George and Eunice Harmon
John and Ana Harmon
Ruth Bower Harmon
David and Debbie Thompson
David and Tina Bostian
Robert and Alice Thompson
George and Nice Harmon minister at the Harmony Bible Camp, seven miles from the city of Araçatuba, São Paulo.George is the Harmony Camp director, and the camp has a full camp program reaching children, adolescents and young people with a capacity of 120 campers. George shares ministries at the Bible Seminary of Evangelization (SBE) with his brother John Harmon, and both George and Nice teach in the Bible Seminary of Evangelization (SBE), and do evangelization with the students and promotional work. At Harmony Camp, they also minister at a growing rural church,Harmony Bible Church, and discipleship is a large part of their ministry. George shares in a daily radio ministry.
The George Harmon's have four children: Tim, Nathan, Évely and Mélanie. Tim and Nathan are both graduates of the SBE seminary; Nathan has furthered his studies at the Frontier School of the Bible in Wyoming. Évely and Mélanie are studying at the SBE seminary. The children participate in the Harmony Camp and church work. George and Eunice Harmon joined the Brazil Inland Mission, Inc. on April 26, 2002. (Visit the Harmony Camp web site: www.aibfb.org/harmony.)
George Harmon was born in a mission hospital, the youngest of four children of pioneer missionaries to the Indians, Charles and Ruth Harmon. The family relocated to Araçatuba, São Paulo, and continued there in active ministries, after his mother Ruth was stricken by polio. At age sixteen, George accepted Christ at a Word of Life camp in São Paulo. Together, in 1972, brothers John and George Harmon founded the Bible Institute of Evangelism, (now, the Bible Seminary of Evangelization (SBE). In the beginning years, George was both student and teacher at IBE. Later, he completed his studies at Moody Bible Institute and Calvary Bible College in the U. S. It was in 1976 that he met Eunice, a student at IBE, who was preparing for missionary work. A year later, they were married.
As the years passed, George was ordained to the ministry, was pastor of two churches, and helped to found the Araçatuba Bible Church and the current Bible Seminary of Evangelization (SBE) together with his brother John. George helped to found other Bible churches, and he was pastor of the Araçatuba Bible Church for twelve years. Four lovely children were adopted into this busy and happy family. George made real his dream for a Bible camp in 1999. With help of brethren in the States, land was purchased and buildings constructed, and a thriving camp ministry continues to this day.
"Our main purpose is to preach and teach Christ with joy, with the objective of making disciples and glorifying God."
--Rejoicing Always,
The George Harmon Family
George and Eunice Harmon are on Home Assignment in the U.S.A. with their two daughters from
August 2007 - January 2008.
You may contact them at this address from December 22, 2007 until January 10, 2008:
16003 Oakland, Belton, MO – 64012
George, Eunice, Mélanie and Évely Harmon will return to their ministries in Brazil on January 21, 2008.
George and Eunice Harmon
Caixa Postal 29
16001-970 Araçatuba, São Paulo
Brazil, South America
Email: pr_georgeh@hotmail.com
Harmony Camp: www.aibfb.org/harmonyThe George Harmon Family
John and Ana Harmon serve the Lord in Araçatuba, São Paulo, in southern Brazil. John is the Director of the Bible Seminary of Evangelization (Seminário Bíblico de Evangelização), also known formerly as the Bible Institute of Evangelism (IBE). John teaches classes and administrates the Seminary, pastors the growing Boa Vista Bible Church, and supervises a branch congregation, Hope Bible Church. Ana is the superintendent of the Seminary kitchen, and responsible with her staff for the students, staff and all visitors. The John Harmon's have three children: John, Jr., Rebecca and Hadassa. John and Ana Harmon joined the Brazil Inland Mission, Inc. in April 26, 2002. (Visit the Alliance web site: www.aibfb.org.)
