…. the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  –Romans 8: 26-28

Sometimes we forget that prayer is mandatory if one is to have a real relationship with God, and even more we forget that God himself is totally a part of our prayers in every way, that He might receive and respond to them in seeing his good and perfect will and purposes accomplished.  We chose the above passage this month as a reminder of the hugely important part that you play with us in praying to the One & Only True God of All Time as all of us, his children, connect to his will and to his good purposes.  What a privilege for all of us to be his hands and feet in this world!  Janine and I thank you for your prayers!

We have several praises to share:

Both our mission property and two of the four houses on it are totally ready to receive parents of children in long-term care in one of the children’s hospitals here in Santiago.  As explained last month, they come from other parts of the country to be with their child being treated for cancer or serious burns or are here for organ transplants.  Raquel & Ross are ready as well to be the hands-on coordinator of this work, receiving the mothers (sometimes with young children with them that they can’t leave with others).  We and others on the directing board of this work have been working non-stop to make this happen and we thank you for your on-going prayers for its impact and success in the Lord for years to come.  (PHOTO 1)  We are looking at opening the first house for mothers inside of the first weeks of September!  A second house dedicated to serving fathers may also open in the next several weeks.

Our visit to Carlos & Nena and family in northern Chile in August went very well.  They are interested in helping with the camp/center in central Chile, but another opportunity seems to be opening beforehand…  Mid-south Christian College in Tenn. teaches in both English and in Spanish and they accept students from other countries and make every attempt to help foreign students afford the cost.  Through preliminary inquiries, it very well be possible for Carlos, Nena, and Daniela (18 years old) to study in the college and Javiera (15) and twin sisters Gabriela & Mariela (6) to study in very nearby schools.  What an incredible answer to prayer for their family!  (PHOTO 2)  Please continue to pray for them and also for the right Chilean couple or family to connect to the work in middle Chile as we begin summer camps in January.  We hope that Carlos and family will return to Chile at some point, as our working together would be a tribute to our God of purpose.

Donald’s (Director of Park Spring Christian Camp in NC) and Glenn’s (Pastor of First Christian Church in King, NC) visit in Aug. went very well.  They saw and walked land with me (Jack) and gave valuable insights. (PHOTOS 3 & 4)  Both want to continue to be part of the development of land going forward.  We already have Domingo’s & Sandra’s property of roughly 8 acres available for use and are looking for additional land to supplement it.  This month’s goal is to settle on the exact portion of Domingo’s property that will be available for development and also to identify any additional land available for purchase.  Land prices in the area have been climbing, but we know that God moves people according to his purposes.

Glenn, Donald, and I ended our central Chile trip at the annual conference of Chilean Christian Church/Church of Christ pastors.  The conference plays a valuable role in promoting communication and relationship between churches and pastors.  Fellow missionary Mike Boyce shared about the new Bible Institute for the training of Chilean pastors and workers that he coordinates.  (PHOTO 5)  Please pray for its going forward.

Lastly, thank you for continuing to pray for my health.  August blood tests show my white blood cell count as holding low but steady as God keeps me quite able and “in play” (TYL!!)  Romans 8: 26-28 is true today.

Praising, praying, and fasting with our Totally Connected, Prayer Responding God of Purpose,

Jack & Janine