significant needs: John continues to battle infections, but his lungs are stronger and his respiration steadily improves. He underwent three-hour facial reconstruction surgery that included securing a plate in his chin to accelerate its healing. The medical personnel are cautious about long-term limb movement expectations, but family members rejoiced when John raised his right arm and moved his hand over the weekend.

The heart of a man of God is revealed: John communicates through the use of an acrylic spelling board in which he uses eye movements and blinks to spell words and to respond. Through this slow process, John authored a word of forgiveness to those who tried to take his life, and he asked that a particular pastor in Brazil take the statement to the two city newspapers. He also smiled for a picture to accompany this document.

Spiritual victory in Brazil: In Maceio, at the church in Coqueiro Seco where John was shot, an abundance of visitors attended prayer meeting last Wednesday (July 13). Some are people whom the Leonards witnessed to previously without response. For many it was their first time to attend a service at the church. The pastor leading the meeting preached a gospel message, and eight people received Jesus Christ as Savior. This report was shared with John and Bev Leonard, and they recognized each of the names. Everyone present in the hospital room, including John, openly wept tears of joy.

The Leonards’ oldest son, Joshua, continues to recuperate from his multiple fractures and surgery. Plans are in place for him to travel with a close family friend from Maceió, Brazil, to Des Moines on July 22.

The Leonards’ commissioning church, Saylorville Baptist Church, in Saylorville, Iowa, has created www.johnleonardinfo.blogspot.com to communicate current information.

For more information on John Leonard, see the July 7 news item BMM missionary John Leonard attacked by gunmen in Brazil

See also the prayer item for the Leonard family: Pray for the needs of wounded missionary John Leonard, his family, and church.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

Prayer Letter from Jim Leonard

2005-07-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Partners,

It is in the midst of the storms of life that God's peace shines through, along with the accompanying joy.

John and Bev have certainly been examples of God's grace as they've demonstrated God's peace during this storm in their lives.

All of John's communication is done through a spelling board, where he uses eye movements and blinks looking up at an acrylic spelling board. It is very slow and sometimes frustrating for both he as well as the "reader", but we're getting better at it.

One of the churches John organized in Maceió just received a new pastor this past week. This morning John asked me to call Pastor Lelo and have him go to the two city newspapers with a word of forgiveness to those who tried to take his life. He also smiled for a picture which we sent by e-mail to accompany this news. When I spoke with
Pastor Lelo he was all excited. Wednesday night he had gone to the prayer meeting at the church in Coqueiro Seco where John had been shot, and found that many visitors were there. Some of these were people who had been witnessed to many times but had never responded or even come to a service. Following the Spirit's lead Pastor Lelo preached a gospel message and eight people received Jesus Christ as Savior. I wrote down their names because these are people the Leonards know by name. When I shared this report with John and Bev and read the names of those who were saved we all wept openly. This was the first time either Bev or I can ever remember John shedding a tear for any reason; tears of joy. Please continue to pray for this new church which is in need of a shepherd to lead it through their present storm. There is still much fear in the community.

John continues to battle the two infections, but today his lungs sounded a bit clearer. During a three hour surgery yesterday a plate was put into his chin, which we trust will help the healing process there. This morning a doctor confirmed once again that they didn't expect him to ever move his arms or legs again. Then this afternoon he was able to raise his right arm and move his hand. You cannot imagine the look of shock on the therapist's face who was working with him -- and the rejoicing among the family members who were present.

We could mention other blessings, but we just wanted to keep you posted with some of God's great responses to your prayers today.

Please continue to pray for:
- Victory over the MRSA staff and pseudomonas infections
- That John would be able to breath without the aid of the respirator
- For John to regain the use of his arms and legs
- For Joshua's health to be strong for his trip to Des Moines next Friday (he arrives on Saturday morning)
- For Beverly to have the physical, emotional, and spiritual strength needed for all she's facing
- For plans for family needs in the near future, including schooling for the children this Fall

Thank you so much for joining us before God's throne.

Jim & Julie Leonard

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

God is Good

2005-07-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is the webmaster, Doug Porter, tonight I have received great news. At first I was not to go public with this information but now that I have confirmed from outside sources that the info was released so here it is. This information will not be detailed and possibly not 100% accurate until I get the newsletter from Jim Leonard.

Talking with Pastor Kevin from Saylorville Baptist Church this afternoon, he told me this: A pastor came to preach at John's church in Brazil. From what I remember the message pertained to John's situation. Approximately 8 people were saved at this service. All things work together for good to those who love God.

Later talking with Pastor Pat Nemmers from Saylorville Baptist Church, I got this information. I was calling pastor to talk to him about a new and easier name for this site (I'll go into that later) and he said there was some great news, and he emphasized great. I feel I know pastor pretty well and could tell he was meaning John moved his body. I was right, while working with a physical therapist, they coaxed him and worked with him and his right arm and fingers moved. Pastor was saying that while they were praying for him earlier he thought he felt John's hand twitch but thought it was just himself and didn't say anything. I agreed to keep it quiet until the family released this information. I have heard that this info was released via email from Jim Leonard. I am currently trying to get him hooked up so his emails post directly here but as for now I can only go by memory from what I've heard tonight.

As for the website, the current name (johnleonardinfo.blogspot.com) will work indefinitely. But tonight I bought the site PrayforJohn.com. It will work on and off for the next 24 hours but will then work indefinety. I made a banner which is at the top but I will include it here also:

This is so it will be easier to give out the address and also focus on what is really important at this time. Pray for John is what we're all doing right now. The website has been getting people from all over the world hitting it. Here are the stats for the past few days.

The site was created at approximately 11:00pm Tuesday the 12th and this post is as of Saturday the 16th at 1:09am, there are a total of 1,129 Visitors with over 2,700 page loads. 218 Return visitors. I have also added a poll on the right hand side of the page titled How do you know John Leonard? I have many of you on the Mailing List but if you still need to be added just email me at JohnLeonardInfo@gmail.com, the new Email address of info@PrayforJohn.com should also be working within the next 24 hours. One last thing, I've added a link in the upper right hand corner to a guestbook which you can sign and leave a message for john and his family.

Leave a Message for John

Douglas Porter

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to JohnLeonardInfo@gmail.com

Baptist Missionary Paralyzed After Being Shot In Brazil

2005-07-15T04:17:00.000-07:00

Article from WCHS - TV8:

Baptist Missionary Paralyzed After Being Shot In Brazil
DES MOINES, Iowa

A Baptist missionary who's hospitalized in Iowa may remain paralyzed from the neck down after being shot by gunmen outside the church he founded in Brazil.

Officials at a Des Moines church that supports John Leonard's mission work say he was shot in the face, arm and back after preaching a sermon on July third.

The 45-year-old Leonard was flown to Iowa this past weekend.

He's been a missionary for two decades in Brazil, where he's started several churches.

The vice president of Baptist Mid-Missions, the mission agency to which Leonard belongs, says organized crime leaders may have arranged the shooting. He says Leonard was working to rehabilitate drug addicts and -- as a result -- drug dealers may have believed he had information on them.

The Reverend Kevin Thomas, associate pastor, Saylorville Baptist Church, in interview Thomas says John Leonard is a godly man.

On the Net: http://johnleonardinfo.blogspot.com/

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to MailingList@PrayforJohn.com

Picture - John at Vacation Bible School

2005-07-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is John during Vacation Bible School at Saylorville Baptist Church standing with Tommy Hay.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to JohnLeonardInfo@gmail.com

Video - Wednesday night (July 13th) prayer meeting & update from Jim Leonard

2005-07-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

This is video from the Wednesday night (July 13th) prayer meeting at Saylorville Baptist Church, John's home church. There is updates from both Pastor Pat Nemmers, and John's Brother, Jim Leonard.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to JohnLeonardInfo@gmail.com

John Leonard Website

2005-07-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Blog from Comings Communiqué:

We wish to thank you all for remembering John and Beverly Leonard and their children in your prayers. God's people united in prayer will certainly bring much glory to Him, which is really what He desires; and that is what our family desires, despite the pain of the present moment.

John's condition is still critical, though much improved over the past couple of days. Yesterday he had a simple surgery to wire his mouth shut, and to hold the jaw in place, which actually makes him look and feel much better. Soon, perhaps tomorrow, more reconstructive surgery will be done on his face. Today he was very alert, joyful, and bringing happiness to those who entered his room.

This morning an MRI confirmed that extensive damage was done to his spinal chord, which the neuro surgeon does not feel would be reversed by surgery. Besides, John has two very serious infections which would almost certainly be life threatening if surgery were done on his back. So at this point the doctors are saying that John will be in a neck brace for up to two months until the vertebrae fuse together and will probably remain paralyzed from his neck down. We believe that God can miraculously heal John if that would bring the greatest glory to Him, so we continue to pray for that.

Immediately our greatest concern is with the MRSA staff and pseudomonas infections which are extremely resistant to antibiotics. Because of this, extra precautions have been taken to keep John in isolation.

We are also praying that John will be able to breath without the aid of the respirator so that he can speak again. We have seen significant progress in his breathing, but must still pray about this.