John Harmon is the eldest son of Charles and Ruth Harmon, who began to serve as missionaries in Brazil in 1936. John was born in Battle Creek, MI; his younger brother George and sisters Virginia and Joía were born in Brazil. The family served with the Nambiguara and Terena Indians, and later in Araçatuba, São Paulo. In 1963, John gave his life to the Lord. Two years of serving in the United States Army in Germany proved to be of key importance of fundamental teaching and biblical principles as John worked with the Navigators. John returned from the Army to Battle Creek where he finished studies at Western Michigan University, and then went to the Boot Camp training of New Tribes Mission. John's desire was to help his parents, for his father was very ill and soon went to be with the Lord. God had other plans for John. Instead of going into tribal work, the Lord led John to work with his brother George and mother Ruth in Araçatuba, São Paulo. There, the Harmon's first worked in a radio ministry and established churches.
Ana was born in General Salgado, Brazil, and her folks were converted Catholics. Later, in her parents’ home in Araçatuba, a church was started. At a Word of Life camp in 1970, Ana received Christ as her Savior. The Bible Institute of Evangelism was founded in 1972, and Ana joined the first student body. John and Ana were married in 1973. The next year the first graduating class was composed of Ana, George Harmon, Elias and Ivanilde. Ana's heart's desire was to serve among the Indians, but now she sees that God brought the Indians to them.
John and Ana served fifteen years in Araçatuba. John was pastor of the Araçatuba Bible Church from 1974, and was director of the Bible Institute of Evangelism until 1985. Another fifteen years, they served in Goiânia, Goiás. They began the Goiânia Bible Church, started a Seminary and an elementary school, and had a daily radio program. After fifteen years in Goiânia, in 2001, John and Ana returned to Araçatuba. John again became the director of what is now known as the Bible Seminary of Evangelization (a new name for the same Bible Institute of Evangelism.) John teaches both morning and evening and administrates the seminary. Ana administrates the kitchen and occasionally teaches.
John, Jr., is married to Leía, and is receiving special training at the Hope Bible Church in São Paulo. Rebeca (1983) has completed her nurses' training in Brazil. She currently is helping in the care of her grandmother, Ruth Harmon. Hadassa, two years younger (1985), graduated from high school, graduated from Seminary, and was married to Daniel Rodrigues on June 26, 2004. They are very active in the Boa Vista Bible Church with John and Ana Harmon. Daniel and Hadassa work at the SBE seminary in administration and teaching, in discipleship, and furthering their studies.
"We are thrilled to be part of the Brazil Inland Mission as our ministry and that of the Mission are the same, and we have already been part of the Alliance of Bible Churches of which the mission is a member."
--Always Advancing,
The John Harmon Family
Rev. and Mrs. John C. Harmon
Rua Paraíso, 1779
16045-160 Araçatuba, São Paulo
Brazil, South America
Email: alwaysadvancing@hotmail.com
Phone (Brazil): 011-55-(18)3608-8099
Phone (office in Brazil):011-55-(18) 623-6769Daniel, Hadassa, John Jr. & Leia with Guilherme, John, Rebeca, ANA. 2006.
Ruth Bower Harmon is an amazing woman! Born in 1914, she has served the Lord in Brazil since 1936. She has her roots and training in Michigan, and in 1935, she married Charles Harmon, of the Battle Creek Bible Church. This team for God served in arduous and challenging tribal missions for many years. Over the years, the Lord gave them four children: Virginia, John, Joía and George. The work among the Indians was halted when Ruth was stricken with polio, in 1935. Undaunted, the family returned to Araçatuba, São Paulo, where they had various radio programs in seven cities, and other ministries, and her husband began the Araçatuba Bible Church. Sons John and George Harmon started the a Bible Institute that flourished (now known as the Bible Seminary of Evangelization (SBE), and she joined them in this growing teaching and counseling ministry.
Widowed since 1991, Ruth was still able to teach and counsel, using her wheelchair. Over the passing of time her eyesight and her general health has declined and she no longer has an active part in missionary work, and she is largely confined to her bed. She lives with son John and Ana Harmon; loved ones and helpers faithfully administer to her needs. Her indomitable faith and spirit continue to encourage others.
