Missionaries Brazil Bobby and Geneva Poole Biography

PRESENT MINISTRY
Bobby and Geneva Poole returned to Brazil for their 49th year of service on January 10, 2009. Ribeirao Preto, an educational center in the state of Sao Paulo, has been the Pooles' place of service since February of 1962. They have started four churches in the area. Currently, they are in charge of the Marincek work and are heading up the Bible college and institute program.

Geneva is involved in developing vacation Bible school materials while helping in the church. She is also active in using chalk drawings and black light in the churches to illustrate gospel truths.

CONVERSION
Bobby was saved in his home church, Shady Grove Free Will Baptist Church, near Clarksville, Tenn., at 12 years of age. He came to a full commitment to Christ with a desire to serve on foreign soil while attending Welch College in Nashville, Tenn.

Geneva accepted Christ when she was 13 years old at Lebanon FWB Church in Effingham, S.C. She was influenced by her parents, who were missionaries and preachers. At a young age she developed a conviction that God wanted her on the mission field. That conviction was confirmed while at Welch College.

EARLY MINISTRY
While attending Welch College Bobby pastored the rural community church at Cheap Hill, Tenn. Later he served at Little Star and High Hill, two rural FWB churches near Lake City, S.C.

Geneva has taught school in Cross, S.C., Lake City, S.C., Roy Hudgens Academy near Lynchburg, S.C., and Palmetto Christian Academy in Florence, S.C.

The Pooles were married in September of 1960, appointed to Brazil in October and departed in December of the same year. They have had a fruitful ministry using literature, radio, street meetings, films, home Bible studies, English classes, public preaching, vacation Bible school, family camps, etc., to reach Brazilians for Christ. They have been involved in a Bible college and institute ministry since 1973.

CHILDREN
The Pooles' two sons were born in Brazil.

Robert was born November 18, 1962. He received a B.A. degree from Welch College and married Cheri Bruner in May of 1984. They live in Stockbridge, Ga.

John was born October 8,1965. He attended Welch College from 1983-85. He married Renata Francoi on January 3, 1987, in Brazil. He is currently pastoring First Church in Ribeirao Preto.

HOME CHURCH
Bobby-Shady Grove FWB Church, Clarksville, Tenn.
Geneva-Lebanon FWB Church, Effingham, S.C.