Plans have been made for Joshua to travel from Brazil on July 22nd. A close friend with whom he is staying in Maceió will be accompanying him on the trip all the way to Des Moines.
The Iowa Methodist Hospital is providing John with excellent care, and has shown loving concern to the entire family. They have a system by which greeting cards can be sent over the internet. It is at http://www.iowahealth.org/. Click on the "Patient and Visitors" link and you will find an option to "Send a Patient Greeting." In this way you can save the postage and get a greeting to John much quicker.

John and Bev's home church has created a web page where current news and updates are being posted. It is http://johnleonardinfo.blogspot.com/

If you would like to be added to the mailing list send an email to JohnLeonardInfo@gmail.com

News - Missionary Recovering After Being Shot in Brazil

2005-07-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

News Article from WOI TV 5:

Missionary Recovering After Being Shot in Brazil

July 13, 2005, 09:46 AM

DES MOINES- After shock, fear and hundreds of prayers, friends and family remain cautious, but call Missionary John Leonard's progress "miraculous." Rev. Pat Nemers, from Saylorville Baptist Church, said, "God has heard our prayers. He woke up out of the coma. He's in a lot of pain, but just the same, he's communicating with his gestures."

Native Iowan John Leonard has spent nearly a quarter century serving in Brazil. His latest visit ended tragically on July 3rd when two men shot him three times at point blank range- in front of one of his Brazilian congregations. After receiving basic care at a local hospital, he was flown back to Iowa Methodist Medical Center on Sunday.

Leonard's friends at Saylorville Baptist Church say they pray for a full recovery, and believe he'll be back. Stuart Mauseth, from Saylorville Baptist Church, said, "When John does recover from this, knowing John, he will be back in the field, down in Brazil again, serving God."

Reverend Nemmers says along with using small gestures, Leonard is beginning to experience feeling in his arms and possibly one of his legs. He says Leonard is a man who practices what he preaches. Nemmers said, "After the incident, while he lie almost mortally wounded, he said, 'Forgive them.'"

Meanwhile, Nemmers says Brazilian police continue investigating the crime, and federal authorities are participating as much as they are allowed.

John Leonard Update

2005-07-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Email to Church Body from Pastors at Saylorville Baptist Church:

Dear Brethren,

I just returned from a visit with John and Bev. John is recovering from recent surgery where they reset his jaw. One of the gunshot wounds injured his jaw and broke some teeth. His teeth are wired shut for the moment as he recovers from this surgery. The greatest concern for now is a serious staff infection that he is fighting. This is indeed a most difficult condition and one that requires diligent prayer for healing to occur. Concerning his paralysis, the doctors are not very hopeful. Although doctors and medicines are wonderful, that is not where we put our hope. We are reminded in Psalm 147:10,11, "He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy."

One other note, it is absolutely precious to observe Bev caring for her husband in such a loving and tender way. Continue to uphold her in prayer as this has been very draining on her. In fact, one way to help relieve some of the extra energy it takes for her to great visitors - we recommend that you consider using the free greeting card service offered by Methodist hospital. Simply go to the link http://www.iowahealth.org/ and on the Patient and Visitors link there is an option for "Send a Patient Greeting". It is a wonderful way to send a word of encouragement that is hand delivered daily right to John's room. Thanks so much for your prayers, love and concern for this family. God is answering prayer.

Pastors Pat and Kevin

Shepherd fought against infantile prostitution

2005-07-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

Article from Melodia, a christian radio company in Brazil:

Original Portuguese:
Scroll Down for English

Pastor baleado
Pastor lutava contra prostituição infantil

A polícia não descarta a possibilidade do atentado sofrido pelo pastor da Igreja Batista de Coqueiro Seco, John David Leonard, 45 anos, no domingo, dia 3, estar ligado ao trabalho que ele desenvolvia contra a prostituição infantil no município. “Não é a nossa principal linha de investigação, mas não excluímos esta alternativa”, disse a delegada que preside o inquérito, Geovânia Falcão, sem revelar em que direção a polícia tem encaminhado as diligências.
Polícia Americana

Na última semana, dois agentes do FBI (Polícia Federal dos Estados Unidos) estiveram em Maceió. Em reunião com o secretário de Defesa Social, Robervaldo Davino; com o diretor da Polícia Civil, Roberto Lisboa; e com a delegada Geovânia Falcão, eles quiseram saber como estão andando as investigações e em quais circunstâncias houve a tentativa de homicídio. O pastor John David tem dupla nacionalidade e na última sexta-feira (8) foi transferido para os Estados Unidos, com princípio de infecção, num vôo que durou cerca de 18 horas.

Fonte: Gazeta Web

Data: 12/07/2005

Translated to English via Altavista.com:

Transferred shepherd

Shepherd fought against infantile prostitution

The police does not discard the possibility of the attempted against one suffered by the shepherd from the Church Baptist from Dry Coconut palm, John David Leonard, 45 years, in the Sunday, day 3, to be on to the work that it developed against infantile prostitution in the city. "It is not our main line of inquiry, but we do not exclude this alternative", said the commission agent who presides over the inquiry, Geovânia Falcão, without disclosing where direction the police has directed the diligências.

American police
In the last week, two agents of the FBI (Federal Police of the United States) had been in Maceió. In meeting with the secretary of Social Defense, Robervaldo Davino; with the director of the Civil Policy, Robert Lisbon; and with commission agent Geovânia Falcão, them had wanted to know as they are walking the inquiries and in which circumstances it had the homicide attempt. The shepherd John David has pair nationality and in the last Friday (8) he was transferred to the United States, with principle of infection, in a flight that lasted about 18 hours.

Source: Web Gazette
Date: 12/07/2005

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News - MISSIONARY SHOT

2005-07-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Article from The Garret:

MISSIONARY SHOT

Missionary John Leonard is in critical condition after he was shot outside a Brazil church he founded. Two men approached Leonard following a service and shot him at close range. An ordained Baptist minister, Leonard has worked in the country with Baptist Mid-Missions for about 20 years. He may be paralyzed if he survives. After spending most of a week in a remote Brazilian hospital, he was brought back to Des Moines, Iowa.

Picture - Leonard Family

2005-07-11T17:48:00.001-07:00

Picture - John & Bev Leonard

2005-07-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

U.S. Missionary Remains in Critical Condition After Attack

2005-07-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Article from The Christian Post:

U.S. Missionary Remains in Critical Condition After Attack

An Iowa missionary remains in critical condition at a Methodist Hospital in Des Moines after he was shot several times last week outside a Brazil church he founded.

Monday, Jul. 11, 2005 Posted: 3:25:49PM EST

Although sources say 45-year-old John Leonard did awake from his coma Saturday night and responded to his family, doctors are still not able to perform surgery on him yet because he's at risk for pneumonia. He is believed to be paralyzed from the neck down.

On July 3, Leonard was shot at close range by two men outside his mission church in Brazil after a church service. Leonard, a long-time member and missionary for the Saylorville Baptist Church in Des Moines, was rushed to a hospital, suffering from gunshot wounds to his face.

On Saturday, Leonard was flown to Iowa Methodist Medical Center where he regained consciousness overnight, opening his eyes and communicating to friends and family by nodding his head, Saylorville church members were told, according to the Des Moines Register.

"Your prayers woke him up in the night," the Rev. Pat Nemmers told worshippers at the 10:45 a.m. service.

William Smallman, vice president of the Ohio-based mission agency to which Leonard belonged, said such an attack on a missionary is "exceedingly rare." Based on the information his group has about the shooting, it's clear that the men, who have not been identified, went to the church to kill Leonard.

What is unclear is the motive.

Beth Levine, the spokeswoman for Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who helped arrange Leonard's transportation to Iowa Methodist said she did not know whether a U.S. government agency was investigating the shooting.

However, the Des Moines Register reports that Grassley has now gotten involved in the investigation in Brazil.

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Letter from Josiah Leonard

2005-07-11T10:00:00.003-07:00

A letter from Ray & Annette Ronk:

We received this good report from Josiah Leonard, one of Pastor John's nephews. Thank you for being faithful to pray for John and his family. We also appreciate your prayers for the Brasilian churches, especially those in the area of the shooting. Pray that they will remain faithful during this time.
Continuing in His service, Ray and Annette Ronk

Uncle John is doing so much better! When he arrived they had him on 100% oxygen, now he is only on 60%. The doctors quit giving him medication of any type in order to revive him, so he could in some way try to communicate with us. I had the privilege of being with Uncle John when he first started communicating to us with his head and eyes! It was so wonderful to ask him questions and get a response from him! We updated him on where he was, how he got there, how Josh was doing, and that he was going to be OK. He understood everything we said. When you look in his eyes, he seems to have a tired, dull gaze that appears as if he is meditating on you and taking you all in. For us, it’s the most beautiful thing! He started "communicating" with us Saturday night at around 9:00 P.M. My dad was with him around 5:00 A.M. this Sunday morning, and he was able to "talk" to Uncle John through pointing out letters of the alphabet and Uncle John nodded “yes” or “no” if that was the letter he wanted. After a long while, my dad and Aunt Bev managed to get the words “what happened” spelled out. They filled in Uncle John on what has happened since the shooting. He got a puzzled look on his face several times during the explanations. I saw the X-rays right across the hall from his room. There are bits and pieces of bullet shells and bones scattered throughout his arm and chest area. I don't think they have found an entire bullet in his body yet. Some speculation but no confirmation. Imagine this: someone takes a walnut and a hammer. They take the hammer and smash the walnut with all their strength. Pieces of the walnut scatter in all directions. That’s what the X-ray of his arm looks like. They have set it, but they won't use pins since Uncle John can't move it. He has feeling from his chest up. He was also feeling some pain so they put him back on some pain killers but no sedatives. Aunt Bev has been in and out of his room (mostly in) ever since he arrived Saturday around noon. Over the course of the night, she has fallen asleep several times next to his bed with her hand on his shoulder. He wants her there. He has made himself very clear on that matter. Jerrod and Aunt Bev just came out from his room. They were able to spell out “head”, which meant his was hurting, and “bullet out” which he was asking whether the bullets had come out or not. The doctors aren't going to do surgery until Uncle John’s vital signs continue to be stable. So far they have been excellent and are improving little by little! PTL! Thank you again for all of your prayers! The kids and Aunt Bev are all doing very well. Josiah

News - Update on John Leonard

2005-07-11T10:00:00.002-07:00

Article from Baptist Mid-Missions:

Update on John Leonard

John Leonard arrived in Des Moines, Iowa, at approximately noon EST, on Saturday, July 9.