It all started with the martyrdom of Arthur Tylee who had served among the Nambiguara Indians in interior Brazil. Ruth and Charles Harmon answered God's urgent call to serve there. The early years were involved in extreme pioneer work, living in mud houses, journeying by truck and horse back, and "counting it all joy." From 1948 to 1958, they worked with the Terena Indians in Mato Grosso, maintaining a Bible Institute, a day school for the children, ministry in several Indian villages and Bible teaching in the public schools of Aquidauana. Through the years, the four children were born. The family often suffered the lack of encouragement, health problems, and separations.
In 1953, Ruth was stricken with polio, and the family returned to the U.S. Faithful friends and churches upheld and supported them. Through a "Polio Foundation," Ruth obtained necessary treatment and equipment. In 1958, they returned to Brazil, later making their home in Araçatuba, São Paulo. "to start radio programs." Their ministeries expanded to include the radio programs, vacation Bible schools, religious education in the public schools, rural evangelism and a film strip ministry. A Sunday School resulted in the present Araçatuba Bible Church. Charles Harmon was suffering in his health, but had the joy of service and seeing his entire family in ministry for the Lord. John and George Harmon began the present Theological Seminary of Araçatuba (IBE), and invited Ruth to be a teacher, a challenge and a real thrill to her. Charles Harmon was almost fanatic is his desire to participate in the rapture, but the Lord took Him home in 1991, later joined by daughter Joía, in 1999.
"My husband's life verse was, "He that doeth the will of God shall abide for ever." How well I remember the day, when in the state of Mato Grosso, my husband said, "We're going to Araçatuba to start radio programs," and I answered, "Yes!" - and started packing! Today, four generations of the Harmon family are involved in the Bible school and camp ministeries. Ten Bible churches have been established (and others in the making), a Bible School, a Bible Camp and radio programs are the result of one man's obedience. October 26, 2007 marks my 71st year in Brazil as a missionary. There is no handicap that can take away our ministry of prayer. I can only say, "TO GOD BE THE GLORY!"
--Ruth Bower Harmon
Mrs. Ruth Bower Harmon
Caixa Postal 29
16001-970 Araçatuba, São Paulo
Brazil, South America
Email: alwaysadvancing@hotmail.comGeorge, Virginia, John
Ruth Bower Harmon
David Michel Thompson & Deborah Lee Nichols serve the Lord in the city of Vitória da Conquista, BAHIA. Their current ministries include evangelism, church planting, discipleship, counseling, teaching and assistance in the Thompson Bible Theological Seminary, development of the Armindo Gomes Bible Camp, coordination with the Alliance of Fundamental Bible Churches of Brazil, general oversight of the mission work in east-central Brazil, and the founding of a new congregation in Vila América.
David is the son of senior BIM missionaries, Robert and Alice Thompson. Deborah is the daughter of Charles and Joan Nichols, associated with a life of ministry in the pastorate and in Latin American missions. David and Debbie married in Iowa, on June 16, 1984, and they have three children: David Andrew (1986), JoAnna (1989) and Jonathan (1999). The Thompson family begins its sixth term on the field in mid-2008.
In Brazil, they established a church in Urbis I, which now has its own church facilities and full-time Brazilian pastor. Another new work was begun in Lagoa do Temóteo in 1994, now with an effective Brazilian evangelist, and under supervision of missionary David Thompson. In 1997, David helped to organize a fellowship of small mission groups, independent workers and pastors -- the Alliance of Fundamental Bible Churches of Brazil. David has given much help in the Thompson Theological Bible Seminary (2000), and both he and Debbie teach. They founded a new church in the suburb of Petrópolis in 1998--the Calvary Bible Church. That church was turned over to Brazilian leadership in January 2007; the Thompson’s have moved on to found another church in Vila América.
The David Thompson's and the churches and pastors of the entire fields in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Paraná, also work in cooperation with the Union of Bible Churches. Churches located principally in the state of São Paulo and in Goiás, include the ministries of BIM missionaries John and Harmon, George and Eunice Harmon and Ruth Harmon, and national churches and congregations of the Association of Bible Churches. (See: Opportunities, Missionaries, Ministries & Locations.)
