I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
These first four verses of Psalm 121 speak of God’s faithful protection and attention, perhaps in the context of a pilgrimage during that time. They are verses of assurance for all of us today as well, as we dedicate ourselves to God’s work and purposes. That work, those purposes, and WE never lose his attention. He is always moving and working, regardless of place and time. PTL!!
We thank God for each Chile ministry of which we–and you–are a part and for his sense of timing of steps in their continued development. We have recently met as the board for the Children’s Residence to decide on final verbiage changes requested by the government to our statutes and now the first week of March will meet with our attorney for his input before they are re-submitted. Next steps in March include seeking a fifth board member and taking more steps in our search for the new residence’s first Chilean director. These persons must be Christian, with a good balance between love, experience, and organizational skills. The existing board will be moving forward with many difficult decisions. Thank you for your prayers with thanksgiving!
We also met recently with Domingo and Sandra, our main partners in the formation and development of the Christian Camp in the south. Our friends, Marcelo and Cecily (former Chile intern), have joined the project and Marcelo, who works in the film & television industry in Santiago, made a great film of the land that includes good overhead footage filmed from his drone camera. We hope to add subtitles in English and look forward to having copies for U.S. supporting churches in the not-too-distant future. Domingo’s Christian lawyer/notary friend in Concepción will be handling all legal work on the camp’s behalf without cost as his contribution. We will be meeting in March to identify other possible board members and key contacts, along with prioritizing our next steps and itemizing foreseeable costs. A Christian dentist has also added another good dimension to the “camp project”—raising money for dental supplies for a mobile dental clinic. Our leading choice for the project is “Luz en el Campo” or “Light in the Countryside.” The name invites duplication in other parts of Chile. Thank you for your prayers with thanksgiving!
In his monthly morning devotional at the Christian drug/alcohol rehabilitation center Jack will be talking with Ivan, center director, about the possibility of training at least two staff members in the art of Christian Coaching to help graduating participants effectively plan their plans forward, using daily-living strategies and goals that they themselves wrestle with and achieve. The “coach” prays, connects, and proposes the right questions in their supporting role. Thank you for prayers with thanksgiving for this possibility!
Millarai’s doctors have decided to proceed with more chemo treatments. Keep praying for the health of the toes on her left foot. As weak as she is, the setbacks are side issues, with the osteosarcoma still being the major concern. Her attitude remains good and her new family continues to be a steady support for her. She and Gilda, her mom hope to return to Antofagasta in April. Janine is grateful to play her role as well. Thank you for prayers with thanksgiving for the effectiveness of Milla’s further treatments and for her ability to physically handle them.
Jack’s Health: Jack has already had his first blood tests to monitor his white blood count and also seek answers for the fatigue he has been experiencing. Praise God that his white blood cell count has improved some. At the same time, the endoscopy revealed bleeding in his stomach. He’ll be having follow-up doctor appointments during the month. Thanks for your prayers with thanksgiving.
Praising, praying, and fasting with you in our “Always in Motion and Attentive God”,
Chile Mission 