Preliminary examinations indicated that John was having serious respiratory difficulties. Since then his breathing status has improved significantly. Preparation has begun for the surgeries necessary to repair the damage to John's face and jaw. A primary concern at this time is the danger of infection, which already involves one lung.

A conclusive long-term prognosis will not be offered until the surgery is complete and medical testing is finished.

John's family is grateful for the intercessory ministry that is upholding them. They request prayer for successful treatment to resist and eradicate infections, so that the planned procedures can be carried out.

News - Missionary Recovers After Attack

2005-07-11T10:00:00.001-07:00

News - Article from The Des Moines Register

Missionary recovers after attack

John Leonard regains consciousness after being shot near his church in Brazil.

By RACHEL GALLEGOS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
July 11, 2005

The Saylorville Baptist Church congregation rejoiced Sunday morning at news that one of their own - missionary John Leonard - had regained consciousness.

Leonard, 45, a long-time member and missionary for the Des Moines-area church, had been shot at close range by two men outside his mission church in Brazil on July 3. He is believed to be paralyzed from the neck down and has pneumonia.

He was flown to Iowa Methodist Medical Center on Saturday and regained con- sciousness overnight, opening his eyes and communicating to friends and family by nodding his head, the congregation was told.

"Your prayers woke him up in the night," the Rev. Pat Nemmers told worshippers at the 10:45 a.m. service.

William Smallman, vice president of the Ohio-based mission agency to which Leonard belonged, said such an attack on a missionary is "exceedingly rare." Based on the information his group has about the shooting, it's clear that the men, who have not been identified, went to the church to kill Leonard.

What is unclear is the motive.

In February, Dorothy Stang, a Catholic nun and environmental activist who frequently clashed with farmers and loggers in her attempts to protect Amazon rain forest land, was shot in the face and killed by men whom Brazilian authorities believe were hired to get rid of Stang.

But Leonard was not an environmental activist, and he worked in a different area of the nation, family members said. Alagoas, a small coastal state known for its beaches, is largely agricultural, with sugar cane and some tobacco crops.

Leonard had never been involved in political activism, even though some groups had asked him to, said his brother, Jim Leonard.

"We're there to help the people," Jim Leonard said. "It's not through political activism, it's through spiritual health."

Jim Leonard said his brother founded his fourth church since 1990 in a fishing village with lots of alcohol, drug and prostitution problems. Smallman speculated that the men who shot Leonard might have been involved in drug trafficking.

Leonard had finished a sermon at the church when two men approached and asked to speak with him. Outside the church, the men fired several shots from close range, hitting him in the face, arm and back.

Ironically, Leonard wasn't supposed to be in Brazil. He and his wife, Bev, and three of their four children had returned to Iowa for a year's furlough. Leonard had gone back to Brazil to get his oldest son, Josh.

Josh Leonard, 19, a college student in Brazil, went through chemotherapy for cancer earlier this year. Recently, he fell and broke a wrist and ankle. About a week later, he had a seizure and broke his right hip, so John Leonard was going to bring him to Iowa to recuperate.

Josh Leonard is still in Brazil, and the family hopes to bring him to Iowa later for medical care. Until then, the focus is on his father.

Nemmers said he visited John Leonard on Sunday morning. "He responded to me with little nods," Nemmers said. "He recognized who I was."

Leonard has a badly broken arm, with a bullet still lodged inside, Nemmers said. Bullet fragments also remain in Leonard's neck.

The Leonard family attended Sunday services, and brother Jim spoke briefly during the service.

"It's really encouraging that he's conscious," he said.

Since returning to Iowa, John Leonard's health has improved, his brother said.

"From what we see, we're satisfied," he said. "We see a big difference."

Jim Leonard, also a missionary in Brazil, said several members of the family have been involved in missionary work since their parents began missionary work there in 1962.

News - Missionary in Critical Condition After Attempt on Life

2005-07-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

News article from Who TV 13:

Des Moines, July 11th, 2005- An Iowa missionary remains in critical condition at Methodist Hospital.

One week ago, assassins tried to kill John Leonard after a church service he pastored in Brazil. Leonard was rushed to Methodist Hospital this weekend, suffering from gunshot wounds to his face. Leonard did awake from his coma, and responded to his family. Doctors cannot perform surgery on him yet, because he's at risk for pneumonia.

Leonard's close friend says the missionary received an incredible outpouring of support. John Leonard's wife and four children are by his side. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley has now gotten involved in the investigation in Brazil.

News - Baptist Missionary From Iowa Shot In Brazil

2005-07-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

News article from Channel 8 News:

Baptist Missionary From Iowa Shot In Brazil

POSTED: 4:41 pm CDT July 10, 2005
UPDATED: 4:57 pm CDT July 10, 2005

DES MOINES, Iowa -- An Iowa Baptist missionary is in critical condition Sunday at a Des Moines hospital after he was shot several times a week ago outside a Brazil church he founded.

John Leonard, of Creston, is unconscious at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, where he was flown Saturday.

The 45-year-old Leonard is an ordained Baptist minister who has established several churches in Brazil during his two decades of missionary work.

The Rev. Pat Nemmers of Saylorville Baptist Church said Leonard is clinging to life and may be paralyzed from the neck down. The Saylorville church financially supported Leonard's missionary work.

Leonard slipped into unconsciousness after six days in a Brazilian hospital. He had been working in a remote area in the coastal state of Alagoas.

Nemmers said a bullet is still lodged in Leonard's arm and bullet fragments remain in his neck.

He said Leonard was approached by two men on July 3 after completing a sermon. They asked to speak with him. Outside the church, they shot Leonard at close range, striking him in the face, arm and back.

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

News - Missionary From Iowa Shot In Brazil

2005-07-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

News Article from The Des Moines Register:

Missionary from Iowa shot in Brazil

By BRIAN SPANNAGEL
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
July 10, 2005

An Iowa Baptist missionary was clinging to life in Des Moines, where he was flown Saturday, after alleged assassins shot him several times July 3 outside the Brazil church he founded.

John Leonard, 45, of Creston was unconscious and believed to be paralyzed from the neck down at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, said the Rev. Pat Nemmers, pastor at Saylorville Baptist Church, which financially supported his mission.

Nemmers said that shortly after Leonard finished his sermon, two men approached and asked to speak with him. Outside the church, they fired several shots at him from close range, hitting him in the face, arm and back. Leonard, an ordained Baptist minister, has been a missionary for two decades in Brazil where he planted several churches.

"This was clearly a hit that was put on him," Nemmers said.

William Smallman, vice president of Baptist Mid-Missions, an Ohio-based mission agency to which Leonard belonged, said "it is exceedingly rare" for such an attack on a missionary. The agency has 180 missionaries stationed in Brazil, which is generally tolerant of people spreading a Christian message.

Smallman speculated that organized crime leaders arranged the shooting. He said Leonard was working to rehabilitate drug addicts and as a result of that, drug dealers may have believed that he had information that they didn't want him to know.

"It clearly was something that was targeted at John as a person," Smallman said.

Nemmers speculated that the attack may have been a backlash to Christianity from other religions.

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Ia., and his office helped arrange Leonard's transportation to the Des Moines hospital. Grassley spokeswoman Beth Levine said she did not know whether a U.S. government agency is investigating the attack or whether it is being categorized as an assassination attempt.

Leonard slipped into unconsciousness after six days in a Brazilian hospital miles from the remote town in the coastal state Alagoas, where he was working. A bullet is still lodged in his arm and bullet fragments remain in his neck, Nemmers said.

"While John is not a foreigner to Brazil, the message he brought was foreign," Nemmers said.

John Leonard's Arrival Announced

2005-07-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

Email to Church Body from Pastors at Saylorville Baptist Church:

Dear brethren,

John Leonard arrived in Methodist hospital at 11:30 am. He is in critical condition. Bev and family have met with the doctors and they have decided that they will need to further stabilize him for the next day or two at least, before attempting any surgery. Of immediate concern is his ability to breathe. Being in his condition for nearly a week has made this very difficult for him. Pray for the doctors as they assess his condition and prescribe the necessary means to help him.