Rev. & Mrs. David Thompson (in Brazil)
Caixa Postal 184
45.001-970 Vitória da Conquista, Bahia
Brazil, South America
E-mail: daviddebbie3@yahoo.com
SKYPE: ddt1984
District Secretary:
Mrs. Duane (Cristina) Smith
203 Allamakee
Waukon, IA 52172
E-mail: pastordcsmith@peoplepc.com
Phone: (563) 568-6027
The David Thompson Family; David, Andrew, (front row) Jonathan, Debbie and JoAnna Missionaries raise their own financial support for the field. They also encourage, inform and maintain their own supporters.
David and Tina Bostian are new missionaries of the Brazil Inland Mission, Inc. They have five children, thirteen years and younger. Their departure date for their first term in Brazil is September 25, 2007. Until they become adept in Portuguese, the family will have regular language classes. David Bostian's vision is to serve as a professor in the Thompson Theological Bible Seminary. He will also serve as a church planter, starting new churches in East Central Brazil. Within this assignment, he will be training ministry students from the Seminary in church planting, evangelism, and pastoral ministry.Tina Bostian’s ministry will involve home schooling for the five children. She will also have the opportunity to teach at the seminary as well as be involved in children’s ministries in the local churches and in the public schools. They will be living in Vitória da Conquista,BAHIA, and working with the David Thompson family.
David Bostian has ten years of vocational ministry as of January 2007, serving in two churches as pastor, and also served as a youth minister. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Mid-America Baptist Seminary, in Memphis, TN, and an undergraduate degree in Christian Studies from Wayland Baptist University. David accepted the Lord as Savior when he was twelve years old. While serving six years in the U.S. Navy, he met Tina and they were later married. David has served on short term mission trips in Russia, India, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. He realized God’s call for missionary service in 1992, while preparing to travel to Russia on his first short term trip.
Tina Bostian was born and raised in Hawaii where her parents and brothers still reside. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, from Wayland Baptist University, and worked for the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home for over five years as the girls’ case-worker. Tina has been involved in children’s ministry for over seventeen years. She trusted Christ as Savior when she was eight years old. She developed a heart for missions, growing up in churches that focused on missionary work, as well as living in multi-cultural Hawaii. Tina has traveled on short term mission trips to Russia, Kenya, and China, all of which has strengthened her call to career missionary service.
Rev. and Mrs. David Bostian
Caixa Postal 29
45.001-970 Vitória da Conquista, BAHIA
Brazil, South America
E-mail: revcdbostian@yahoo.com
District Secretary in the U.S.:
Dean Cirelli
Email: dcirelli@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 870-723-8124
David and Tina Bostian and family Missionaries raise their own financial support for the field. They also encourage, inform and maintain their own supporters.
Robert and Alice Thompson, BIM missionaries for 43 years in Brazil, are the official Missionaries-at-Large of the Brazil Inland Mission, Inc. The Thompson's currently represent this mission and the work of Brazil throughout the United States, holding missionary conferences, special speaking engagements, maintaining the Web site, writing publications, and communicating with all who desire knowledge of the field. The Thompson's welcome any inquires, or requests for meetings, at any time.
Robert and Alice Thompson helped pioneer the work of the Brazil Inland Mission, Inc., beginning on April 21, 1955, in the then jungle area of the northwestern part of the state of PARANÁ, in southern Brazil. In Umuarama, they served the Lord in church planting for 13 years and founded the Evangelical Grade School in 1964. In 1968, they founded the Southern Theological Bible Seminary, which Robert directed and in which they both taught for 27 years while raising five children. In 2000, that seminary was moved to Vitória da Conquista, BAHIA, and continues with 50+ students and an excellent staff and teaching body, under the new name of Thompson Theological Bible Seminary. The Thompson's retired from active service in 1995. They now reside in Round Prairie, MN, where they continue to work as Missionaries-at-Large of the Brazil Inland Mission, Inc., sharing their vision and passion for the Brazilian people.
Rev. and Mrs. Robert R. Thompson
22400 - 190th Street
Long Prairie, MN 56347
E-mail: ratom@wisper-wireless.com
Phone: (320) 732-3662
Brazil Inland Mission, Inc.
PO Box 1152
Wheaton, IL 60187-1152
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