Farris and Thelma Goodrum live in the city of Londrina in the state of Parana, Brazil. Farris arrived in Brazil on September 1^st, 1982 as a missionary with the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. His parents, Garland and Eleanor Goodrum, were missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 21 years. It was in Congo that Farris was born. Farris earned his bachelor’s degree in music at State University of West Georgia and a graduate degree in Christian education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education at Richmond, Virginia. He also holds a graduate degree in music from Georgia State University in Atlanta.

His work in Brazil began in Campinas, Sao Paulo at the language school where he learned the Portuguese language. His first term of service was at the Bible Institute of the North in Garanhuns, Pernambuco. It was at Garanhuns that Farris met Thelma. They married in the Institute’s “Capela Neville” chapel.

Thelma is a native of Brazil. She earned her bachelor’s degree in pedagogy with a major in launguages from the University of Guaruja, Sao Paulo. She also attended the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia and received a certification in data entry. Thelma is currently studying theology at the Independent Presbyterian Seminary in Londrina. She was commissioned to Presbyterian mission service in 1989.

 

 

In 1990 they began serving in the IPIB (Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil) in the city of Fortaleza at the IPIB Seminary as Presbyterian missionaries. They served in Fortaleza for the next 8 years until moving to Londrina, Parana in 1997.

Farris is the professor of music at the IPIB’s Theological Seminary Reverend Antonio de Godoy Sobrinho in Londrina. He coordinates musical programs, teaches piano, and music theory. His duties also include directing the school choir. He plays piano at the Sunday services at the seminary. His ministry teaches seminary students the value of music and it’s role in Christian ministry. Music is a valuable part of the overall learning of seminary students that prepares them to be pastors.

Thelma is active in the church literacy school. Through her knowledge of languages she teaches adults to read and write. Thelma also is involved with door-to-door evangelism in Londrina.

They have 2 sons, Michael and Joel. To see their current projects and to read their frequent update letters about their continuing ministry please visit their webpage at the following url which is maintained by the Presbyterian Church USA:

 

http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/goodrumf.htm