A couple of items of praise to God. First, that he even made it here safely - it was a difficult trip and the staff on the airplane were outstanding in their efforts to keep him stable. Bev has seen him and he seems to recognize who it is that is talking to him. The best doctors available who would otherwise not be here on a Saturday, were all here. Bev has great family support here as well. Personally, I want to thank all of you, our church family, for your overwhelming response to this situation. Believe me, the family has been touched.

FYI, WHO TV interviewed me as John was coming into the hospital. There may be a story at 6 or 10 tonight on channel 13. Keep praying!

Pastors Pat and Kevin
James 5:17

John Leonard's Arrival Predicted

2005-07-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Email to church Body from Pastors at Saylorville Baptist Church

SBC members,

This update is to let you know that John Leonard is in fact arriving in Des Moines this morning (Saturday July 9). Pray for his transition to Methodist Medical Center and for the team of doctors that will be assessing his condition. We do not know yet when he will have surgery - but we will let you know as soon as we do. Thanks so much for your prayers and for the many who volunteered to help with meals or housing.

Pastors Thomas and Nemmers

Crime can be on to prostitution

2005-07-07T10:00:00.004-07:00

Article from Gazeta de Alagoas:

Original Portuguese:
Scroll Down for English

Crime pode estar ligado à prostituição

John David é transferido para os Estados Unidos com infecção

CARLA SERQUEIRA
Repórter

A polícia não descarta a possibilidade do atentado sofrido pelo pastor da Igreja Batista de Coqueiro Seco, John David Leonard, 45 anos, no domingo, dia 3, estar ligado ao trabalho que ele desenvolvia contra a prostituição infantil no município. “Não é a nossa principal linha de investigação, mas não excluímos esta alternativa”, disse a delegada que preside o inquérito, Geovânia Falcão, sem revelar em que direção a polícia tem encaminhado as diligências.

Polícia Americana
Na última semana, dois agentes do FBI (Polícia Federal dos Estados Unidos) estiveram em Maceió. Em reunião com o secretário de Defesa Social, Robervaldo Davino; com o diretor da Polícia Civil, Roberto Lisboa; e com a delegada Geovânia Falcão, eles quiseram saber como estão andando as investigações e em quais circunstâncias houve a tentativa de homicídio. O pastor John David tem dupla nacionalidade e na última sexta-feira (8) foi transferido para os Estados Unidos, com princípio de infecção, num vôo que durou cerca de 18 horas.

Dois retratos falados devem ser divulgados esta semana
Peritos da Polícia Federal terminaram de elaborar o retrato falado dos dois homens que atiraram no pastor John David Leonard em frente à Igreja Batista de Coqueiro Seco. Os desenhos serão divulgados logo após as testemunhas que descreveram os atiradores afirmarem que os retratos parecem com eles.

O pastor levou três tiros e ficou tetraplégico. Na noite da última sexta-feira, 8, foi transferido para um hospital dos Estados Unidos, respirando por aparelhos. Uma bala ainda está alojada em seu maxilar.

O procurador da família de Jonh David, José Maurício Filho, acompanhou de perto a transferência. Um avião americano que funciona como Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), levou o pastor na companhia apenas de pilotos e médicos. Segundo ele, John deixou Maceió com início de infecção, escoltado por viaturas da polícia. “Os médicos estão tratando da infecção para, em seguida, realizarem outras cirurgias”, disse, afirmando que John está consciente e se comunica por gestos.

Por ser dono de casas de aluguel no Conjunto Inocoop, no Tabuleiro do Martins, os inquilinos de John David tornaram-se suspeitos. Entre eles, um devia as mensalidades há anos. Outro motivo pode ter sido a prostituição infantil. José Maurício disse que o pastor havia afastado cinco adolescentes dos chamados “inferninhos’, bares que funcionam como prostíbulo. CS

Vida melhor para crianças era objetivo do pastor John
A bondade com que trabalhava o pastor John David Leonard, na pequena cidade de Coqueiro Seco, é reconhecida por praticamente todos os moradores, independente de religiões. Dar melhores condições de vida para as crianças era seu principal objetivo. “Em Alagoas, o pastor fundou quatro escolas. Em todas elas, têm quadra de esportes”, comentou seu amigo, José Maurício.

John estava no Brasil desde 1995 e em Coqueiro Seco, desde 2003. Lá começou a fazer um trabalho direcionado aos adolescentes e jovens no intuito de afastá-los das drogas e da prostituição. “De fato, aqui já existiram casos de prostituição infantil”, disse a conselheira tutelar do município, Maria Ivone dos Santos. “O pastor era uma ótima pessoa. Não tinha nenhum inimigo por aqui”, completa ela.

A popularidade de John era tão grande na cidade que, nas últimas eleições para prefeito, os dois candidatos buscaram o seu apoio. “Ele agradeceu, mas negou. Disse que estaria pronto para colaborar com quem vencesse; não queria se indispor com ninguém”, contou José Maurício.

No dia 28 de abril, o pastor John David viajou para os EUA para apresentar à Missão Americana da Igreja Batista o relatório de suas atividades na capital alagoana, mas teve que antecipar sua volta porque seu filho, Josué Leonard, 19, havia caído e quebrado o fêmur. Com 15 dias que estava de volta a Alagoas, foi baleado após um culto que liderou. Seu filho, que estuda teologia em Maceió, continua na cidade, em local não revelado, ainda se recuperando da cirurgia que realizou na perna. John é casado e tem quatro filhos, todos adolescentes.CS

Translated to English via Altavista.com:
Scroll Down for Human Translation

Crime can be on to prostitution
12/07/2005

John David is transferred to the United States with infection

CARLA SERQUEIRA
Reporter

The police does not discard the possibility of the attempted against one suffered by the shepherd from the Church Baptist from Dry Coconut palm, John David Leonard, 45 years, in the sunday, day 3, to be on to the work that it developed against infantile prostitution in the city. "it is not our main line of inquiry, but we do not exclude this alternative", said the commission agent who presides over the inquiry, Geovânia Hawk, without disclosing where direction the policy has directed the diligências.

American policy
In the last week, two agents of the FBI (Federal Policy of the United States) had been in Maceió. In meeting with the secretary of Social Defense, Robervaldo Davino; with the director of the Civil Policy, Robert Lisbon; e with Geovânia commission agent Hawk, them had wanted to know as they are walking the inquiries and in which circumstances it had the homicide attempt. The shepherd John David has pair nationality and in the last friday (8) he was transferred to the United States, with principle of infection, in a flight that lasted about 18 hours.

Two composite pictures must be divulged this week
Connoisseurs of the Federal Police had finished to elaborate the composite picture of the two men who had shot in the shepherd John David Leonard in front of the Church Baptist of Dry Coconut palm. The drawings will soon be divulged after the witnesses who had described the shooters to affirm that the pictures seem them.

The shepherd took three shots and was tetraplégico. In the night of the last friday, 8, were transferred to a hospital of the United States, breathing for devices. A bullet still is lodged in its maxilar.

The solicitor of the family of Jonh David, Jose Maurício Son, folloied of close the transference. An American airplane that functions as Unit of Terapia Intensiva (UTI), took the shepherd in the company only of pilots and doctors. According to it, John left Maceió with beginning of infection, escorted for viaturas of the policy. "the doctors are dealing with the infection for, after that, to carry through other surgeries", said, affirming that John is conscientious and if he communicates for gestures.

For being owner of houses of rent in the Inocoop Set, in the Tray of the Martins, the lodgers of John David had become suspicious. Between them, one had the monthly fees has years. Another reason can have been infantile prostitution. Jose Maurício said that the shepherd had moved away five adolescents from "the inferninhos ' calls, bars that function as brothel. CS

Better life for children was objective of the shepherd John
The goodness with that the shepherd worked John David Leonard, in the small city of Dry Coconut palm, is recognized for practically all the inhabitants, independent of religions. To give better conditions of life for the children was its main objective. "In Alagoas, the shepherd established four schools. In all they, have square of sports ", commented its friend, Jose Maurício.

John was in Brazil since 1995 and Dry Coconut palm, since 2003. There he started to make a work directed to the adolescents and young in intention to move away them from the drugs and prostitution. "In fact, already cases of infantile prostitution had existed here", said the council member to tutor of the city, Ivone Maria Dos Santos. "the shepherd was an excellent person. He did not have no enemy for ", here complete it.

The popularity of John was so great in the city that, in the last elections for mayor, the two candidates had searched its support. "It was thankful, but he denied. It said that he would be ready to collaborate with who was successful; it did not want if indispor on nobody ", it counted Jose Maurício.

No day 28 of April, the shepherd John David travelled for U.S.A. to present à American Mission da Church Baptist the report of its activities na capital alagoana, but it had that to anticipate its return because its son, Joshua Leonard, 19, had fallen and broken fêmur. With 15 days that were in return the Alagoas, a cult was transferred after that it led. Its son, who studies theology in Maceió, continues in the city, in place not disclosed, still if recouping of the surgery that carried through in the leg. John is married and has four children, all adolescentes.CS

Translated to English via Human Translation:
Thanks to Andrew Comings

Crime Could be Linked to Prostitution
CARLA SERQUEIRA Reporter

The police do not discount the possibility that the attempted murder of the Pastor of the Coqueiro Baptist Church, John David Leonard, 45, on Sunday, July 3rd, could be related to the work that he was doing to combat juvenile prostitution in the city. "It is not our main line of inquiry, but we do not exclude this alternative", said the agent who presides over the inquiry, Geovânia Falcão, without disclosing whate direction the police have directed their efforts.

American Police
In the last week, two agents of the FBI (Federal Police of the United States) have been in Maceió. In meeting with the secretary of Social Defense, Robervaldo Davino; with the director of the Civil Policy, Robert Lisbon; and with agent Geovânia Falcão, they had wanted to know how the inquiries are progressing and the circumstances surrounding the homicide attempt. The Pastor John David has dual nationality and last Friday (the 8th) he was transferred to the United States, with the beginnings of an infection, in a flight that lasted about 18 hours.

Two Composite Pictures Should be Divulged This Week
Experts from theFederal Police have finished drawing the composite picture of the two men who shot the Pasotr John David Leonard in front of the Coqueiro Seco Baptist Church. The drawings will be divulged as soon as the witnesses who had described the shooters affirm that the pictures look like them. The pastor was hit three times and is quadripalegic. On the night of last Friday, the 8th, he was transferred to a hospital in the United States, breathing with the help of machines. A bullet is still lodged in his jaw. The spokesman of the family of Jonh David, Jose Maurício Filho, followed the transfer closely . An American airplane that functions as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), took the pastor, accompanied only by pilots and doctors. According to them, John left Maceió with the beginnings of an infection, escorted for police units. "The doctors are dealing with the infection in order to, after that, be able to continue with other surgeries", they said, affirming that John is conscious and that he communicates with gestures. Because they are owners of rental units in the Inocoop subdivision, in the Tabuleiro do Martins, the renters of John David have become suspects. One of their number had not paid his rent in years. Another reason could have been juvenile prostitution. Jose Maurício said that the pastor had moved five adolescents from the so-called "inferninhos" (little Hells)--bars that function as brothels.

Better Life for Children was Objective of Pastor John
The kindness that characterized the work of pastor John David Leonard, in the small city of Coqueiro Seco, is recognized by practically all the inhabitants, independent of religion. To give better quality of life to the children was his main objective. "In Alagoas, the pastor established four schools. In every one there is a sports court.", commented its friend, Jose Maurício. John has been in Brazil since 1995 and Coqueiro Seco since 2003. There he began a work directed towards the adolescents and young people with intention to move away them from drugs and prostitution. "In fact, already cases of juvenile prostitution had existed here", said the educational counselor of the city, Ivone Maria Dos Santos. "The pastor was an excellent person. He did not have any enemies around here ", she added. The popularity of John was so great in the city that, in the last elections for mayor, the two candidates had asked for his support. "He thanked them, but he denied their request. He said that he would be ready to collaborate with whoever was successful; he did not want to get on anybody's bad side.", said Jose Maurício. On the 28th of April, the pastor John David travelled for U.S.A. to present to the American Mission of the Baptist Church a report of its activities in the Alagoan capital, but he had to return early because his son, Joshua Leonard, 19, had fallen and broken his femur. Having been back in Alagoas only 15 days, he was shot after a service he had just led. His son, who is studying theology in Maceió, continues in the city, in an undisclosed location, still recovering from the surgery on his leg. John is married and has four children, all adolescents.

Pastor Shot, Police guarantees pastor security

2005-07-07T10:00:00.003-07:00

Article from Melodia:

Original Portuguese:

Pastor baleado

Polícia garante segurança de pastor

Policiais do Batalhão de Operações Especiais da Polícia Militar do Estado de Alagoas estão garantindo a segurança do pastor evangélico americano John David Leonard, internado na Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo (UTI) do Hospital Artur Ramos, em Maceió. De acordo com o último boletim médico, divulgado na noite desta quarta-feira, o estado do pastor ainda é grave. Leonard foi baleado na noite do último domingo, no município de Coqueiro Seco, cerca de 30 km da capital alagoana. O pastor mora nos Estados Unidos, mas veio para o Brasil a fim de acompanhar o tratamento médico do filho.

O pastor foi abordado por dois homens quando saía da Igreja Batista da cidade. Eles estavam, segundo testemunhas, em um Corsa de cor prata. Seis tiros foram disparados contra o pastor.

A polícia, que investiga o caso, ainda não possui uma linha de investigação definida. O prazo estabelecido para a entrega do inquérito deve ser prorrogado.

Fonte: Terra

Data: 07/07/2005

Translated to English via Altavista.com:

Transferred shepherd

Police guarantees shepherd security

Policemen of the Battalion of Special Operations of the Military Police of the State of Alagoas are guaranteeing the security of the evangélico shepherd American John David Leonard, interned in the Unit of Tratamento Intensivo (UTI) of the Hospital Arthur Branches, in Maceió. In accordance with the last medical bulletin, divulged in the night of this Wednesday, the state of the shepherd still is serious. Leonard was transferred in the night of the last sunday, in the city of Dry Coconut palm, about 30 km of the alagoana capital. The shepherd deferred payment in the United States, but came to Brazil in order to follow the medical treatment of the son.

The shepherd was boarded for two men when he left the Church Baptist of the city. They were, according to witnesses, in a Corsa of color silver. Six shots had been gone off against the shepherd.

The police, that investigates the case, still does not possess a line of definite inquiry. The stated period established for the delivery of the inquiry must be extending.

Source: Terra

July 7th, 2005

Prayer Request - Pray for needs of wounded missionary John Leonard, his family, and church

2005-07-07T10:00:00.002-07:00

Article from Baptist Mid-Missions:

Pray for needs of wounded missionary John Leonard, his family, and church

John Leonard, wounded in a July 3 attack in Brazil (for more information see the July 7 news item "BMM missionary John Leonard attacked by gunmen in Brazil"), needs prayer that he will respond quickly and positively to the course of medication given to eradicate and prevent the spread of infection.

Josh Leonard, the oldest son of John Leonard, is remaining in Brazil to recuperate from his recent fractures and surgery. He is in the care of family and church members. Josh will most likely return to the United States to be with his parents, John and Bev, and his siblings later this month.

The Leonards have planted a church in Coqueiro Seco, Brazil. Pray for this congregation as they respond to God's grace following the attack on their pastor and as they plan how to wisely continue ministry for the Lord.

News - BMM missionary John Leonard attacked by gunmen in Brazil

2005-07-07T10:00:00.001-07:00

Article from Baptist Mid-Missions:

BMM missionary John Leonard attacked by gunmen in Brazil

On Sunday evening, July 3, 2005, John Leonard was the victim of an attempted murder and was critically wounded in the assault. Three men were waiting outside the church that John pastors in Coqueiro Seco, Brazil. When the evening service ended, two of the men entered the crowd of congregants and asked for Pastor John. When John identified himself, one of the men shot him three times. John was wounded in the face, jaw, arm, and most seriously in the 4th vertebrae of his spine. At this time he is paralyzed.

In a joint effort between Baptist Mid-Missions, John’s family, and his missionary colleagues in Brazil, an air ambulance is being dispatched to evacuate John to Des Moines, Iowa, where he will undergo surgery. He is expected to be in Des Moines by Friday, July 8, 2005. A conclusive long-term prognosis will not be offered until the surgery is complete and medical testing is finished. The doctors in Brazil feel he is sufficiently stable to be evacuated to the United States, but his condition is quite serious.

No suspects have yet been apprehended. We have no knowledge of why anyone would seek to harm John. The American Embassy is tracking the case, but our consuming concern in the days since John was injured has been to ensure he has the best possible medical care.

John’s wife, Bev, and their three youngest children are in the United States. John and their oldest son, Josh, were together in Brazil. Josh had remained in Brazil to attend Bible school when his family came to the U.S. for furlough this spring. Josh has been battling cancer for a few years and a few weeks ago developed health needs that necessitated John returning to Brazil to care for him. They had planned to come to the U.S. together on July 22.

Please pray for John and all of his family--for health, safety, and grace.

News - Missionary shot in Brazil has local family connection

2005-07-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

News Article from The Marysville Advocate:

Missionary shot in Brazil has local family connection

John Leonard, a Baptist missionary to Brazil, was shot three times by unknown assailants Sunday evening near a new church near the town of Maceió, Alagoas, in northeast Brazil.

Leonard, who is married to the former Bev Fincham, daughter of Keith and Donna Fincham, Marysville, was struck by three bullets and reportedly was paralyzed from the neck down.

According to Bev Leonard’s brother, Curt Fincham, Louisburg, Leonard was to be flown to Des Moines soon for medical treatment. Another brother, Allen Fincham, lives at Des Moines.

Nothing like that has happened before, Curt said. Though the missionaries said there had been some petty theft, they never felt threatened, he said.

Curt said that after the service, men in a car stopped and asked people if they could see Leonard.

They got out of the car and as they approached him shots were fired. An investigation is being conducted, Curt said.

The missionaries had been on furlough since April, Curt said, and had been reporting to churches that sponsored their missionary efforts, including Victory Baptist Church, Marysville. Leonard spoke there May 15 and at Winifred Baptist Church May 19.

The Leonards’ oldest son, Josh, who had been ill, fell and broke a hip and his father had gone to Brazil to see him while Bev and the other children, Jerrod, Jonna and Jeanne, were in Iowa.

July 7, 2005

Picture - The Leonards

2005-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Prayer Request - FBC of Lake Orion

2005-07-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

From Steve Sundberg (missionary to Brazil):

“W e recently learned that a fellow BM Mmissionary had been shot Sunday night. He was from another state in Brazil and had been on)furlough recently only returning to Brazil to take care of his son who had fallen and broken hiswrist, ankle and hip last week. This, evidently, is what happened. Three men waited in their carwhile the church service in Coqueiro Seco was going on. W hen it was over, two of them got outand approached the people asking for Pastor John. They then headed over to him and called hisname. W hen he turned to greet them, one of them shot him three times. O ne bullet broke someteeth and his jaw, another broke his arm. The third was fired after he had fallen to the groundand was evidently the one that hit his fourth vertebra. The church people did not recognize anyof the men. John Leonard is in the hospital at this point and unless God works a miracle, thedoctors are thinking he will be a quadriplegic. How can this happen? O ur seminary studentfriend told us that vengeance is strong here in Brazil and these kinds of things happen. Bev (hiswife) will be arriving on W ednesday. They have done a tomography and it will be necessary todo three major surgeries. His spinal column was severed and he will need a prosthesis put in sothat he will be able to sit up. It will not give any movement. Then they will have to do recon-structive surgery on his jaw, and finally on his arm. There is also a fragment of a bullet lodged inhis skull, though it is a simple procedure to remove that, at least in comparison to these otheroperations. The crime was announced on the news, which also reported that the local and statepolice are investigating. They already have suspects. If necessary, the family can ask the USConsulate to request the participation of the Federal Police as well. A special police unit is pro-viding protection at the hospital. Please keep John and Bev Leonard in your prayers.”

Prayer Request - Missionary Seriously Injured in Shooting in Brazil

2005-07-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Article from GARBC:

July 06, 2005

Missionary Seriously Injured in Shooting in Brazil

John Leonard, Baptist Mid-Missons missionary to Brazil, was shot three times after a church service last Sunday in the town of Coqueiro Seco. John was in Brazil to care for his son, Joshua, who had recently broken his right ankle, right wrist, and hip from a fall and seizure. John was rushed to a public hospital about a half hour away in the capital city of Maceió. He was conscious and able to talk, and the doctors said that his condition was not life threatening. A missionary from another agency stayed with him during the night.

Please pray for the following requests:

for God's grace and help for John and for his wife Bev and their three children who are in the States;
for God's help in working out the legal hurdles for John and Josh to leave Brazil;
for wisdom for those who are making the decisions as to where John should receive medical care;
for the doctors who will perform the surgery;
for God to use this event for the furtherance of the gospel in Brazil.

Arrangements are being made to transport John and Josh back to the United States for medical care.

Evidently, during the church service three men waited outside of the church in a car. When the service concluded, two of the men entered the church, asking for Pastor John. When John turned to greet them, they fired two shots. One bullet grazed his neck and broke some teeth, and the other bullet hit his arm. After he fell to the ground, one of the gunmen fired another shot that severed his spinal cord. It appears that he is paralyzed in both arms and legs. The gunmen ran from the church and got away in a car. One of the members of a church John organized in Maceió is a police official and was able to get police protection placed around the hospital.

Prayer Request - Urgent Prayer Request from Josiah

2005-07-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Posted on a Web Forum - University of Iowa Campus Bible Fellowship:

Dear Prayer Partners,

My dad, Jim Leonard, asked me to write this urgent prayer note. Last night John Leonard, my uncle who is also a missionary in Brazil, was shot three times after a church service in the town of Coqueiro Seco. He was rushed to a public hospital about a half an hour away in the capital city of Maceió. He is conscious and able to talk every once in a while, and the doctors have said that his condition is not life threatening. A missionary from another agency has been with him all night.

Evidently, while the church service in Coqueiro Seco was going on, three men waited outside of the church in a car. When the service was over, two of the men went in asking for Pastor John. When John turned to greet them they fired two shots. One bullet grazed his neck and broke some teeth and the other bullet hit his arm. After he fell to the ground one of the gunmen fired another shot into his back and this shot hit his fourth vertebrae. It appears that he is paralyzed in both arms and legs. The gunmen ran from the church and got away in the car. None of the attempters were recognized by any of the church people or townsfolk standing out in front of the church.

One of the members of the last church they organized in Maceió is a police official and was able to get police protection placed around the hospital.

John has not yet undergone surgery, but he will have to do so soon. The family along with representatives from the mission are determining whether or not John should be airlifted to another city where John would be in a more secure environment and where there would be a better trauma team for surgery. The local doctors are concerned for further damage if he is moved.

Please pray for strength for him and for Bev (his wife) and their threechildren who are in Kansas. The reason John was back in Brazil was to care for their oldest son Joshua who had recently broken his right ankle, right wrist, and hip from a fall and seizure. His plan was to bring Joshua back to the United States on July 22. Josh is being well cared for and is safe.

Please pray for God to direct those who are making the decisions as to where John should receive medical care, and pray for the doctors. Also pray that this will be used of God for the furtherance of the Gospel.

Thank you for your prayers,
Josiah, for Jim & Julie Leonard

Baptist Mid-Missions, Northeast Brazil

Prayer Warriors! Put on your spiritual armor, get on your knees, and get in the battle! PRob

Pair tries to kill after cultured American shepherd

2005-07-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Article from Gazeta de Alagoas:

Original Portuguese:
Scroll Down for English

Dupla tenta matar pastor americano após culto

John antecipou retorno dos EUA para cuidar de filho doente

REGINA CARVALHO
Repórter

Uma tentativa de homicídio, com característica de crime premeditado, abalou os moradores do pequeno município de Coqueiro Seco, situado a 32 quilômetros de Maceió. Por volta das 20 horas do último domingo, depois de liderar um culto religioso na Igreja Batista da Vitória, o pastor evangélico John David Leonard, 45 anos, foi atingido por três tiros a uma distância inferior a dois metros. John ficou tetraplégico e corria risco de morte.

Segundo testemunhos, dois homens se aproximaram da igreja e perguntaram a um evangélico quem seria o pastor John. “Eles apertaram a minha mão, pensando que eu era o pastor e colocaram a arma na minha cabeça, foi quando eu disse que não era o pastor. Eles me perguntaram quem seria e eu apontei. Em seguida, ouvi os disparos. Fechei os olhos para não ver. Foi horrível”, relatou uma testemunha que preferiu não se identificar.

De acordo com esta testemunha, após confirmarem quem seria o pastor, os dois homens também o cumprimentaram e deflagraram pelo menos seis tiros. Três deles atingiram o braço esquerdo, o pescoço e a mandíbula da vítima, que, ontem, já havia se submetido a uma cirurgia na Unidade de Emergência Armando Lages, em Maceió. À noite ele foi transferido para o Hospital Arthur Ramos.

Segundo relatos, depois do ocorrido, os homens saíram tranqüilamente com o rosto exposto e fugiram num veículo do tipo Corsa, de cor prata, mas de placa ainda não identificada pela polícia.

Uma adolescente, que também não quis se identificar, disse que os dois homens estavam bebendo no bar da “Kika”, localizado nas proximidades de onde houve a tentativa de homicídio e teriam pedido papel e caneta à dona do estabelecimento. “Soube que eles anotaram dois nomes e disseram que um já havia morrido e outro iria morrer naquele momento. Logo depois eles atiraram no pastor”, contou. Ela informou ainda que no momento do crime várias crianças estavam no local correndo risco de serem atingidas.

Davi Olindo de Freitas, dono de um estabelecimento comercial que fica na frente da igreja, contou que ouviu os tiros e soube somente depois que o pastor teria sido atingido. “Por coincidência, nesse dia fechei as portas do mercadinho mais cedo”.

Crime foi encomendado, diz delegada
Mesmo com medo duas testemunhas prestaram depoimento ontem à delegada de Coqueiro Seco, Geovânia Ribeiro Falcão: o caseiro de John David Leonard e a pessoa que presenciou os tiros sendo deflagrados.

“Iniciamos as diligências agora e não posso falar muito para não atrapalhar o andamento das investigações. O que posso adiantar é que foi um crime premeditado, feito por encomenda e que não foi praticado por pessoas da cidade”, disse Geovânia Falcão.

O fato de os homens responsáveis pela deflagração dos tiros desconhecerem o pastor e necessitarem da indicação de moradores reforça a hipótese de que o crime foi praticado por encomenda, segundo a delegada.De acordo com Geovânia Falcão, como não existe um motivo aparente para o atentado, todos estão na condição de suspeitos. Ela não descartou a possibilidade de a tentativa de homicídio ter sido por motivação política. “Não descartamos nenhuma hipótese. Por enquanto todos são suspeitos. Essas pessoas foram com a certeza de que encontrariam o pastor no local”, acrescentou.

Provas do crime
Os levantamentos iniciais da polícia apontam que o revólver utilizado pelos homens na tentativa de assassinar o pastor era uma pistola calibre 38. O veículo usado pela dupla para fugir, provavelmente, foi roubado, segundo a delegada, pois estava com o pára-brisa quebrado.

A delegada ressaltou que pode pedir a ajuda da Polícia Federal (PF) para investigar o caso, já que a vítima tinha dupla nacionalidade.

“Sem dúvida vai ser difícil de solucionar essa tentativa de homicídio, pois não existe motivo aparente. A certeza mesmo é de que eles queriam matar o pastor pois mesmo depois dele caído, continuaram atirando”, acrescentou a titular da delegacia de Coqueiro Seco. RC

John realizava trabalhos sociais e com drogados
O pastor John David Leonard tem dupla nacionalidade. Filho de norte-americanos, ele nasceu no Ceará. Estava morando há quase um ano em Coqueiro Seco, onde desenvolvia trabalhos sociais, inclusive tirando jovens do vício das drogas.

No município, ele fundou a Igreja Batista da Vitória e morava em uma casa nos fundos do prédio, com a esposa e quatro filhos. Segundo moradores, a iniciativa de John em fundar uma igreja evangélica contribuiu para aumentar o número de adeptos da religião no município.Há alguns dias o pastor estava nos Estados Unidos (EUA) com a esposa e três filhos, para prestar contas do trabalho desenvolvido no município e somente iria voltar a Alagoas no próximo ano. Entretanto, seu filho George Leonard, 19 anos, que ficou em Coqueiro Seco, sofreu um acidente em casa e teve o fêmur quebrado, o que antecipou a sua volta. “Ele veio ver o filho e iria levá-lo para Juazeiro, onde faria um curso para ser pastor”, contou o morador Davi Olindo.

O pastor também atua como missionário no município de Rio Largo e no Conjunto Graciliano Ramos, em Maceió. RC

Translated to English via Altavista.com:
Scroll Down for Human Translation

Pair tries to kill after cultured American shepherd

John anticipated return of U.S.A. to take care of of sick son

REGINA CARVALHO
Reporter

A homicide attempt, with characteristic of deliberate crime, shook the inhabitants of the small city of Dry, situated Coconut palm the 32 kilometers of Maceió. By return of the 20 hours of the last sunday, after leading a religious group in the Church Baptist of the Victory, the evangélico shepherd John David Leonard, 45 years, was reached by three shots to an inferior distance the two meters. John was tetraplégico and ran death risk.

According to certifications, two men if had approached to the church and had asked to a evangélico who would be the shepherd John. "They had pressed my hand, thinking that I age the shepherd and had placed the weapon in my head, were when I said that he was not the shepherd. They had asked who to me would be and I pointed. After that, I heard the detonations. I closed the eyes not to see. It was horrible ", told a witness whom it preferred not to identify itself.

In accordance with this witness, after to confirm who would be the shepherd, the two men also had complimented it and deflagraram at least six shots. Three of them had reached the left arm, the neck and the jaw of the victim, whom, yesterday, already if it had submitted to a surgery in the Unit of Emergency Seting Lages, in Maceió. To the night it was transferred to the Arthur Hospital Branches.

According to stories, after the occurrence, the men had left calmly with the displayed face and had run away in a vehicle of the Corsa type, color silver, but of plate still not identified by the police.

An adolescent, who also did not want to identify itself, said that the two men were drinking in the bar of the "Kika", located in the neighborhoods of where he had the homicide attempt and would have asked for to paper and penxs to the owner of the establishment. "It knew that they had written down two names and had said that one already had died and another one would go to die at that moment. Soon later them they had shot in the shepherd ", counted. It still informed that at the moment of the crime some children were in the place running risk to be reached.

Davi Olindo de Freitas, owner of a commercial establishment that is in the front of the church, counted that it heard the shots and it only knew later that the shepherd would have been reached. "For coincidence, in this day I closed the doors of the small market more early".

Crime was ordered, says Exactly delegated with fear two witnesses had given deposition yesterday to the commission agent of Dry Coconut palm, Geovânia Ribeiro Hawk: the caretaker of John David Leonard and the person who witnessed the shots being deflagrados.

"We initiate the diligências now and I cannot speak very not to confuse the course of the inquiries. What I can advance is that it was a deliberate crime, made by order and that was not practised by people of the city ", said Geovânia Hawk.

The fact of the responsible men for the deflagration of the shots to be unaware of the shepherd and to need the indication of inhabitants strengthens the hypothesis of that the crime was practised by order, according to delegada.De agreement with Geovânia Hawk, as an apparent reason for the attempted against one does not exist, all is in the condition of suspected. It did not discard the possibility of the homicide attempt to have been for motivation politics. "we do not discard no hypothesis. For the time being all are suspected. These people had been with the certainty of whom they would find the shepherd in the place ", added.

Tests of the crime the initial surveys of the policy point that the gun used for the men in the attempt to assassinate the shepherd was a pistol bore 38. The used vehicle for the pair to run away, probably, was stolen, according to delegated, therefore it was with the broken windscreen.

The commission agent standed out that she can ask for the aid of Polícia Federal (PF) to investigate the case, since the victim had pair nationality.

"Without a doubt it goes to be difficult to solve this attempt of homicide, therefore it does not exist apparent reason. The same certainty is of that they wanted to exactly kill the shepherd therefore after fallen it, had continued shooting ", added the bearer of the police station of Dry Coconut palm. RC

John carried through drugged social works and with
The shepherd John David Leonard has pair nationality. Son of North Americans, it was born in the Ceará. He was liveing has one year in Dry Coconut palm almost, where he developed social works, also taking off young of the vice of the drugs.

In the city, it it established the Church Baptist of the Victory and liveed in a house in the deep ones of the building, with the wife and four children. According to inhabitants, the initiative of John in establishing a evangélica church contributed to increase the number of adepts of the religion in município.Há some days the shepherd was in the United States (U.S.A.) with the wife and three children, to give accounts of the work developed in the city and would only go to come back the Alagoas in the next year. However, its son George Leonard, 19 years, that were in Dry Coconut palm, suffered an accident in house and had fêmur broken, what he anticipated its return. "It came to see the son and would go to take it for Juazeiro, where he would make a course to be shepherd", the inhabitant Davi Olindo counted.

The shepherd also acts as missionary in the city of Wide River and the Graciliano Set Branches, in Maceió. RC

Translated to English via Human Translation:
Thanks to Andrew Comings

Duo Tries to Kill American Pastor After Service

John moved up his return from the U.S.A. to take care of sick son.

REGINA CARVALHO Reporter

A homicide attempt, with characteristics of a premeditated crime, shook the inhabitants of the small city of Coqueiro Seco, situated 32 kilometers from Maceió. At about 8 p.m. last sunday, after leading a religious service in the Victory Baptist Church, the evangelical pastor John David Leonard, 45, was hit by three shots at a distance of less than two meters. John was rendered quadripalegic and at risk of dying.

According to witnesses, two men approached the church and had asked an evangelical which one was pastor John. "They had shook my hand, thinking that I was the pastor, and placed a gun to my head. That was when I said that I was not the pastor. They asked me who was the pastor, and I pointed. After that, I heard the shots. I closed the eyes so I wouldn't see. It was horrible.", said a witness who preferred not to identify himself.

According to this witness, after they confirmed who the pastor was, the two men also greeted him and then got off at least six shots. Three of them hit the left arm, the neck and the jaw of the victim, who, as of yesterday, had undergone surgery in the Armando Lages Emergency Unit , in Maceió. That night he was transferred to the Arthur Ramos Hospital.

According to witnesses, after the shooting, the men left calmly with uncovered faces and escaped in a silver, Corsa-type vehicle of the Corsa model, but with a license plate still unidentified by the police.

An adolescent, who also did not want to identify himself, said that the two men were drinking in the "Kika" bar, located in the neighborhood of where homicide attempt happened, and had asked for paper and pen from the owner of the establishment. "I knew that they had written down two names and had said that one already had died and another one would die very soon. Soon afterward they had shot the pastor", she recounted. She also said that at the moment of the crime some children were in the area, in danger of being shot as well.

Davi Olindo de Freitas, owner of a commercial establishment that is in the front of the church, recounted that he heard the shots and it only knew later that the pastor had been shot. "By coincidence, on this day I closed the doors of the market more early".

Crime was Ordered, Police Chief
Even though they were afraid, two witnesses had given depositions yesterday to the agent of Coqueiro Seco, Geovânia Ribeiro Falcão: John David Leonard's caretaker and the person who witnessed the shots being fired.

"We have initiated the investigation now and I cannot speak very much now so as not to impede the course of the inquiries. What I can say now is that it was a deliberate crime, that it was a paid hit, and that was not carried out by people of the city ", said Geovânia Falcão.

The fact that the men responsible for the shootings did not know the pastor and needed the inhabitants to point him out strengthens the hypothesis that the crime was ordered by someone else, according to chief. In accordance with Geovânia Falcão, as an apparent motive for the attempt does not exist, all possibilities are being examined. She did not discount the possibility that the homicide attempt might have political motivations. "We do not discount any hypothesis. For the time being all are suspect. These people went with the certainty that they would find the pastor at that place," she added.

Proofs of the Crime
The initial police surveys point that the gun used by the men in the murder attempt on the pastor was a 38 pistol. The vehicle used by the pair to escape, was probably stolen, according to cheif, because it had a broken windshield. The agent emphasized that she can ask for the aid of Federal Police (PF) to investigate the case, since the victim had dual nationality.

"Without a doubt it is going to be difficult to solve this attempted homicide, because there is no apparent reason. The thing that is certain is of that they wanted to kill the pastor, because after he had fallen, they continued shooting ", added the police chief of Coqueiro Seco.

John Carried On Social Works and Worked With Drug Addicts
Pastor John David Leonard has dual nationality. Son of North Americans, he was born in the Ceará. He had been living for almost one year in Coqueiro Seco , where he developed social programs, including getting young people off drugs.

In the city, he established Victory Baptist Church and lived in a house at the back of the building, with his wife and four children. According to inhabitants, the work John did in establishing an evangelical church contributed to an increase number of followers of the religion in the city. For a few days the pastor had been in the United States with his wife and three children, to give reports of the work developed in the city, and he would only be coming back to Alagoas the next year. However, his son George Leonard, 19 years, who was in Coqueiro Seco, suffered an accident in house and had a broken femur, which cause him to return earlier than planned. "He came to see his son, and was going to take him to Juazeiro, where he would be studying to be a pastor", resident Davi Olindo recounted.

The pastor also carries out missionary work in the city of Rio Largo and the Graciliano Ramos, in Maceió.

Letter to Church

2005-07-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Letter to the Church Body from Pastor Pat Nemmers:

Dear Brethren,

Just a short update on the John Leonard situation. As you know by now, John was shot Sunday night, apparently by 2 or 3 assailants. He was rushed by car to a public hospital in Maceio. Eventually they were able to get him to a much better hospital in the same city. He suffered 3 gun shot wounds, the most critical being one that apparently entered his mouth and lodged in his 4th vertebra. A cat scan yesterday revealed the bullet will not be easy to extract. Furthermore, the damage done is indeed serious. John is currently paralyzed and from what we know it will be a true act of God for this to be reversed. This of course is what we are asking, if He is willing, our God to do.

Bev, along with Trudy Paulson, will be leaving for Brazil at 4:30 this afternoon. Be in prayer for them as they make their way to John's side. Praise the Lord that Trudy can be with Bev. Bev is very encouraged that she is able to come along. The children (except for Josh who is there) will remain in the states for now. Suffice it to say we are staying as close to this as we possibly can and as a church will remain ready to help in any way we can.

There are many questions that are being asked, some of which we know the answers, others we simply have to trust God who knows all things. As to the perpetrators of this crime, I am told that they were not recognized and sadly, a very low percentage of those who commit such acts in Brazil are ever caught. Troubling as that may seem, we must not forget that our God is just, and He will deal with those involved as He deems fit. As to why they would have done such a thing, the only explanation I can think of is the Gospel. Jesus said, "A time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God." John 16:2. This area of Brazil is strongly Roman Catholic. If you will recall John himself told us that they even worship former priests in their respective communities. When we were there a year and a half ago and opened up this new work a great number from the town filled the church. Many souls were saved during that time. I cannot help but think that the opposition was already scheming. The apostle Paul told us that "all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." and our brother John is a direct recipient of such. What will happen after this we simply don't know. It's way too early to try and speculate what will happen in the near future. For now, we pray.
Thank you for your prayers and overflowing support for John and his dear family.

Serving Him-to the end,
Pastor Nemmers

Copy of an Instant Message Conversation on dO the dOOdle

2005-07-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

Copy of an Instant Message Conversation on dO the dOOdle

Brazil...

I just got word from Andrew that John Leonard (jim leonard's brother .. i met jim while in brazil) was shot.. here is what i was told
[17:02] Cool Dude: hey, do you remember jim leonard?
[17:02] DoOdLe BoB 8289: yes
[17:02] DoOdLe BoB 8289: i remember him
[17:02] Cool Dude: he has a brother named john who is also a bmm missionary in brazil
[17:02] DoOdLe BoB 8289: did i meet john down in brazil?
[17:02] Cool Dude: anyways, yesterday, john was in a church service in brazil
[17:03] Cool Dude: i don't think so
[17:03] Cool Dude: after the service yesterday, three guys came in looking for him
[17:03] Cool Dude: when he turned around to greet them, they shot him three times
[17:03] Cool Dude: he is in the hospital now...at the moment he is paralyzed from the neck down
[17:03] DoOdLe BoB 8289: whoa!
[17:04] DoOdLe BoB 8289: why did they shoot him?
[17:04] Cool Dude: yeah
[17:04] Cool Dude: nobody knows
[17:04] DoOdLe BoB 8289: dude!
[17:04] Cool Dude: but they were obviously looking for him
[17:04] Cool Dude: they went into the church asking for pastor john
[17:04] Cool Dude: my guess is that he did something to upset somebody, and they took it personally
[17:04] DoOdLe BoB 8289: ... man..
[17:04] DoOdLe BoB 8289: just right there in the church?
[17:05] Cool Dude: yep
[17:06] Cool Dude: nobody seemed to know who the gunmen were...or if they knew, they weren't talking
[17:06] DoOdLe BoB 8289: yeah.. i wouldnt talk either
[17:07] Cool Dude: they shot him twice--in the arm and one that grazed his teeth.
[17:07] Cool Dude: then, when he fell down, they shot him in the back
[17:07] Cool Dude: that is the shot that paralyzed him

pray for the missionaries in brazil and for their safety

shanna

Pair shoots against American shepherd in Alagoas

2005-07-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

Article from Folha Online:

Original Portugese:

04/07/2005 - 12h51
Dupla atira contra pastor americano em Alagoas

da Folha Online

O pastor americano John David Leonard, 45, foi ferido a tiros neste final de semana em Coqueiro Seco (AL). Ele estava na porta da igreja Batista, com outras pessoas, quando foi baleado.

Segundo a delegada Geovania Falcão, dois homens que ocupavam um Corsa prata perguntaram pelo pastor antes de atirar. "Dois homens desconhecidos na cidade procuraram identificar quem seria o pastor John e, logo em seguida, dispararam vários tiros", disse.

Leonard foi internado em estado grave. A delegada afirma que já tem hipóteses para o crime, mas não divulgou para não atrapalhar as investigações.

Segundo ela, o pastor iniciou um trabalho missionário na cidade há três anos, voltou para os Estados Unidos há dois meses e retornou à cidade há uma semana --o objetivo seria resolver problemas pessoais.

Translated to English via Alatavista.com:

July 4th, 2005 - 12:51pm

Pair shoots against American shepherd in Alagoas

by Folha Online

The American shepherd John David Leonard, 45, was wounded the shots in this end of week in Coqueiro Seco (AL). It was in the door of the church Baptist, with other people, when he was transferred.

According to delegated Geovania Hawk, two men who occupied a Corsa silver had asked for the shepherd before shooting. "Two unknown men in the city had looked for to identify who would be the shepherd John and, then after that, some shots had gone off", said.

Leonard was interned in serious state. The commission agent affirms that already she has hypotheses for the crime, but did not divulge not to confuse the inquiries.

According to it, the shepherd initiated a work missionary in the city has three years, he came back toward the United States he has two months and he returned to the city has one week - it objective he would be to decide personal problems.

Missionary John Leonard

September, 2007

August 14, 2007

Brief up-date from the Leonards...

July 24th Update

Dear Prayer Team

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE

Back in Brazil

UP, UP AND AWAY

Official Medical Clearance

March Update & Schedule

2006 Review, 2007 Preview

Pictures

Greetings!

Your prayers continue to be answered!

Back on Iowa Soil

Some Pictures from Brazil

We're Back!!

We made it to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado

We truly believe that the Lord is hearing and answering your prayers

What a great day the Lord gave to us...

Missionary Injured In Brazil Talks Of Recovery

Our lives continue to be busy

2006 Continues to Fill Up

Yes...2005 is Winding Down

Will you pray with us?

Thank you, Lord...

More good news from Brazil!

Our First Official "Furlough Meeting"

John's First "Official" Message

Recovery of Missionary Shot in Brazil

Things are "winding up" now instead of down!!

WE ARE HOME!!

Update from Bev Leonard

Update From Bev Leonard

Short Update from Bev

Update From Bev Leonard

Welcome Home

Update from Bev

Praise and Prayer by Bev Leonard

John Still Battles Infection

A Word from Bev

John back in Hospital Room

Update on John & Joshua Leonard

Update on John Leonard

Update on John

Video - Joshua's Birthday Party

Pictures of Joshua's Birthday

Letter from Bev

Out of ICU

Surgery Successful

Video & News - Iowa Missionary Recovering (from Channel 13 News)

News - From the USA, John send a message to the faithful

New Prayer Requests

Video - John Leonard Speaking to Saylorville Baptist Church

New Trach

Birthday Card For Joshua

Picture - Josh (John's Son) in body cast

Leonard Prayer Note

Video - Updates from Saylorville Baptist Church, July 17th, 2005

Leonard Prayer Note

Happy Anniversary

My Personal Visit to the Hospital

Leonard Prayer Note

A Picture of John "Talking"

July 18 update on John Leonard

More Answered Prayer

Prayer Letter from Jim Leonard

God is Good

Baptist Missionary Paralyzed After Being Shot In Brazil

Picture - John at Vacation Bible School

Video - Wednesday night (July 13th) prayer meeting & update from Jim Leonard

John Leonard Website

News - Missionary Recovering After Being Shot in Brazil

John Leonard Update

Shepherd fought against infantile prostitution

News - MISSIONARY SHOT

Picture - Leonard Family

Picture - John & Bev Leonard

U.S. Missionary Remains in Critical Condition After Attack